Leadership

Dr. Glenn-Smith is President and CEO for The Learning Center for the Deaf. She also currently serves on the board of Summer of Sass 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, serving from 2022-2024. She is currently serving as the MCSW Secretary of Legislative and Public Policy. 

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 is a passionate lifelong learner and dedicated professional committed to growth and development. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Boston University and a Certificate of Leadership from Suffolk University. Recently, she completed the ICF-accredited Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching at William James College. Additionally, Karen is a proud Institute of Coaching member and has completed the Dare to Lead© training and the Transformational Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program. 

With over thirty years of experience in executive leadership and leadership coaching, Karen is known for her empathetic listening and deep understanding of individuals within complex organizational systems. She has notably served in several leadership roles at Walden School, where she led transformative change by fostering personal growth and organizational development before becoming TLC’s Chief Operating Officer.

As Chief Operating Officer, Karen oversees daily operations and is recognized for her expertise in building and optimizing sustainable infrastructure. She specializes in process development to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Karen is also a Board Member of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Karen is an avid reader, enjoys cooking, kayaking, and meditating, and cherishes spending time with her family. She also does private leadership coaching.

Bonnie has more than 20 years of experience in strategic thinking and visionary leadership adept at navigating the complexities of organizational landscapes. Grounded in data-driven analysis and a profound understanding of human dynamics, she drives positive change and fosters inclusive cultures that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Her unwavering commitment to prioritizing people-first strategies ensures smooth transitions and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at every level.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and an Associate’s degree with a concentration in Deaf studies. Bonnie holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources certificate, and dedicates many hours to volunteering and supporting her local community, including acting as Board member for the Human Resources Management Association of Central Massachusetts and Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts. 

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.

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.

Donna holds a Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Administration from Framingham State University. She has more than 35 years of experience in nursing, includes experience in pediatric critical care, cardiology, medical-surgical care, and nursing education at Emerson Hospital. Donna has also served as nursing faculty at Northeastern and Regis College, as well as the Director of Professional Development at TaraVista Behavioral Health. Before joining TLC in 2022, she was the School Nurse Leader at St. Bridget’s School in Framingham.

When she is not at work, she enjoys travel, especially Disney World, with her husband and son. Her two dogs bring her much joy.

David is from Philadelphia, PA, and graduated from Northeastern University. He received his Master’s degree in Sports Management from Springfield College.

He most recently worked at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in Hartford, Conn., as Director of Student Life. Prior to working at ASD, David spent 10 years at TLC, starting as a dorm supervisor, and rising all the way to Director of After School and Athletic Programs.

In his spare time, David enjoys coaching his daughters' soccer and basketball teams, and traveling.

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).

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. Her passion is hearing healthcare as well as rehabilitative measures, including hearing aids and cochlear implants. She is a strong advocate of equity and access of healthcare services for marginalized and immigrant populations, spearheading the credentialing of the TLC Audiology Clinic for MassHealth services soon after her arrival in 2019. 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.

As a teacher of the Deaf in the beginning of Elisa's career, she came to realize students and children are not going to effectively learn if their emotional and mental health needs were not being met which prompted her to leave the education field as an English teacher and return to graduate school for a MA in counseling. In graduate school, Elisa learned trauma-informed care, family systems, and how to use different skills to really help empower children and families to make the changes they want to make rather than be told. 

Elisa found an internship at Walden Community Services (WCS) in 2015 and fell in love with the organization and with New England. She has been with WCS since 2016 starting out as an Intensive Care Coordinator and In-home Therapist, before becoming the Clinical Director and then the Director of Walden Community Services. Through WCS, Elisa has come to embrace the concept of community work and truly tries to amplify community as a way to work with families and children.

Elisa holds Massachusetts and Maryland licensure as a Mental Health Therapist. She has provided numerous trainings in trauma-informed care for clinical professionals. She is also a Board Member of Our Deaf Survivor Center (ODSC) and board member of Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf.

Lia brings more than 15 years of professional interpreting experience. Since 2008, she has owned and operated HandsUp Interpreting; a multi-service agency that coordinates interpreting services in a variety of settings such as medical, mental health, employment support, and government agencies. 

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. 

Lia loves to travel the world with her partner and son. She has been to 37 counties so far!

Dr. Glenn-Smith is President and CEO for The Learning Center for the Deaf. She also currently serves on the board of Summer of Sass 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, serving from 2022-2024. She is currently serving as the MCSW Secretary of Legislative and Public Policy. 

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.

Anupam ‘Bapu’ Jena, MD, is the Joseph P. Newhouse Professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School and a physician in the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also a faculty research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Dr. Jena recently co-authored the book “Random Acts of Medicine," and is the host of the podcast ‘Freakonomics, M.D.’ 

Dr. Jena graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received his MD and PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago and completed his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Jena is a current parent of a TLC student.

Elizabeth Knox, JD, is an attorney who currently provides higher education legal services, focusing on guidance for developing and implementing education-specific policies and analyzing vendor contracts to ensure compliance. Her skill set includes policymaking, research analysis, and complex litigation management. She also provides corporate legal services and has a background in civil rights law. 

Knox graduated from Harvard Law School, where she was awarded the Presidential Scholarship for Public Interest, and received the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship and the James Vorenberg Equal Justice Summer Fellowship.  Her background includes varied law firm and in-house work and she founded Access the Dream, a service that trained businesses on disability issues. She now counsels families on accommodations and other disability related issues on a pro bono basis. She has been deaf since birth, and is now the parent of a deaf child. This personal experience deeply informs her professional focus and advocacy.

Laurie Shaffer, 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.

April brings an extensive background in social services, social work, and leadership. She received her Master’s in Social Work and Bachelor’s in Psychology from Gallaudet University. She worked as a Behavioral Specialist at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf and as the Assistant Independent Living Director at DEAF, Inc., where she found her passion in creating resources for the hard of hearing community.

She currently works as a Service Navigator and Human Services Coordinator II for MCDHH, or the Southeast region in Massachusetts, where she provides individualized plans for resolving legal, family, social, economic, behavioral, and/or physical problems. She also consistently evaluates clients, acting as a liaison and advocate through on-site visits, progress reports, collaboration with state agencies, and other methods.

 April is also a psychotherapist for Own Your Voice Mental Wellness, where she provides direct psychotherapy treatment through client assessment, treatment plan development, and emotional support.

Most notably, April is the creator and social media marketing manager for Moody in the Middle, a centralized resource hub for the hard of hearing community. Moody in the Middle’s goal is to empower individuals with the tools they need to fulfill personal and professional passions through affordable life coaching services and consultations. In addition to services, Moody in the Middle offers an online shop that carries digital products, apparel, homeware, and accessories.

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.