About Us
Who We Are
We are a team of change-makers committed to ensuring that every person with a disability has the opportunity, resources, and confidence to live life on their own terms.
Our History
HOCTILC was established to ensure that people with disabilities in Central Texas had access to independent living services and advocacy.Over the years, we have expanded our programs to include:
- Employment and training services
- Transition support
- Peer support networks
- Advocacy and community engagement
- Ticket to Work Employment Network services
Today, HOCTIL provides a wide range of services designed to promote abilities, expand options, and support self-determination. From independent living skills training to assistive technology, advocacy, employment support, and resource navigation, we work alongside you to help you pursue your goals and increase your choices. With programs built on empowerment and accessibility, our organization continues to grow so individuals with disabilities can live independently — Your Life, Your Way.
What We Believe
Your Life…Your Way
HOCTILC Mission Statement
HOCTILC is dedicated to the promotion of independence for persons with disabilities through self-determination and to advocate for persons with disabilities to actively participate in their community.
HOCTILC Vision Statement
HOCTILC’s vision is to have individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illness to realize their dreams and to affirm their freedom of choice, recognizing their individual strengths, abilities, gifts, talents, and achieving a life of dignity, equality, independence and full inclusion.
HOCTILC Vision Statement
Meet our Team
Dedicated to promoting independent living and empowering individuals across Central Texas.
Executive Leadership
Melissa Ingriola
Melissa Ingriola serves as Executive Director of HOCTILC, providing strategic leadership and oversight of programs that promote independent living throughout Central Texas. She works closely with staff, board members, and community partners to strengthen advocacy initiatives and expand access to services for individuals with disabilities.
Melissa is committed to ensuring individuals have the resources, dignity, and support needed to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
Program Leadership
Geri Milliron
Geri Milliron oversees Information & Referral services and supports HOCTILC’s billing operations. She assists individuals and families in accessing appropriate community resources while ensuring accurate documentation and financial processes.
Her role helps connect community members to essential services while maintaining operational efficiency within the organization.
Barbi Oropello
Barbi Oropello oversees the Financial Management Services Agency (FMSA) and Consumer Directed Services Agency (CDSA) programs at HOCTILC. She ensures compliance, financial oversight, and quality service delivery for participants utilizing consumer-directed services.
Barbi works closely with individuals and families to support self-directed care options and promote independence through responsible financial management.
Carma Franco
Carma Franco leads HOCTILC’s Employment and Training programs, helping individuals with disabilities build skills, secure employment, and achieve greater independence. She collaborates with local employers and community partners to create inclusive workforce opportunities.
Carma is passionate about empowering individuals to identify their strengths and pursue meaningful career paths.
Our Staff
Breanna Jourdan
Breanna Jourdan provides individualized support to individuals seeking to strengthen independent living skills and access community resources. She assists with goal planning, advocacy, and service coordination to promote self-sufficiency.
Breanna is dedicated to helping individuals gain confidence and independence in their daily lives.
Brooke Oropello
Brooke Oropello manages payroll services within the FMSA/CDSA programs, ensuring accurate and timely processing for participants and providers. She works closely with families and care attendants to support smooth financial operations.
Her attention to detail helps maintain compliance and reliability within consumer-directed services.
Marissa Cruz
Marissa Cruz oversees billing processes and supports financial administration across HOCTILC programs. She collaborates with internal teams to ensure accurate recordkeeping and regulatory compliance.
Her work helps sustain the organization’s ability to deliver essential independent living services.
Community Partnerships
HOCTILC works alongside local, state, and federal partners to strengthen access and opportunity for people with disabilities.
We proudly support the Rusty Awards, a recognition initiative of the Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities. While the awards are not a HOCTILC program, we assist with outreach and community coordination to help recognize individuals making a meaningful impact.
Rusty Awards
The Rusty Awards
A Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities Recognition Initiative
Recognizing leadership, courage, and community impact in Bell County.
About Rusty Awards
HOCTILC's Role
HOCTILC serves as a long-time community partner by assisting with outreach, coordination, and community engagement to support this initiative.
Nominate Someone
Know someone who deserves recognition?
Nominations are reviewed by the Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities.
JOHN C. GARTH PERSON OF THE YEAR:
- Must have a disability under ADA guidelines
- Must be a resident of Bell County
- Must have made a significant achievement (social, economic, inspirational, personal effort, etc.)
- Must contribute positively to the community
JIM AND DAURICE BOWMER FAMILY MEMBER OF THE YEAR:
- Must be a resident of Bell County
- Must have had a positive impact on one or more relatives with disabilities
- An entire family may be nominated for this award
SHIRLEY BIELS HEALTH CARE WORKER OF THE YEAR:
- Must have worked in a healthcare or fitness-related field in Bell County within the past 12 months
- Must have made a positive impact on one or more persons with disabilities
- Any healthcare profession is eligible
LAURA “PAT” TAYLOR ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR:
- Must be a government employee, nonprofit employee, volunteer, or private individual in Bell County
- Must have made a positive impact on persons with disabilities through advocacy or service
- This award honors Pat Taylor, known for going the extra mile to help people in need
JENNIFER PHILLIPS AWARD FOR COURAGE:
- Must be a resident of Texas (Bell County residency not required)
- Recognizes courage and spirit in the face of disability
- May be for a disability currently faced or one that has been overcome
- Effort and perseverance will be given strong consideration, not just results
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR:
- Must be a business, industry, or organization located in Bell County
- Must employ persons with disabilities
- Business size and number of employees are not factors
- Emphasis is placed on equal opportunity and a supportive work environment
MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR:
- Must be a member of the media serving Bell County
- Must have contributed to reducing attitudinal, social, or physical barriers for persons with disabilities
- Must portray persons with disabilities accurately and respectfully
- Any publicly accessible media format is eligible
- The Committee may forward the nomination for consideration of a Barbara Jordan Award
BELL COUNTY JUDGE’S MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD:
- Must be a Bell County resident, group, or organization
- Must have made a meaningful impact on the lives of persons with disabilities
- This is an open award and may be given to any qualifying individual or entity
ARMED FORCES PERSON OF THE YEAR:
- Must have served on active duty in the Fort Hood/Bell County area within the past 12 months
- Recognizes efforts or contributions that enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities
- Impact may be within the military or civilian community
HARRY WILSON ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
- Must be a resident of Bell County
- Must have a disability
- Must be associated with athletics
- Winning or losing is not a selection criterion
PAT ELLIOTT INSPIRATIONAL AWARD:
- Must be a resident of Bell County
- Must serve as an inspiration to persons with disabilities
- The nominee does not need to have a disability