Esther Hobbs, Founding Director/Chairman
Esther actively serves as the Chairman of the Board and the Executive Director of the school. Her experience and understanding of the unique needs and opportunities for persons with mental retardation comes from her sister, Darla, the namesake for Darla’s School.  Over 12 years ago, Esther took Darla out of a state institution for the mentally retarded and brought her home to live with her where she remains today.

In addition to Esther’s responsibilities of running Darla’s School she is also the owner of Out There Public Relations, a successful Houston public relations firm that was founded in 1991. Her expertise in marketing and public relations has led her to represent such corporate giants as American General Investment Corporation, Brown & Root USA, ConocoPhillips, Coldwell Banker, Gensler, Martha Turner Properties, and several professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects and The American Society of Interior Designers, to name a few.

Lauren Brown, Art Instructor
Lauren is currently working on a degree in Studio Art and minor in Psychology at Texas State University. She has a background in social service, has taught preschool and is a Certified Occupational Therapist. Her course work at Texas State University has been in painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and sculpture.
  
 

Donna Dommel, Certified Special Education Teacher
Donna received her degree at Sam Houston State University in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is certified in Speech and Hearing Therapy, Mental Retardation and Early Childhood Education. She has over 30 years of teaching experience and is especially proficient at working with all types of disabilities in various educational settings. Donna is also an Art Car artist and art instructor..