AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry appointed Emerson of Austin and Hernandez of San Marcos to the Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education. The committee provides policy guidance regarding special education-related services for children with disabilities in Texas.

Emerson is the child protective services state director for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She is a member of the National Association of State Adoption Programs, National Association of State Foster Care Managers and Interagency Foster Care Committee. In Harris County, she formerly served on the Children’s Assessment Center Partner Council and the Child Abuse Task Force. Emerson earned a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and a master’s degree from the University of Washington. She replaces Vicky Coffee-Fletcher of Austin for a term to expire Feb.1, 2009.

Hernandez is a program specialist with the Department of Aging and Disability Services, which implements policies to aid long term care services affecting the elderly and people with cognitive or physical disabilities. She also volunteers at the Austin State School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University. Hernandez replaces Lori Roberts of Austin for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011.