About Us

The Office of the Independent Ombudsman 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.

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).

The Office of the Independent Ombudsman exists for securing the rights of residents of state supported living centers by investigating, evaluating and reporting the manner and processes which the Health and Human Services uses to resolve appeals and complaints.

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 pursued social justice for over 15 years and has 10+ years’ experience serving in various roles advocating on behalf of those living with IDD. She is a champion of change, skilled in process improvement practices, and strategic planning and values systemic problem solving, open communication and enhancing our community. She is passionate about leading the ombudsmen across the state, and creating a culture that facilitates meaningful change and improves the lives of the residents of the state supported living centers. Ms. Martin formerly served as the Lead Assistant Independent Ombudsman for the OIO, then Operations Manager, and in August 2021, she was hired as the Deputy Independent Ombudsman.

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.

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.

Staff at State Supported Living Centers

Jill Antilley
Abilene
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 325-795-3357
Fax: 325-795-3853

Mrs. Antilley has worked at the Abilene State School/Abilene State Supported Living Center for over 21 years in several positions, primarily serving in positions that involve rights, due process, and advocating for residents and their families. Her career started in the Recreation Department and direct care, while attending college at Hardin Simmons University (HSU). Mrs. Antilley graduated from HSU in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration and went on to work at a juvenile correctional facility as a Case Manager then as juvenile probation officer following graduation. Mrs. Antilley returned to the Abilene State Supported Living Center in 2002 to be a QIDP for the next five years. Mrs. Antilley later accepted a position as the Human Rights Officer in 2008 and then joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman for State Supported Living Centers in 2010. Mrs. Antilley was promoted to the position of Senior Ombudsman in February of 2022.

Talya Hines
Austin
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 512-374-6214
Fax: 512-374-6722

Talya Hines has a Master of Science degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of North Texas in Denton She has served in social services for the state of Texas in various positions since 2006. She joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman at the Austin SSLC in 2018. Additionally, Hines  is a certified person-centered thinking trainer, where she assists others to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. 

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.

Kelley Davis
Corpus Christi
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 361-844-7878
Fax: 361-844-7621

Kelley Davis joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman in 2017. She has devoted more than 25 years to state service in various capacities. Since she has been at Corpus Christi SSLC, she has advocated for a supportive environment that will promote independent and fulfilling lives for the residents.

Alejandra Loya
Denton
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 940-591-3355
Fax: 940-591-3207

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
Fax: 915-782-6505

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.

James Clark
Lubbock
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 806-741-3600
Fax: 806-741-3463

James Clark has worked 20 years helping vulnerable Texans live happy, safe, and meaningful lives. He began his career with the State of Texas June of 1999. He has worked in many roles, from direct support, to management, and most recently with the Department of Family and Protective Services, as an investigator. He joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman as the Assistant Independent Ombudsman at the Lubbock State Supported Living Center April 1, 2020.

Seth Bowman
Lufkin
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 936-853-8203
Fax: N/A

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.

Adam Parks
Mexia
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 254-562-1556
Fax: 254-562-1554

Adam Parks earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has worked for the State of Texas in various roles since 2007. He accepted the position of assistant independent ombudsman at Mexia State Supported Living Center in 2014. Adam also is a certified person-centered thinking instructor.

Deatrice Potlow
Richmond
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 281-344-4271
Fax: 281-344-4401

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
Fax: 956-364-8260

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
Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 325-465-2464
Fax: 325-465-2164

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.

Gevona Hicks
San Antonio
Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman
Phone: 210-531-5255
Fax: 210-531-3877

Gevona Hicks’ goal is to be a valued resource for Texans with disabilities, their families, and service providers. She has supported people with IDD by coordinating services for home and community-based service providers and state-operated and community intermediate care facilities. She served as the human rights officer at the San Antonio SSLC, advocating for and protecting the rights of residents. Mrs. Hicks joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman in April 2014 as the AIO for the San Antonio SSLC, became part of the systemic investigation team as a Senior AIO in February 2022, and in October 2024, accepted her current role as Ombudsman Educator, where she is responsible for the development and implementation of agency training programs. As a certified person-centered thinking trainer, she supports Texans in living the lives they envision for themselves. Mrs. Hicks is committed to enhancing her knowledge by pursuing a Master of Public Administration, which will equip her with the skills needed to continue to create meaningful impact in public service.