To create success for children with disabilities by empowering their families with information, training, referral and support as they navigate the complex education, health care, and social service systems.
About us
Mission
Vision
By 2031, Help 25,000 families see possibilities in their children with disabilities!
They have changed the course of my daughters life through their training, support, and advocacy - Family to Family Client
Who we are
Family to Family strives to provide programs that empower families of children & youth with disabilities as they navigate the complex special education, health care and disabilities services systems. Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones. Through guidance and training of parents and young adults, we transform lives by helping them discover possibilities, see the potential and advocate for what they need to achieve their dreams. Our organization helps families to see potential where others see barriers. By changing attitudes and mindsets about disabilities, our organization changes lives to make sure every individual gets to live THEIR best life.
By working together, we can create communities where ALL children belong and excel. We hope you’ll join us to create an even stronger community for the future of ALL children.
Our Story
Earl J. Brewer, Jr., M.D., and Tina Bentsen-Smith founded Family to Family Network in 1986. Their original mission was to help parents network with other parents, teach parents how the “system” works, and obtain accurate medical information. Dr. Brewer continued to be a staunch supporter of Family to Family Network until his passing in 2015. Both had a vision for children and families and the love to give their dream to a couple of Moms with a similar vision.
We Believe
• We believe in hopes and dreams.
• We believe that all people have value and belong
• We believe that the only labels children need are their names.
• We believe that “all” means ALL, and that while each individual’s needs may be different, that is okay because we respect each other.
• We believe that together we can open doors that were closed before and that, because of our work together, our children will live quality lives and accomplish whatever goals they may desire.
• We believe in each other and our friendships.
Our Team
The staff at Family to Family is a dedicated, passionate group of people. Many are family members of children/adults with disabilities living at home or adults with disabilities. They have experienced what many families are going through. They bring over 30 years of experience to the table. They are constantly updating their knowledge base.
Lionela Castillo
Mary Jane Williams
Executive Director
Judy Blake
Program Coordinator
Maria Cristina Zavala
Bilingual Case Management
Leslie Lawson
Case Management/Parent Liaison
Kwan Li
Accountant
Rachel Williams
Edigest
Our Board
Bryan Smith
Board President, Mass Mutual Special Care Team, sibling
I am a Special Care Planner with ALA Financial Group that focuses on working with families and business owners that have or care for a child with disabilities. I specialize in strategies that leave a legacy for your children designed to be both cost and tax efficient. I discuss Life Care planning, educate on Social Security issues, help educate and review trustee options, and help secure a financial future for the parents, along with the child. My mission is to serve as the family's financial macro manager by utilizing some of the top professionals from around the industry to assist the family with any needs that arise. Helping children with disabilities and their families has always been my passion and I believe my calling. My younger brother is profoundly disabled and has numerous medical disabilities. I can relate first hand to the highs and lows of what it means to take care of someone who needs special attention. I have dedicated my personal and now professional life to helping children with disabilities from volunteering with numerous non-profits, to now being able to help Special Families prepare for their financial future.
Dr. Erika Azeigbe
Dr. Erika Azigbe, CCC/SLP, CALP, is a speech-language pathologist, advocate, and founder of The Paracletus School for struggling learners. She believes in high-quality expectations for children with learning differences to succeed. Dr. Aziegbe earned degrees from Johns Hopkins, UHCL, and Emerson. She has presented her research at prestigious institutions.
Laetitia Beyegue
Laetitia Beyegue received her MBA from Rice University where she served as a Rice Board fellow for Family to Family Network in 2023. She is an alumna of the University of Maryland, College Park where she received her Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Statistics. She is a native French and English speaker. Her professional experience includes project management, working with nonprofits, and relationship management. She currently is employed at HP.
Michele Cardenas
Michele Cardenas brings over 20 years of communications experience in for-profit and nonprofit industries. Now a consultant, she guides businesses on their journey to success and helps disability families thrive.
Lisa Prusak
Boyd Handley
Handley Law Office, parent
Boyd Handley is an attorney serving Harris, Fort Bend and surrounding counties. The Handley Law Office provides services to families needing Guardianships, Wills, Trusts, Probate matters and Estate Planning with a concentration on Special Needs Law.
Areas of focus are Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, POA, MPOA, HIPAA), Probate, Guardianship, Special Needs Resources, Special Needs Trusts, Elder Care, SSI and Medicaid/Medicare matters. Educating families with Special Needs individuals about the steps up to and after age 18 and the implications of becoming an adult in Texas is a crucial part of his business.
Much of Handley’s passion for disabilities concerns stems from his role as the father of a young adult with a disability label. Having been through the same tribulations as many of his clients, his philosophy is to guide his clients in the manner in which he treats his own family, explaining in detail the necessary steps to protecting their children from a legal standpoint. Additionally, he guides clients on how to enrich the lives of their children through education about the availability of various government services for individuals with disabilities.
Alyssa Hightower
Board Secretary, parent
Manny Payan
Manny Payan is a seasoned professional in the oil and gas industry. He brings a wealth of experience across trading, wholesale, and retail channels. A true servant leader, Manny is passionate about serving the community and empowering others.
Jennifer Salcich
Board Treasurer, PwC
Frank Sudkamp
MacQuarie Group