E4Texas is so much more than a program, it’s a community. Behind every class, every campus adventure, and every milestone are the students and staff who make this place feel like home. This summer, we sat down with a few members of our E4Texas family to learn more about who they are, what they love, and what makes them shine. Meet some of the wonderful people who make E4Texas special!
Eli
Eli came to E4Texas to build independent living skills and explore new career options for the future. This summer, Eli’s favorite part was meeting new friends and building connections with fellow students. The library tour and the trip to the Capitol to give testimony were highlights of the semester. Eli has a curious, easygoing spirit and brings great energy to group activities, always up for trying something new.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, who comes to us from the Waco area, has a real passion for art and a signature sense of style – she always dresses professionally even for a casual day of classes. Elizabeth is exploring the idea of studying to become a paraprofessional, drawn to the idea of supporting other students the way she’s been supported. Her thoughtfulness and creativity shine through in everything she does, from her artwork to the way she cares for the people around her.
Zane
Zane, a 2026 graduate of Anderson High School, is the kind of person who makes everyone feel welcome. He loves biking, swimming, playing pickleball, and gaming (FIFA 23 is a favorite). Zane is a friend to everyone he meets and is always the first to greet the front desk attendant at Dobie with a cheerful good morning. Whether it’s helping a fellow student to brighten their day or lending a hand to staff, Zane shows up with kindness every single day.
Suriya
Suriya has her sights set on studying Early Childhood Education, and it’s easy to see why she’d be wonderful in that field. She has a natural gift for making people laugh and is always the first to cheer someone on when they’re feeling nervous. Whether it’s before a big presentation or just a tough day, Suriya brings warmth and encouragement wherever she goes. Her positivity is contagious, and it made this summer even brighter for the whole cohort.
Meet the Staff
Katelyn
Some familiar faces might recognize Katelyn from the Class of 2026 – our Salutatorian! This year, she’s back at E4Texas as a Teaching Assistant, and she spent July living in the dorm offering support to the incoming students.
“I wanted to come back and help because I really enjoyed my time at E4, and it was really nice when Emma was there to help all of us with everything. I felt it would be a really good opportunity for me. My favorite part of the summer was getting to go to the Capitol again and watch the current E4 students do their mock testimony and be confident while doing it.”
Sabrina
Sabrina joined our team in July as an intern and will be with E4Texas through graduation. She is currently a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas Tech University, helping teach Wellness and Healthy Relationships classes this summer, with one-on-one student meetings starting this fall.
Sabrina was drawn to E4Texas because counselors experienced with IDD and neurodivergent clients are hard to find. The work is personal for her since her nephew has autism. Her favorite moment of the summer was watching students give their mock testimony at the Capitol. We are thrilled to welcome a mental health counselor to our team this year.
A Community Built Together
From new students finding their footing to former students returning to give back, E4Texas continues to grow into a place built on connection, encouragement, and shared experience. We are so grateful for every person, student and staff alike, who makes this community what it is.
Stay tuned for more student and staff spotlights throughout the year!
