Criselda Elizalde

Criselda (Chris) Garza Elizalde is a retired attorney licensed to practice law in Texas and New Mexico. She is a 1980 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. Originally from Harlingen, Texas, Dr. Elizalde attended Pan American University in Edinburg (now the University of Texas RGV) for one year before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in 1970.

Between undergraduate work and law school, she taught public school English and Journalism in Florida and Texas. For two years, she served as Public Information Officer for a public school district She continues to hold a Texas Teacher Certification in English and Journalism.

In her 36-year legal career, she served in various legal positions at the Texas Association of School Boards, advising and overseeing the Legal, HR Services, Policy, Educational Research, and Superintendent Search Departments. She was in private law practice for more than 20 years with the law firm of Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Russo & Kyle, based in Austin, where she represented public school employees and officials involved in federal, state, and administrative agency disputes. Her practice was focused primarily on board governance, employment/labor, and civil rights issues.

Dr. Elizalde has been a frequent trainer and presenter on legal issues of interest to school trustees, administrators, and teachers. She has taught in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy for several years, and she has been a guest lecturer at three other universities.