MARIE ELIZABETH COOPER HOFFMAN

FAMILY: One wonderful husband, Charles Reid Hoffman, Jr. Executive Director of Student & Social  Services, Fort Worth Independent School District.

Two wonderful daughters, Julia a budding trombonist, guitarist , songwriter & soccer player at Paschal High School; and, Anne, a religion major/psychology minor at Austin College who aspires to be a pastoral counselor.

Daughter of Dr. Joseph Rogers Cooper (Presbyterian minister, retired) and Elizabeth ‘Beezie’ Lang Cooper, pastoral counselor (retired).  Sister of Robert Glenn Cooper, custodian at the University of Texas in Austin, (retired, & my inspiration for working in special education and with special needs students) and Carol Cooper Zdeba., educational counselor.

CHURCH PARTICIPATION: Currently a  member at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Adult Sunday School teacher, Youth Sponsor ,Elder, member of the Mission Committee and  member of  the planning team for Room at the Inn ( a program to show respect to and provide shelter for homeless persons in the community).

Joyfully participating at Ridglea Presbyterian Church as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for adults in the community, and joyfully participating in Build the Border, a program implemented through Habitat for Humanity to help those in Mexico who are in need of a home. 

WORK: Currently an Educational Diagnostician for the Special Education Department in Ft. Worth ISD, and completing 29 years in special education and working with special needs students.

EDUCATION:

BA in Psychology & Spanish from Austin College in Sherman, Texas; 

( one year of study at New York University in Madrid, Spain) 

MA in Education from Austin College; and,

Ph.D. in Special Education from Texas Woman’s University

PASSIONS: Working with persons in need.  Particular passions for helping those in Mexico and from Mexico, as well as persons with special needs. Passion for matching needs of people with resources available.

YEARNINGS: To have more resources available for those in need. All persons in need.