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.