Board of Directors

©ETCIL, Inc., 2011

Billie Holloway, Treasurer

LaJuan Scott, Board President

Debbie Bryan, Secretary

Daphne Smith, Vice-President

Judie Moffett

"Since ETCIL is the primary East Texas agency providing client directed services for people with disabilities, I felt that this agency’s mission very closely fit my own philosophy. As a person with a lifelong disability whose philosophy has always centered on personal control and direction of my life, I was glad to join with like minded board member to guide the agency’s implementation of independent living services to our community. I became a board member more than 10 years ago when ETCIL was first funded. The growth of the agency and its impact on the East Texas area has been exciting to watch. I am proud to have been on the board of directors under whose guidance many people with disabilities in our service area have had their lives enriched and changed by our services." - Billie Holloway

"My children are the primary inspiration for so much of what I do.  In spite of the tremendous challenges my daughter, Katie, has faced and continues to face each and everyday of her life, she is a ray of sunshine to everyone she meets.  Experiencing and working through barriers with Katie was my initial inspiration for serving as a board member for ETCIL.  Her tremendous courage and spirit continues to inspire me each new day!" - LaJuan Scott

"In my life I've been fortunate to see many barriers fall. Sometimes it's a matter of perception-changing from "it" will never change to we will make "it" change. I want to be part of that change and being involved with ETCIL gives me that opportunity." - Debbie Bryan

An inspirational quote that I love and use most often is from a hard-of-hearing man, Thomas Edison:  “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

"I know people with disabilities want to give up after many attempts have failed.  But, I believe there are solutions to any problem as long as we keep our faith and never give up.  I decided to serve on the board because I will never give up in helping others find a solution to any problem that prevents them from living independently from others." - Daphne Smith

Judie is the Founder and Executive Director of POWER, Inc, a non-profit organization helping enable and maintain independence for people with disabilities through various programs.

"Being an individual with a spinal cord injury and having been given countless opportunities to meet so many others who share similar circumstances has allowed me to learn more about the needs of people with disabilities in general. ETCIL helps give a voice to those needs and a place that will listen with compassion and acceptance. Most importantly, ETCIL preserves the dignity, independence and growth of the individual through their programs and I am honored and inspired to be a 'team member'!" - Judie Moffett

Lance is an Admissions Recruiter for Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX.

“I was born with Cerebral Palsy and feel it is not a disability but rather a gift. My gift is to inspire others that need support to overcome the odds and enjoy the simple things in life. It is a true honor to get the chance to serve on the ETCIL Board.” - Lance Leissner

Lance Leissner

Theresa Boyd

"In life there are those who make it through and then there are those who make a difference. I want to have lived my life knowing that I fall info the second category. To me there is no greater difference one can make than to reach out and help their fellow man."  -Theresa L. Boyd

Sondra Petties

"Honestly, it is in my heart to continue to serve others in whatever capacity it might be.  Whether it is giving a hug, give encouraging words, share my story, educating myself and others, or sharing informatino on the many resources that are available for everyone who may have a need.  Also, having a part in making important decisions that will positively affect those in the community, and in the world around us, is all what I love being a part of.

The mission of ETCIL is wonderful and the mission is being fulfilled daily.  I really like that.  I've always been involved in this type of work.  It is a priority in my life, and it goes right along with my purpose and destiny.  I was designed to do this.  To help people facing barriers related to their disabilities achieve full participation, greater independence, self sufficiency, and involvement in their communities, is a fantastic mission.  This is my motivation and inspiration, for which I am very thankful for this opportunity." - Sondra Petties