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Ellen Tsilimigras Cokinos, LMSW, is a Houston-based management consultant who has amassed a uniquely diverse background in multiple areas, including strategic planning, fund development, non-profit management and advocacy over three plus decades. In 2001, she established her own boutique company, Ellen Cokinos Consulting, LLC to serve, strengthen and sustain the nonprofit community. Her clients range from foundations to private schools, to religious institutions, to performing arts, to programs addressing crime, juvenile probation, the homeless, the hungry, victims of child abuse, domestic violence, after school programs, special needs schools and year-round camps. She strives to be a “force for good,” helping her clients as a trusted advisor in achieving their goals, no matter what the challenge.

Her prior experience includes serving as a volunteer, founder and past Executive Director Houston’s Children’s Assessment Center over fifteen years. Ellen created an entrepreneurial model that established one of the world’s largest state-of-the-art facilities serving sexually abused children; started the program with an initial gift of $50,000, grew it to a $6 million operating budget, and raised over $30 million for the program during her tenure, including the management and execution of multi-million dollar capital and endowment campaigns. The Children’s Assessment Center received sixteen distinguished awards under Ellen’s leadership – including bringing First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for the opening where she labeled Ellen, “a force of nature,” and she subsequently invited Ellen to present and participate at the White House initiative, “National Summit on Children Exposed to Violence.” Ellen also was a founding board member of Child Advocacy Centers of Texas and worked with legislators across Texas to pass legislation supporting this effort.

Ellen has consulted nationally and internationally on numerous issues. She was appointed by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church to the National Clergy Sexual Misconduct Board, and also to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice’s Advisory Committee on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments by Governor Rick Perry of Texas. Specific presentations of note include: the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children; Leadership Conference, National Children’s Alliance, Washington D.C.; Northern European Symposium on Child Maltreatment in Finland. At the invitation of the Minister of Children for the country of Iceland, she led a team that traveled there to train them implement their advocacy center.

Ellen was the recipient of the Wall of Fame Award, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, the Woman in Leadership Award by The Child Welfare League of America, the Hero Award by Houston Public Television, FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women, J.C. Penny Spirit of the American Woman Award by Child Advocates, Inc., and was personally recognized in the 106th United States Congressional Record for her accomplishments in child advocacy.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and psychology, double major, from Michigan State University, and a master’s in social work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. On a personal note, she is married to Paige Michael Cokinos, and they have two adult children who live in New York City and work in television and film.

The Dove Servant Leader Award is presented to Ellen Cokinos for her exceptional embodiment of servant leadership as a beloved partner of Covenant House Texas. Clearly demonstrated through her time as the Building for Life Capital Campaign counsel, Ellen places the needs of others first, inspires collective action, and creates lasting impact through vision and service.

Through her outstanding prowess as a fundraiser, advocate, supporter, and champion for Covenant House Texas, Ellen helped raise more than $55 million through strategic, mission-driven philanthropy and a generous investment of her time, resources, and expertise. Her dedication to this transformational redevelopment project, despite the unforeseen onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and its resulting effects, evidenced her resilience as a one-of-a-kind fundraising professional; never deterred by circumstances, but encouraged through faith. Throughout the Building for Life campaign, Ellen led with courage and conviction, consistently elevating the voices and needs of vulnerable youth, advising the campaign committee, tirelessly maintaining momentum, and mobilizing others to join the cause. The new 104,000 square foot campus would not have been possible without her counsel.

Ellen’s bold and compassionate leadership has transformed the trajectory of Covenant House Texas for generations to come. Because of her unwavering commitment, more youth will be served, programs and services are enhanced, awareness of Covenant House Texas has increased exponentially, donors are more deeply engaged, and the Houston community is more resilient because its young people are stronger.

Ellen truly exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader: one who lifts others, builds community, and leaves a legacy of hope, dignity, and opportunity. Through her love of God and her expertise in fundraising, Ellen has advanced the Covenant House Texas commitment to unconditional love and relentless support of youth experiencing homelessness in Houston, Texas. It is with a sincere appreciation for her immeasurable service and lasting impact that Covenant House Texas celebrates Ellen Cokinos as the 2026 Dove Servant Leader Award recipient.

We love and thank you, Ellen!