Casundra Antoine’s career at the Ark-Tex Council of Governments spans more than two decades and reflects a steady commitment to serving the community in evolving ways. She began with ATCOG in September 2001 as a TRAX Driver, transporting passengers to medical appointments, collecting fares, and ensuring they returned home safely. That frontline role gave her early insight into the daily needs of the people ATCOG serves.
In 2006, Antoine moved into a dispatch role within the Transportation office, coordinating services behind the scenes. More than a decade later, in December 2017, she transitioned into housing, accepting a Housing Assistant position. By April 2018, she was promoted to Housing Specialist, a role she continues to hold today. In this position, Antoine supports Section 8 tenants by conducting annual reexaminations, preparing monthly reports, and maintaining consistent communication with both tenants and landlords.
What stands out most to her about the work is the human connection. “What I like most about my job is that I’m able to assist by listening and assuring clients what process is required to continue to stay in the Section 8 program,” she said. Her approach centers on clarity and reassurance, helping clients understand requirements and feel supported as they navigate the program.
Outside of her formal responsibilities, Antoine’s personality is evident throughout the office. Music is a constant in her life, with Pandora being the most-used app on her phone. She enjoys dancing, listening to music, and singing. Her creative side also shows through a hidden talent many coworkers admire. She makes decorative wreaths and often hangs them on her office door, prompting frequent compliments from people who assume they were store-bought.
Antoine’s bucket list includes learning to jet ski, a goal she approaches with humor and honesty, noting that learning to swim comes first. When reflecting on childhood, one memory stands out most clearly. “My favorite childhood memory is when me and my sister would get ready for bed on Saturday night while my mom would cook us some popcorn and make some red Kool-Aid,” she recalled, remembering how they tried to stay awake to watch Soul Train, usually falling asleep halfway through.
Through each stage of her career, Antoine has remained focused on service, consistency, and connection, qualities that continue to define her work as a Housing Specialist at ATCOG.