~ Governor Greg Abbott has recently appointed three individuals to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee, which advises the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the administration, supervision, and monitoring of early intervention services for infants and toddlers in Texas.

Sherri O'Daniel, Dana Dodgen, and Celina Perez have been selected by Governor Abbott to serve on the committee for terms ranging from 2029 to 2031. O'Daniel's term will expire on February 1, 2029, while Dodgen and Perez's terms will expire on February 1, 2031.

O'Daniel, who hails from Amarillo, brings a wealth of experience to the committee as she currently serves as a coordinator for disability services for the Region 16 Educational Service Center Head Start Program. She is also a member of both the National Head Start Association and the Texas Head Start Association. In addition to her professional work, O'Daniel is also involved in various volunteer activities such as being a unified partner with Special Olympics and volunteering at Life Church. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education in Special Education from West Texas A&M University.

More on TelAve News

• Valgar LLC Launches The Briefing Room: Education Leaders
• New Novel WINCE Takes Unflinching Aim at American Gun Culture and Masculinity
• New Research Puts the Cost of Enterprise Decision Delay at $630 Billion a Year Across the Global 2000
• Axis International Introduces the Smart Heated Floor Runner, Bringing Smart Comfort to Every Step
• Cover Story about Matthew Cossolotto – Author of Harness Your PromisePower -- Published in July 2026 Enterprise World Magazine

Dana Dodgen, who resides in Dallas, has been appointed as the early childhood intervention program director for The Warren Center. She is also an active member of the early childhood intervention consortium and serves as president of the North Dallas Chapter of the Young Men's Service League. Dodgen received her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University and her Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas.

Celina Perez, based in San Benito, brings a diverse background to the committee as she currently serves as senior director for the Region One Education Service Center. She is also involved in various organizations such as the Rio Grande Child Fatality Team and Rio Grande Early Childhood Education Association. As a parent member of Texas Parent to Parent, Perez is also well-versed in the needs of families with young children. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Services and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley.

All three appointees have a strong passion for early childhood intervention and are dedicated to ensuring that all infants and toddlers in Texas receive the necessary services to support their development. With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are well-equipped to advise HHSC on the statewide comprehensive system of early intervention services. Their terms on the committee will play a crucial role in shaping the future of early childhood intervention in Texas.

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation