ELSSP - HI
Office of Early Learning / Department of Public Instruction
Meet the Stars of Our Program.....
Kristin Alapisco, Teacher / Morganton, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I am a Teacher of the Deaf who has been with our program for almost 12 years, I was hired in Aug 2004.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I am an Alumni of UNCG and I received my Bachelors of Science in Auditory Oral/ Birth–Kindergarten, with a Deaf Ed. K-12 degree as well. I am a strong advocate of/in Spoken Language for children with Hearing Impairments. I Love teaching families in Early Intervention, this is the best place to be….Helping families make a good start and solid foundation for a life of learning.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I live in Morganton NC with My husband Alfred and our three girls Ayah(14), Tori(13) and Kaelynn “Kiki” (8) I am active in our church, school Pto’s and volunteer at the local womens Shelter. I am artistic and I love to make wreaths and DIY home projects. Our lives with 3 girls active in the community in sports, church, and things like Archery and Girl Scouts is very very busy
What are some of your personal interests?
so my favorite thing to do when we slow down is cuddle on the couch in warm fuzzy socks and watch movies. I f I am really lucky on these breaks from a busy work and home schedule my most favorite me time includes a NAP and going with my best friend to have a girls lunch and pedicure.
Renee Barnes, Teacher / Wilson, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I began working in our program in August, 1989 = 26 ½ years!
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I have seen many, many, many, many changes during my tenure!
What are some of your personal interest?
I love spending time with my children, my family and closest friends. Coming from a large family, I love having people in our house. It’s nothing to have one of my children invite 5-6 friends (last minute) to spend the night on any given weekend!
Tell us a little about your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I’m the baby of 9 and the only college graduate of the 9. As my children age, I’m in awe of how wonderful my parents really were! They gave to us unconditionally! I have been married 18 ½ years, to Scott, and we have a 14 year old son, Gabe and an 11 year old daughter, Reagan. It’s unbelievable how fast time flies when you watch your children grow up!
Valerie Best, Teacher / New Bern, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
11 yrs.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
*I am a sign language interpreter
*Worked for FDA, EEOC, Office of the Commissioner as a staff interpreter in MD.
*Dual Certified, Teacher for the Deaf/Special Education
What are some of your personal interests?
*Multi-level-marketing
*Traveling (travel agent)
*Crafting (crocheting, decorating, etc.)
*Dancing and singing
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
*Married to Mark :-)
*Blended family of 5 and 5 grandchildren
*Very close extended family
Cindy Boyd, Teacher / New Bern, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
18 years
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
What are some of your personal interests?
I am an avid reader, I love to kayak, and I love the beach! Spending time with my family, my friends, and my pets are my most favorite things to do.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have been married to my husband, Chris, for fifteen years. We have two children: Taigen who is 12, and Caleb who is 10. We have three pets: Snickers (mini-dauschound dog), Piper (Schnoodle dog) & Max (the cat).
Andrea Cagle, Teacher / Gibsonville, NC
Jenni Campagna, Teacher / Matthews, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
6 years
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
Jenni is a proud graduate of ECU! She has worked in a variety of settings, including public school in a total communication program as an intinerant and self-contained classroom teacher, BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or HH as a Parent Educator and as a Project Consultant, as a CapTel Consultant and with MEDEL Corporation as part of their Patient Support Team.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
Jenni has been married to Jeff for 23 years. They have 2 boys, one in middle school and one about to graduate from high school! Both boys are heavily involved with their band programs, as are Jenni and Jeff. Jenni feels that being a band parent is even more fun than actually being in marching band in HS/college!
What are some of your personal interests?
As Jenni's husband, Jeff, has had hearing loss since childhood and has received tremendous benefits from a cochlear implant for the last 15 years, she is very interested in adult hearing loss issues, cochlear implantation and rehabilitation/support/advocacy. Vacations in recent years almost always include assisting Jeff with presentations to groups of MEDEL CI recipients who want to learn more about assistive technology and connectivity. So neat to watch participants realize they can use various equipment to hear even better than with their CI alone!
Nancy Collado, Spanish Interpreter-Translator / Bailey, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
About 10 ????
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I have been working with the State (NY and NC) for the last 23 years and love working with HI and VI
What are some of your personal interests?
I love to Read and Travel.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I was born and raised in New York City. Spanish is my first language (My parents are from Puerto Rico). I have been married for 25 years and have lived in North Carolina for 20 years.
Preston Collins, Teacher / Cornelius, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I have worked with our program for 10 years - 2 years in the eastern region (2004-2006) serving in the Raleigh area and 8 years in the western region (2007-present) serving in the Charlotte area.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I have also been an itinerant teacher with public school systems in Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina. I am currently pursuing LSLS certification as an Auditory-Verbal Therapist.
What are some of your personal interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and volunteering in my church's children's ministry.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
This June my husband, Michael, and I will celebrate our 19th anniversary. We have two children - Caleb (12) and Courtney (8).
Chris Czajkowski, Lead Teacher / Gibsonville, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
It will be 12 years on March 1.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
My career has always been in early intervention and I am incredibly grateful for that! I did my student teaching with this program as well and worked with Sharon Moore as my cooperating teacher. I began working with the program after I graduated and I was mentored by Karen Parrish during my first year of teaching. I have been INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE to have been trained by amazing professionals and to work in NC which is the national leader in deaf education. My plan was never to move to NC. I was determined to move back to NJ after I graduated. However, in hindsight I know it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me in regards to my career. I love being a part of this group!
What are some of your personal interests?
Hmmm, this is always a hard question for me. I hardly have free time now that I have children. So when I get some down time, I like binge watching various series on Netflix with my husband. I love animals and would open a rescue if I won tons of money. I specifically love pit bulls and know they are such amazing, loving, and silly companions. This isn't really the question, but it kind of lends itself to it and I like the idea of getting to know people and who they are, so I will tell you about my personality. I have a strong personality, however I am pretty shy. I like to be in control, which isn't always a great thing. I am very passionate about things I believe in or have interest in. I am incredibly empathetic, almost to a fault. I am a great listener, awesome friend, and am fairly laid back and just like to have a good time with friends and family. Can't wait to read about everyone else!
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like. (A few sentences please).
I am married to Mike, who I have been with since the summer after high school. We have been together for over 18 years and married for 6. We have pretty much grown up and became adults together. We have two amazingly, awesome children, Adler (4) and Kendall (2). Both mine and Mike's families all live in NJ with the exception of my sister, brother-in-law, and niece who live in Waxhaw, NC.
Roxanne Dearman, Teacher / Mount Holly, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I have been working for our program for about 19 years (with 6 months off to work in Hawaii!).
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
She has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Deaf Education, both from the State University of NY at Geneseo. She has her National Board Certification as and Exceptional Needs Specialist. She works as a freelance writer for The Education Center which publishes The Mailbox Magazine as well as other teacher resource books.
What are some of your personal interests?
In her spare time she enjoys baking, traveling and photography.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
She lives in Mount Holly, NC with her 18 year old daughter and has a 28 year old daughter and 24 year old son that live out of the home.
Patty Dischinger, Teacher / Charlotte, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I started with this program about 10 years ago after working for the vision program for 8 years.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I have been a special education teacher in NC for over 30 years. I started at the Central School when it first opened in 1975. After 12 years there I stayed at home and did mommy duty for 5 years. I came back as a teacher in the deafblind classroom at Metro School in Charlotte. I had support from the VI teacher there and after 2 years we both took positions with the former Governor Morehead Preschool. I worked there 8 years and then came to ELSSP-HI.
I would like to mention that I am a teacher support person for the ECU/Teacher Support Program under the deafblind grant just in case anyone has a student with a visual impairment they would like some help with.
What are some of your personal interests?
I like to read a lot, go out to dinner and go to the movies with friends. Other than that I mostly do things with my sons. I’m going to have to develop some hobbies because I’ll soon be dealing with the empty nest.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have 2 sons ages 28 and 24. My younger son is just finishing up a graduate degree this semester. My older son is still “finding himself”. He currently lives in SC with his girlfriend.
Jen Dunn, Lead Teacher / Franklinville, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
34 years
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I started out as a teacher's assistant at the Central School for the Deaf in 1982. Since then, I have been a middle school substitute teacher, a preschool teacher, a preschool director and a lead teacher. Along the way I've met some great children, families and professionals. I have always been surrounded by supportive, enthusiastic and kind co-workers with caring attitudes who want to make a difference in the lives of young deaf and hard of hearing children.
What are some of your personal interests?
I love the beach and water. I love to garden, read, watch ice hockey and play with my pets. I have several rescue dogs and cats, including my neighbor's dog who has not been home in at least 6 years. I love glitter and lights, vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers. I have no idea why.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like. (A few sentences please).
I have a son Jacob and a daughter PJ. Jacob is married to Becki and they have my only grandchild, Davis, who is 2 and wonderful. He serves as my guinea pig for new songs, books and activities that I use in sessions. His favorite these days is "Round and Round the Garden". Oh, and I have a husband of 30-some years, Ray. He shares my love for Davis and the pets.
Ruth Anne Everett, Program Director / Hickory, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I can hardly believe I have worked in early intervention for children with hearing impairments for over 17 years! During my time in EI, I have had the privilege of working with many outstanding colleagues. In July 2008, I became responsible for providing state level administrative oversight for the “EI Program”. Our program has seen many changes. Each year, we have become stronger and more cohesive and supportive of each other as a statewide team. I have worked with some precious and very diverse toddlers during my time as an administrator. The memories I have of my relationships with those families are positive and lasting.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
My master’s degrees are in Public School Administration and Higher Education-Administration. I worked at Lenoir-Rhyne University in the Hearing Impaired Student Support Program for 10 years and taught at the North Carolina School for the Deaf and the Florida School for the Deaf in my early years. My license areas are Principal, Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Hearing Impaired.
Early Intervention is the place to make a difference and I am honored to serve in my current position and to work with each one of my colleagues.
What are some of your personal interest?
When I am not at work, I am usually riding a horse. We have 7 horses and I enjoy the sport of endurance riding.
Tell us a little about your family if you would like.
Pictured with me is my husband Mike and my son Adam. Adam is an assistant district attorney for Wake County.
Mandy Hice, Social Worker-Intake Coordinator / Morganton, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
It will be 16 years in April 2016.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
Before EI, I worked for 5 years as a teacher assistant at NCSD. Part of that time I was going to school at night for my bachelor's degree. I have always enjoyed working with kids.
What are some of your personal interests?
I am very involved in my church - I am the children's group director, Vacation Bible School director, I co-teach a kid's class on Sunday nights, and I co-teach the youth girls on Wednesday nights. My dad restores old cars so we go to car shows and the drag strip during the warmer months. I like shopping with my teenage daughter (thankfully she still likes to shop with mom, but sometimes I think it is only because I pay for the stuff!). I like to bake (and eat) specifically desserts and specialty cakes. I love the mountains and riding around to see the wonderful things God has created.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have been married to Steve for 17 years. Steve is a long haul truck driver and runs to Texas each week. We have a daughter, Zabrina, who is 16 and in the 11th grade. I have a step-son, Richard who is 23. I am a grandmother to Ashlyn & Richard's daughter, Charleigh, who was born in August 2015. I am also a grandmother to, Amelia, who is Zabrina's cat.
Elizabeth Hopkins, Teacher / Charlotte, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
Little over 11 years - since Nov. 2004
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I graduated from UNC-Greensboro with honors in Deaf Education.
My first job after college was in a self-contained total communication classroom with students in grades 3-5. I worked there for 2 years and then got a job teaching 4th graders at a private school for one year. However, my passion to work with children with hearing loss grew stronger than ever and I returned to the field. I really enjoy working with the birth-3 population and serving the families. Every day is a new learning experience and a chance to grow in a new way!
What are some of your personal interests?
Traveling, reading, and new-found interest, painting
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have been married to my wonderful husband Casey, for almost 11 years and we have a beautiful daughter, Makayla, who will be 4 in March. We also have a lovable dog, Sadie. We enjoy spending time together with family and friends.
Meg Locklear, Teacher / Pembroke, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
Since 2005 (a little over 10 years)
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I love working with the population of the deaf/hard of hearing. The backstories of the families and children are always interesting (and sometimes sad). I have seen the field go from the end of German Measles to syndromes and multi impaired students. My initial "dream" was to teach 4th grade Science. However, I love working in the foundation of the field and have learned so much. I often share the "horror stories" of the past to help the families rise above those stories.
What are some of your personal interests?
I enjoy Bible study, reading and learning new facts. I like to craft and dabble in polymer clay, jewelry making, crochet, sewing, and general crafts.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I am married (23 years)to Dallas Locklear (assistant principal in a local high school) and we have one child, 3 dogs, 7 hens and one rooster. Clifton is 12 years old and loves sports. We adopted him when he was 2.
Alison McKown, Teacher / Wilmington, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
8 years
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
This has been the only professional job I have had since I graduated from college.
What are some of your personal interests?
Love collecting shells, sharks teeth, and sea glass. Spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, and trashy reality tv shows.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
Most of my family is West Virginia, I try to visit often. I have 2 nephews that I love to spend time with.
Emily Orman, Teacher / Trinity, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
5 years (started in November, 2010)
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I graduated from UNCG in 2006, with a dual certification: birth-kindergarten teaching license, and a hearing impaired teaching license (Grades K-12). I worked for Winston-Salem Forsyth County schools from 2006-2010 (first year was a preschool-grade 12 itinerant teacher for the D/HH), and then moved to a pre-K- fifth grade auditory-oral resource classroom, until I left my position to come to EI in November, 2010. I attended the John Tracy Clinic, through the University of San Diego from 2008-2010, where I received my master’s degree in Deaf Education. I became a national board certified teacher in 2014.
What are some of your personal interests?
I love spending my time with my family (weekends with them are my most favorite). I enjoy sewing and monogramming (monogram everything is my motto)! I love walking my dog, and playing outside with my children. I love shopping, watching movies, and reading.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have been married to my husband, Jed for 5 years. Our daughter, Stella Gray is three years old, and our son, Wynn is 14 months old. We also have a 5 year-old Carin terrier.
Anna Ownbey, Teacher / Hendersonville, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
Since May 4, 2015
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a degree in Deaf Education K-12 with an add-on license Regular Education K-6. I worked in Cabarrus County Schools for three years and then moved back home to work for Henderson County Schools for four years. I had a self-contained TC elementary classroom in Cabarrus County and worked as an itinerate HI teacher for Henderson County.
What are some of your personal interests?
I love spending time with my family, and I love to travel! I’ve only been to 18 states, so I hope to add more to my list! I’ve also been to Canada, The Bahama’s, and Mexico. I hope to travel overseas one day as well.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I am married to my husband of four years, Krew, and we have the most precious little boy, Knox who is 1 ½.
Wanda Pendergrass, Teacher / Charlotte, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I signed on in August of 2007
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I am a graduate of UNC-G, Speech Pathology program.I worked as a public school therapist before going to the Charlotte TEACCH Center (ASD agency) where I was a psychoeducational therapist. After TEACCH, I operated my own business as an educational consultant and completed masters course work in Special Education at the University of Santa Barbara, a small private college.In 2007 I came to early intervention.
What are some of your personal interests?
I enjoy travel, fine dining, serving my church in our Special Needs Ministry, spending time with my goddaughter and reading.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I am married to Francis and we have 2 children, Jurhandi and D'Najah.The kids still enjoy hanging out with the senior citizens so we vacation together, tailgate for football games, and enjoy concerts together.
Stacie Polk, Teacher / Wilson, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
7 years (2008-Present)
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
Attended- Gallaudet University, Taught - Middle School (6, 7, 8 grade science), Taught - Elementary age Oral program (K-6 grade). Taught – EI Babies with all disabilities before focusing on children with Hearing Loss.
What are some of your personal interests?
My children (soccer, basketball, music, and baseball), crocheting and family time.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
Mother of 2 – Marcell (son) with bilateral hearing loss and Mariah grown daughter only 9. Oldest of three – one sister and one brother. Born and raised in the Washington, DC area until 2008. My most important role is mom to Marcell and Mariah.
Emily Reeves, Teacher / Mount Airy, NC
How many years have you worked with our program? I have worked in this program for 9 years, and I have learned a lot about serving families in my time here!
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career? I have a Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I hold a K-12 Deaf Education teaching license as well as a B-K license specializing in Auditory-Oral Education. I graduated with my Masters through the University of San Diego and the John Tracy Clinic in 2012. I then completed the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I hope to one day pursue a doctorate in Early Childhood Education.
What are some of your personal interests? I love being a mom! There's nothing in this world that compares to it. My greatest joy comes from spending time with my family. I love to meet new people. I enjoy learning about where they're from and what it is that makes them who they are. I think that I like to think about the world from they're perspective and I hope to teach my daughter to have a love for people, too. I feel fortunate to have a job that allows me to meet and work with many new people. I enjoy the movies. I am just amazed at what Hollywood is able to put into action on screen. I love animals and truly believe we share in the responsibility to care for them and protect them. And, to round out my top 5 of personal interests, I would say cooking is something I indeed enjoy. I like to make home-cooked meals from scratch when I have the time (and ingredients) to do so.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please). I have been married to Michael, my college sweetheart, for 8 years. We have a beautiful, smart, and very energetic little girl named Sophia who keeps us on our toes. She will be two in June, and I can’t believe how fast the time has passed. We enjoy living in Mt. Airy because our extended family and close friends with whom we spend a great deal of time are here.
Margaret Riggins, Language Facilitator / Greensboro, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I have been with the ELSSP-HI program for 9 years as of the 5th of this month.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
Before starting work with the program I worked as a pre-school Teacher Assistant for both the School for the Deaf in Morganton and Central School for the Deaf in Greensboro. I also worked for five years as an Interpreter for deaf students mainstreamed into public school after the closing of Central in Greensboro. My first working opportunity with deaf children was in 1974 in Charlotte at the Pre-School Satellite Program out of the school in Morganton. I have worked in and out of HI classrooms since then along with other working positions not related to deafness. I always found myself coming back to what I love the most.....children!!
What are some of your personal interests?
I love spending time with my family and especially my grandchildren!
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please). I have three grandchildren; two boys and a girl. ages 13,10 & 5, with a sweet addition coming in August of this year for whom we do not know the gender as yet! So exciting! All of these sweet "babies" are the treasured gifts of my son, Marshall and my daughter, Katie!! With retirement coming ever closer each year, I am looking forward to spending much more time with all of them which will ease the loss of time spent with the precious little ones I serve now in my sessions. Life is good and getting better as the years go by!!
Terry Smith, Office Assistant / Greensboro, NC
How many years have you worked with our program? 11.5 years in this position / 25 with the State of NC.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I worked at the Central School for the Deaf in 1978 as a secretary to the Assistant Superintendent and the Preschool Director (talk about coming full circle). I was a stay at home mom - then went to work (again) for CNCSD as a teacher assistant / office support. When CNCSD closed I worked with Guilford County Health Department for a few years before coming to work for this program.
What are some of your personal interests?
I enjoy taking pictures (mostly of the grandchildren), camping, hiking and cooking for my family and going to Church.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have been married to my husband, Kenn, for 35 years (will be 36 years in March). We have two sons (Brad and Gregg) both are living on their own and two wonderful grandchildren – Caleb (3 years) and Emma (17 months). I love my life and enjoy working with friends and co-workers at ELSSP-HI!
Donna Snipes, Teacher / Oxford, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I’ve worked with this program since August of 1998 when we had a classroom
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I’ve taught Compensatory Education classes, literacy classes and sign language classes through the community college; was an OTR truck driver with my husband; taught special education in Vance and Granville County Schools; and was an itinerant teacher in Scotland and Robeson Counties.
What are some of your personal interests?
I enjoy crafting and cooking. David and I enjoy kayaking and doing living histories and presenting programs from that time period. I’m active in my church and enjoy playing handbells.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
David and I have been married for 21 years. David’s daughter, Barbara, was 10 years old when we married. We have 2 cats, Calypso and Bell.
Kristen Steele, Teacher / Davidson, NC
How many years have you worked with our program? I have worked for the program for 5 years
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
Other professional career stuff- Served in the US Army for 6 years working as a diesel engine mechanic and jumping out of planes. I served at Fort Bragg, NC in the 82nd Airborne Division, and at Fort Richardson, AK in Anchorage. I also provide in-home personal fitness training in my spare time .
What are some of your personal interests?
Personal interests- anything active and outside. I've recently begun hiking and started running for distance again. One of my goals is to hike all the sites in NC and I am currently training for a 10K run at the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC in April.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like. (A few sentences please).
My family- I reside in Davidson, NC on Lake Norman and I have one daughter, Adriana, who just turned 14. It's her first year of high school and she is off to a great start. I'm a cat lover and consider them family, so I also have Leo who is 8 and his sister, Snoopy who is 4.
Lucia Sumner, Teacher / Charlotte, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I have been with the program since 2007 first as an interpreter then as a teacher.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
-Part of the Care Project - Latino Retreat Camp Caracol Committee (in cooperation with The Children’s Cochlear Implant Center at UNC)
-A member of the E-Book Advisory Board
-A reviewer for articles submitted to JEHDI (Peer reviewed journal)
-Publications: E-book chapters and JHEDI article titled “Culturally and linguistically responsive service delivery: Traditional games and songs promote immigrant parents’ engagement in early intervention”, coauthor- Doctor Wendy Wieber
Presenter at several conferences including: EHDI, EC, UNCC Child and Family Development conference, SERID, A G Bell Conference, NCSHLA and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health Conference.
What are some of your personal interests?
Love to read, involved in advocacy issues for minorities and people with disabilities.
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please). I am originally from Ecuador. Moved here with my mom, dad and sisters more than 20 years ago. Met my wonderful husband in Charlotte and live a peaceful quiet life with our Yorky daughter Itty Bitty.
Beth Whitfield, Teacher / Gibsonville, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I started back on Oct 1, 2010. Before that, 1994 to 2001, 7 years for a grand total of 12 1/2 years
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I worked at CASTLE, now the Children's Cochlear Implant Program at UNC, for 9 years, at first as Program Coordinator for the Preschool and Professional Training Program and then part time.
What are some of your personal interests?
I enjoy taking pictures, music, and church
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I have been married to my husband, Bill, for 20 years. We have one daughter, Lexie, who is now 10 years old.
Mary Lou Wright, Teacher / Weaverville, NC
How many years have you worked with our program?
I taught 10 years at the Colorado School for the Deaf and stayed home with my daughter for 6 before coming back to the east in 1999. Since then I've worked in ELSSP- HI.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your professional career?
I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne with a BS in Education of the Deaf and received an MA in Special Education from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs.
What are some of your personal interests?
I love being outside - exploring, gardening, and hiking, and enjoy reading, and traveling. Life is sweet!
Tell us a little about you and your family if you would like (a few sentences, please).
I live in Weaverville with 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds, and 3 Ancona ducks. I have a daughter, 24, working in Nevada. I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne with a BS in Education of the Deaf and received an MA in Special Education from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. I taught 10 years at the Colorado School for the Deaf and stayed home with my daughter for 6 before coming back to the east in 1999. Since then I've worked in ELSSP- HI. I love being outside - exploring, gardening, and hiking, and enjoy reading, and traveling. Life is sweet!