As chief executive officer at Easter Seals Greater Houston, Elise Hough hears stories first-hand of the impact of the services they provide each day. She has witnessed children who received services from Easter Seals 10, 20, 30 or more years ago still reaping the benefits of those investments in their futures.
Although Hough does not work in direct service, it makes her proud to be part of the work of the team in helping children achieve their highest levels of physical, cognitive and social development so that they can live as fully participating members of their community.
A main element for this to take place is through early intervention services. Hough heard of the impact of early intervention services during one of her first general staff meetings. A therapist shared the story of seeing a mother she had worked with 15 years before. At that time, the mom was told by doctors that her son should probably be institutionalized and that he would never be able to succeed in school. Recently, she learned her son who received services was in college, had started his own small business and was active in student leadership. This mother, with early intervention and wonderful therapists, refused to accept the grim path laid out for her by the “experts” and is now the proud parent of a young man who has had a chance to fully realize his potential.
Hough firmly believes that every child, regardless of their background or disability, deserves a chance to thrive. In addition, almost 1/3 of the Easter Seals Greater Houston staff either have a disability or are the caregiver of a person with a disability they are passionate about what they do. She is proud at their efficiency and effectiveness in delivering high quality services with small administrative costs.
Hough earned a Bachelor of Arts-Liberal Arts Major, Middle Eastern Studies Minor and a Bachelors of Business Administration, Marketing Major; JD; CPA.
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