About Us

The Office of the Independent Ombudsman for state supported living centers was established through Senate Bill 643 of the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009. The passage of this bill amended the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 555, which created the office to provide oversight and protection for residents of state supported living centers.

The appointed independent ombudsman reports directly to the governor and state's elected leaders in the executive and legislative branches. The Office of the Independent Ombudsman and its staff are not part of Texas Health and Human Services.

The Office of the Independent Ombudsman serves individuals with intellectual disabilities who reside at the 13 state supported living centers (SSLCs) which are managed by Texas Health and Human Services. Residents are provided 24-hour residential services in a structured environment where they receive individualized onsite behavioral treatment and health care, as well as clinical therapies, vocational and employment services, skills training and habilitation services.

The Office of the Independent Ombudsman advocates for residents of the state-supported living centers by investigating concerns related to residents' rights, conducting audits of the centers, evaluating the manner in which Texas Health and Human Services conduct incident investigations, and providing recommendations.

To reach us by mail or fax:

Office of the Independent Ombudsman for State Supported Living Centers
Mail Code 0227
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714-9030

Confidential fax: 512-873-2065
Email: sslc.ombudsman@hhs.texas.gov.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, use the relay service provider of your choice to contact our office. The State of Texas offers Relay Texas, which can be reached by dialing toll-free 7-1-1 or 800-RELAY TX (800-735-2989).

If you want to reach the Long-term Care Ombudsman's Office about the quality of care at a nursing home or assisted living facility, please visit their website.

Central Office Staff

Candace Jennings, PhD
Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 512-672-4202

Candace Jennings began supporting people with developmental disabilities as a direct care specialist in 1996. After earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Southwest Texas State University, she gained professional experience serving the San Antonio community for 12 years. She has earned a Master of Public Administration degree and a PhD in Applied Demography from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jennings served as Deputy Independent Ombudsman from the establishment of the office in 2010 and was appointed by Gov. Abbott to lead the OIO as Independent Ombudsman in June 2021.

Carrie Martin
Deputy Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 737-704-1737

Carrie Martin has been a dedicated advocate for social justice for over 20 years, with more than a decade of experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mrs. Martin previously served as the lead assistant independent ombudsman for the OIO and later as the operations manager. In August 2021, she was promoted to deputy independent ombudsman. In her current role as deputy, she oversees agency strategy and operations, legislative reports, process improvement initiatives, data and quality assurance, and staff training. Mrs. Martin has a Bachelor of Science from Texas State University and completed graduate coursework in organizational development at St. Edward’s University. As a servant leader, Carrie is passionate about cultivating transformational cultures that drive meaningful change, trust, and continuous improvement.

Henry Chan
Program and Operations Manager
Phone: 512-438-2596

Henry Chan was born and raised in the Northern Mariana Islands. He received his bachelor of arts in Politics from New York University. He previously worked in the civic engagement field, working to improve election administration and voters’ access to information. He has experience in program management, process development and refinement, team development and coaching, and strategic leadership. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Texas State University. He joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman for SSLCs in November 2025.

James Clark
Managing Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 806-741-3618

Mr. Clark was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and resides in Lubbock with his family. Mr. Clark earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Wayland Baptist University. He began his career with the State of Texas at the Lubbock State School as a Direct Support Professional in 1999, where he worked 14 years in roles including Unit Director, Campus Administrator, and Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional. In 2013, Mr. Clark’s endeavors for career advancement led him to the Department of Family and Protective Services (Adult Protective Services) where he worked for 6 years as an APS Specialist to advocate for elderly and disabled Texans. In April of 2020, Mr. Clark’s career path led him back to the place he began his career with the State of Texas when he accepted the position of Assistant Independent Ombudsman for the Lubbock SSLC with the OIO.  In October 2025, he was promoted to Managing Independent Ombudsman.

Gevona Hicks
Managing Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 210-634-8019

Gevona Hicks is a dedicated advocate for Texans with disabilities, bringing extensive experience and passion to her work. With over two decades of public service, her journey began with coordinating services for home and community-based providers and state-operated intermediate care facilities. She currently serves as a Managing Independent Ombudsman and has played a key role since joining the office in April 2014. During her 10 years as an Assistant Independent Ombudsman, she made significant contributions to the systemic investigation team as a Senior AIO and was the agency’s first Ombudsman Educator. As a certified person-centered thinking trainer, Gevona helps Texans imagine and achieve the lives they want. Her recent completion of a Master of Public Administration further enhances her ability to make meaningful contributions within the public sector. Her leadership has shaped policy, improved service delivery, and strengthened advocacy across the state. Gevona is committed to empowering individuals and improving public service through thoughtful leadership and advocacy.

Talya Hines
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Phone: 512-231-5623

Mrs. Hines, a native of Grayson County, Texas, currently resides in Pflugerville with her family. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas. She began her professional journey as a Child Care Licensing Specialist at the Department of Family and Protective Services in Dallas. Upon relocating to Austin, Mrs. Hines transitioned into a role as a case manager for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Driven by her passion for assisting others, Mrs. Hines took on the role of Post-Move Monitor at the Austin SSLC, providing crucial support to individuals transitioning into community settings. Prior to assuming her current position as the Assistant Independent Ombudsman for the Austin SSLC in 2018, she honed her expertise as a Curriculum Developer for HHS. Mrs. Hines is certified as a Person-Centered Thinking trainer by The Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices. In 2023 she was promoted to a Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman and assumed the role of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional in October 2025.

Harrison Jensen
Research Specialist
Phone: 512-672-4225

Harrison Jensen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and raised in Southern Oregon. He received his bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon. Subsequently, Mr. Jensen worked for the Louisiana Department of Health, where he helped improve health care quality and accessibility for Medicaid enrolled Louisianans. Mr. Jensen joined the OIO in June 2023.

Jessica Rosa
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 512-672-4228

Jessica Rosa was born and raised in Austin, TX. She attended Austin Community College and Concordia University where she studied Finance. She began her professional career working for several financial institutions providing banking services for the community, and eventually moved on to work for a leading provider of residential services and supports where she provided billing and money management assistance. Ms. Rosa has experience in report development, data management, and administrative operations. She joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman central office team in December 2019.

Brianna Teague
Research Specialist
Phone: 512-672-4218

Brianna Teague was born and raised in the Houston, TX area. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, she obtained a master’s degree at the University of Houston in Anthropology. She has previous experience as a research assistant in the Health and Human Performance department at the University of Houston and as a disability specialist with the Social Security Administration. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor at Austin Community College. Mrs. Teague specializes in research, data analysis and management support. She joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman for SSLCs in December 2021.

Staff at State Supported Living Centers

Jill Quick
Abilene
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 325-795-3357

With over two decades of dedicated service, Ms. Quick has been a steadfast advocate for the residents of Abilene SSLC. Beginning her career in 2000 as direct care staff in the Recreation Department while pursuing her education at Hardin Simmons University (HSU), she obtained her bachelor's degree in Police Administration in 2000. After graduating, Ms. Quick ventured into roles at a juvenile correctional facility, contributing as a case manager and later as a juvenile probation officer. Returning to Abilene SSLC in 2002, she assumed the role of Qualified Developmental Disability Professional and took on the responsibilities of Human Rights Officer. In 2010, Ms. Quick took on a fresh and rewarding challenge as the Assistant Independent Ombudsman for the Abilene SSLC. Her exemplary contributions led to a well-deserved promotion in 2022, elevating her to the position of Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman.

Ayanna Smith
Austin
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 512-374-6214

Ayanna was born in Victoria, Texas, and grew up in Austin, Texas. She earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Oklahoma Baptist University. Ayanna commenced her professional journey at the Austin State Supported Living Center where she worked as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) and QIDP facilitator. Subsequently, she acquired regulatory experience as a long-term care investigator before returning to the Austin SSLC to again take on the role of QIDP. Ayanna's experience in state supported living centers and regulatory matters has enabled her to improve her skills in providing person-centered advocacy for the rights and needs of the individuals we serve, as well as to apply essential investigative techniques to reach fact-based conclusions. She became a member of the OIO in 2026.

Susan Aguilar
Brenham
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 979-277-1332
Fax: 979-277-1861

Susan Aguilar has worked in the field of intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities throughout her career. She has held a variety of positions at Brenham SSLC, including qualified intellectual disabilities professional and rights officer. She has held the position of assistant independent ombudsman since 2010.

Vacant
Corpus Christi
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 361-844-7878

Alejandra Loya
Denton
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 940-591-3355

Prior to joining the OIO in January 2024, Alejandra worked with the Department of Family Protective Services where she served as an integral team member, dedicating herself to the advocacy and support of families and children, including those with disabilities. In her previous position as a bilingual Family Group Conference Specialist, Alejandra became a trusted mediator and fostered dialogue and understanding among diverse families, legal and medical professionals, community providers, CPS program specialists, and other parties, as they navigated the challenges of the child welfare system. Driven by a desire to make a more direct impact on the lives of one of the most vulnerable populations, Alejandra accepted the role of the Assistant Independent Ombudsman. Alejandra has a Master of Science degree and brings her wealth of experience advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She seeks to serve as a bridge between individuals, their families, and staff to ensure SSLC residents support needs are met, their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.

Isabel Ponce
El Paso
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 915-782-6330

Isabel Ponce has worked in service of the elderly, children and people with IDD for well over 20 years. During this time, she has provided social services, community outreach, advocacy and case investigations. These fields of service to people are what have been the most interesting and fulfilling to her. She has been the assistant independent ombudsman at the El Paso State Supported Living Center since December 2010.

Kevin Hoes
Lubbock
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 806-741-3600

Kevin Hoes was raised in Rowlett, Texas, and graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a minor in architecture. Kevin has held many positions in his career including several years working with children with challenging behaviors, as an equine therapy counselor, and as a Lead Teacher with the Achievement Center of Texas. After graduating from Texas Tech, Kevin worked as a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional at the Lubbock SSLC, then as an Integrated Program Developer where he served as a subject matter expert for pica disorder and skill acquisition programs.  During his time at the Lubbock SSLC, Kevin was instrumental in assisting residents with ASL communication and gained extensive knowledge of policies, facility procedures, and intermediate care facility regulations.  Kevin joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman in February 2026.

Seth Bowman
Lufkin
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 936-853-8203

Raised in Lufkin, Texas, Mr. Bowman attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. After graduation in 2011, he began his professional career with Texas Health and Human Services as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional for the Lufkin State Supported Living Center. He then served as a training specialist in the Competency and Training Department where he trained employees on policies and procedures. While in this role, he was a faculty member and helped developed curriculum for the Safe Use of Restraints (SUR) program. Mr. Bowman joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman as the Assistant Independent Ombudsman assigned to Lufkin SSLC in May 2020.

Jeanette Reaves
Mexia
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 254-562-1556

Jeanette Reaves joins our office with extensive experience at the SSLCs and with the local community authority in Tarrant County. She has spent over 20 years helping individuals with Intellectual Disabilities achieve a high quality of life within their chosen home environments. Throughout her varied career, Jeanette has held many roles, from a direct support professional and service coordinator to her most recent position at a Local Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Authority as a Network Manager for Enrollments. Now, as the Assistant Independent Ombudsman for the Mexia State Supported Living Center, Jeanette continues her advocacy work with passion and dedication.

Deatrice Potlow
Richmond
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 281-344-4271

Deatrice Potlow was born and raised in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Shortly after graduation, she relocated to Houston, and began her career with the State of Texas serving and protecting children, adults and people with disabilities by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Horacio Flores
Rio Grande
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 956-364-8223

Horacio Flores began his career with the State of Texas in 2008. He has held multiple positions during his state tenure including investigator, qualified intellectual disabilities professional and lead QIDP. He joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman as the assistant independent ombudsman at the Rio Grande Center in April 2017.

Lashelle Childress
San Angelo
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 325-465-2464

Lashelle Childress attended Angelo State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2012. She has had the opportunity to serve in various roles for both the State of Texas and in the nonprofit sector, beginning as a Direct Support Professional. She has also held positions as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, a Campus Administrator, a Facility Investigator, and as a Guardianship Specialist. These roles have not only provided her with knowledge and experience, but they have fueled her passion to advocate the people served. Ms. Childress joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center in 2024.

Jazmin Lopez
San Antonio
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 210-531-5255

Jazmin Lopez is a case management professional dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and advocating for human rights. Jazmin has extensive experience empowering individuals through reintegration programs, Ombudsman case manager oversight role in detention centers, and as support for special education in middle schools. As a previous training supervisor, Jazmin has combined leadership with hands-on service to foster equitable opportunities to those navigating complex systems. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M International University and is driven by a steadfast commitment to dignity, equity, and the protection of human rights for all.