Governor Abbott Appoints Eight to Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee

New members will advise on policies for Texas' statewide early childhood intervention system.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A softly lit, nostalgic painting of a child's wooden building blocks or educational toy, casting long shadows and evoking a sense of care and nurturing for early childhood development.The new appointments to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee aim to strengthen the policies and programs that support young Texans with developmental needs.Brownsville Today

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed three members and appointed five new members to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee, which provides guidance on the development and implementation of policies for Texas' statewide early childhood intervention system.

Why it matters

The Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and programs that support young children with developmental delays or disabilities in Texas. The new appointments bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to the committee.

The details

The reappointed members are Rachel C. Bowden, Cynthia D. Lee, Ed.D., and Allison P. Wilson. The newly appointed members are Rebeca Ciesielski, Susana Perez, Jennifer Villarreal, Ed.D., Mandy Young, and Representative Alan Schoolcraft. The committee members will serve terms ranging from 2029 to 2031.

  • The new appointments were announced on April 10, 2026.
  • The committee members' terms will expire on February 1, 2029 or February 1, 2031.

The players

Rachel C. Bowden

The director of regulatory initiatives at the Texas Department of Insurance. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Public Affairs from the UT Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Cynthia D. Lee, Ed.D.

An educational diagnostician at Prosper Independent School District. She received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior, a Master of Science in Special Education, and a Doctorate in Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction from East Texas A&M University.

Allison P. Wilson

The deputy director of the childcare and early learning division at the Texas Workforce Commission. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Child Study from Smith College.

Rebeca Ciesielski

A stay-at-home parent and the president of the Texas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Network. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Grove City College and a Master of Arts in Sociology from West Virginia University.

Susana Perez

The program/parent coordinator of the Parent FACT Autism Grant at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Education in Special Education from UTRGV.

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What’s next

The new committee members will begin their terms on February 1, 2029 or February 1, 2031, depending on their appointment.

The takeaway

The diverse set of new appointments to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee demonstrates the state's commitment to improving early childhood intervention services and supporting families of children with developmental needs.