Constituent Advisory Council (CAC)
Steve Aleman
Professional Affiliation: Policy Specialist, Disability Rights Texas
Luis Castillo
Professional Affiliation: Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor III / DARS / Division for Blind Services
Association with Disability: Provide services interventions for transition age blind and visually impaired individuals
Joanna Cordry
Professional Affiliation: Planning Coordinator for Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
Association with Disability: Joanna’s personal experience with disability includes having family members with serious mental illness and physical disabilities.
Karen Mayer Cunningham
Professional Affiliation: Special Education Advocate
Association with Disability: Specializes in assisting parents in successfully navigating the IEP/ARD process in public schools. We work with families, students, and schools to bring about a comprehensive set of goals, expectations, and services to meet each child’s unique needs.
Ellen Goudeau
Professional Affiliation: Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate, Paralegal
Association with Disability: Chair, Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University; President, The Arc, Greater Houston Chapter; Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) – Houston
Eddie R. Jessie
Professional Affiliation: The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Services of Harris County: Program Manager-Collaboration for Action Employment Services
Association with Disability: Commissioner for the Houston Commission on Disability
Pan Lily
Professional Affiliation: Department Director for IDD Waiver Services, MHMRA of Harris County
Association with Disability: Friends and Families of Asians with Special Needs Support Group
Havilah Walsh
Professional Affiliation: PATHS Program Alumni, Childcare Worker at YMCA, Self-Advocate
Erin Wilder, M.Ed., C.R.C.
Professional Affiliation: Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Statewide Transition Specialist
Gail Wright
Professional Affiliation: Regional 6 Coordinator, PATH Project, Partners Resource Network, Inc.
Nina Zuma
Professional Affiliation: Associate Director at the Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin
Association with Disability: Dr. Zuma has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families in a variety of roles including professor, researcher, certified special education teacher, and in-home/in-school behavioral skills trainer. Her research and community service interests include: family quality of life, individual and family supports across the lifespan, community inclusion, and transition from high school to postsecondary education and/or the workforce.