Governor Abbott Appoints Five To Rehabilitation Council Of Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Leslie Cantu, Marla Williams, Elizabeth “Elle” Holtzman, and Jeanie Beaman and reappointed Peggy Schmidt to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas for terms set to expire on October 29, 2028. The Council partners with the Texas Workforce Commission to advocate for people with disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation process.
Leslie Cantu of Poteet is the vice president of Toyotetsu Texas, Inc. (TTTX). She is the board chair of Workforce Solutions Alamo, president of the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education – Alamo Chapter, and a member of the Texas Workforce Commission Adult Education and Literacy Advisory Committee, Board of Trustees for the CAST Schools, Highlands High School PTech Advisory Board, and Poteet High School PTech Advisory Board. Cantu received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University.
Marla Williams of Forth Worth is the founder and director of Strategic Employment Solutions, LLC. and has since worked as an employment specialist holding a contract with the State of Texas through the Texas Workforce Commission. She previously worked for the Eagle Mountain–Saginaw independent school district, where she served as a special education classroom teacher for four years and later as a Transition Specialist for 10 years. Williams received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Elizabeth “Elle” Holtzman of Beaumont is an ice slinger at Stormie’s SnoCones and T-Shirts. She serves on the leadership team for the Southeast Texas Self-Advocates, part of The Arc of Greater Beaumont. Holtzman received an associate degree in general studies from Lamar Institute of Technology.
Jeanie Beaman of Comfort is a senior staff advocate for Disability Rights Texas. She has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor for 32 years. She is a board member of the National Rehabilitation Association and a member of the Texas Rehabilitation Association. Beaman received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Catherine University, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from St. Cloud State University, and a certificate in Forensic Rehabilitation Counseling from The George Washington University.
Peggy Schmidt of Lucas is the Associate Director of the Community Rehabilitation Provider at the University of North Texas’ Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment. She a member of the Association of People Supporting Employment First and is a youth and family volunteer for Christ the Servant Lutheran Church. Schmidt received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice from South Dakota State University.