CJ Bennet - Chairperson

CJ is a self - advocate and weightlifting coach. His advocacy interests include community supports, employment, and health and wellness. CJ is currently retired, having worked for the United States Department of the Navy from 1977-2000. He also served as the chief advocate for the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater New Orleans (2004-2005) and mentor for People First of Louisiana (2005-2007). He is currently on the advisory board for the Resource Center on Psychiatric and Behavioral Supports at North Lake Support Center. CJ's favorite activities include weightlifting, watching sports on TV, and playing blackjack. he has won many awards, the most significant one being selected as a member of the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay Team. CJ believes that serving on the CAC is important because he can help people with disabilities become more independent and gain the same freedom that he has had in life.

Reginald Garey - Co-chairperson

Reginald is a self-advocate and president of People First of Louisiana. His interests are in the areas of housing, education, community supports, employment, health and wellness, early intervention, and training the next generation of professionals. Reginald is the past president of People First of Louisiana and a current member. He is a member of the Deacon’s Board at his church, the Twin City Mayor’s Committee, and the Ruston Developmental Center Advisory Board. He enjoys watching TV, going to meetings, and visiting others. He has received awards from People First of Louisiana. Reginald says that it is important to serve on the CAC because he enjoys being with his colleagues, helping people with disabilities, and talking with other people who have disabilities.

Jared Armstrong

Jared is a self-advocate, whose main advocacy interest is housing. He works at Wal-Mart as a door greeter. Jared serves on the board of directors for People First of Louisiana. His favorite activities include sports and spending time with his family. Jared received the “Leaders of Tomorrow to Today” award. He believes that serving on the CAC is important because it will help him to become a better advocate for people with disabilities.

Lynette Fontenot

Lynette is a self-advocate whose advocacy interests include housing, education, community supports, employment, and training the next generation of professionals. She is an advocate, motivational speaker, and artist. Lynette currently serves as chairperson for the DD Council and is a member of LACan. In her free time, she enjoys going out to eat, going to the movies, and spending time with her husband and niece and nephew. Serving on the HDC advisory board is important to Lynette because she enjoys working with individuals with disabilities and individuals who are advocating for us. She says that she can have a voice and give input to make a difference and be an example for others.

Jeanne LeVelle

Jeanne is a family member of a person with a disability. Her advocacy interests in community supports (with a waiver expertise), employment, and e-mods/assistive technology. She works for Office of Aging and Adult Services as a regional functions manager.

Jolie Cacho

Jolie is family member of a person with a disability. Her advocacy interests include education, community supports, employment, health and wellness, and training the next generation of professionals. She is currently a direct support professional and substitute teacher for both regular education and special education. Her favorite hobbies include playing with her children, watching their soccer games, swimming, hiking, and biking. Jolie believes that serving on the CAC is important because as her daughter is getting older and situations are changing in her life, such as education and her role in the community, she is finding out her age group is falling through the cracks.

Bobby Arceneaux

Bobby is a self-advocate whose interests include housing, education, community supports, employment, health and wellness, early intervention, and training the next generation of professionals. He is two other boards: LaSARD and the Louisiana State Autism board. In his free time, Bobby likes to lift weights, play video games, go to the movies, go for walks, and collect books and DVDs. He has received numerous weightlifting awards including “Arnold Against All Odds”, 1st place in the Baton Rouge meet and the Dallas Sports Weekend, and 2nd place in the Shreveport meet. Bobby believes that serving on the HDC advisory board is important because he can speak out for people with disabilities, help others and have his voice heard.

George Fust

George Fust is the newest member of the CAC. George is a self-advocate with interest in education and community supports. He is a recent graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University where he received the SLU Spring 2008 Most Outstanding Social Work Student award, was on the Honor Roll 12/08/2006, and the President’s List 5/11/2007 through 12/12/2008. He enjoys hanging out with friends, dancing, movies, bowling, and playing on the computer. When asked why serving on the CAC is important he had this to say: “I have firsthand experience that if a person is given the right tools and opportunities they can become successful in life. Because of my achievements , I would like to help others receive the same opportunity that I was given. Through hard work and determination a person with a disability can achieve both their personal and professional goals. I have always believed that, “where there is a will, there is a way”. The sky is the limit if you really want something bad enough."

Sabrina Hagan

Sabrina is a family member of a person with a disability. Her advocacy interests include housing, education, community supports, employment, health and wellness, early intervention, and training the next generation of professionals. She is currently employed by Families Helping Families of Acadiana as the Secondary Transition Coordinator. Additionally , she serves on the RAC OCDD Regional Advisory Committee and the SAC State Advisory Committee. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys reading, spending time with her family and outdoor activities. Her girls help define new activities of interest such as going to the ballet. Sabrina believes that serving on the CAC is important because she is the mother of an 11-year old daughter, Beverly, who is on the Autism spectrum. Beverly has been included with her typical peers since she was in a pre-K four program. Inclusion has provided many more opportunities than academic alone could provide for Beverly. Sabrina has been advocating on behalf of all person with disabilities for the last nine years to improve their quality of life.

Pearlie Harris

Pearlie is a self-advocate and family member of a person with a disability. Her advocacy interests include education, community supports, employment, and early intervention. She is director of Royal Castle Child Development Center. Pearlie also serves on the Success By Six committee with the United Way. In her free time, she loves to watch good movies, work in her yard, and spend time with her kids. She has received lots of school awards, church awards and community service awards. Pearlie believes that serving on the CAC is important because her voice can be heard and counted.