Our Staff

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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

 

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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

 

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Denise Ellison

Chief Operating Officer

CTD's day-to-day operations fall upon the desk of Denise Ellison.

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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

 

A woman in black glasses smiles broadly at the camera.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

 

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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

 

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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.

View the CTD Media Kit

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.

2021 Legislative & Annual Report

More reports