Our Staff
Dennis Borel
Executive Director
Since 2000, Dennis is frequently called upon for research, policy analysis, and recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on issues surrounding disabilities. Read full bio
Chase Bearden
Deputy Executive Director
Chase is called upon for research, policy analysis, and recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on issues surrounding disabilities. Read full bio
Denise Ellison
Chief Operating Officer
CTD's day-to-day operations fall upon the desk of Denise Ellison.
Jolene Sanders
Advocacy Director
Jolene is called upon for research, policy analysis, and recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on issues surrounding disabilities, particularly those affecting children and youth, including special education and ECI. Read full bio
Laura Perna
Communications Director
Laura manages CTD's communications, including reports and member outreach, as well as co-coordinates the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Competition, which she founded in 2010. Read full bio
William Greer
Film Festival Director
William began working with CTD as a volunteer in 2003 and has since joined the full time staff. He founded the Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival in 2004. Read full bio
Jennifer Toon
TCDD Policy Fellow
Jennifer is a criminal justice and mental health advocate currently working as CTD's Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow.
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J Canciglia
Public Policy Fellow
As CTD's 2022-2023 Public Policy Fellow, J's primary areas of focus are the personal attendant workforce and Medicaid dental benefits.
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Kittrick Cuny
CDS Director
Kit assists his colleagues with special projects and assignments that fall out of the normal day-to-day operations of the Coalition.
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Laura Harrell
CDS Payroll Administrator
Laura brings a diverse background and commitment to her clients to the CDS team.
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Glenn Erickson
CDS Payroll Administrator
Glenn strives to provide excellent customer service to all of his employers and their employees.
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About Us
Our Staff
Based in Austin, CTD's staff is composed of dedicated individuals with and without disabilities.
Our Board
CTD's Board of Directors reflects the population of Texas in terms of types of disability, geographic representation, ethnicity, and income level.
Our History
Founded in 1978, CTD has grown to become the oldest and largest consumer-driven cross-disability organization in Texas.
Our Awards
Our work has earned praise from partners, clients, colleagues, and more.
Media Kit
Members of the media interested in leveraging our expertise or scheduling an interview about an issue or upcoming event are encouraged to contact Dennis Borel at 512-478-3366 x 302 or info@txdisabilities.org.
Annual Report
Learn about this year's advocacy and organizing activities, arts and community events, and more in our detailed, easy to read annual reports.