Print View

Your printed page will look something like this.

http://mswheelchairtexas.org/ms-wheelchair-texas-board-of-directors/

The Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation Board of Directors

	Ana Calvo Ana attended the University of Houston-Downtown where she became president of the disabled student organization. As president of the organization Ana discovered her love for advocating the rights of the disabled. Ana received her Bachelors in Arts of Social Science with concentrations in Psychology and Sociology and a Minor in Political Science in 2002. Upon her graduation Ana was featured in the Texas Magazine for her accomplishments. Ana went on to get her Master in Social Work from the University of Houston College Of Social Work in 2007. In addition to the article in the Houston Chronicle in 2002, Ana was on Patricia Gras PBS show; Marcelo Marini featured a story on Telemundo about Ana’s accomplishments, was recently featured in the HTexas Magazine, and has done numerous television appearances locally. Ana currently works at the Shriners Hospital for Children-Houston as the transition coordinator where she prepares teenagers with disabilities lead a healthy and productive independent life. Ana is very active in the community and currently serves as a Commissioner for the City of Houston’s Commission for People with Disability. Ana was awarded in May of 2008 the Dorothy Caram Commitment to Leadership Award from the United Way Foundation. At the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in August Ana was awarded the Nicki Ard Award for my advocacy accomplishments. Recently Ana was recognized as one of the 100 Houston Latinas Women in Leadership. As Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2009 Ana promoted her platform of helping the youth to embrace their disabilities and achieve their dreams through education, employment, and community involvement and will continue to be an advocate for people with disabilities. Ana Calvo Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2009 “Empowering today to Become Future Leaders of Tomorrow”
	Michelle Colvard A native Houstonian, this former Ms. Wheelchair America (2009) and Ms. Wheelchair Texas (2008) graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of Houston and earned her Master's degree in Health Promotion from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Born with spina bifida, Michelle has used a wheelchair since the 6th grade. Through her volunteer work, Michelle is an active advocate for all people who have disabilities, not just those who use wheelchairs like herself. From 2003 through 2007, Michelle served as a commissioner on the Houston Commission on Disabilities before being appointed by Mayor White as that committee’s chair. She also served on two other city commissions and coordinated efforts to better serve Houstonians with disabilities. Michelle is also the winner of the prestigious Jefferson's Award in recognition of her volunteer service which includes her involvement in Playgrounds Without Limits, Houston's first inclusive playground for all children. Michelle previously served as Executive Director of the City of Houston's Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and, in that capacity, led a number of successful disability initiatives. Thanks in part to her efforts, Houston was honored by the National Organization on Disability as the recipient of the 2007 Accessible America Award. Michelle currently works at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and continues to volunteer as a disability advocate on collaborative initiatives. She also recently joined the Colours Wheelchairs Team, a manufacturer of innovative and stylish wheelchairs. Michelle’s philosophy is to never refuse a true adventure. In her spare time, she races her MINI Cooper in autocross competitions, and has even taken first place in her class and "Driver of the Year." With her background in health research, Michelle emphasizes the importance for everyone to make their own health a priority. She herself stays active with daily exercise at her gym, and through recreational activities such as snow skiing, wheelchair sports, kayaking and Taekwondo.
	Bryan Evans Born and raised in Texas, Bryan graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. As a student, he served as the Secretary for Food and Roofs, a service organization whose mission was to reduce the pains of Boston’s impoverished through volunteering and fundraising efforts. Currently, Bryan is an Account Manager in the Marketer Services group at Spectra Energy, where he also serves on the Volunteer Council. Through the Volunteer Council, he has worked with numerous charitable organizations in the Houston area, including The Furniture Bank, Trees for Houston, Change Happens, and the United Way. An avid cyclist, Bryan annually rides the MS 150 with the Spectra Energy Cycling Team. Bryan and his wife, Katy, live in Spring with their Boston Terriers, Smokey and Bandit.
	Kathryn Fojtik Kitty is a graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos (Southwest Texas State University) with a bachelor’s degree in biology (emphasis in microbiology) and worked as a medical technologist for six years at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin. She went back to school in 1979 and received a master’s degree in professional accounting from the University of Texas (Austin) before moving to Houston in June of 1982 to join a public accounting firm. Kitty served as a docent and carnivore keeper aide at the Houston Zoo for ten years and enjoys being around all varieties of animals. She loves to travel and counts India as her favorite destination having visited three times. She’s also been to Africa twice and hopes to return for a visit to Botswana. A cruise in the Baltic Sea is next. She is a CPA working in the taxation field (compliance, planning, research) at Werlein & Harris, P.C. She has been on the board as treasurer for two years.
	Angela Hemmen Angela graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business-Information Systems. Angela first began her work in non-profit at Camp For All, a barrier free, state of the art camping facility located in Burton, Texas that serves children and adults with a chronic illness or disability. Angela worked for several years on the program staff at the Camp For All campsite and then joined the Camp For All Houston Fundraising office as the Development and Events Coordinator. Angela recently moved to San Antonio to live closer to her family. Currently, Angela works for the Wounded Warrior Project. The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Angela joined the Wounded Warrior Project as part of the San Antonio Soldier Ride team. Soldier Ride's focus is to be a rehabilitative bike ride for the wounded warriors but it also gives the community a chance to ride along with the warriors to show their support and to raise awareness for all the programs Wounded Warrior Project provides to the warriors/soldiers. In addition to being on the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Board since 2005, Angela is also involved with the Baylor Alumni Association.
	Bonnie Littman Likover Bonnie was raised in Houston, Texas and attended Stephens College and The University of Surrey in Guildford, England, graduating from Stephens in 1974. She returned to Houston to work at Channel 8 as a public affairs reporter and followed that with a ten year career in advertising and public relations at Houston's oldest independent ad agency from 1975 to 1985. Bonnie has a career marriage to one of Houston's best Orthopedists, Larry Likover. During those 30 years of marriage, they have produced what she refers to as her finest creations: Clay, 30; Lee, 24 and Collin, 14. She is involved in the community in a variety of ways over the past 25 years: The American Heart Assn., March of Dimes, Camp for All, The End Hunger Network, The Center for Hearing and Speech, Bo's Place, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inspire Women, The Kyle Likover Visiting Author Program at The Kinkaid School, Post Oak Little League, The YWCA, Southern Methodist University, The Fay School, Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation and a couple of odd committees here and there for others. She is the owner of Merci Antiques and Fine Furnishings. Her spare time is spent toiling to keep her body as healthy as possible and reading to expand her mind.
	Carly Maderer Carly Maderer is an attorney in Houston, Texas. She joined the law firm of Ewing & Jones, PLLC in February 2011 shortly after receiving her licensure. She grew up in Cypress, Texas before moving to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a minor in Marketing from the School of Business. Carly was involved with several organizations at Oklahoma State including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars where she mentored children from low income families. She also served as a Student Representative for Oklahoma State’s Academic Integrity Board. After graduating in the top 10% from Oklahoma State University, Carly received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Oklahoma City University. In law school, she was the President of the Sports Property and Entertainment Law Association and the Federal Bar Association, a member of the Phi Delta Phi International Law Fraternity, and competed in national trial and mediation competitions. The happiest day of her life was when Carly married her spouse, Jason, in Cabo San Lucas. Jason and Carly grew up in the same neighborhood and reconnected several years later after running into each other in Oklahoma City. Before moving back to Texas, Carly and Jason were active in Choctaw, Oklahoma’s annual Relay for Life event and helped fund the Oklahoma Innocence Clinic at OCU Law, which is a unique project to identify and rectify convictions of innocent people in Oklahoma who have been wrongfully imprisoned, or who are on death row. In their spare time, Carly and Jason enjoy attending sporting events and are looking forward to the many philanthropic opportunities in Houston, Texas.
	Gregory W. Miller Greg is a native of Washington State, and a relatively new "Texan". Born and raised in the pacific northwest he attended Central Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. After teaching at the elementary level for several years he transitioned into a career in healthcare management as Clinical Director of an Optometric practice for 11 years. In 2005 Greg made the decision to really explore new opportunities and left Washington and relocated to Houston. The relocation to Houston has been a wonderful experience and provided Greg the ability to accomplish the life long goal of starting his own company, Foxwood Design and Productions. His company provides creative solutions in decor, florals and management of corporate and social events. He has been involved with Methodist Hospital, ConocoPhillips, Administaff, Humble ISD Education Foundation, Montgomery County Performing Arts Society and many others. Houston and the state of Texas have provided opportunities that have made goals and dreams come true. Being a member of Ms. Wheelchair Texas board has been a way to return the gifts that the the community has provided for him personally and professionally. In his personal time he loves international travel, reading and collecting books and art. Greg also works to improve the life experiences of all animals, by his involvement with ASPCA. Greg should also mention that he is carrying on a family tradion of community involvement, which makes his family, "especially" his mother, very happy.
	Staci L. Moss Staci L. Moss was born in Amarillo, TX and was diagnosed with chondrodysplasia punctata soon after. A 1994 graduate of Andrews High School in Andrews, Texas, she attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas to complete her pre-pharmacy requirements. She was graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy with her doctorate in pharmacy in May 2002. Upon graduation, she accepted a position at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. In 2005, Staci achieved a passing score and has been granted certification as a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. In 2006, she was appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy. She received her Master’s degree in Pharmacy Administration with an Emphasis in Regulation and Policy from the University of Florida in December 2009. She has served as the Lubbock Area Society of Health-System Pharmacists (LASHP) president-elect and president during 2005-2006. She has also represented the South Plains area as a board member of the Texas Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists. She is an active member at Monterey Church of Christ. As Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008, Staci worked to achieve her two-fold platform to gain awareness about the pageant across the state and to mentor to young people with physical challenges. In her personal life, Staci enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to travel, especially to beautiful beaches. Her hobbies include cooking and quilting.
	Liam O’Rourke Liam O'Rourke is from Pearland, TX. He is an alumnus of St. Thomas High School and the University of Texas at Austin. As an advocate for people with disabilities, Liam has served in various capacities with Best Buddies International, the Ms. Wheelchair Texas foundation, and the Student Government Students with Disabilities Agency at UT Austin. He is currently studying law at Northwestern University Law School. He has been a member of the board since 2007.
	Barbara Bass Perlick Barbara Bass Perlick was born and raised in Connecticut and graduated from Fairfield University with a degree in Marketing. She became a consultant and educated CEO’s on how to grow their organizations utilizing her expertise in sales and marketing. She subsequently created state of the art marketing techniques that enabled her to initiate a new business venture directed at public companies. After her marriage to Steven Perlick and the birth of her two children Shelley and Robert, Barbara’s focus became volunteering. She has chaired many events at St. Francis, Duchesne Academy and The Fay School, where she ultimately became the Chair of the Parents’ Club. She is extremely involved in the National Charity League. Most of her volunteer efforts there include the Ripley House and SEARCH. She also is the photographer for NCL. Besides her family, her other passions are traveling, cooking and photography. Barbara and her husband breed and race thoroughbred horses. She is excited to be a part of the Ms. Wheelchair Texas team.

	Debbie Stephens Debbie Stephens is an award winning fifth grade teacher at Klenk Elementary and a long-time supporter of the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation having sponsored a contestant for the last four years. Debbie is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University and is a member and past president of the Lota Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was the 1960 Math Council Elementary Math Teacher of the Year in 2001, the Klenk Teacher of the Year in 2002, and was a Klein Star of Tomorrow in 2006. She considers her greatest accomplishment a happy marriage of thirty-four years and a beautiful daughter who was recently married this summer.
	Virginia Steppe Virginia was born in New York, graduated from St. John's University and taught elementary school for two years. When she met her husband Dan of 41 years, they married, had three wonderful children, Daniel, Alissa, Henry, and in 1972 they happily moved to Houston. Once her children started school she opened an Interior Design firm, Papillion Ltd., but before long she realized she was doing so much work pro-bono she decided to give her time to more worthwhile causes in the community. Over the past 23 years she been involved in various capacities with Casa de Esperanza, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Mental Health Association, Memorial Hermann Hospital, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, the Museum of Fine Arts, Ms. Wheelchair Texas and others. In 1999 she became a Mediator and works for the Dispute Resolution Center. As an active mediator she spends time advocating for the less fortunate by teaching future mediators and volunteering in the Civil and and J.P. Courts in Houston. Cooking and traveling are her hobbies, but her best leisure time activity is spent loving her grand babies, Anabelle and Holden.
	Angela Dawn Wrigglesworth Angela Wrigglesworth, a native Houstonian and 1999 graduate of Texas A&M University, was Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2004. When competing for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America in July of 2004, Ms. Wrigglesworth finished in the top five and placed third runner up. She is a third grade teacher in the Klein school district, was recognized in 2005 by Who’s Who Among American Teachers, and was awarded the 2004 Houston Chronicle Crystal Teacher Award in which she and five other educators were selected out of 1600 nominees for their outstanding teaching abilities. Ms. Wrigglesworth has been an active volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for many years and is a member of the National Task Force on Public Awareness, a committee made up of twelve people from around the country who act as liaisons between MDA and the media. Her latest endeavor is serving as the President of the Ms. Wheelchair America Program.