Governor Abbott appoints three members to early childhood intervention advisory committee

Governor Greg Abbott has made new appointments to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee. Felicia Penn and Lori Gabbert Chaney have been appointed for terms ending on February 1, 2027, while Kathryn Shields will serve until February 1, 2029. This committee plays a crucial role in advising the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services on policy development and implementation across the state.

Lori Gabbert Charney, based in Austin, holds significant roles as the Texas Title V director and Maternal and Child Health Section director for the Texas Department of State Health Services. She is a certified project manager professional with academic credentials including a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Public Affairs from the UT Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Felicia Penn from San Antonio serves as an education manager for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, a Master of Arts in Education focusing on Adult Education & Training from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Social Work from Texas State University.

Kathryn Shields, residing in Arlington, volunteers as a coordinator for Hagar’s Heart. She actively participates in various community organizations such as the Fort Worth Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association and is involved with the Arlington Classics Academy's PTO. Additionally, she leads ninth-grade girls at Fielder Church. Shields earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University and completed her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.