Professional Community Association Management Since 1984
Newsletter
Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.
Manager Earns Designation
We are very honored to announce that Stacey Hitchcock, a portfolio manager at our Houston Office, recently earned the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) designation by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB).
CAMICB administers the CMCA examination, a rigorous test that measures knowledge of best practices in the community management industry. The CMCA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and complies with the NCCA’s stringent international standards for a professional certification program.
Way to go, Stacey!
Sunday, May 11th is Mother’s Day, and we couldn’t think of a better time to celebrate the incredible moms who are part of our extended work family.
Whether they’re working alongside us or have helped shape the people who do, every mom deserves recognition and gratitude. To honor them, we invited our employees and team members to share a few words about the special moms in their lives.
The result is a beautiful collection of stories and tributes that reflect the love, strength, and inspiration these women bring into the world. We’re thrilled to introduce you to this amazing group of moms, and we hope their stories bring a smile to your face.
From our family to yours, Happy Mother’s Day!
Deirdre Giampietro, Publications Coordinator & Mom to Nuala
by Nuala Giampietro
For those of you that don’t know my mom, Deirdre, you should know that I am pretty blessed in the motherhood department. Ever since she was pregnant with me, she has given me all that she possibly could. She had complications that required her to give herself shots in the stomach twice a day, had constant doctors appointments and just overall an extremely trying 9 months. This was only the first example of her sacrificing her own comfort for my well-being, something she does without hesitation as a mother. I can never imagine being as brave as her or as dedicated as she is towards whatever she has her heart set on. My mom has a lot of amazing qualities, one of them being her ability to be emotionally invested in everything she does, even if it’s just something like a movie or a book. This is something I am blessed to have learned from her, and consider myself lucky to get the opportunity to even be half as amazing as she is.
My mom loves cheesy Hallmark movies, reading, spending time with family, broadway musicals, coffee and the color blue. She has a bright, loving nature that makes her the best mother I could ask for, and a best friend that I adore. I am so excited to celebrate her this year. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you!
Stacey Hitchcock, Community Manager & Mom to David, Jonathan, Seth, & Shayna
by Seth Maldonado
Happy Mother’s Day to everybody reading this!
I’m incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to introduce you to my mom, Stacey. Some of you may know her as the Community Manager for many of C.I.A. Services’ wonderful communities, but I’m thankful to know her as the mom who baked incredible (and delicious) cakes for my birthdays, supported me at my plays and concerts, and custom-made my Halloween costumes. She is an absolute force of nature, and I honestly don’t know how she managed to raise a house full of kids while teaching them all and cooking for them every night, but I’m sure every trip to the beach helped.
She’s always been so incredibly caring, whether she was opening up our house to host visiting missionaries or youth group events, or volunteering to sew costumes for the plays that I was involved in. My mom has always been a living example of how to care for others and I hope to one day be that same example to my children.
Mom, I’m eternally grateful for everything that you’ve done, still do, and will do in the future. Thank you for always supporting me in all of my endeavors, and I hope to be as good a son to you as you are a mother to me.
I love you, and Happy Mother’s Day!
Sabrina Padgett, Branch/Community Manager & Mom to Faith & Joel
by Faith Padgett
Mom,
Now that I’ve spent a few years trying my hand at being a functioning adult (jury’s still out), I’m more and more in awe of how effortlessly you manage it all. You cooked for us daily and kept our home clean and welcoming. Between the odd jobs and night classes and 12-hour workdays and everything else, you somehow made time to take us anywhere we wanted to go–the zoo, the library, the theater, the park. You did (and do) all of it with a smile, whether you were dealing with last-minute school projects and teenage melodramatics or graduation ceremonies and first days of work. You have never given us the impression that we were asking for too much, even when we probably were.
For us, you gave up your free time, your quiet, your food, your favorite clothes, your good shoes, your heirloom books, your money, your sleep. You set aside a promising college education and, for a time, a burgeoning early career to raise us. To give us childhoods that were better than yours. To give us the opportunities that you weren’t afforded. You sacrificed more than anyone should be asked to, and you did it without a second thought. Just so we could experience what you went without.
I hope we make you proud of everything you gave up. I hope you know that we cherish the opportunities and luxuries your sacrifices have made possible. I hope you know how much we see you–how much we admire your resilience, your kindness, your optimism, your unconditional love–and how fiercely we love you back. Thank you for everything. We are so, so blessed to be your kids.
Love,
Faith and Joel
Jessica Soto, Office/Community Manager and Mom to Lizzy, Bubba, and Michael
by Lizzy Soto
Thank you mom for everything you do for us. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but you always made sure we were and are happy. You are one of the strongest people I know, and I will always love you and everything you do for us. As the oldest, I rounded up the boys and made sure they talked about how much they love you too.
Bubba says "Happy mothers day mommy! I love you, I love your shirt, I love your hair and your dress. You are the best mother ever!"
Michael says "I love you mom. You gave me life, we’ve had our ups and downs but you are my mom and I love you. Thank you for being an amazing mom."
Deniece Reyes, Vice President & Mom to Jalen & Julian
by Laura Tate
Deniece Reyes, Vice President, Director of Human Resources, Director of Field Services, and Community Manager, excels not only in her career but even more so in motherhood.
She is a dedicated role model for her sons, guiding them to make smart choices and instilling in them the same strong values that drive her success at C.I.A. Services. Her incredible work ethic shines both in the office and at home, where her two boys, Jalen (18) and Julian (12), are the heart of her world.
Family is Deniece’s top priority, and every moment outside of work is devoted to her sons and their close-knit bond. Whether she’s cheering courtside at Jalen’s basketball games or sitting in the audience of Julian’s latest play, Deniece shows up with unwavering love and support.
When asked about his mom, the boys shared:
“We love our mom so much! She is very hardworking. One day we are going to make sure she gets everything she wants, cause she gave us everything.”
Clearly, these boys know and appreciate just how special their mom is.
Happy Mother’s Day, Deniece!
Laura Tate, Executive Vice President & Mom to Melody & Emily
by Melody Lihou
I feel incredibly lucky to have Laura as my mom. Her work ethic and determination have always inspired me. One of the things I admire most is how she built her career at C.I.A. Services from the ground up. She began as an Administrative Assistant 32 years ago—while still working in the service industry—and through consistent hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President, a role she’s held for years. Her perseverance and commitment have given my sister and me the opportunity to grow up in a great community, attend college, and enjoy a few extra comforts along the way. I’m endlessly grateful for that.
Even with her demanding career, she has always made time for us. She was a PTA mom, my Girl Scout troop leader, co-led my sister’s troop, and volunteered with our high school’s Orchestra Booster Club for nine straight years—starting with my freshman year and continuing through my sister’s senior year. On top of all that, she’s been at every event, organized outings, taken care of our home, and so much more. I honestly don’t know how she does it all—I know I couldn’t. Her presence in our lives has meant everything.
She’s also taken a genuine interest in our passions, especially music. After I joined the orchestra in middle school, she began listening to orchestral music, took us to Houston Symphony performances, and even tried learning more about the cello. She, my sister, and I also share a deep love for rock music and its subgenres. She’s bought us concert tickets, danced and jumped in the pit with us, joined us at Warped Tour, and even flew us to Los Angeles to see a favorite band (and John Cusack’s Hollywood star). Her enthusiasm and willingness to be part of our world mean so much.
I truly admire her continued effort to grow and find happiness. I’ve watched her face life’s challenges head-on and emerge stronger, more confident, and more fulfilled. She still makes time to explore new hobbies, travel, and surround herself with the people she loves. A few years ago, she began a health journey that she’s followed with unwavering dedication, and now she looks and feels better than ever. Her commitment has been truly inspiring.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate our relationship in new ways. I can talk to her openly, ask for advice, and rely on her for support. We’ve made memories traveling together, and I feel free to be myself around her. She trusts me, respects my choices, and believes in me. Through struggles with mental health and my ongoing journey to finish my degree, she’s been right by my side. I’m so thankful to have a mom who supports me wholeheartedly while also seeing me as my own person.
Thank you for being such an incredible mom. I love you so much. Happy Mother’s Day!
Robbye Campbell, Community Specialist and Mom to Andreah, Andersson, Alidas, and Aliurra
by Anderson Campbell, Maintenance Coordinator
Robbye Campbell is the proud mom of four wonderful children: Andreah, Andersson, Alidas, and Aliurra. From the moment she welcomed her first child to the day she held her last, Robbye has been a fiercely protective and loving mother. Her deep devotion led her to pursue a career in child care—ensuring she could always be near her “three little angels” (and eventually four!), showering them with constant love, attention, and care.
Her steady guidance, heartfelt wisdom, and unwavering support helped shape her children into the incredible, well-rounded adults they are today. To us, Robbye isn’t just an amazing mom—she’s the best mom in the world, and we love her with all of our hearts.
In honor of Robbye, our daughter, Andreah has written the poem: The Magic of a Mother.
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The Magic of a Mother
by Andreah Campbell
I believe in magic because I met my mother.
Her kindness and wisdom are truly like no other.
The songs she sings, the cuts she kissed,
The days when I spread my wings.
My mother’s magic helped me do those things.
And even when she is a mother,
She does everything else like no other.
Her special ways to keep a home warm,
The hard work with others, with her classic charm.
The lessons, the praise, the comforting hugs,
Makes me believe in the magic of love.
Renea Miksch, President & Mom to Morgan, Maggie, & Marley
by Maggie Miksch
Mom, you make life beautiful.
These words may be simple, but they carry so much truth. My mom has this rare gift; wherever she goes, whatever she touches, she brings light, warmth, and beauty into it. She doesn’t just brighten up a room, she brightens lives; mine, most of all.
A mother’s love is like no other. "It knows no boundaries and transcends all obstacles." And that couldn’t be truer of my mom. Whether times were easy or hard, she stood strong, with endless patience and unwavering support. Her love isn’t just something you feel, it’s something that carries you, lifts you, and reminds you that you’re never alone.
But what makes my mom truly special is that her strength and kindness don’t just stop at home. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets. People are drawn to her empathy, her determination. You can’t meet my mom and not walk away feeling better, stronger, and more hopeful. Mom, thank you for being the heart of our family and the soul of every day. You’ve taught me how to love fiercely, live courageously, and give generously. I am who I am because of you.
We love you more than words could ever say.
Ann Tate, Mom to Laura, Patty, Cindy, & Brittany
by Laura Tate, Executive Vice President
This year marks 15 years since Ann Tate left this world. While the sharpness of grief has softened with time, it never fully disappears. It lingers in quiet moments, in the midst of special celebrations, and in the unexpected stirrings of memory. My heart still tightens and flutters when I think of her, which is often.
She was an extraordinary mother, not just to me and my sisters, Patty, Cindy, and Brittany, but to so many others. She became a second mom to our cousins, neighborhood friends, classmates, and anyone who needed a place to feel safe and loved. She treated everyone as her own, and we all adored her for it.
She gave us a childhood rich with joy, adventure, and creativity. I remember turning a bedroom window into a “drive-thru” so we could ride up on our bikes and order lunch. I think of afternoons spent playing Galaga at the Video Deli, birthday parties at McDonald’s, and all the fun we had with Girl Scouts. Our world was filled with laughter and love, all because of her. She was simply the best.
And her magic didn’t end with childhood. As I grew older, she remained my biggest cheerleader, my confidant, my encourager, my safe place. She was the one I could cry to, the one who always knew what to say, even when I didn’t know what I needed.
Later, she became the most loving grandmother. I still remember how she saved me during those early newborn days—walking over from down the street just to rock her grandbaby and give me a chance to sleep. Her presence was a gift not only to me, but to her grandchildren. I’m forever grateful that she was a part of their lives.
Fifteen years later, I still miss her deeply. But more than anything, I’m grateful; grateful to have been her daughter, and grateful for the love she poured into every life she touched.
Paula Ackerman, Mother to Annette McConnell
by Annette McConnell, Corporate Accounting Manager
My Mom had a great sense of humor and she would be the first one to tell stories on herself because she found them so funny.
Case in point – One time, when she was driving to work a Police Officer pulled her over and she couldn’t figure out for the life of her why, but when he walked up to her window, the Officer asked her “Ma’am, did you know you have a flat tire?”
She replied to him “Oh, I thought that was a helicopter!” The Officer rolled his eyes.
That’s some funny stuff. I guess she heard the whop, whop, whop of the flopping tire – but she would laugh and laugh till she cried when she told that story. I can hear her laughing still.
I love you Mom, Happy Mother’s Day!
Brenda Miller, Mom to Brandi Brack
by Brandi Brack, Vice President
This Mother’s Day, I want to give a big shoutout to the woman who made me who I am—my mom. She’s a powerhouse of patience, love, sass, and perfectly timed side-eyes.
My mom is the type who leads with her heart but doesn’t hesitate to call you out if you’re acting up. Her love has shown up in hot meals, late-night talks, and epic domino showdowns where she always reminds me to “play like it’s your last game” (because she plans to win, obviously). But more than that, she’s taught me to lead a righteous life—“lead with the right,” as she always says.
She’s offered wisdom, tough love, big hugs, and the occasional “I told you so,” all while giving of herself with humor and heart.
So today, I just want to say: Mom, thank you. For your love, your strength, your cooking, and your championship-level trash talk. I’m proud to be your kid—especially when I win a game or two.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mom figures out there—y’all are the real MVPs.
Neva Howton, Daughter of Brandi Brack
by Brandi Brack, Vice President
A New Generation of Love: Celebrating My Daughter’s First Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day is extra special because I get to celebrate not just my own amazing mom—but now, my daughter, who became a mother herself in November 2024.
Watching her step into motherhood has been one of the greatest joys of my life. She’s loving, patient, and fiercely devoted. From late-night feedings to early-morning snuggles, she has embraced this new chapter with grace, strength, and that natural nurturing spirit that makes her such a wonderful mom.
I’m so proud of the woman she’s become—and the mother she now is. Seeing her with little Adalynn reminds me so much of the values passed down in our family. And yes, the tradition continues—I’m already teaching Adalynn to play dominoes like her great-grandmother. It’s never too early to learn strategy and sass.
To my daughter: I’m in awe of you. You’re doing an incredible job, and I couldn’t be more proud to call you my daughter—and now, to watch you be "Mom."
Happy First Mother’s Day—and welcome to the club.
Ashley and Marissia Woods, Daughters-in-Law to Dawna Woods
by Dawna Woods, Maintenance Coordinator
Being a Nella to four grandchildren is the BEST feeling ever! I have two daughters-in-law. Ashley is the mother to my three Granddaughters, Addison (11), Raelynn (10), and Alannah (7). Even though we do not see eye to eye on everything, being a mother is not one of them. She has proved to be a very hands-on Mom to these very active Girls, between their active social lives and making sure their grades are at Honor Roll status and they are at softball practice and games on time and coaching one of the teams. She is doing a wonderful job being their mother.
My daughter-in-law Marissia is the mother to our Grandson Waylon. He was born on January 16, 2025. Even though she is new to being a mom she has taken Motherhood on like a hero, laboring for more than 24 hours before giving birth to this beautiful 10.3-pound bundle of Love. She is so gentle and patient with Waylon, and at times with his dad. He is such a happy baby, rarely cries or fusses. I am excited to see how she will bloom as a mother.
Nora Leon-Flynn, Mom to Nora Twohy
by Nora Twohy, Community Manager
My Mother, Nora, was a beautiful, caring soul — a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She and my father, Fred, had seven children — five girls and two boys, and for most of our lives, she was a stay-at-home mom who gave us everything, especially LOVE!
She was a devout Catholic and raised us in faith, always making family her top priority, right up until the day she passed. She was our rock, our encourager, and always our safe place — even when we made mistakes (and trust me, all of us did). Her love never wavered. She taught me everything about being a caring and loving Mother.
After my father passed, she bravely made a change, moving to Las Vegas, where she met my wonderful stepfather. Eventually, they moved to Kingwood to be closer to her baby — yes, me. We spent so much time together, mostly shopping (which might explain my obsession... LOL). Those are moments I’ll cherish forever.
This will be my second Mother’s Day without her, but I know she’s looking down from Heaven, still guiding me, still loving me.
This is the last photo I got to take with her, at my husband’s and my 25th anniversary. She will always be loved by all… especially by me.
There are Many Types of Moms
by Cassandra Proctor, Financial Team Associate
There are many types of moms. You have someone who has birthed their own, there are moms who have adopted, you have moms who have lost their baby/child, there are step moms and there are fur moms. Each of these moms has a special purpose.
I am honored to be most of these. I have my 3 beautiful girls ages 15, 14 and 10, with another little girl on the way, due to be here May 20th. I have lost a baby boy when I was 18 weeks pregnant. I have married a wonderful man who has 2 kids of his own. He has his step son who is 14 and he has been apart of his life since he was 2 years old and considers him as his own, and he has his daughter who is 11. And then I also have my furry children.
Whether you are a mom, step mom or fur mom, each of our children hold a special place in our lives and hearts. And I wear all my mom badges proudly and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cynthia Wood, Founder & Bonus Mom to Rhonda, Dawna, & Renea
by Dawna Woods, Maintenance Coordinator
Sometimes in life, we are blessed with a Bonus Mom who loves us as if we were her own. Cynthia Wood is ours.
Cynthia came into our lives over 45 years ago and was there through much of our childhood. She is a founder of C.I.A. Services and instilled an amazing work ethic in us and the many who have benefitted her as a mentor.
She loves reading, cruising, and spending time with our big family at her home in Matagorda. She loves talking to all of us on the phone and will keep you on the line for what feels like hours, and sometimes it is. She loves hearing about our lives and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She loves all of us as if we were her own. Our lives would not be the same if she were not in it.
Happy Mother’s Day Cynthia!
We are proud of every one of our communities, so it’s always hard to find just one to spotlight. However, we are always eager to share!
Here are the most recent selections:
To see the full story on these communities and more, visit the Community Spotlight page on our site.
Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in May.
Our goal has always been to create a positive, long-term relationship with all of our client communities. We are very proud to be managing all of these communities.
Employee Anniversaries
We love to celebrate special milestones with our employees. In the Employee Corner of each eNews issue, we will list all employees who have reached their first anniversary with our company. Additionally, once employees reach five years and become stockholders, we recognize them each year on their anniversary month.
Read on for this month’s company anniversaries.
Celebrating 40 Years
Congratulations to CEO and President, Renea Miksch, on her 40th company anniversary! Renea is also the Director of Marketing and a Community Manager, and manages all of her duties well.
She is proud of her years with the company and takes special pride in her experience and knowledge to help employees develop and grow. Renea has always pushed us to be the best we can; she has personally been involved with helping many former admins move to the manager and executive positions they hold today.
Renea has a rich personal life that she balances well with her professional responsibilities. She is the daughter of Charlotte Bulcken and sister to Dawna Woods and Rhonda Duffield. Her three girls, Morgan, Maggie, and Marley, are integral to her days, and she is a grandmother (aka NaeNae to the littles) to JT, Olivia, and Baylor (coming this month). She loves spending time with her family and is passionate about the kids playing sports.
If you get her talking, you might hear the tale of how, when she was 16 years old, she was kissed by Rob Lowe, the actor! Maybe it was a gentlemanly kiss on the hand, but that’s still a story!
Please join us in celebrating Renea.
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More Stockholder Anniversaries
Please join us in congratulating Laura Tate on an incredible 32 years with C.I.A. Services! Laura serves in several key roles as Executive Vice President, Director of Financial Services, General Manager, and Community Manager. Her journey with the company began as an Administrative Assistant to Renea Miksch, and over the years, she has grown into a vital leader in our organization. With a true passion for numbers, Laura takes pride in helping her communities stay on budget—something she approaches as both a professional responsibility and a personal goal. Outside of work, Laura is a proud mom to two daughters, Melody and Emily, who are both attending college a few hours from home. This month, she’s celebrating a major milestone as Melody graduates from the University of Texas, and she’s eagerly anticipating Emily’s return home for the summer. An avid traveler, Laura is planning a well-deserved celebration trip with her girls later this summer.
We’re thrilled to celebrate Jessica Soto’s 10-year anniversary with C.I.A. Services! Jessica wears two important hats as both the Houston Office Manager and a Community Manager. She has a true passion for her work and takes great pride in her promotion to Office Manager—a role that allows her to support the incredible team she’s grown alongside. Being part of the company’s continued growth and success is something she finds truly meaningful. When she’s not at work, Jessica enjoys time with her husband, Steven, and their three kids—Lizzy, Bubba, and Michael—along with their dog Blue and their uniquely named cat, Jonathan-Turkey-Harvest (inspired by Dracula’s Jonathan Harker). Jessica’s adventurous spirit makes her a go-to teammate for trying something new. She was one of the first to jump at the chance to attend a recent Prince tribute concert with coworkers - and she’s already looking forward to whatever fun comes next!
Join us in congratulating Letty Burchard on reaching her 10-year milestone with C.I.A. Services! Letty serves as our Insurance Coordinator and also manages gate operations for our San Antonio office. She’s been happily married to her husband Harley for 32 years, and together they’ve raised three children—Brandon, Chase, and Gabrielle—and now enjoy the love of five grandchildren: Jaxon, Drake, Olivia, Joseph, and Adalina. Their family also includes two beloved goldendoodles, Max and Molly. Outside of work and family time, Letty enjoys getting creative—especially with projects that involve upcycling and repurposing materials. Over the years, she’s taken on a variety of roles within the company, and she takes great pride in the many hats she’s worn along the way.
We’re excited to celebrate Dana Lohrke’s 6th anniversary at C.I.A. Services! Dana originally joined us on a part-time basis and has grown into a full-time position as a valued member of our Financial Services Team. She takes great pride in her role, particularly in managing Purchase Cards for our communities—handling everything from card issuance and account monitoring to resolving fraud disputes. Her attention to detail helps ensure smooth and secure transactions for all. Outside the office, Dana enjoys spending quality time with her family, and she absolutely loves being an auntie to her six nieces and nephews (one coming soon). She also enjoys her church family and is always grateful for time spent with them. A fitness enthusiast, Dana enjoys working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—and when it’s time to relax, she’s cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves! Thank you, Dana, for your commitment, care, and six years of dedicated service!
Stay Plugged in With Webcasts
We offer each of our seminars in the form of a recorded webcast on demand for you to watch at any time! If you are interested in one of our seminars, they are available on our YouTube channel. The following seminars are now available:
To watch any of the webcasts, simply click on the links above.
Associations in Practice
Our Associations in Practice Series is an offering of short videos with specific topics.
With the Texas 89th legislative session in progress, we have a new video previewing the bills that would impact property owners associations if passed. Check out our Texas 89th Session Preview.
For comparison, you may want to see the legislative action from 2021 and 2023.
We have also started a series of essential seminars providing important basic insights. Two new videos are now available in this series: Governing Documents - What You Need to Know and Certificates of Formation - What You Need to Know.
All of our Associations in Practice Series videos are available on our YouTube channel. We will send updates when new material is added. You can also subscribe to our channel for news on the latest additions.
C.I.A. Services, Inc. has a long and proud history of providing up-to-date news on our company happenings, industry news, and association governance. Each month, we are pleased to share our eNews Monthly. Each issue is loaded with great information!
We also provide updates through LinkedIn and Facebook. With these additional layers of communication, you can always find the latest information about our company, employees, association management, and other related news.
If you are not already following us, please ”Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all things C.I.A. Services and beyond.
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