Board Of Directors
Catrina Purcell-Longoria
Board Treasurer
Catrina Longoria is an attorney and local business owner practicing in Eagle Pass and surrounding counties since 2005. Catrina is an Eagle Pass native with a strong history of supporting youth and service organizations in the community.
Catrina was instrumental in the formation of Eagle Pass HEROES, Inc., a local 501(c)(3)non-profit organization which focuses on providing resources to children with special needs in Eagle Pass and she continues to serve as Executive Director/Treasurer of the organization. Catrina was part of the coalition that assisted in the process of the formation of the South Texas All Abilities Center.
Catrina is married to Luis “Ricky” Longoria and they have three sons, one of which has been diagnosed with autism. She has personally experienced the challenges that many families face in getting resources for individuals with disabilities and strives to create a place where every individual has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Elias Diaz
Board Member
Bio coming soon.
Hellen Morales
Board Chair
Hellen Martinez de Morales is a dynamic entrepreneur and small business owner with a portfolio of multiple successful ventures. As the esteemed First Lady of Texas House District 74, her influence extends beyond the business realm into significant civic engagement and community service. Hellen serves as the Secretary of the Legislative Ladies Club, an organization dedicated to philanthropy work throughout Texas, showcasing her commitment to giving back to her community.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living in underserved border communities, Hellen's personal journey has been marked by a recent diagnosis of ADHD. This diagnosis has not only heightened her awareness of the obstacles individuals in similar situations may encounter but has also fueled her passion for advocacy and support. It is this personal connection and insight that have made the mission of the South Texas All Abilities Center exceptionally close to her heart.
The center aims to provide comprehensive support and opportunities for individuals with different abilities, embodying Hellen's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Through her varied roles, Hellen Martinez de Morales exemplifies the power of leadership, philanthropy, and personal resilience in making a tangible difference in the lives of Texans.
Kathryn Tobin - Suarez
Board Vice Chair
Introducing Kathryn Tobin Suarez, a dedicated advocate and seasoned healthcare professional, serving as a valued board member. Originally from North East Pennsylvania, Kathryn has called Eagle Pass, Texas home since 2000.
With nearly three decades of nursing experience, Kathryn's leadership shines through her role as a Pediatric Charge Nurse at United Medical Center, where she spearheaded the Texas Vaccine for Children program. Prior to her nursing career, Kathryn showcased her entrepreneurial spirit as the owner and operator of a successful flower shop.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Kathryn is deeply committed to animal welfare, serving on the board of Project Companion, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for animals in Eagle Pass and surrounding areas. As a loving mother of three, including a son on the Autism Spectrum, Kathryn's dedication to supporting individuals with autism led her to assume the role of Vice Chairman at STAAC (South Texas All Abilities Center). Here, she champions inclusivity and celebrates neurodiversity for individuals and their families.
Lucila Ortiz
Board Historian
Lucila Ortiz is a dedicated educator with a passion for working with neurodiverse children. Born and raised in Eagle Pass, Texas, Lucila graduated from Eagle Pass High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Spanish from Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College. After working in law enforcement, Lucila started a new chapter in education by joining Eagle Pass ISD in 2010 as a Migrant Tutor and eventually becoming a Special Education Teacher.
With a strong interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), she pursued and obtained a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Lucila's dedication to helping students with disabilities led to a Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis from UTSA, where Lucila was part of the first teacher cohort program.
Throughout her career, she has consistently shown a commitment to improving the educational experience for all students. Lucila has experience working with students of all ages and abilities, implementing evidence-based practices and interventions to help them succeed in the classroom.
Currently, she teaches 6th grade Science and Social Studies, utilizing her expertise in behavior analysis to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. As a board member, Lucila Ortiz brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of the needs of neurodiverse students, advocating for their success and growth within the school system.
Oscar De Los Santos
Board Vice Chair
Bio coming soon.
Selene Gomez
Board Member
As a mother of a daughter with Autism, I've joined this group to advocate for my family's needs and access essential support and resources in our community. As both a parent and educator, I witness the challenges both at home and within our community. Being part of this organization connects me with other families facing similar hurdles, and together, we navigate and overcome obstacles. The knowledge and support gained here are invaluable; without it, I wouldn't be as empowered to help my daughter thrive.
Wendy Maurer
Board Secretary
Wendy Maurer is a passionate disability advocate. She started her career as a special education teacher in Eagle Pass, TX. A former Texas A&M University graduate with her Master’s in Educational Psychology and emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her family moved across the state of Texas to gain access to healthcare needs her child required.
She left the classroom and joined the pediatric therapy company that made a huge impact on her family’s life at Cole Health as their Regional Business Development Manager. Wendy has been an integral part of the Cole Health leadership team with building provider and community partner relationships. She leads a community training program she created with UT Health and Baylor College of Medicine as pediatric residents and fellows learn about early intervention services in ABA therapy.
When not in the Houston community advocating for access to care, Wendy is advocating throughout the state for the disability community. She is a former Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities – Partners in Policy making graduate and sits on the advisory committee for TXABA – Public Policy Group. Wendy also sits on the board of directors for Families for Effective Autism Treatment – Houston, and Project Beacon.
Although she resides in Montgomery County, her heart is still in Maverick County and she serves as the executive director of Eagle Pass HEROES. She is thrilled to be a board member to the newly formed South Texas All Abilities Access Center under a transformative grant she helped co-author with the Neurodiversity Coalition of Eagle Pass. Wendy works to empower those in disability spaces to gain the simplest thing in life – access.
