We are a team dedicated to supporting our LEADers as they spread the important message of kindness, compassion, and inclusion to students and teachers.
Hollis Owens graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and went on to get her Masters in Physical Therapy from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 2000 where she was the recipient of the Marge Barre Award for Clinical and Academic Excellence. Hollis was a pediatric physical therapist for 20 years. During her many years in the healthcare setting, Hollis had the opportunity to work with patients in clinical research trials, inpatient, outpatient, home health, and school-based physical therapy. Hollis lives in Richardson, Texas with her husband Brian and four daughters – Charlotte, Lawrence, Emily, and Leddy.
Toya Harris graduated with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Oklahoma where she was selected the Outstanding Senior in the College of Allied Health. She completed her Masters in Speech Pathology at Texas Christian University. Toya has worked as a speech pathologist in both public and private schools. She enjoyed the challenges and opportunities to continually grow as a therapist when providing services for students from preschool to adults. Toya lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Terry and their kids, Hattan and Archer. When the Harris family has free time, they like to travel to National Parks and watch all the Seattle sports teams.
Kari Lane Zerbe graduated with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech and earned an M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas. She also attended the Center for European Studies in Riva, Switzerland. With a passion for education and supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Kari currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for The Rise School of Dallas, where she previously served as the Director and Educational Coordinator for nearly a decade. Since 2011, Kari has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of The Stallings Award Foundation, benefitting The Rise School of Dallas, and also joined the Foundation’s Board in 2017. During her time at The Rise School, Kari also served as a Board member and Education Committee member for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, and still participates as an advisory committee member for Beyond ABC with Children’s Health (formerly Children’s Medical Center), studying research trends and making recommendations in the 2013 publication. In addition to her focus on early childhood development, Kari also turned her attention to supporting adults with disabilities by joining the Daymark Living team in 2017, as well as the Poston Gardens Foundation in 2019. Kari currently lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Danny, and her children Evelyn and Harvey. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, holistic health, and spending time with friends and family.
Jean E. Sides graduated from Austin College with a degree in political science. After college, Jean E. worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for five years before returning to Texas to work in public policy consulting. Jean E. is married to Stephen Sides and they live in Lake Highlands with their sons, Garrett and Harrison. After many years as a full-time mom and volunteer, Jean E. is thrilled to be working with the TBLM team.
Kelly Dowling graduated with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was an Early Intervention Specialist with Texas Early Childhood Intervention programs in the Dallas area for five years, before transitioning to being a stay at home parent for her own children. While working with the Texas ECI programs she served families and children with developmental delays and disabilities helping to assess their needs, coordinate services, and provide family support and education. Kelly and her husband Shaun live in Richardson with their sons Grady and Hayes, but love finding places to hike and camp around the U.S., every chance they get.
