About Walden School

Kristin received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and is a graduate of Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

Kristin began her career as a direct care staff member at a residential treatment program, working closely with students and gaining firsthand insight into the daily experiences and needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. She later became a Behavior Management Specialist, where she further developed her experience in staff supervision and supporting students with mental health, behavioral, and autism-related needs. She then moved into leadership, serving as Director of Student Life before becoming Director of Walden School. Throughout her career, she has gained experience overseeing residential programs, working closely with clinical teams, managing conflict, responding to crises, and working with DCF licensing and other outside agencies. These experiences continue to shape her approach to leadership today.

As Director of Walden School, Kristin oversees the full scope of the program, including clinical and residential services and daily programming. She works to ensure these areas function cohesively so that students receive consistent and coordinated support throughout their experience at Walden. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, communication, and maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment for both students and staff.

Kristin is a proud alumna of The Learning Center and returned to the organization after building her career working in residential treatment and behavioral support. Outside of work, she enjoys playing pickleball and traveling.

Toni received her master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University and has 40 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 and is currently our Director of Educational Services.  Toni is responsible for supporting TLC’s educational leaders and academic programs.  She is also responsible for TLC’s Educational Compliance through the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

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.

Elise Crawford brings more than 20 years of leadership in residential services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations. Most recently, she was the Dean of Students and Residential Scheduling Coordinator at the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT, where she oversees multi-shift residential operations, staff scheduling, and training programs including CPR, Trauma-Informed Care, and Physical & Psychological Management Training. 

Over her career, Crawford has held residential leadership roles across Massachusetts, Vermont, Arizona, and Connecticut, including as a Program Coordinator directing a residential group home for Deaf clients with mental illness and as a Legal Advocate for Deaf adults in Vermont. She holds certifications as a Red Cross Instructor, PMT Instructor, and TIC Instructor, and has built her career on staff development, regulatory compliance, and student-centered care.

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 43 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 23 years working at The Learning Center for the Deaf, Lynn will always say, "I truly love the kids!"

With more than 35 years of experience working extensively with adults and youth in residential treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation settings, Linda’s enthusiasm has never waned. She joined The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) in 1998 as the Residential Director, serving in that capacity until 2007 when she transitioned into her current role as the Director of Staff Development & Training for Walden School. Through her work with each employee, Linda strives to highlight the rewards of joining the TLC community, fostering an environment where staff can grow both personally and professionally. She strongly advocates for work-life balance, ensuring that employees take the self-care they need so they can fully focus on supporting their amazing students.

Linda has served on the Employer Advisory Board for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) for over a decade and is a 2020 graduate of the MetroWest Leadership Academy. A dedicated educator, she is a certified Red Cross Instructor and also serves as a certified Lead Instructor for Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro-ACT) and the Residential Child and Youth Care Professional (RCYCP) curriculum.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and studied public administration at Framingham State University. Outside of Walden School, Linda enjoys volunteering, walking, and spending time with her family.