Sarah graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with B.S. of Science in Rehabilitation, focusing on Orientation & Mobility and special education. Leaving Texas, she moved to Virginia for an internship and is currently finishing up her M.Ed at George Mason University in special education with a concentration in vision impairments and autism. Sarah is an ACVREP Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, an independent contractor with Allied Instructional Services. Sarah also works as an Early Intervention Professional around the Richmond area. Previously, she has worked as an O&M Specialist at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired and has served as the Program Director of Texas Lions Camp. Sarah also serves on the planning committee for the International Orientation & Mobility Symposium and Cane Quest. Outside of all things cane travel, Sarah is a huge reader, always has a true-crime documentary on, and has never met a margarita she didn't like.

Mary Kate Harris has been a teacher of students with visual impairments in Fairfax County Public Schools for 13 years. After spending 10 years working in a resource room for middle and high school students, she is back to the itinerant world this year. Her professional interests include adapting STEM subjects, especially higher level math. She has previously served as a Virginia AER Treasurer, President-Elect and is excited to continue on the board this year as President.

A graduate of East Carolina University in 1978, Robin Hoerber obtained her Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. She has worked with DBVI as a volunteer since 1990 until obtaining a rehabilitation teacher position fifteen years ago. About to retire, she is involved in community activities and with her church. Choirs, baking, hiking, and reading are among her hobbies, with her favorites being service to others and enjoying times with family!

Rachel Fehrnstrom, known to some as Hedgie, is a Rehabilitation Teacher in the Roanoke office of the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Her internship was at the VA in Tucson, AZ. In 2021, Rachel moved from Idaho to Virginia (2,365 miles away!). When in Idaho, Rachel enjoyed working summers for a PreET program with the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Rachel loves hedgehogs, learning new crafts, and exploring thrift stores.

Colleen has been a Teacher of the Blind and Visually for almost 30 years. She started her career in Prince William County and then spent 2 years in California working as a TBVI in 3 different school districts. She is currently employed with Fairfax County Schools. She lives in Manassas with her husband, two sons and two dogs. Her oldest son is a senior and her youngest is a freshman.

Kristin Oien is an ACVREP Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist who provides orientation and mobility (O&M) direct instruction and resources to adults through the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) Norfolk Office of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Kristin has provided O&M instruction to individuals who are blind, low vision or who have functional visual limitations since 2000. Kristin strives to empower her clients to achieve their life goals for education, employment, and independence.

Amy Colaizzi is a Teacher for students with Visual Impairments with Norfolk Public Schools. She received an M.Ed. in Special Education in Visual Impairment and Blindness from the University of British Columbia in 2010. Amy has taught for 31 years and loves teaching and making braille and working with all types of learners. In addition, Amy has been working with the Dramatically Able program, a program that teaches learners with visual impairments how to perform on stage and enjoy live theater performances, since its beginning in 2017. She has been on the Virginia AER board several times over the last 12 years as Member-at-Large, President-Elect, President, and Past President. She has also performed many duties with Virginia AER Conference Planning. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her 4 cats, going to art museums, and enjoying nature.

Meg Walker is a COMS in the Roanoke Region. She is an active member of a Virginia AERBVI and looks forward to helping others be outstanding in our field!