Conference Presenters

Bonnie Archibald serves as the Associate Director at Mira Foundation USA, located in Southern Pines, North Carolina. In her role, Bonnie focuses on expanding awareness of Mira USA's mission to provide guide dogs to visually impaired children and identifying candidates who would benefit from the organization's programs. Her work is instrumental in raising awareness about Mira USA and connecting blind children ages 11-17 across the country with life-changing guide dog partnerships that promote independence, mobility, and confidence during critical developmental years.

Lauren Beall has a National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) and works at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. With a master?s degree in counseling and guidance, specializing in orientation and mobility, Lauren is dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to build confidence, develop independence, and navigate their environment with skill and assurance. With a year of hands-on experience in the field, Lauren brings both technical expertise and a compassionate approach to her work. She is passionate about supporting each individual?s journey and finds deep fulfillment in witnessing her students achieve their personal goals and regain a sense of independence.

Robin Bliven is the Outreach Director at The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. She attended the University of Tennessee for her bachelor's and master's degrees in education of the Deaf and hard of hearing. She has taught in Pre-K-12th grade across the country in both itinerant and site-based settings. She has experience in both hearing and vision loss in her work as the lead teacher for sensory disabilities in Pitt County, North Carolina. Robin moved to Virginia and into the role of Outreach Director in 2021. She lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with her 2 daughters. Robin spends her free time watching a lot of softball, driving people places, and trying to keep up with laundry.

Sue Bowmaster: Her vision decreased gradually as a small child, and Sue became totally blind when she was six. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1967 with a major in Spanish. After college she joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Honduras and Costa Rica, working with blind children and young adults. Returning to the U.S., Sue got a job with the Department of Labor. She spent 31 years with the Office of Federal Contract compliance Programs which is responsible for enforcing laws requiring affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment. In 1991 she adopted an 18-month-old blind baby girl from Madras, India. She retired in 2006. After retirement she dealt with some health issues requiring a hip and a knee replacement. She became a member of ACB IN 1988, attending her first convention in Richmond, Va. In 1989. Sue has served on several ACB committees, the local chapter of Guide Dog Users Inc., six years on the International Relations committee, and several board positions. She is currently secretary of ACBVa's board of directors. Sue and her daughter, Mia, have received services from DBVI, including orientation and mobility, independent living skills, and employment readiness. Sue is currently serving her first year of a three-year appointment on the Va. State Rehabilitation council.

Amanda Bradley was a private school elementary and middle school teacher in Fairfax County and D.C. and is currently in Richmond. She has also been a tutor and special activities coordinator.

Rick Bradley brings over 30 years of experience working in the field of vocational rehabilitation and is currently employed by the VA Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. He is a graduate of Radford University and Concord University and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Over his career he has held a variety of positions including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Lead Counselor, Unit Supervisor, Human Service Manager and Vocational Expert Witness.

Traci Branch is the Statewide Program Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services within the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). With a career rooted in advocacy and empowerment, she has previously served as a statewide transition specialist and vocational rehabilitation counselor bringing soluble skills to her current leadership role.

Traci holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Gallaudet University and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a Board Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and has furthered her specialization with a post-graduate certificate in Special Education and Traumatic Brain Injury from George Washington University.

Ericke S. Cage is the 13th president of West Virginia State University. He was unanimously selected for the position on March 31, 2022, by the WVSU Board of Governors, having served the university previously since September 2021 as interim president. In June 2024, President Cage signed a new five-year contract to continue to lead the university until 2029. Under President Cage's leadership, West Virginia State University has achieved several significant milestones, including the development of a five-year university strategic plan known as Future State; the creation of a Cybersecurity Innovation Center; the launch of the university's first doctorate degree program in educational leadership; and a return to downtown Charleston with the new WVSU Center. A native of Halifax County, Virginia, President Cage came to WVSU from Norfolk State University where he served as executive advisor to the president and Board of Visitors. President Cage is a graduate of Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He holds a juris doctorate from the Rutgers University Law School and a Master of Law degree in litigation and dispute resolution from the George Washington University Law School.

Gus Chalkias is an Assistive Technology Specialist with over twenty years of experience in the field. He is a graduate of Hunter College, earning master?s degrees in both rehabilitation and mental health counseling. He began his work in assistive technology at the Computer Center for Visually Impaired People at Baruch College in 2001 and ran the Demo Center Project there from its inception in 2009. He currently works for the Helen Keller Services for the Blind as Program Director of Assistive Technology Services. Over the course of his career, Gus has developed several training programs for both pre-vocational students as well as vocationally oriented clients. These programs include working with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

W. LaMont Council, PT, DPT, NCS is an Outpatient Specialist I Physical Therapist who has worked at Riverside Health's Outpatient Physical Therapy Denbigh Clinic in Newport News, VA for over 1.5 years. He worked as a Physical Therapist III for Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital's inpatient rehabilitation unit in Lynchburg, VA USA for 15 years prior to his current job and was also an adjunct professor at the University of Lynchburg in their DPT program teaching in the area of Prosthetics and Orthotics for 7 years. He is an ABPTS Board-Certified Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy who earned his Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT) Degree from Winston-Salem State University (NC) in 2007 and his Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree from Chatham University (PA) in 2009. He completed his undergraduate education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC) earning a Bachelor of Arts while double majoring in Biology and Exercise and Sport Science in 2002. He has been married to his wonderful wife, Amanda and they are the proud parents of four terrific children: Marie, Lucy, Rachel, and Walker.

John Crews, O.D., graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry (UABSO) in 1985. He further honed his skills with an optometric residency in Geriatrics and Low Vision Rehabilitation. Dr. Crews dedicated many years to serving the Danville community at Dominion Eye Center (later Harman Eye Center) and, most recently, shared his expertise as a Clinical Associate Professor at UABSO, guiding future optometrists.

Stephanie Crosen is a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She currently provides contract services in both school and early intervention settings across Virginia and before that in Colorado. While living in Colorado, she developed a strong passion for working with babies and toddlers with visual impairments. After nine years in the west, Stephanie returned to Virginia. She holds a master?s degree in special education with an endorsement in teaching students with visual impairments as well as a graduate certificate in orientation and mobility.

Being legally-blind Margaret (Margie) DeMars is your past, present and future student. Having been diagnosed with Myopic Degeneration at the age of seven, it has been a lifelong struggle losing both central and peripheral vision. Because she feels the past 15 years are the most important jobs that she has held, she will focus on her volunteer work with the blind, deaf-blind & vision impaired in TN & VA. Highlighting some actions: grant writing, news articles, facilitating InSight on Vision conferences & starting Southside Otta Sight (SOS) Group in Danville has been her privilege. Past positions: Board of Directors of Visually Impaired Support (VIS) Group, TN 11 yrs, TN Council of the Blind (TCB) 8 yrs, Secretary of the TN Organization of the Deaf-Blind (TODB) 10 yrs. Currently, serve as Director's for ACBVA, SOS Group, ACB SASI, VIS & TODB's Advisory Boards.

Margaret (Margie) DeMars is your past, present and future student. Margie was diagnosed with Myopic Degeneration at the age of seven; it has been a lifelong struggle losing both central and peripheral vision. Because she feels the most important jobs that she has held were in the past 15 years, she focuses on her volunteer work with the blind, deaf-blind & vision impaired in Tennessee and Virginia. Some highlighted actions that have been her privilege include grant writing, news articles, facilitating InSight on Vision conferences, and starting Southside Otta Sight (SOS) Group in Danville. Margie has held multiple positions in the past: Board of Directors of Visually Impaired Support (VIS) Group, Tennessee 11 years; Tennessee Council of the Blind (TCB) 8 years; Secretary of the Tennessee Organization of the Deaf-Blind (TODB) 10 years. Currently, she serves as Director for ACBVA, SOS Group, ACB SASI, VIS & TODB?s Advisory Boards.

Joseph DiNero is a seasoned accessibility professional with over seven years of experience empowering blind and visually impaired students to live, study, and work more independently through the effective use of assistive technology. As the Director of Business Outreach and Assistant Program Director of Assistive Technology Services at Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Joe spearheads national training initiatives, oversees instructional programs for teens and adults, and champions remote accessibility training across the country.

In his role at Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Joe leverages his expertise to enhance the accessibility landscape, ensuring that individuals with visual impairments have the tools and support necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. His leadership has been pivotal in developing innovative training programs that cater to diverse learning needs, fostering a culture of inclusion and independence.

Additionally, Joe serves as the Head Digital Accessibility Tester at UsableNet, where he has contributed to hundreds of client projects across various industries, including finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and education. With a Trusted Tester Certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Joe brings a user-first perspective to every evaluation, ensuring that digital platforms are not only compliant but also truly accessible to all users.

Driven by a deep commitment to accessibility, Joe is passionate about seeing companies implement accessibility recommendations, knowing firsthand the profound impact these changes can have on the lives of people with disabilities navigating the digital world. His work at both organizations underscores his dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible future for all.

Jim Franklin was a special education teacher at Elm Street Elementary in Rome, GA, the 21st elementary school to be STEM certified by the Georgia Department of Education and has over 26 years of experience in all academic settings. He invented a series of math manipulatives in 2012 that address the standards of rounding numbers up to 10,000,000, fractions, elapsed time, decimals, weight, money, and capacity that are used by all students, including students with visual impairments. Jim travels the United States as a math and STEM consultant, sharing his ideas and strategies at education service centers, conferences, schools, and districts.

Susan Franklin is a retired high school English teacher from Rome, Georgia. She travels to conferences throughout the United States with her husband, Jim, as he delivers presentations and demonstrations of his math manipulatives and STEM projects. Susan also works at Berry College in Georgia as an adjunct supervisor.

Darren Gladstone works with RightHear, a leading accessibility technology company that empowers people who are blind or have low vision to navigate indoor spaces independently. At RightHear, Darren focuses on helping organizations understand the importance of inclusive design and how wayfinding technology can transform accessibility in parks, universities, hospitals, restaurants, offices and beyond. With a background in business, operations, and marketing, Darren brings a practical perspective on how accessibility initiatives can be implemented at scale and deliver impact for both users and organizations. Darren has an undergraduate degree from Gallaudet University and graduate degrees in marketing and an MBA in Sustainability.

Marianne Haegeli brings 20+ years of experience as a learning and leadership development professional to NSITE and oversees all employment readiness, career skills, certificate, and certification programs for blind and low vision job seekers and professionals. Prior to joining NSITE, Marianne initiated and managed start-up and ongoing immigration information operations for the U.S. Department of State worldwide, served as the Managing Director of an international school, and led operations and innovation efforts of professional learning services for the world?s largest higher education nonprofit.

Marianne holds a Master of Arts in Intercultural Communications from the University of Maryland.

Matt Harding is currently working for DBVI in Southwest Virginia covering the Roanoke and Bristol offices. He was an Orientation & Mobility Specialist for 28 years, and a TVI for seven. He has worked for the VA hospital and the School for the Deaf and Blind in Tucson. He then moved to Virginia where he was a TVI in Newport News and Roanoke County. He also worked for himself and Allied Instructional Services as a Mobility Specialist in over ten counties. He received his undergraduate degree in English Literature from St. Olaf College, took a semester in Paris at the Sorbonne, then got his master's in special education: vision and O&M at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Mary Kate Harris has been a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments with Fairfax County Public Schools for 15 years. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Longwood University and a Masters in Special Education with endorsement in teaching students with Visual impairments from George Mason University. She has worked both as an itinerant and in a resource room setting for middle and high school students. She is a self-proclaimed math nerd who enjoys supporting students in and adapting materials for higher level math and science classes.

Tish Harris, MBA, is the Pre-Employment Transitions Services and Career Pathways Coordinator for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired where she has delivered innovative programs and partnerships to assist students with career exploration and taking steps towards success in education and employment. Tish has piloted multiple successful and sustainable events and academies, leading to a dramatic increase in student connections with DBVI. Tish also teaches business at Blue Ridge Community College and sits on the local Career Pathway Consortium in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Tish Harris is the Student Team and Career Pathways Coordinator for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) where she has delivered innovative programs and partnerships to assist students with career exploration and taking steps towards success in education and employment. She has piloted several successful and sustainable programs to increase student engagement with DBVI. Prior to joining DBVI, Tish ran a family business with 15 locations in multiple states employing over 500 people. Tish also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Business at Blue Ridge Community College.

Kate is currently serving as the Chief Research, Evaluation and Program Management in the ITS Joint Program Office at the US DOT. In addition to the ITS JPO, Kate has worked at the USDOT in FHWA and FMCSA in FMCSA's research and technology offices and in FHWA's Freight office. She serves as the Program Manager for both the Connected Vehicle Pilot and Smart City Programs and has run the ITS JPO Truck Program and the Dynamic Mobility Applications Program. She has a diverse background, including work as a marketing manager, financial researcher, a paralegal and serving in the Peace Corps as a business advisor. She has both a BA in Economics and an MBA as well as being a certified PMP.

Christopher Hekimian obtained a master's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1995 and a Doctor of Science degree in Systems Engineering in 2004. He has worked in national defense. He is also an inventor and a researcher and has served as a teacher for gifted children and as a substitute teacher for middle school students. He currently produces a line of music training aids for use by teachers and students.

After being diagnosed with an untreatable retina disease, Dr. Hekimian developed several technologies related to vision health. Most recently he developed the Farmer Noah system for Orientation and Mobility training. The system is designed to develop the key skills necessary for the blind to master their environments and to move about them with safety and confidence. Chris works together with his wife Christine.

Dennis Helms grew up in a small community in Southwest Virginia called Meadows of Dan, located about 3,000 feet above sea level right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. He left home at the age of five to attend VSDB (Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind). He later attended public school and graduated from Bassett High school in 1976. He graduated from Longwood University in 1980 with an undergraduate degree in music education. His first job was at Virginia Tech as a data entry operator. He graduated from UVA, The University of Virginia, in May 1984 with a Masters in Special Education with an emphasis in vision. He began working in Richmond for the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired that August. He transferred to Roanoke in April 1986. Later he received certification as a rehabilitation teacher and retired and retired July 1, 2023, after nearly 40 years of service working as an employee of Virginia.

His hobbies are music, sports, walking and fishing. He is married with a 31-year-old daughter. He has also been a member of The American Council for the Blind. He has served as Chapter President of Virginia AER. He was presented with Virginia AER's Dominion Award of Excellence as nominated and affirmed by his peers.

Stephanie Herlich, MA, a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialist for 20+ years, coordinates the Assessment Center at California School for the Blind. She is an educational consultant for Exceptional Teaching, and lectures at San Francisco State University. She authored The Mangold Braille Program, Unit 3 UEB (Exceptional Teaching), co-authored Getting to Know You: A Social Skills Curriculum for Students Who Are Visually Impaired and Their Sighted Peers (APH), and was a contributing author of Learning to Listen Listening to Learn, (APH) and ECC Essentials; Teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum to Students with Visual Impairments (APH).

Mike Hess, a tech veteran with 20 years of experience managing 7-figure projects for Fortune 500 companies, often found himself as the token blind guy. Knowing that the invaluable skills he developed because of his blindness were the keys to his success, he couldn't understand why unemployment amongst the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community was so high. Recognizing the untapped potential of the blind and visually impaired community, he founded the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT). Mike has successfully placed BVI and disabled professionals in Fortune 500 companies nationwide. To address the need for marketable tech skills among people with disabilities, Mike established the BIT Academy. The Academy is the only Salesforce-approved training provider for people with disabilities.

Mike Hess is the Founder and Executive Director of the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), a nonprofit on a mission to close the employment gap for professionals with disabilities. After two decades managing multimillion-dollar tech projects for Fortune 500 companies, Mike grew frustrated by being seen as the ?token blind guy.? He knew the skills he had developed because of his blindness were an asset ? not a limitation ? and he set out to challenge stereotypes, break down employment barriers, and promote equity for disabled professionals in corporate America. Since launching BIT, Mike has built global partnerships and connected talented disabled professionals with career opportunities at leading companies.

Michelle A. C. Hicks, Ph.D., is currently a visiting assistant professor of special education and disability policy program at the Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education in Richmond, VA. She received her master's degree in education from Old Dominion University and her bachelor's degree at Hampton University. Her research interest is improving the post-secondary outcome for students with blindness and visual impairment. Prior to entering academia, Michelle taught students with Autism, specific learning disabilities, specific emotional disabilities, and visual impairment.

Hilary Hodes is the Project Coordinator for the Virginia Deafblind Project (VDBP).She provides training and technical assistance to teams working with students with both vision and hearing loss. Hilary has worked in special education for over 15 years, including teaching in specialized and inclusive settings in Brooklyn and London prior to joining the VDBP team. She is passionate about collaborating with the educational team, including families, to fit together the many pieces of supporting children with complex learning needs. Hilary received a Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in Curriculum and Teaching and a Masters of Science in Education from Hunter College, City University of New York in Special Education with an annotation in Multiple Disabilities including Deaf-Blindness.

Hilary Hodes is the Project Coordinator for the Virginia Deafblind Project, approaching 20 years of experience in the field. She provides statewide training to teams working with children with both vision and hearing loss. Hilary?s teaching experience includes leading a pilot classroom for children with combined vision and hearing loss in Brooklyn, NY as well as teaching and coaching in inclusive classrooms in Brooklyn and London. Hilary received a Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in Curriculum and Teaching and a Master of Science in Education from Hunter College, City University of New York in Special Education with an annotation in Multiple Disabilities including Deaf-Blindness.

Robin F. Hoerber was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. She was raised in the rural farming community of Montague, New Jersey. Born three months premature and weighing only three pounds and nine ounces at birth, she developed Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) which resulted in her total blindness. In those days, New Jersey and Washington State were the only two states that permitted mainstreaming in the public schools. Other states advocated for residential education for children with vision impairments and total blindness.

Robin grew up in the rural farming community of Montague, New Jersey with her three younger, fully sighted siblings. She was raised to be as independent as possible. She had a reader for materials not available to her in Braille. Her books and tests were brailled by volunteer transcribers. Robin completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology with a minor in English from Dickenson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1975 and her master's in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling in 1977 from East Carolina University.

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Robin has handled Social Security and Epilepsy caseloads. She worked for the Programs for Accessible Living in Charlotte, North Carolina where she gained invaluable experience dealing with clients having a wide variety of disabilities. She helped to provide people with community-based services, including information and referral, independent living skills training, and advocacy and community education.

At a mission's church program Robin gained hands-on experience in ministering to the needs of elderly persons in the congregation and a large homeless population in the area. The mission's services included substance-abuse counseling, information and referrals, management of the food pantry and clothing closet, and fostering interagency cooperation. She gained tremendous experience in working with the public at the J.C. Penny Call Center as a Customer Service Representative. She taught other blind employees how to utilize adaptive equipment on the job. In the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy she worked as a Disability Rights Advocate for individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities by facilitating mediation and/or negotiation activities with service providers, government officials, and employers. Without exception, independence, choice, and self-determination were at the forefront of all her client-related interactions.

Robin has served as a Braille Instructor at the Virginia Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired while she certified as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Braille Instructor.

Last year Robin retired as a Rehabilitation Teacher with the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. She enjoys serving with her church, taking various classes at LLI, and serving with the Brandermill Midlothian Woodlake Lions Club, baking, providing disability awareness programs to scout and other civic groups, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. Each summer she volunteers with Camp Rainbow Connection, a camp for cognitively challenged adults, through the United Methodist Church as staff counselor. She enjoys visiting her son, his wife, and her grand-daughter, Rebekah who turned four in June.

Chris Holloway has been the South Region Sales Manager for SynapseITS, the parent company of Polara Enterprises ? the leader in Accessible Pedestrian Signals for more than 20 years. Chris brings over three decades of experience in traffic safety, working with governments, contractors, and consultants to improve pedestrian infrastructure. He is passionate about helping communities embrace Accessible Pedestrian Signals, making streets safer for the visually impaired and for all pedestrians. Before joining Polara, Chris spent five years serving as a missionary in Ghana and previously worked for more than two decades with a leading traffic signal distributor in the Southeast.

Helene Holman is the President of Exceptional Teaching Inc., a company founded by Dr. Sally Mangold. Exceptional Teaching Inc. has provided high quality products to individuals with special needs for over 50 years. Over the past 20 years Ms. Holman has collaborated with teachers, parents, and industry leaders to create products that benefit individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

Leslie Hoskins is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and serves as the Outreach Services and Community Engagement Manager at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Since joining the organization in March 2014, Leslie has brought energy and dedication to a variety of roles, including six years as Camp Director and COMS before transitioning to her current outreach-focused position.

In her role, Leslie is responsible for client recruitment, graduate and community engagement, and fostering partnerships with organizations in the blindness and low vision fields. She leads bi-monthly Collaboration Events and co-hosts the Taking the Lead podcast, both of which aim to educate and connect professionals, clients, and the broader community. Leslie earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility from Western Michigan University.

Melanie Hughes is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist working with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired out of the Fairfax office since 1996. She graduated with an M.S. from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now Salus University). Representing AERBVI, she has served on the American National Standards Institute A117 Committee which develops accessibility standards for the built environment, and on a committee with the NCHRP. Since 1999, she has worked closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on its APS program and many other projects. In 2018, she was the keynote speaker for statewide APS training for VDOT and has trained the maintenance staff and traffic engineers in the needs of vision impaired travelers. She is currently on the AER Environmental Access Committee.

LaSonya Jackson has 26 years of dedicated public service in vocational rehabilitation and is currently employed by the VA Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. A graduate of Louisiana State University and University of North Texas, she has held a variety of impactful roles. Among her most notable achievements is successfully placing deaf-blind clients with exemplary employers?an effort that not only empowered the individuals but also resulted in both employers being recognized as ?Employer of the Year.?

Kelsey Jones holds a Bachelor?s (Old Dominion University) and Master?s Degree (Liberty University) in Public Health, specializing in health equity and access to healthcare. With over a decade of experience in public health and health education, she is dedicated to improving community well-being and ensuring equitable access to care. Kelsey currently serves on the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Advisory Board, where she contributes to initiatives promoting youth health and wellness across the state. For six years, she has also served as a CommonHealth Wellness Consultant, leading programs that foster healthy lifestyles and engagement within diverse populations. Passionate about developing meaningful relationships within her community, Kelsey strives to create lasting, positive change. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a love for shopping and connecting with others.

Ana C Khan is a Braille Transcriber. She transcribes all print materials provided to students in class. This includes mostly scientific and math subjects, a few literary materials that require human touch (i.e. tables, graphics, tests, exams, quizzes, etc.), She also creates large sized tactile images, from scratch using a free program called QuickTack, from Duxbury Systems.

Love Kingsbury has over 15 years of experience in disability advocacy, fueled by a deep, personal connection as a parent and grandparent of children with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to supporting families through training, delivering, and developing critical resources that empower parents and caregivers. Before joining PEATC, she served as an educational advocate, helping families navigate complex systems to secure the support their children needed. Known for strong communication skills and a talent for research, she brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her work, consistently bridging gaps between families and educational systems.

Valery Kircher is a COMS/TVI in Virginia. Valery finished her CVI Certification at UMass, Boston in December 2022. Currently Valery is working on her Doctorate in Special Education at the University of Pittsburgh, with her dissertation on CVI and O&M.

Valery is currently a COMS with DBVI in Virginia. She graduated from Kutztown University with a BS in Elementary and Special Education in Vision studies. Valery then went on to attend Western Michigan University where she received her MA in O&M for Children and is ACVREP certified. She has worked as a TVI and a COMS in Virginia's public schools. She has her CVI Certification through UMass Boston. She is currently a Doctorate student at University of Pittsburgh. She is planning to do her dissertation on O&M and CVI in children. She has presented extensively on CVI and O&M at the CVI Symposium (Perkins) in 2024, and 2022; AER International in 2024 as well as 2022, and the online International O&M Conference and past Virginia AER conferences.

Valery Kircher works as a COMS for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. In the past she also worked as an Education Coordinator with DBVI, collaborating and working together with children, families and educators to ensure children with visual impairments received appropriate services. Valery has worked as both a TVI and COMS in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom. She has presented regionally, nationally and internationally on the topic of Cerebral Visual Impairment and its impact on children and adults including in the realm of Orientation and Mobility. Presentations included virtual platforms at SOMA, AER, and internationally. She has a BS from Kutztown University of PA in Special Education.

Kevin has been with GoodMaps for over a year. He is a newly blind individual who is working in this role to advocate for accessible navigation for the blind community. GoodMaps provides the technology for turn-by-turn navigation for indoor spaces.

Kim Ladd, RN, BS, CPHQ, CDCES, is the Diabetes Educator/ Health Education Specialist for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) and the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (VRCBVI). Her work involves empowering clients who are blind or have low vision to independently manage their diabetes and other chronic diseases with the use of adaptive techniques, low vision aids, accessible devices, and problem-solving. Kim has been a registered nurse for almost 30 years, having received her RN Diploma from Richmond Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University. She is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, a Master Trainer for the Stanford University-developed Diabetes Self-Management and Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, and a certified American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid instructor, adapting the training for the vision-impaired. After having taught diabetes self-management in home health and community settings for years, she began working at DBVI in 2015. Kim is a 2023 Accessible Pharmacy Services Vision Healthcare Award recipient for Diabetes Education.

Domonique Lawless completed her undergraduate degree in German, Education, and Chinese from Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee. She obtained a master's degree in teaching Blind Students and Orientation and Mobility from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston Louisiana. Domonique has over a decade's experience working in the field of blindness, teaching Braille, Orientation and Mobility, Access Technology, and other related living skills. She has worked with students as young as three years old, and as wise as ninety-one years old.

Karla Lesher has spent 29 years with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) where she has worked as a Regional Counselor for the Deaf. Throughout her long tenure, Karla has been recognized for her commitment to enhancing access, equity, independence, and quality of services for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deafblind.

Karla earned her master?s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed her undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Her strong academic foundation, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has positioned her as a respected leader in the field of rehabilitation and deaf services.

During her career at DARS, Karla has developed and implemented numerous special projects aimed at improving service delivery and addressing emerging needs within the community. She has also provided highly specialized training?both within DARS and to community partners?on a wide range of topics related to deafness, utilizing interpreter services, accessibility, successful job matching and inclusive practices.

Liang Liao is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Richmond Regional Office of Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). She has been with DBVI and in the vocational rehabilitation field since 2014. In her prior career, she worked with IT and End Customer as a business systems analyst and solution design lead. She also has experience in business process improvement and materials/inventory management. She is an audiobook bookworm and loves walking in the forest with her dog.

Lia Mason is an Alternate Assessment Specialist. She will present the session titled "Updates from the Virginia Department of Education: Supporting Students with Visual Impairments."

Bethanie Mateer is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She served as an adjunct Professor at Marshall University Graduate College, an Outreach Specialist with West Virginia's Department of Education, and as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired in Raleigh County.

Established in 1996, WVU Eye Institute Children's Vision Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) that serves visually impaired children, teachers, parents and professionals across West Virginia. With a mission to provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to blind and visually impaired school-aged children throughout West Virginia regardless of their ability to pay, the CVRP program continues to grow and evolve with new projects each year based on students' needs. CVRP holds clinics to provide students with updated visual acuities, fields, and recommendations for technology and orientation and mobility. CVRP also holds camps throughout the year for students. One camp being Mobility Camp. This camp provides students from around the state the opportunity to put their O&M skills to the test in a new city.

Whitney Matheson is dually as a Certified Orientation & Mobility and as a Specialist Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. She received her master's in Vision Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2016. From the Fall of 2015 through the Spring of 2023, Whitney was both a TVI and O&M for Roanoke City Public Schools. In the Fall of 2023 to the present, she provides O&M services solely for Roanoke City Public Schools, Roanoke County Public Schools, and contracts out to Floyd County Public Schools. She has served on the Virginia AER Board as a member at large (2018-2019), President-Elect (2019-2020), President (2020-2021), and Past President (2021-2022). Also Whitney served on the planning committee for the Virginia AER conference in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Shanell Matos is an inspiring advocate and technology enthusiast in the accessibility and vision-loss community. She is the RightHear Community Manager and was previously a Lighthouse Guild volunteer where she actively participated in testing and promoting assistive technologies and exploring emerging innovations like the Meta smart glasses.

Donna Mayberry, M.Ed. was a Teacher of the Visually Impaired for 32 years in the Central Virginia region specializing in braille and is now the Education Coordinator with DBVI for the Roanoke Region. She has obtained NLS Unified English Braille Literary Transcription certification as well as National Certification in Unified English Braille. She has mentored over 10 provisional TVI educators into full certification and has tutored many Vision Educators through college level braille coursework as well as NLS Transcription Certification. Not wanting Vision Educators to have to reinvent the wheel, she has created multiple braille reference materials and student braille tracking forms for teachers to freely use.

Harini Mohan is a vision rehab teacher, instructor and specialist over 10 years of experience. Inclined to independent living skills and communication skills training for people with blindness and low vision.

Angie Moran is a certified vision rehabilitation therapist who has been serving in the field since 2011. She is currently a rehabilitation teacher at Virginia Department for Blind and Vision Impaired and is passionate about assisting clients in reaching their goals to increase and maintain their independence while living with vision loss. And one of the many hobbies she enjoys during her free time is running. She has completed six marathons.

Jimmy Morris is a National Orientation and Mobility Certified Specialist (NOMC) with extensive experience since 2017 at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired where he enhances mobility skills for individuals with visual impairments. Beyond direct instruction, he has shown strong leadership in the O&M community, serving four years as Vice-President of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association and currently chairing the National Orientation Mobility Certification Trainers Division, helping to shape training standards and advance the profession nationally.

Jimmy Morris is currently working as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor for the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired and has been doing so since 2018. He received his master's in counseling with a concentration in Orientation and Mobility from Louisiana Tech University in 2017. After obtaining his National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), he began a second career as an orientation and mobility center-based instructor. In addition, Mr. Morris had the opportunity to work as an itinerant instructor out in the field for two years for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Prior to teaching, Mr. Morris was a financial manager for over twenty years and provided economic and budgetary guidance to a variety of consumers. Mr. Morris made his way into the rehabilitation field through his own journey with blindness, by successfully completing an adjustment to blindness training program, and by embracing a realization of the empowerment and freedom provided by the long white cane. Because of this personal understanding, Mr. Morris confidently decided to change careers and pay forward his own experience and knowledge to others needing independence. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association (OMSA), and enjoys being outdoors, and grilling for family and friends.

James Nester is part of the Southside Outta Sight (SOS) group which is a support group of individuals who are visually impaired in the Danville, VA and surrounding areas. It was established December 13, 2023. We are proud members of both the American Council for the Blind (ACB) and our state affiliate ACB of Virginia. The ACBVA played a large role supporting SOS financially during the start of our 2nd year. SOS exists to promote independence, educate, share and inspire each other. We want to ?Live Life to the Fullest? and help others to do the same!

Madeline Nunnally is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She will present the session titled ?Navigating Possibilities with GREAT Rewards.?

Dan Oates is retired from the West VA Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) in Romney, WV. He holds a M.Ed. with past AER certifications as a TVI, COMS & CLVT. He worked as a COMS for 14 years and as an Outreach Specialist for 16 years. As an Outreach Specialist, he coordinated a statewide program for blind & low vision infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and families. In 2007, he was honored with an induction into the Space Camp Hall of Fame in the inaugural class. He promoted the SCIVIS program at many residential schools for the blind and at state and national conferences. He also traveled to Australia, Russia, Ireland, and St. Lucia and to promote SCIVIS so students from those countries could attend.

Kristin is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist from the Norfolk Office of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). She provides orientation and mobility (O&M) assessment, instruction and resources to DBVI clients. O&M services include knowing where you are, planning how to get to where you want to go, and traveling safely and as independently as possible.

Joe Orozco is an intelligence analyst with the FBI by day. In the evenings and weekends, he coordinates Project RISE, a statewide mentoring program that helps high school and college students with employment transition services. He received a bachelor?s in public administration from Texas State University and a master?s in congressional and presidential studies from the Catholic University of America.

Alyssa Otis has been with Leader Dogs for the Blind for over 13 years as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) and now as the Outreach Specialist. She started at Leader Dog right after graduating from Central Michigan University with a bachelor?s degree in psychology and American Sign Language. Over the past 13 years, Alyssa has trained with hundreds of dogs and has placed client/guide dog teams all over the U.S., Canada and Spain. She has been a GDMI apprentice mentor, participated in professional seminars for COMS seeking to learn more about guide dogs, and presented to various groups on guide dog training and expectations.

Ira Padhye is the Director of the Educational Hub for Sensory Disabilities and the Project Director at the Virginia Deafblind Project at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. In 2023, she received her doctorate in Special Education from VCU. Prior to her position at the Deafblind Project, she was a Teacher of the Deafblind in the Deafblind Program at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. She has a master?s in education in Severe Special Needs, with a concentration in Deafblindness from Boston College. Ira's research interests include professional development for special education teachers and classroom paraprofessionals working with students with low-incidence disabilities.

Rebecca Peek has worked as a teacher of students with learning disabilities, an early interventionist, a teacher of students with severe disabilities, and a TVI. Rebecca currently works as a TVI for Falls Church City Schools and serves as a colleague assistance program mentor for Fairfax County Schools, working with new and struggling special education teachers. Rebecca holds master?s degrees in special education, curriculum and instruction (reading), and early childhood special education. She earned master?s degree certifications in teaching children with vision impairment, autism, and orientation and mobility.

Gillian Pilcher is a retired TVI with a background in multiple disabilities who is now working as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist with DBVI in Roanoke.

Doug is a former DBVI client with Retinitis Pigmentosa. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University, Bloomington. He retired after 18 years of marketing at the National Education Association's Professional Library. He also spent 10 years at the National industries for the Blind, traveling to agencies to facilitate training in communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. He served two 3-year terms on the DBVI State Rehabilitation Council serving as Chair of the Council for the last two years of his term. Recently, Doug just termed off the National Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). He lives in Falls Church with his wife of 51 years. They have two grown children. Spare time finds him singing in a rock chorus and a gospel chorus.

Caroline Rammacher is a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Specialist with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). She works with the DBVI Student Team to support students in growing their independence and professional goals. Caroline worked for 3 years at DBVI as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before becoming a Pre-ETS Specialist. Prior to that, Caroline graduated with a Master?s in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Nitesh Rathod is a rehab engineer. She will present the session titled ?Voice Accessibility: A New Friend on Your iPhone.?

Dona Sauerburger has provided orientation and mobility services to more than 100 deaf-blind individuals, written a book, and co-authored articles and a textbook chapter. She has presented dozens of workshops on orientation and mobility for individuals who are deafblind.

Amy Scott is the Coordinator of Sensory Disabilities and Supports at the Virginia Department of Education. She has a bachelor?s and a master?s degree in special education from James Madison University and an endorsement in administration and supervision from Longwood University. Amy?s career spans roles as a special education teacher, lead teacher, coordinator, and director of special education.

Sam Seavey, the visionary behind The Blind Life YouTube channel, has emerged as a trailblazer in the field of assistive technology. Recognized as a top resource by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, The Blind Life has amassed over 80,000 subscribers and offers a treasure trove of informative videos. Sam provides invaluable insights on daily tasks, reviews cutting-edge assistive devices, and conducts interviews with influential figures in the visually impaired community.

Sam's journey began at age 11 when he was diagnosed with Stargardt's, a form of early-onset macular degeneration. Over three decades, he has immersed himself in research and become proficient in all things assistive technology. His expertise has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like USA TODAY and WIRED Magazine. Sam collaborates with tech giants such as Google, Sony, and Apple, is a national and international speaker, and also creates content for websites.

Currently, Sam leads the assistive technology program at a nonprofit organization, providing comprehensive training on life-changing technologies. His dedication shines through in his work with clients and his commitment to disseminating knowledge through YouTube. With a mission to empower individuals to live their best blind life, Sam constantly strives to enhance the lives of others.

Lindsey Sharpe, PT, DPT, ATP is a licensed physical therapist and RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional, currently serving as the Regional Director of Clinical Education at LUCI. In this role, she supports clinicians, assistive technology providers, and assistive technology consumers across the eastern United States. Lindsey leads the development and delivery of LUCI?s clinical education program, which includes in-services, continuing education courses, and a range of clinical resources designed to help clinicians and ATPs ensure power wheelchair users have access to the technology they need to improve quality of life and maximize safety and independence. With a clinical background in neurorehabilitation and a specialized focus on seating and wheeled mobility, Lindsey brings deep expertise to the assistive technology field. She is a frequent presenter at both national and international conferences.

Kristin Smedley is a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and has founded two non-profits. She advocates for blind and visually impaired people to design the lives they want to live. She?s the co-creator of the THRIVER Formula for Success, and her two blind sons are thriving beyond expectations. As Executive Producer of the upcoming feature film Curveball and the author of Thriving Blind and What I Can Be Is Up to Me, Kristin inspires audiences to thrive through life's curveballs and set extraordinary expectations.

T. Scott Smith, PhD, CRC, CLCP, is a vocational rehabilitation counselor, life care planner, and expert witness based in Louisiana. With more than three decades of experience, he has completed over 3,500 educational evaluations and 600 psychological assessments for annulment proceedings. Dr. Smith holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and is nationally certified as both a Rehabilitation Counselor and a Life Care Planner. His consulting practice, T. Scott Smith Consulting, provides vocational evaluations, life care planning, and forensic reporting for attorneys, courts, and state agencies, including Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Although blindness consumed the first 4 years of his life, C Spikes born in Houston Tx and raised in Norfolk Virginia has shown that even now with only partial sight, much can be accomplished. Known to the world as a professional Musical Director, Live Music Programmer, and Drummer, he has captured the attention and worked with many national recording artist such as Portsmouth native and icon Missy Elliott, Muni Long, JLo, Brazilian Singer-Songwriter Anitta, Omarion and C-Pop Rapper Yitai Wang just to name a few.

C Spikes is currently the Live Music Programmer/Creator of Missy Elliott's first headlining Out Of This World Tour. He has done some of the biggest TV award shows such as American Music Awards 2022 with Anitta featuring Missy Elliott, Grammys 50th Hip Hop Anniversary 2023 with Missy Elliott, and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2023 with Missy Elliott. He has played at some of the biggest musical festivals such as Lovers & Friends Festival 2023 with Missy Elliott as the headliner and also did live music production for Omarion. He did Essence Festival 2023 with Missy Elliott headlining again as the most anticipated performance. He's created live music production for The Wonderful World Of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration 2022, and Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show with R&B Singer-Songwriter Muni Long. C Spikes was the live musical powerhouse behind NBA halftime shows for the Brooklyn Nets Kids, the Denver Nuggets Dancers, The Washington Wizards Dancers and the Philadelphia 76ers Entertainment. C Spikes began his journey building the C Spikes Productions brand in 2009 in Virginia Beach and has persevered through it all to be where he is today. Regarded as one of Hampton Road's emplematic musicians, C Spikes' spirit of attentiveness, perfection, perseverance, and humility makes his success everlasting and inspirational.

Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Rea faced many challenges raising her children, especially her two oldest, Cliffton and Charedi. Her son Cliffton was born totally blind with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which required extra care and attention. Rea's love, dedication, and determination led her to put her personal dreams on hold, focusing instead on providing a stable environment for her children.

Despite not having a formal education early on, Rea vowed to give her children a better life. She utilized every resource and opportunity to ensure their well-being. In 2008, Rea opened her state-licensed home childcare service, Ms. Re-Re's Place Home Childcare Service, known for its welcoming motto, "A Place Where Your Child Is One of the Family." Over the span of 14 years, she helped nurture and educate over 250 children.

In 2022, after closing her childcare business, Rea became a PALS tutor in the Norfolk Public School District, where her love for children, phonics and literacy grew much stronger so she started Ms. Re-Re's Reading Readiness Literacy Development and Tutoring. Now in her second year as a long-term 2nd-grade substitute teacher at P.B. Young Elementary School, she continues to inspire young minds.

One of Rea's proudest achievements is enrolling in school. She is currently a sophomore at Tidewater Community College, working towards her associate degree in General Studies, which she plans to graduate in December 2025. Her next step is transferring to Norfolk State University to earn her bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Rea's life is guided by two mottos: "Never Say Never, Never Too Late" and "Green Means Go!" She wears green every day as a reminder that, no matter the difficulties, she will keep Going and Never Quit.

Hunter Summerlin, MAT, is a product manager at American Printing House for the Blind. She is a literacy specialist, former TVI, and special education teacher with seven teaching licenses including all four core subjects.

Evelyn Tichenor is the VP of Sales and Partnerships at GoodMaps, with a background in innovative technology focused on creating a social impact. She has worked with GoodMaps since its inception and is the longest standing employee, growing the commercial and business development arm to create advocacy and awareness for accessibility and inclusivity.

Born in the beautiful island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and growing up in Long Island, New York, Michael Villafane currently works as a computer and access technology instructor at VRCBVI. After gaining a bachelor's degree in linguistics and French literature at Binghamton University, he worked at the Social Security Administration as a teleservice representative for the 800 number hotline in New York City and as a service representative for the Charlotte, North Carolina field office from 2000 to 2009. He often jokes that he thought he knew how to use computers until he started working at SSA where he had to learn to have 5 to 10 windows open at the same time while taking incoming calls from beneficiaries. It was at SSA where he received his inspiration to teach technology to blind people. Finally, in 2009, Mr. Villafane took the plunge and went back to graduate school and earned a master's degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 2011, after completing an internship at the Michigan department for the blind sports camp for blind kids and at the Hines VA hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Villafane worked as an Activities of Daily Living instructor, keyboarding instructor, and Braille instructor at the Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Atlanta, Georgia. He left Atlanta in 2013 and started working at VRCBVI in January of 2014. Currently, when not at work, he enjoys reading audio and Braille books, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and swimming. Also, he is a Linux and computer programming enthusiast.

Through her firm, Blindness Education and Advocacy Resources (BEAR), Carlton Anne Cook Walker, MEd, JD, MBA, provides technical assistance to educators, LEAs, and vocational rehabilitation agencies across the nation in training and education of blind individuals, with and without additional disabilities. She also serves as Program Director for the Maryland Bridges Technical Assistance Center, its Helpdesk, Resource Library, and Transition Tip Tuesday program.

Carlton has boots-on-the-ground experience in the blindness and disability fields as the parent of an academically gifted blind child with additional disabilities, as a certified teacher of blind/low vision students, and as a nationally recognized blindness/low vision consultant and advocate.

Meg Walker is an active member of AER. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she became a member in Missouri and the transferred her membership when she moved to Virginia in 2007. As a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for DBVI-Roanoke, Early Intervention O&M and private contractor to school divisions for O&M services, in the Roanoke Valley she has dedicated herself to the betterment of citizens of all ages with vision loss. When she is not at work, she develops her skills as a leader and team member through her activities with AER.

Meg H. Walker is an ACVREP, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Certified General Education Teacher, Early Interventionist, and a private contractor in Virginia. As an early 21st century graduate of the Western Michigan University master?s degree program in O&M for children, she is committed to providing comprehensive O&M to people of all ages. To this end, she is developing dynamic relationships across professions to ensure that individuals are getting the best opportunity to flourish in O&M.? Through this collaboration, she is also promoting the field of O&M. After all, it is such an important component of rehabilitation for people with vision impairments, blindness or deaf blindness. She is an active member of Virginia AER and a supporter of the Barbara McCarthy Scholarship.

Erin lives in western New York and attended Villa Maria College of Buffalo, Michigan State University, and St. Bonaventure University. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, A.A.S., Elementary Education, Special Education, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, B.S., and Childhood Literacy, MSED.

Erin brings more than 30 years of experience to her current role as the Outreach Specialist for the Northeast Region, at the American Printing House for the Blind. Previous roles include Teacher of Special Education, Teacher for Students with Visual Impairments, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Statewide Coordinator for the Education of Students with Visual Impairments, and Educational Consultant for Camp Abilities, a Sports Camp for Students with Visual Impairments.

A few highlights of Erin's career include serving as a Pennsylvania-Delaware AER Chapter board member, the development and implementation of Delaware's Transition to UEB Plan, and through Camp Abilities, the opportunity to work on two publications: Visual impairment and Physical Education: Steps to Success, Gross Motor Development for Children With Visual Impairments, Teaching Gross Motor Development to Children With Visual Impairments, and Staff Training for Physical Education for Children With Visual Impairments.

Felicia Williams has been a dedicated professional with the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) for over 20 years. She is currently serving as a Pre-Employment Transition Specialist on a team that provides essential services to students and youth with disabilities across the state. Her previous roles at DBVI include serving as a Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator and a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Felicia earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Additionally, she holds a Vision Specialist Certification from Mississippi State University. Her deep passion for working with youth with disabilities drives her commitment to helping them achieve their career goals and gain independence.

John Winstead graduated from Gallaudet University in 2008 with a major in Deaf Studies. Since then, he expanded his work to include Deafblind Studies. John has presented around the world, including Mexico City, Mexico, where he provided Deafblind community education, with a focus on his experience with the school system and Usher Syndrome.? He serves on the Virginia Association of the Deafblind board and the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) Advisory Board. He is an active member of the Usher Syndrome Coalition, Virginia Deaf Community, and Sportable.?John has advocated in front of state legislatures for the VDDHH Support Service Providers/Co-Navigator program to support the Deafblind community, as well as for Deafblind accessibility considerations in front of the United States Congress and Virginia Senate.