Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of Chelsea Howell Garcia and the reappointment of Karen Gardner to the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. The terms for these positions will expire on February 1, 2027, and February 1, 2029, respectively. This board is responsible for licensing and regulating occupational therapy services within the state.

Chelsea Howell Garcia, hailing from McAllen, owns EMRoy Express LLC in Edinburg. She serves as vice chair of the McAllen Disability Board and is a member of the Organization of Women Executives. Her educational background includes attendance at Stark College and Seminary.

Karen Gardner from Brenham operates Silver Lining Therapy, LLC. Her clinic offers community-based occupational therapy activities, hippotherapy, and animal-assisted therapy services. Gardner also works as an adjunct professor at a community college and is a faculty member of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). Her past roles include serving as a supervisor and director for various rehabilitation centers and clinics. She holds memberships with the American Occupational Therapy Association, Texas Occupational Therapy Association, and AHA. Gardner earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Physiology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University.