Testimonials

Testimonials from Supervisors, Colleagues, and Stakeholders – FY 2019 to Present

“You have been an absolute delight to work with.  I love your attention to detail and push for excellence in everything you do.  I’m so proud of the work that has been done in ODPC and all that’s on the horizon.” Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC (Jay’s supervisor from January 2020 to December 2022) – 2023

“Jay continues to ensure the success of ODPC and PANS Council despite ongoing organizational change, leadership turnover, and a changing environment. Jay adapts to changing direction and circumstances without letting it negatively impact the operations and mission of the program.” Joy Borjes, Associate Commissioner of Family Health Strategy, HHSC (Jay’s supervisor from December 2022 to November 2023) – May 2023

“It has been a great pleasure and honor, seriously, working with you, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity.”  Paula Gallien, Office of Disability Prevention for Children Volunteer – 2023

“In addition to helping the PANS council find its footing, Jay organized and executed the annual ODPC conference in March 2023, during program realignment, and successfully navigated challenges associated with leadership changes.”  Joy Borjes, Associate Commissioner of Family Health Strategy, HHSC – May 2023

“I’ve loved having ODPC in OIS and am blessed to be part of all the wonderful things going on in that world.”  Keisha Rowe, HHSC Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services – 2021

“You’re the fastest replying state worker I know Jay! J Thank you!”  Erin Stangland, Texas March of Dimes

“Jay has done an excellent job developing the office strategically and ensuring program growth.”  Keisha Rowe, HHSC Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services – July 2022

“Jay, you have gone above and beyond what was required of you for this panel. I appreciate you!  Thanks so much!”  Kara Chasteen, PANS Advisory Council Member – 202

“Jay continues to excel at public awareness in ODPC and has done a remarkable job with promoting and building awareness of ODPC at the state and national level.  This includes an annual webinar that has thousands of attendees throughout the nation and features renowned speakers and academics in their fields.  Further, Jay continues to build a volunteer network that donates hundreds of hours to ODPC.”  Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC – July 2022

“It’s always great to meet with you, too! Thanks so much for sharing this tool; it’s awesome.”  Olivia Burns, HHSC Aging Services, Jay Smith’s Mentee – 2021

“Jay has spent the evaluation period continuing to build the ODPC “brand”.  He is innovative, driven, strategic, and a future thinker, which translates to successful initiatives throughout the Office. Jay continually assesses and improves webinar and ODPC endeavors, raising the bar with each event.  In addition to the existing network he has built, he works to bring new collaborations and opportunities for engagement and partnership.  Also, due to the vacancy of his one staff person for half of the evaluation period, Jay spent considerable amounts of time supporting the PANS Council.  This involved extensive involvement with meetings, council logistics, and finalizing the legislative report.  While Jay could have balanced one initiative with the other, he was so committed to both that he worked tirelessly to ensure no balls were dropped and the standard of excellence he sets is not impacted.  Jay is a team player who gladly shares his ideas, lessons learned, and expertise around the agency, as well as external partners.  Importantly, he takes his role as ODPC Manager seriously, as well as the opportunity ODPC has to represent the agency and state.  Great strides have been taken to ensure OPDC is organizationally sound, and Jay has been part of that effort.  He is a tremendous asset, and his skill set, knowledge, and expertise will be beneficial anywhere in the system.  I enjoy working with him and appreciate his perspective and work ethic.” Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC– July 2022

“Jay always strives to build bridges and collaborations and shows initiative to seek out opportunities with new partners.  He continually researches new avenues for engagement, internally and externally, to ensure ODPC is involved in any partnership that may benefit the audience served by ODPC. Accordingly, Jay has built an extensive network to lean upon and coordinate with to ensure the continued goals of the program are met.”  Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC – 2021

“Jay has done a remarkable job with public awareness of ODPC.  Over the past year, he coordinated the distribution of more than 100,000 pieces of program education and public awareness materials to various organizations and agencies.  This does not include the numerous coordinated webinars, trainings, and activities with external agencies around the state.  Jay also initiated improvements to the ODPC webpage to ensure correlation to services and ease of access.”  Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services HHSC – 2021

Jay is a great asset to ODPC.  During the evaluation period, he actively worked to finalize initiatives that had been in the pipeline over the last few years, resulting in significant programmatic strides.  He is a forward-thinker that thrives on continual assessment of processes, procedures, and collaborations.  Moreover, he is reliable, thorough, and detail oriented.  Jay gladly shares expertise and strives to build strong relations with members of the OIS team and with potential and existing partners.  And, finally, Jay is adaptable.  He had a new initiative, the PANS Council, added to ODPC and worked quickly to meet internal and external expectations to have the Council fully implemented within a short period of time.”  Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC – 2021

“So glad we had the chance to work together.  Keep doing amazing work!”  Hannah Vardy, Policy Director, Chief Program Services Officer, HHSC – 2020

“Jay has built a network of stakeholders and collaborative partners and is able to effectively link these people together on similar initiatives. Jay has also developed the contacts needed to link families to the help they need.”  Carrie Bradford, Director, Office of Acquired Brain Injury, HHSC – 2020

“Thanks for your great work, Jay.” “Jay…honored to partner with you and help however I can.” Ben Taylor, Communications Manager, HHSC – 2023

“It has been a pleasure working with you for the past two years. You have been very kind and patient with me, and I appreciate it so much.”  Sri Varna, ODPC Volunteer – 2023

“Always a pleasure working with you and your team, Jay!”  Gustavo Varela, Graphics Designer, HHSC – 2023

“I am so glad we met.  I really appreciate your insight and resource sharing.”  Cody Rothchild, Family Violence Program, HHSC – 2020

“Thank you, Jay! We so appreciate all you do.”  Dr. Suzanne Gazda, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2022

“Great job at the Council meeting.”  Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC – 2022

“Jay, …thank you for all you do.” Kara Chasteen, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2022

“Jay, you have gone above and beyond what was required of you for this panel. I appreciate you!  Thanks so much!”  Kara Chasteen, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2022

Regarding Ms. Hardy’s email address not being updated by the PANS Council Liaison causing her to not receive meeting notices and missing meetings.  “Thank you for speaking with me by phone today.  I so appreciate the update and look forward to receiving the recordings of the Diagnosis & Treatment and Education & Outreach Committee meetings in February.”  Lisa Hardy, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2023

“Hi, Mr. Smith, Thank you for all the work you are doing to get us started on the process of fulfilling the Council tasks.”  Lisa Hardy, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2020

“TY for all you do for the kids of TEXAS!” Dr. Paula Kruppstadt, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2021

“You’ve done a great job at trying to keep opportunities at the forefront.”  Keisha Rowe – 2022

“Excellent job on the ODPC webinars and awareness month activities.  The level of detail, planning, and attention that went into the month was obvious.  It’s not an easy task to execute one webinar, but a series of webinars flawlessly.  Even when you were scrambling behind the scenes, you came together externally, and attendees were none the wiser.  I’m certain that the feedback you’ve received reflects what I’m saying, but I wanted you to know that I sincerely appreciate each of you and am blessed to be part of something so extraordinary.  I proudly let everyone know our attendance numbers and how many national speakers we have.”  Keisha Rowe, Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC – 2022

“I want you to know, here at The Telos Project, we LOVE your trainings and myself and the other director have started to regularly block off time for them. Consider us groupies.”  Dr. C. Holiday Bean, The Telos Project, Fort Worth – 2022

“Thank you so much for the congratulations and kind words. I really enjoyed working with you as well!  Wes Yeager, Director, Office of Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Access and Eligibility Services/Community Access, HHSC – 2021

“Regarding an HHS HR Monthly Newsletter article.  “This is wonderful!  Great job.  Thank you for letting me know.”  Keisha Rowe,  Associate Commissioner of Rehabilitative and Community Services, HHSC – 2021         

Regarding working with Jay, Irma, Karissa, and Keisha.  “Kara Chasteen mentioned telling her state rep, Terry Wilson, that she has never worked with such a professional group of dedicated people. She mentioned the council being new, but HHSC staff have been helpful and great.”  “I’m good with you tooting ODPC’s horn!” “The three of you have been a tremendously, terrific trio!  Thanks so much for all you’re doing.”  Keisha Rowe – 2021

“Yes, the meeting was very well facilitated.  Jay, you did great too!  Good job team.”  Karissa Sanchez – 2021

“Regarding Jay, Blake Agee, and Christine Medeiros’ work on the inaugural ODPC and OABI statewide conferences.  I am so proud of each of you.  This has been an interesting two weeks and you’ve kept the ball rolling, rolled with the punches and, in the end, conducted wonderful webinars!  You’re an amazing team.”  Keisha Rowe – 2021

“Regarding Jay, Blake Agee, and Christine Medeiros’ work on the inaugural ODPC and OABI statewide conferences.  You all knocked this one outta the park!  While your success is no surprise, I know it was a tremendous task and I can’t thank you all enough.  YOU ARE AWESOME!!!”  Joe Perez, Office of Independent Services (OIS), Deputy Executive Commissioner – 2021

“Jay — Excellent work on this report.  I am excited that we submitted it on time, but importantly, the report truly reflects the direction of the program which is indicative of the initiative you’ve taken since ODPC transitioned to OIS.  It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you and make things happen!  We’re on a great track!”  Keisha Rowe – 2021

“I want to thank you for your perseverance and commitment the last year.  Difficult seems an insufficient word for the time we endured, but I remain confident in this team and the great things that lie ahead.”  Keisha Rowe – 2021

“CONGRATULATIONS on 20 years of service to the great State of Texas.  Given the outstanding contributions you’ve made in the last few months to ODPC, I’m certain that your career has reflected that same level of excellence.  I’m honored to have you on the team and wish you many more years of success.”  Keisha Rowe – 2020

“This looks great!  I appreciate the format and attention to detail.  Your events alone show this will be an exciting month and endeavor!”  Keisha Rowe – 2020

“It has been my pleasure working with and learning from you.  I’m impressed by your take charge attitude and commitment.”  Keisha Rowe – 2020

Regarding a thank you card Jay sent to a presenter after an ODPC webinar presentation.  “Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness in sending this virtual card in these virtual times.”  Mary Bishop, HHSC – 2020

Regarding work on the OIS Conference Planning Committee.  Excellent job on the conference.  Your commitment, attention to detail, and willingness to serve is much appreciated.”  Keisha Rowe – 2020

“Thank you for being so attentive and helpful in our shared groups.”  Debbie Bledsoe, HHSC – 2020

Regarding working with the Communications Department Team on a possible statewide public awareness campaign. “Hi, Jay, Great news! I keep saying it, but I’m so excited.  You’re doing a great job!”  Keisha Rowe – 2020

Regarding collaborating with Gustavo in the Graphics Department regarding ODPC public awareness materials.  “Hi, Jay, with the changes we discussed, it’s good to go. Great work!”  Keisha Rowe – 2020

Regarding preventing trauma in children with intellectual or developmental disabilities statewide webinar Jay presented.  “I was on the webinar. Fantastic job!” Keisha Rowe – 2020

“You are an absolute delight and I’m so lucky to have had the pleasure of working with you.”  Jessica Cinque, HHSC – 2020

“I wish all the best for you and your program. You’re doing a great job.”  Sherlena Boehm, HHSC – 2020

“Thank you for supporting Navigate Life Texas. This is great, thank you so much! Thank you so much for checking on me.” Lena Deary, HHSC BEST Program

Regarding collaborating on a person-centered presentation for the Texas Healthcare Consortium Conference in Austin.  “It was great working with you and collaborating with you. I had a blast presenting with you.”  Antoinette Morgan, HHSC – 2019

“Thanks again for taking the time to meet! I’m happy I could share my New Orleans trip (appreciate the recommendations again!) and meet Kynthia, looking forward to next week’s March Webinar!” Faith Bridgeman – 2023

Regarding an ODPC article Jay wrote for the Connection newsletter.  “Way to go Jay!”  Hugh Addington.  “Awesome” Meg Kee, HHSC – 2019

“Wanted to let you know that you did a great job at the BIAM event! Thanks for all of your hard work on that.”  Megan Kirby, HHSC Director (Jay’s first supervisor for three months when he became Manager of the Office of Disability Prevention for Children) – 2019

“You have been very supportive.  Found the online meetings were very helpful.” The internship at ODPC has expanded my knowledge about the protection of children with disabilities and related resources. As an educator, I am grateful for this opportunity to help me better serve children with disabilities, children in need, and their families in my future endeavors.”  Mei M., ODPC Intern – 2023

Regarding my new position as the agency’s Children’s Health Strategy Manager.  “Congratulations, Jay! You are awesome. Well deserved!” Lindsay Pollock, MPH, Community Benefit Manager at Ascension.  – 2023

“Thank you for these fabulous comments about Anntionette. She is missed deeply and is a phonemical trainer and public speaker.” Mary Bishop, Policy and Program Development, Medicaid and CHIP Services, HHSC – 2020

Collaborative Relationship Feedback from Internal/External Guest Presenters Re: ODPC Monthly Webinars and Annual Conferences

July 2023 Webinar – Deaf & Heard of Hearing Services
“Cairo, Egypt! I love it. Thank you, Jay, for this update and the opportunity to present to your audience.”  Sam Harris – HHSC DHHS – 2023

“Thank you, Jay, for being proactive and checking in.  Also, let me just say at this time that I really appreciate how you’ve been very easy for us to work with in getting this all set up.  Have a good rest of your day!”  Bryant Robinson, Director, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, HHSC – 2023

June 2023 Webinar – Children’s Healthcare System
“I appreciate the quick reply.  I’ll let folks no we are not providing training credits to webinar participants.  Wow! That’s a great turn out.” Viviana Esparza, program coordinator, Center for Community Health – Cook Children’s Healthcare System

May 2023 Webinar – HER Foundation
Regarding sending out the post-webinar attendee feedback. “That’s awesome! We’ll look forward to the feedback. Thank you, Jay and Kynthia, for hosting us!”  Kimber MacGibbon, RN, HER Foundation – 2023

April 2023 Water Safety Webinar – Colin’s Hope
“I appreciate this feedback! Thank you, as well, for trusting Colin’s Hope to serve as a water safety resource for ODPC. Your support in this partnership is invaluable and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to reach more communities and families across the state (and Egypt!).”  Jessica Brown, Program Director, Colins Hope – 2023

March 2023 – 3^rd Annual ODPC Statewide Virtual Conference

“I really appreciate it and thanks for the pleasure of being a part of the conference.  You and your team planned well, and the conference has been interesting, informative, and of great benefit to all attendees. Kudos to you, too!”  Paul Nixon, Early Childhood Intervention, HHSC – 2022

“Hi Jay, I really appreciate the opportunity and really enjoyed presenting! I really rushed through it but luckily that gave me plenty of time for discussion and Q&A 😊 so it worked out well.”  Cassandra Johnson, CSHCN Project Coordinator, DSHS – 2023

“Looks pretty good, don’t you think, Jay? I’m happy with the overall thoughts!  Great job on putting this on, by the way!” Dr. Brandon Brock, PANS Advisory Council Member – 2023

“Thank you for all the support, you made it easy to present!  I received the gift box and wonderful cup and notepad set.  So thoughtful of you, not necessary but appreciated! It was fun to work with you and your team!”Pattie Rosenlund, Executive Director, Easter Seals – 2023

“Wow, what an honor to be in such a circle of great presenters. It is obvious everyone enjoyed the sessions, which were well organized and facilitated.  I am counting down the days until we get to do it again!  Thanks for the opportunity to participate and help share about our programs/systems so that families can be informed and connected to help their child receive the highest level of success!  It was an awesome event overall; I received a handful of emails from people who know me and heard the presentation and they noted they have been joining each week and really enjoying the sessions. Great work.” Tammy Miller, Lead for Interagency Coordination & Outreach, Early Childhood Intervention, HHSC – 2023

“Hi Jay!  I had a blast presenting with Tammy and Pattie. I am glad to hear that the presentation was well received and I look forward to seeing the comments and questions.” Natasha Jahani, Research Specialist, Early Childhood Intervention, HHSC – 2023

“Jay – Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to share my story and my message. This information is great — first time ever receiving anything like this. I will share with my team. Hope to see you soon and appreciate all the help and support!”  Leesa Ross, Executive Director, Lock Arm for Life – 2023

“Thank you, Jay, for sharing the feedback. I’m so glad it was well received! Congratulations to you for putting on a great event.” Sasha Rasco, Chief Prevention and Community Well-Being Officer, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) – 2023

“Hey Jay! …I had to miss the end of the kickoff to your conference, but I was told you gave me a very kind shout-out and I wanted to thank you! It’s always fun working with you.” Brooke King, Director of Policy and Prevention, Division of Prevention and Early Intervention, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) – 2023

January 2023 Webinar – Mountain States Regional Genetics Network
Wow, Jay this is so excellent! Thank you so much for this feedback, the word cloud and the comments! We really appreciate the opportunity to partner with you on this. Thanks again for all you and Kynthia do! Kristi Wees, Projects Manager, Mountain States Regional Genetics Network – 2023

December 2022 Webinar – Addressing the Impact of ACES in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (1,120 attendees)
“Hi Jay, I was boasting about your training this weekend. It was very informative. Thank you for hosting these webinars each month. Last month you shared your handout with my families on how to stay safe while on holiday break. Thank you kindly for hosting these. I look forward to the next ones.” Gracie Lopez – 2022

“Great organization and presented very well – Jay did a great job sharing the facts and the related info.” (Anonymous attendee)

November 2022 Webinar – Holiday Injury Prevention in Infants and Children
Thank you Jay! We appreciated the opportunity. Our team is working to draft responses to the questions and will circle back soon to provide a response. Thank you! Julie Stagg, Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies Branch Manager, DSHS – 2022

August 2022 Webinar – HHSC Safe Riders Program
“Hello Jay, thank you so much for the feedback. It was great to see that the information was helpful. Yay! I was also surprised to see we had attendees from outside of the country. Thanks again for all you do and for your help in getting the certificates out for us. Please keep us in mind for future presentations or topic ideas.” Marissa Rodriquez, Project Specialist, DSHS – 2022

August 2022 Webinar – Seizure Recognition & Seizure First Aid Certification
Thank you for sharing!  WE appreciate your help in getting this valuable information out to the community.  Thank you.  Kimberly Martin, Assistant Director, Epilepsy Foundation – 2022

July 2022 Webinar – Medicine Safety: Safe Kids Austin
“Hi Jay – I just wanted to make sure I expressed my gratitude for making the Medicine Safety webinar happen! With your help we were able to reach many more people. I don’t think I appropriately recognized you today during the SKA meeting so just wanted to let you know I appreciate you!” Katie Mitten, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Safe Kids Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center – 2022

June 2022 ODPC Webinar – Pediatric Brain Injury Prevention (234 attendees)
“Jay, as always. A phenomenal job done. Thank you.” Maury Danielle – 2022

March 2022 ODPC Statewide Virtual Conference –

“I really appreciate it and thanks for the pleasure of being a part of the conference.  You and your team planned well, and the conference has been interesting, informative, and of great benefit to all attendees. Kudos to you, too!”  Paul Nixon, ECI – 2022

“Hi Jay, thank you for the opportunity to present, we enjoyed the chance to share more about our program. I am also very appreciative of your slide assistance with my technical difficulties.  Michelle Littlejohn MS, RD, LD, Infant Feeding & Formula Specialist, HHSC WIC Program – 2022

Thank you so much, Jay for the opportunity and love seeing all the feedback, especially the metrics, which look really good for virtual😊.  Dr. Iheoma Iruka, Founding Director, Equity Research Action Coalition, University of North Carolia at Chapel Hill – 2023

“Jay, thank you for the opportunity to present at your great event.” Cynthia Osborne, PhD, Professor of Early Childhood Education and Policy, Executive Director, Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University

Regarding the post-conference thank you, analytics, and attendee feedback.  “Many congratulations, Jay. The credit goes to you.” Regards, Qazi Javed, M.D., FAPA, ABIHM, PANS Council Advisory Committee Member – 2022

January 2022 ODPC Webinar – March of Dimes
“Hi Jay, it was a pleasure to be able to present to your audience today…We look forward to receiving the analytics and feedback and please do keep us in the loop about any future collaboration opportunities.” Erin Stangland, Director, Maternal Infant Health, March of Dimes – 2022

December 2021 ODPC Webinar – March of Dimes
“Thanks so much! Great job to you both, as well! I appreciate you inviting me. It was my first presentation in this new role, so I welcome any feedback or comments from either of you and the attendees. Thanks!”  Katie Mitten, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Safe Kids Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center – 2021

November 2021 ODPC Webinar – Advancing Women’s Health (263 attendees)
“Btw, you did a great job on the women’s health webinar. Really informative!” Ben Taylor, HHSC

September 2021 ODPC Webinar –
“On behalf of North TX FASD Network, thank you for hosting our presentation on FASD today! Thank you for allowing us to meet our goal of spreading FASD awareness, and we hope that we helped you meet your goal of leveraging education to prevent disabilities in children.” Julia Rivera, North Texas FASD Network – 2021

August 2021 ODPC Webinar – Addressing the Stigma Associated with Prenatal Substance Use from a Person-Centered Perspective
Regarding a thank you card Jay sent to a presenter after an ODPC webinar presentation.  Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness in sending this virtual card in these virtual times.  Mary Bishop, HHSC – 2020

March 2021 ODPC Inaugural Statewide Virtual Conference –
“The Conference is off to a great start. The Speakers were informative and engaging.  The trivia was a nice way to reinforce key concepts that were presented.”  Nola Graham, Conference Attendee

Thank you, great job to the moderator! (Anonymous attendee)

Excellent conference!! (Anonymous attendee)

Thank you so much for this conference. I look forward to the 4th session as well. (Anonymous attendee)

Excellent conference! (Anonymous attendee)

Great conference! (Anonymous attendee)

Love the webinars. Has been a blessing to attend even though not in person. May not have been able to in person so this has been awesome. Thank you (Anonymous attendee)

I enjoyed all the presenters. They all appeared knowledgeable and experts in their field. (Anonymous attendee)

Thank you for organizing this conference. The information presented so far has been very useful. (Anonymous attendee)

I’ve really enjoyed each session. (Anonymous attendee)