Meet the Board
The C.E.L.L.S. Board of Directors brings a diverse blend of experience and a deep passion for education that has been essential to the organization’s success and continued growth. Each member is personally committed to fostering community, inspiring others, and driving innovation in education.
President
Tara Harper
Tara Harper is a native Houstonian. She graduated from Forest Brook High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Southern University in Health Information Management. Tara then went on to complete her Master of Business Administration from DeVry University and is currently working on her PhD in Healthcare Administration from Walden University.
Vice President
Chanae' Jones
Chanae’ Jones is a native of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science from Louisiana State University and obtained her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the
University of North Dakota. Chanae’ is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Public Health. She is the owner and supervising Occupational Therapist at Dreamcatchers Therapy and Wellness Services, PLLC in Humble, TX,
which was opened in 2013 and was able to merge into a fully operating company by 2015.
Dreamcatchers has a staff of 20 working in the Houston, Austin, and Lafayette, LA areas. Chanae’ has over 10 years of occupational
therapy along with experience in outpatient rehabilitation, abuse/mental health populations, pediatric home health, adult home health, community programs, and school districts. As a former at-risk youth, Chanae’ is dedicated to the betterment of her community.
Chanae’ resides in the Houston area with her daughter and son and is the Basileus of the Lambda Omega Delta Chapter, Spring-Woodlands area, of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Secretary
Deborah Hunt, MBA
Deborah Hunt is a resident of the Houston area and has extensive experience in teaching and in the healthcare industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Currently, Deborah is a high school teacher, who teaches Principles of Health Science and Health Science Theory, an Adjunct Professor at Houston Community College, and a Certified Medical Assistant and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist. Her love of training and development catapulted her decision to become a high school teacher.
Deborah champions inspired teaching. She believes that such teaching doesn't originate from a particular philosophy, theory, or set of materials. Rather, inspired teaching arises when teachers thoughtfully analyze their students and their circumstances, enabling them to create a learning environment tailored to those students' needs.
Deborah enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, four sons, and 3 grandchildren and is a licensed ordained pastor.
Treasurer
Raquel Avila
Raquel Avila is a native of Gary, Indiana. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University.
Raquel finds joy in helping her community. Driven by a deep commitment to her community and a desire to better the lives of the underserved, Raquel actively engages in service, understanding it requires dedicating both time and resources to those in need. The proverb "Each One, Teach One" deeply resonates with her, reinforcing her belief in the power of shared knowledge and the responsibility to empower others through education.
In her spare time, Raquel enjoys spending time with her family. She is the mother of two adult sons and resides in the Houston area.