Governor Abbott Appoints Seven to Rehabilitation Council of Texas | Office of the Texas Governor
Governor Greg Abbott welcomed Christopher Baird, Glenda Born, Michele Dobbins, and James Williams, Ed.D. April Pollreisz, Lisa Cowart, and Joseph Powell were appointed to the Texas Rehabilitation Council for a term ending October 29, 2024. The council works with the Texas Workforce Commission to advocate for people with disabilities in the professional rehabilitation process.
Christopher “Mark” Baird of San Angelo is a Unit Support Coordinator for the Texas Workforce Commission. He previously served as a professional rehabilitation consultant for the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and as a Community Supervision Officer for the Concho Valley Community Supervision and Corrections Department. Baird received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Texas Tech University and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Glenda Born of Austin is a retired assistive technology specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission. During her 40 year career, she served as a rehabilitation teacher and team coordinator for the Texas Commission for the Blind and as a Work Adjustment Specialist for the Travis Association for the Blind. She was also in possession of a career counseling license. Born received a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Michele Dobbins of Pasadena specializes in regional blind services at Texas Workforce Solutions. Before that she worked as a consultant for vocational rehabilitation. Dobbins received a BS in political science from Saint Vincent College and a MS in clinical professional rehabilitation counseling from Texas Tech University.
James Williams, Ed.D. von Leander is the chief executive officer of Bloom Consulting. He is Treasurer of the Texas Association of People Supporting Employment First and a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. He previously served as a conference planner for the College Autism Network and a member of the Texas Rehabilitation Association. Williams earned a BS in special education from Sam Houston State University, a MS in rehabilitation counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and a PhD in education from Lamar University.
April Pollreisz of Amarillo is the chairman of the State Independent Living Council and a former customer service professional in the insurance industry. She is the treasurer of the Panhandle Independent Living Council. Pollreisz earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from West Texas A&M University.
Lisa Cowart of Sour Lake is the PATH project leader for partner Resource Network. She is a member of the Advisory Board of SpedTex, a general member of the Society for Human Resources Management, and Vice-Chair of the Rehabilitation Council of Texas. Cowart holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Lamar University.
Joseph Powell of Dallas is President and CEO of the Association of Persons Affected by Addiction, Dallas. He is an Allied Health Professional and Peer Chair of the Texas Certification Board. He is also an advisory member of the National Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center. Powell attended Eastfield College and Amber University for Social Work and Drug Use.
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