Blog Post | May 2026
a licensed clinical social worker in the Dan L Duncan Children’s Neurodevelopmental Clinic, was appointed to the Texas Health and Human Services Policy Council for Children and Families. This advisory committee works to improve the coordination, quality, efficiency, and outcomes of services provided to children with disabilities and their families through the state’s health, education and human services systems.
The council, part of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), is composed of a diverse group of 24 members, most of whom are appointed by the executive commissioner. Appointees include 11 family members of children with special health care needs and eight professional members representing faith=based, business, and other organizations. The remaining five non-voting, ex-officio members represent the following state programs and agencies:
- HHSC Medicaid and CHIP Services
- HHSC Community Services Division
- Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
- Texas Department of State Health Services
Tower will serve a four-year term as the advocacy organization representative for Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a council member, she will attend quarterly meetings, study and make recommendations related to services and resources, and contribute to a biennial report for the executive commissioner of HHSC and the Texas Legislature. This leadership role enables her to leverage her expertise and commitment to improving child outcomes while advancing policy efforts that support children and families across Texas.
Stephanie Tower, LCSW