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El propósito de la Oficina del Ombudsman Independiente es proteger los derechos de los residentes de los centros residenciales estatales al investigar, evaluar e informar sobre la manera y los procesos que usa Salud y Servicios Humanos para resolver apelaciones y quejas.

Si quiere comunicarse con la Oficina del Ombudsman de Atención a Largo Plazo para hablar sobre la calidad de la atención en un centro de reposo o centro de vida asistida, visite su sitio web.

Central Office Staff

	Candace Jennings Independent Ombudsman Phone: 512-672-4202	Read bio for Candace Jennings Candace Jennings began serving people with developmental disabilities as a direct care specialist in 1996. After earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree, she gained professional experience serving the San Antonio community. She then earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently studying for a PhD. Jennings served as deputy independent ombudsman since the office was established in 2010. In June 2021, she was appointed by Gov. Abbott to lead the OIO.
	Carrie Martin Deputy Independent Ombudsman Phone: 512-672-4227	Read bio for Carrie Martin 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	Read bio for Jessica Rosa 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.
	Brian Morton Lead Research Specialist Phone: 512-672-4229	Read bio for Brian Morton Brian Morton joined of the Office of the Independent Ombudsman in January 2020. He is a member of the program review team and performs the logistical, administrative, and coordination duties for the legislatively mandated program review audit. Prior to joining the Office of the Independent Ombudsman, he worked as a Bill Analyst at the Texas Legislative Council and interned in various state and local government offices in Colorado.
	Brianna Teague Research Specialist Phone: 512-672-4218	Read bio for Brianna Teague 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 Antilley Abilene Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 325-795-3357 Fax: 325-795-3853	Read bio for Jill Antilley 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 Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 512-374-6214 Fax: 512-374-6722	Read bio for Talya Hines 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	Read bio for Susan Aguilar 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, and has held the position of assistant independent ombudsman since 2010. Aguilar is a certified person-centered thinking trainer with The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices.
	Kelley Davis Corpus Christi Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 361-844-7878 Fax: 361-844-7621	Read bio for Kelley Davis 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.
	Edward Leal Denton Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 940-591-3355 Fax: 940-591-3473	Read bio for Edward Leal Edward Leal began his career in 2009 at the Denton SSLC where he served both as a Direct Support Professional and the Administrative Assistant to the Center Director for almost a decade. Edward then served as a Civil Rights Specialist where he received extensive training and experience conducting complex investigations of employment discrimination complaints. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree from the University of North Texas with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Psychology and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree. Edward has served as the Assistant Independent Ombudsman at the Denton SSLC since February 2020.
	Isabel Ponce El Paso Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 915-782-6330 Fax: 915-782-6505	Read bio for Isabel Ponce 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	Read bio for James Clark 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	Read bio for Seth Bowman 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	Read bio for Adam Parks 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	Read bio for Deatrice Potlow 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	Read bio for Horacio Flores 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.
	Brenda Frausto San Angelo Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 325-465-2464 Fax: 325-465-2164	Read bio for Brenda Frausto Brenda Frausto’s career has been devoted to supporting and advocating for people to live the life they want to their fullest potential. Her passion to support others comes from her previous employment and volunteer experience and continued pursuit to enhance her knowledge. Frausto joined the Office of the Independent Ombudsman in November 2016.
	Gevona Hicks San Antonio Senior Assistant Independent Ombudsman Phone: 210-531-5255 Fax: 210-531-3877	Read bio for Gevona Hicks Gevona Hicks’ goal is to be a valued resource for Texans with disabilities, their families and service providers. Before joining the Office of the Independent Ombudsman in April 2014, she supported people with IDD by coordinating services for state and community intermediate care facilities and home and community-based service providers and served as the human rights officer at the San Antonio SSLC. As a certified person-centered thinking trainer, she supports Texans to live the lives they envision for themselves.