Policy Council for Children and Families

The Policy Council for Children and Families works to improve the coordination, quality, efficiency and outcomes of services provided to children with disabilities and their families through the state's health, education, and human services systems. The council produces a biennial report with recommendations to the executive Commissioner of HHSC and the Texas Legislature. The council includes family members of children with special health care needs and representatives of community, faith, business and other organizations.

Read the Policy Council for Children and Families: Bylaws (PDF).

Members

Mary Helen Briones
Family Representative
San Angelo

Sara Daugherty, MSN
Community Services Representative
Coppell

Ryan Dollinger
Family Representative
Humble

Whitnee Drake
Family Organization Representative
Pinehurst

Lisa Gore
Family Representative
Tulia

Dr. Thelma Green
Family Representative
Katy

Jessica Gutierrez
Family Organization Representative
Brownsville

Dr. Lana Harder
Mental Health Expert and At-Large Representative
Dallas

Brandy Jones
Advocacy Organization Representative for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dallas

Laura Kender
Mental Health Expert Representative
Arlington

Krystal LaDay
Family Representative
Beaumont

Patricia Longoria
Family Representative
Manchaca

Nicolas Morales
Youth Representative
San Antonio

Lizeth Olivarez
Faith-based Organization Representative
Laredo

Bianca Ramirez
Family Representative
San Antonio

Jolene Sanders
Family Representative
Hutto

Leah Seyoum-Tesfa
Family Representative
Irving

Kimberly Shoulders
Family Representative
Huntsville

Elizabeth Tucker
Advocacy Organization Representative
Austin

Meetings

• February 26, 2024
• May 8, 2024
• August 22, 2024
• October 14, 2024

The above dates are tentative.

For More Information

Contact the Policy Council for Children and Families or call 512-380-4372.