Central Office

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.