Leadership

Dr. Glenn-Smith is President and CEO for The Learning Center for the Deaf. She also currently serves on the board of CASLI as Treasurer, and Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith was appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women by Senate President Karen Spilka in 2020. She has served as Treasurer, and was elected to Chairwoman in July of 2022.

Prior to joining TLC, Dr. Glenn-Smith worked for Kaleida Health, the largest healthcare system in Western New York, as both a CEO for their joint radiology venture, and, later, as President of Ambulatory Services. Applying her passion for education, she worked for six years at PLS 3rd Learning, an international education technology company, as Chief Operating Officer, and brings extensive experience in the conception, development and execution of strategic and tactical financial, organization and development initiatives. Dr. Glenn-Smith has also held the roles of Chief Administrative Officer for the healthcare management group, Exigence, and Executive Director of Deaf Adult Services, in Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Glenn-Smith grew up in Southern California, earned her Executive Master's Degree in Business Administration at State University of New York at Buffalo, and both a Masters and Doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Karen Bishop received a Master's Degree in Education of the Deaf from Boston University. She has worked with children for twenty years, the past 16 with Walden School as a teacher, supervisor, curriculum coordinator, assistant director and now the Director. In 1999, she was trained in the Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum. Karen recently became re-certified as a Pro-ACT trainer, marking her tenth year as a Pro-ACT instructor.

Diane has more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting. Prior to joining TLC in 2020, she was Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller at Boston Architectural College. She received her MBA in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University.

Diane grew up in upstate New York and has lived in Vermont and Berkshire County, Massachusetts before moving to the MetroWest area.

Diane enjoys spending time with her two sons, Torrey & Josh, and partner of 18 years, Alan, as well as board games, puzzles, traveling and supporting animal rescues. She currently lives in Framingham.

Glennis passionately believes in the foundation of literacy and has focused her studies on early literacy intervention strategies for deaf and hard of hearing children with a career goal to advocate and implement an early literacy curriculum for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Glennis earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta after an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston. She then obtained a Master of Arts degree in Middle Grade Math and Science from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.

Her role as TLC Superintendent makes her the first Black Deaf woman and first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduate to become a Superintendent of a Deaf School throughout the history of Deaf Education, joining the league consisting of a few Deaf BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Deaf School Superintendents in the United States.

Raymond received his bachelor’s from Gallaudet University, a Masters in Social Work and MBA from Loyola University in Chicago. His first job after graduating college was at TLC as a residential supervisor. Raymond grew up all around the country, including California, Colorado, Washington, DC, New Mexico and Washington state. In his spare time, Raymond enjoys camping, hiking, bicycling, films, coffee shops, working out, yoga, traveling and quality time with friends.

Prior to joining TLC, Raymond was most recently Executive Director of Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA) for six years, and as Interim Executive Director for the World Federation of the Deaf for a year and a half.

Dwight received his MBA from the University of Houston-Victoria, and his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He is currently halfway through the courses required for the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

Prior to joining TLC, Dwight worked for six years at Deaf Pathway Global in Brentwood, TN, where he was the director of strategic operations. His work included writing grant proposals and engaging fundraising efforts as a part of a collaborative team.

In his role, Dwight will oversee the research, writing, and management of local and federal grant work to support TLC’s services, while increasing programmatic growth through fundraising efforts, donor relations, marketing and communications.

 Lynn Power was born, raised and worked in Framingham, Massachusetts for over 46 years, resulting in strong ties to the community. She sat on the Board of Directors for the Framingham Council on Aging and worked with local and state agencies in her capacity as Director of Health Services. 

Lynn is also connected to the National Association of School Nurses for the Deaf, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, the Nurse Leaders for the Framingham School District and other stakeholders. 

Her career includes a range of responsibilities in geriatric and pediatric patient health care, clinical and communication skills, patient and family relations; planning and organization, human resources, food services, finance, contracts, and grant management. 

Lynn also worked to broaden her knowledge managing the Quality Assurance Process Improvement (QAPI), and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, while maintaining workplace safety in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. 

While working more than 40 years in Countryside Nursing Home, Lynn also worked simultaneously at The Learning Center for the Deaf, where in 2019 she was appointed the Director of Health Services.

Lynn's passion is boating and even shows her leadership in that capacity by sitting on the Board of the Orient Heights Yacht Club. However, her true passion is working at The Learning Center for the Deaf. If you ask her about her 19 years working at The Learning Center for the Deaf, Lynn will always say, "I truly love the kids!"

Shira has a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from Boston University, and a Master’s in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University. She brings 18 years of professional experience in Deaf and community-based education to TLC.

Her work in the nonprofit sector as Executive Director of Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN) early in her career led to her subsequent work in Deaf Education and community-based work. Before coming to TLC, Shira worked at The New Mexico School for the Deaf as the Curriculum Specialist, working to develop and implement curriculum adoption strategies and cross-sector collaborations with community groups. Prior to that, she was an Elementary ASL Teacher at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, a field she continues to be involved in through her current work in the ASL Curriculum Instruction and Assessment (ASLCIA) work group. 

She works closely with various entities in designing and providing professional development training and coaching for educators, interpreters, and camp staff in various settings on topics surrounding advocacy, mentorship, nature-based learning, Anti-Bias education, and language access. Shira loves the arts and the outdoors!

Toni received her master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University and has more than 35 years of experience working in the fields of nonprofit organizations, literacy, classroom management, education reform and lesson planning. She was an Elementary Principal for 25 years prior to moving into a senior leadership role in curriculum and instruction.  Toni is also responsible for supporting TLC’s educational leaders and academic programs.  She is also responsible for TLC’s Educational Compliance through DESE and is a MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Chris is an experienced educational administrator with over two decades of experience working in the field of Deaf Education. With a background in coaching and mentoring, program evaluation, policy development, curriculum and lesson planning, and educational technology, Chris brings a strong variety of skills to the Senior Education Team. He has a graduate certification focused in Special Education Administration & Supervision from JHU, and a Masters in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University.

Dr. Colón received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, with a certificate in Latin American Studies, and was awarded her Master of Science and Doctor of Audiology degree from Gallaudet University. Dr. Colón had previously completed her last year of doctoral practicum at the world renowned Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona and was most recently the Clinical Program Manager of the Cochlear Implant Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston before transitioning to her current director role. Her passion is hearing healthcare as well as rehabilitative measures, including hearing aids and cochlear implants. She is a strong advocate of equality and ease of access of healthcare services for marginalized and immigrant populations, most recently spearheading the credentialing of the TLC Audiology Clinic for MassHealth services. Dr. Colón has her certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and is fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

Elisa Valles is the CBHI/DCF Program Director. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with certifications in clinical mental health counseling and writing and literature. She has previously presented to the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA) about trauma-informed care for parents in the home and is trained in the GROW curriculum. In her spare time, Elisa enjoys baking. 

Since 2008, Lia has owned and operated HandsUp Interpreting; a multiservice agency that coordinates interpreting services in a variety of settings such as medical, mental health, employment support, and government agencies. 

Lia brings more than 15 years of professional interpreting experience, including most recently at the Defense Logistics Agency and Department of the Treasury in Virginia.

Growing up immersed in Deaf culture and using American Sign Language, Lia’s brother, uncle, and two sister-in-laws are Deaf. Lia also attended various Deaf camps.

Dr. Glenn-Smith is President and CEO for The Learning Center for the Deaf. She also currently serves on the board of CASLI as Treasurer, and Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith was appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women by Senate President Karen Spilka in 2020. She has served as Treasurer, and was elected to Chairwoman in July of 2022.

Prior to joining TLC, Dr. Glenn-Smith worked for Kaleida Health, the largest healthcare system in Western New York, as both a CEO for their joint radiology venture, and, later, as President of Ambulatory Services. Applying her passion for education, she worked for six years at PLS 3rd Learning, an international education technology company, as Chief Operating Officer, and brings extensive experience in the conception, development and execution of strategic and tactical financial, organization and development initiatives. Dr. Glenn-Smith has also held the roles of Chief Administrative Officer for the healthcare management group, Exigence, and Executive Director of Deaf Adult Services, in Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Glenn-Smith grew up in Southern California, earned her Executive Master's Degree in Business Administration at State University of New York at Buffalo, and both a Masters and Doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Kathy is the retired Director of Gallaudet University Regional Center East. With more than 40 years of experience, Kathy has served on the Boards of several Deaf organizations, such as MSAD, DEAF Inc., and NE Home for the Deaf.

Prior to her time at Gallaudet, she was Director of a large Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program in Southeast Massachusetts.

In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with family and friends. You will find her reading the latest novels, as well as hiking, kayaking and Pickleball!

Val is the Chairman of Hollingsworth & Vose, Co., a global manufacturer of advanced materials used in filters and batteries. He also serves on the Boards of Brooks School of North Andover MA, and of Victaulic Corporation of Easton, PA.

He received his bachelor's from the University of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from Dartmouth’s Amos Tuck School of Business Administration. Val a member of TLC Finance and Governance/Nominating Committee.

He lives with his Carol and children, Juliet and Henry. Val and Carol had a third son, Ben, who passed away in 2016. Ben was a student at The Learning Center for the Deaf. 

Marilyn Sass-Lehrer is a longtime resident of Washington, DC and Professor Emerita at Gallaudet University. She has a Master’s in Deaf Education from New York University and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in Early Childhood Education and Curriculum and Instruction.

Marilyn was a professor in the Department of Education at Gallaudet University for 37 years and the director of the Family-Centered Early Education graduate teacher preparation program for 20 years. Dr. Sass-Lehrer was co-founder and director of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Infants, Toddlers and Their Families Graduate Interdisciplinary (ITF) Certificate Program from 2011-2016. She has been a Trustee of The Learning Center for the Deaf, Inc. since 2017.

Dr. Sass-Lehrer is the editor of Early Intervention for Deaf and Hard-of- Hearing Infants, Toddlers and their Families: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (2016), co-author of Parents and their Deaf Children: The Early Years (2003), and co-editor of The Young Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child: A Family-Centered Approach to Early Education (2003). She has authored several book chapters and articles on early intervention and made numerous presentations nationally and internationally. Her work has focused on the promotion of quality early education for young children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, family involvement and professional development.

Mr. Higgins has a wealth of experience from more than 15 years in business, education, and nonprofit sectors.  He is a third-year doctoral student in the Language and Literacy program at Boston University.

Before moving to Massachusetts, he was a high school and early education teacher at Clerc Center. During this time, he helped to launch Hands Land, a nonprofit organization that creates educational ASL resources. He began his career at Wells Fargo, where he was Segment Marketing Leader for the people with disabilities consumer segment. While in the Bay Area, he served as a board member for Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency.

He has three children at The Learning Center and volunteers as a soccer coach for the school.

Jay is a retired Dean from the College of Professional Studies at Gallaudet University. 

Dr. Innes established the Gallaudet Leadership Institute, renamed the Burstein Leadership Institute in 2002 and served as its Director until becoming Dean of the College of Professional Studies in 2007. As Director of the Institute and in partnership with other academic departments, Dr. Innes spearheaded development and implementation of an educational leadership program focusing on whole system thinking and change leadership. 

Actively engaged in the profession, Dr. Innes has served in numerous leadership capacities and as a professor and consultant on strategic planning, management and leadership.  Dr. Innes served an as a member of the Board of Directors of the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf, and as a member and President of the Council on Education of the Deaf, was appointed by two Governors to serve six-year terms as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Maryland School for the Deaf, and has also served on the Board of Directors of the Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf and on the National Mission Advisory Panel of the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center.  

Dr. Innes was a member of the Steering and Advisory Committees of a collaborative effort to develop and implement a National Agenda on the Education of the Deaf, and more participated in the re-writing of a National Association of State Directors of Special Education document titled, Educational Service Guidelines, Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  

Highly sought as a keynote speaker, presenter, consultant and trainer on topics ranging from educational policies, leadership, and programming to the teaching of mathematics and use of technology in education, Dr. Innes remains committed, first and foremost, to community engagement and advocacy in the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational policies directly impacting on the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people.  

For more than 30 years, Al Santoro has been the owner of Santoro Associates, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation that specializes in the management of the design, installation, and commissioning of complex mechanical and electrical systems for colleges, universities, hospitals, hotels, laboratories, libraries, and residential complexes.

Prior to this, Al was a former Vice President Bay State York, Inc., as well as an engineer in and around the greater Boston area. He has more than 50 years of experience in various mechanical and engineering careers. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Franklin Institute Boston.

Laurie Schaffer, Ph.D., of Peterborough, NH, is the director of and an assistant professor in the University of New Hampshire-Manchester American Sign Language/English Interpreting bachelor's degree program. She started her career at The Learning Center as a teacher. She now has over 30 years of experience as an interpreter and for many of those years, also has served as an interpreter educator. She with her colleague Wendy Watson developed a peer mentoring model and program – a model that has been shared across the country with various groups of ASL/English interpreters, including many who work in the K12 environment.

Laurie completed her Ph.D. from Gallaudet in Translation and Interpreting Studies in 2018. Her research examines questions of how the power of various social institutions intersects with the everyday work of American Sign Language-English interpreters.

She served as coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at both Boston University and the University of Virginia.  While at these two universities and in her current position at the University of New Hampshire-Manchester, she has worked on various committees and projects that focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.  Laurie sits on the TLC Board Academic Affairs/Facilities Committee.

Andy Kenji Tao holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. He also received his certificate in Deaf Education from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL.

Since 2021, Andy has been the CEO and Founder of Blue20 LLC, connecting visions and ideas through customizable accessible video content from concept to delivery. 

Prior to founding Blue20, Andy also worked at Sorenson Communications, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, and Gallaudet University.

Andy provided extensive expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing data and assessments of health disparities among disabled populations; in particular, health discrimination and equity among deaf and hard of hearing populations.

He is fluent in ASL, English and Latin.