Our Staff

A man in black glasses gives a half smile to the camera.

Chase Bearden

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

 

A woman with long white hair and a headband gives a laughing smile.

Denise Ellison

Chief Operating Officer

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

Read full bio

 

A woman with long light brown hair smiles at the cameraJolene 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 young woman wearing a blue and yellow neck scarf smiles brightly at the camera.Yulissa Chávez

Policy Fellow

Yulissa's policy interests are in democracy, healthcare, education, and immigration. She specializes in education policy, specifically how Texas public schools are funded and how education affects a person's quality of life. Read full bio

 

A young man with curly brown hair smiles brightly at the camera. He is in front of a shelf full of books organized by color.Cole Glosser

Policy Fellow

Cole is focused upon research, policy analysis, and recommendations to the Texas Legislature regarding the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and youth with disabilities and their families in navigating the mental health care system. 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, supports the advocacy team, and oversees CTD's arts initiatives. Read full bio

 

A woman with glasses and strands of hair framing her face smiles placidly at the camera.Louise Ho

Communications Associate

Louise assists with CTD’s daily communications and the Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival.
Read full bio

 

A bearded man smiles placidly at the camera.

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.
Read full bio

 

From a high angle, a woman in a black fedora and black sunglasses gazes up at the camera.

Laura Harrell

CDS Coordinator

Laura brings a diverse background and commitment to her clients to the CDS team.
Read full bio

 

A man with glasses, long white hair and a white goatee gives an understated smile to the camera.

Glenn Erickson

CDS Coordinator

Glenn strives to provide excellent customer service to all of his employers and their employees.
Read full bio

 

A man with grey hair and goatee smiles placidly at the camera.

Dennis Borel

Immediate Past Executive Director

From 2000 to 2024, Dennis was called upon for research, policy analysis, and recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on issues surrounding disabilities. Read full bio

 

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 Chase Bearden at info@txdisabilities.org.

View the CTD Media Kit

Annual Report

Learn about last year's advocacy and organizing activities, arts and community events, and more in our detailed, easy to read annual reports.

2022 Annual Report

More reports