Bios of presenters

• Rosanna Babore is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist with a background in Deaf advocacy. She specializes in DeafBlind rehabilitation and has been empowering independence at Helen Keller National Center for the past four years.
• Miriam Beall: As a TVI and COMS, I have loved bringing in those everyday activities to adapt for my students. I am employed through WVU Eye Institute’s Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) where I am contracted to cover 6 different districts in West Virginia as a COMS.
• Edgenie Bellah, M.Ed., COMS, is the Family Engagement Coordinator with the Texas Deafblind Project at TSBVI Outreach. With nearly 40 years’ experience, she partners with families and professionals to advance O&M with families as active participants for individuals who are deafblind, of all abilities and across the lifespan.
• Elysia Benton (EB) is a COMS, TSVI, and NeuroMovement® Practitioner with 20+ years in schools. She centers DeafBlind-led approaches to Orientation & Mobility."
• Dr. Audra Bishop, COMS has worked as a COMS since 2010. Prior to that, she taught Special Education in Colorado and Texas for 9 years. Audra enjoys working with students with multiple disabilities and collaborating with classroom teachers and families. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.
• Ellen Blaydes received her Master’s Degree in Special Education with certification in Low Vision and Blindness from Marshall University; she also her certification in deaf/hard of hearing through Marshal University. Most recently, Ellen received her certification as an orientation and mobility specialist through ACVREP in 2019. Ellen works as an outreach specialist, with a specialty in O&M for Children's Vision Rehabilitation Program at WVU's Eye Institute.
• Tara Nelson Bowie has over 26 years of experience serving students with visual impairments. She is a TVI and ACVREP-certified O&M specialist and serves as Director of the Smokey Powell Center at GaDOE, where she leads statewide outreach focused on equitable access, high-quality services, and coordinated support for students and families.
• Laura Bozeman, PhD is Professor and Director of the Vision Studies program in the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development at UMass Boston. She is also Chair of the School. Dr. Bozeman has presented internationally, nationally, and regionally on self-defense, collaborative partnerships, O&M for Older Adults, and Blind O&M instructors.
• Hayley Broadway is DeafBlind, an educator and researcher whose work centers on DeafBlind ways of knowing, protactile, and collaboration. She brings lived experience and professional expertise to advancing DeafBlind-centered educational and mobility practices.
• Jenn Brooks’ professional career extends 20 years as a TVI, COMS, and CVRT, Adjunct Instructor, Director of Programs as well as international program development. She is currently the APH Regional Outreach Specialist for the Northcentral Region of U.S., providing professional development and trainings to providers and organizations in this area.
• Meredith Bryde (she/her) is a certified orientation and mobility specialist at Leader Dogs for the Blind. She joined the organization in 2015, became a training team supervisor in 2020, earned her O&M master’s in 2022 at the University of Kentucky, and began serving as the supervisor of extended services in 2024.
• Lauren Christie, GDMI, Director of Canine Development at The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ
• Stacey Colley, MA, COMS, is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the California School for the Blind, serving students ages 5–22 with a focus on deafblindness. A graduate of San Francisco State University, she brings experience in itinerant and center-based instruction, IEP team collaboration, family education, and university-level teaching.
• Danielle Cuénoud is a COMS and CVRT with over nine years of experience, including four years at Guiding Eyes for the Blind as Learning and Development Manager. She works closely with COMS and applicants pursuing guide dog mobility, focusing on supporting the transition from cane to guide dog and promoting safe, confident travel skills that foster long-term guide dog partnerships.
• Geri Darko has been an Orientation and Mobility specialist at the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind for 13 years. She works with children from preschool through grade 12. Since 2019, Geri has used the belt cane with 10 of her youngest students.
• Alecia Davidson: I am an educator with 16 years of experience, including 11 years as a TVI and COMS. I work in the Outreach Department at the Tennessee School for the Blind, supporting students and educators statewide while promoting independence, confidence, and professional growth.
• Ruthanne Dewey is a Senior Instructor at The Seeing Eye who has spent twelve years training dogs and teaching students.  Ruthanne lives with her wife and two “career change” dogs. Shes dedicated to help transform puppies into confident Seeing Eye dogs who bring independence and freedom to their future partners.
• Susie Drake, EdD, TVI/COMS specializes in functional, community-based O&M instruction that promotes independence, confidence, and real-world skill application. With experience in both special education and educational leadership, Susan brings a collaborative approach to service delivery in both urban & rural settings.
• Sarah Duyck (she/her) is an O&M and Field Services Representative, specializing in DeafBlind instruction at Leader Dogs for the Blind since 2013. She holds degrees in Sign Language Studies and Orientation and Mobility and is a qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, certified American Sign Language Interpreter, and Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
• Katie Ericson, Ph.D., TSVI, COMS is an Assistant Professor in the VI Program at Texas Tech University with over ten years’ experience in the field of special education. Dr. Ericson received her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a research focus on professional development for TSVIs and COMS.
• Belinda Fayard has 20 years of experience as a TVI. For the past three years, she has served in Outreach at TSBVI, first as a Transition consultant and now as Assistant Director. She holds a BA in History, a graduate certificate in VI, and an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership.
• Megan Fayard attended TSBVI’s 18+ program, EXIT, then moved on to graduate from Texas A&M University's PATHS program with a certification as a direct support paraprofessional. She currently works at a school in Central Texas as a Pre-K education assistant alongside her guide dog, Finn.
• Debbie Fiderer (M.S.Ed., COMS, CVRT) serves as Coordinator of the Community Services Program at Helen Keller National Center, where she has spent more than 20 years supporting DeafBlind individuals in downstate New York achieve meaningful employment and greater independence. She emphasizes a transdisciplinary team approach that empowers individuals to confidently navigate their world and reach their personal and professional goals.
• Amy Fletcher: M.Ed., TSVI, COMS is a developmental vision specialist & O&M provider for the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Birth-3 Program. With 18 years of special education experience, she was a New Mexico State University graduate, where she earned two Master’s degrees in special education/visual impairment programs.
• Courtney Forman, M.Ed., is the Statewide VI/O&M Mentor Coordinator with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Outreach. A teacher of students with visual impairments with 13 years of experience in special education, Courtney is dedicated to mentoring educators, inclusive best practices, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Lukas Franck, COMS worked as an instructor at The Seeing Eye for 45 years. He spent many years traveling the country "troubleshooting" guide dog teams leading to a deep interest in environmental access. He is retired, and lives in Chester, New Jersey with his wife Pauline.
• Joey Gan began his career in his family’s Chicago-based Universal Elevator company and spent 25 years in elevator construction, service, and maintenance. After moving to Florida in 2009, he became Miami Beach’s Chief Elevator Inspector and now advocates for accessibility and inclusive elevator technology in public spaces.
• Rita Garcia: I started my career in early intervention and became a developmental vision specialist. A few years later, I became a certified orientation & mobility specialist and have been employed at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired within the Birth-3 Program for the past 13 years.
• Lynn Gautreaux started working at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in 1980; retired in 2013 as the Director of Orientation and Mobility and Outreach Director; work as a contingent COMS at Leader Dogs for the Blind from 2002 to present day; author of "Comprehensive Cane, Tip & AMD Modification, Design & Refurbishing".
• Maddie Goswick: I am CTVI/COMS based in Southwest Missouri. I am currently pursuing the CATIS certification at UMASS Boston. I am passionate about making learning accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all students. I am motivated by faith, and I strive to share Christ’s light with the students and families I serve. I love using technology to spark curiosity, build strong relationships, and create learning experiences that students genuinely look forward to.
• Nora Griffin-Shirley, PhD, is the Director of The Virginia Murray Sowell Center for Research and Education in Visual Impairment and Coordinator of Orientation and Mobility Program at Texas Tech University. She has served as the co-principal investigator on grants, published articles and books, made numerous presentations, and received awards.
• Lisa Hanson, COMS has been a certified orientation and mobility specialist for 33 years. She serves ages birth to 22 years in Denton ISD. She’s also the director of Camp Abilities Texas an educational sports camp for children who are blind, visually impaired and deaf blind. Her children are her greatest blessings!
• Stephanie Hardwick is a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) and ACVREP-certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist with over 16 years of experience in Alabama and Georgia. She serves as an Outreach Education Program Specialist at the Smokey Powell Center (GaDOE), providing statewide support grounded in collaboration and practical problem-solving.
• Rachal Havens: I am a Certified Teacher of Students with Vision Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialist. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Vision Disabilities and Master’s in Visual Disabilities Studies from Florida State University. I have experience in both K–12 and adult rehabilitation settings, and now serve as Service Coordinator for vision and orientation and mobility services with AIS in Florida.?
• Amy Hayslette is a proud member of the Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program through the West Virginia University Eye Institute. She provides O&M services to children in schools while also serving visually impaired students through exciting outreach opportunities through CVRP. Amy also currently teaches for the Marshall University Vision Studies Program.
• Stephanie Herlich, MA, is a TSVI/OMS with 20+ years of experience. She coordinates the Assessment Center at California School for the Blind, consults for Exceptional Teaching, and lectures at San Francisco State University. Stephanie has authored The Mangold Braille Program, Unit 3 UEB, and contributed to APH publications and tools.
• Tina Herzberg is Professor and Coordinator of the Visual Impairment Education Program at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Dr. Herzberg is a certified TVI and COMS. Prior to USC Upstate, she served as a general education math and English teacher, and itinerant teacher of students with visual impairment.
• Linda Hinkle is a COMS®/TSVI in her 22nd year in Lubbock ISD, Texas. She contracts with Texas Tech University to teach the summer "cane class" and the weekend basic O&M course. Linda thinks learning should be fun and strives to create activities to boost learning in all aspects of a student's development.
• Beverly Jackson, M.Ed., COMS is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist with 26 years of experience supporting individuals with visual and multiple disabilities. She is a Clinical Instructor and O&M Coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University, mentoring future COMS and advancing best practices in O&M assessment and instruction.
• Hannah Jones is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Leader Dogs for the Blind. She attended Western Michigan University where she graduated with her Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility in 2023. She has a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services and Sciences with a minor in Medical Humanities from Western Michigan University.
• Justin Kaiser is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky in the program to prepare O&M specialists. Dr. Kaiser received his doctorate and master’s degree in vision studies from the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently President of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association.
• Shelby Kannanaikkal (TSVI, COMS, GDMI) works on the Assessment team at California School for the Blind, with Occupaws Guide Dog Association, and lectures at San Francisco State University. Additional experience includes teaching O&M and ILS to youth and adults and developing a guide dog instructor trainee program in Uruguay.
• Mary Beth Kelty is a TVI/COMS working in the Southern Ohio Valley Tri-State area. Before that, she was an intervention specialist working in a variety of classrooms for over 20 years. Mary Beth currently works with both children and adults who have visual impairments.
• Dr. Dae Kim (Ph.D., COMS, CLVT) is a professor in the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University. He is currently involved in research on long cane design and biomechanics, camera-vision-based wearable wayfinding systems for blind travelers, and travel behavior of blind individuals before and after O&M training among others.
• Valery Kircher: I am a COMS, TVI and CVI certified. I am currently a ABD doctorate student at University of Pittsburgh- but plan to be graduated by this conference. My dissertation focuses on a assessment tool I have created for O&M practitioners to evaluate children with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI). I have been a COMS working with both adults and children. I have presented at regional, state, national, and international conferences on the topic of CVI and O&M.
• Bill Lang began his career at The Seeing Eye as a second-generation GDMI in 2021. His exposure to guide dogs began early while his mother thrived as a Seeing Eye graduate and advocate for others with blindness and low vision."
• Suan Lee: I have 28 years of teaching experience, including 21 years in vision education. As a TVI and COMS in the Tennessee School for the Blind Outreach Department, I provide direct instruction and support educational teams while promoting academic success and Expanded Core Curriculum skills.
• Heather "Hex" Lightfoot, M.Ed., COMS, joined the Texas Deafblind Project as a transition consultant in 2023. A Gallaudet University alum, she earned her Master’s and Deafblind certificate from Texas Tech. Hex integrates her O&M practice with school and transition-aged students and her personal perspective raising a DeafBlind child.
• Alex Livingston is a COMS and the Adult Group Training Lead for statewide adult programs at Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of South Carolina. For over five years, she has taught clients of all ages across the state. She now designs group learning experiences that integrate technical insight with person-centered care.
• Dianne Luce, COMS, TSVI, is a dedicated advocate for access and inclusion, serving individuals of all ages in her 33-year career. With a B.S. in Visual Disabilities from FSU, she currently teaches O&M to adults at Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision in Tampa, FL.
• Kassy Maloney, M.S., COMS, has worked with a variety of teams throughout her 18 year career. As the founder of The Society of Exceptional Educators, she aims to elevate the O&M profession by uplifting innovative conversations and creating leaders in our field.
• Mike May consults on accessible technology and is Navigation Technology Advisor for APH. He was Chief Evangelist for GoodMaps and Executive Director of the Workforce Innovation Center at Envision in Wichita Kansas, CEO of Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle and CEO/Founder of Sendero Group, makers of accessible navigation products.
• Taylor McCaffrey has been an Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist for 12 years. She holds a Masters in Vision Rehabilitation from Hunter College, a Masters in Clinical Animal Behavior from University of Lincoln, and is currently completing her Masters in Business Administration at Iona University. Prior to working for Helen Keller National Center, she spent 7 years with Guide Dogs UK and currently sits on the faculty of TAGteach International. She holds a special interest in guide dog and wheelchair mobility and adores her interns!
• Tessa McCarthy is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh who has been teaching O&M for more than two decades. A certified TVI and COMS, she has previously worked as an itinerant teacher and at a school for the blind. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family."
• Cleo McClintock is a student at Portland State University O&M program; works for the Oregon Commission for the Blind,
• Grace Medina attended the University of Oklahoma Sooner Works program and earned a certificate in Integrated Studies. She lives with her sister and works as a Pre-K special education paraprofessional in North Texas with her guide dog, Velvet. She has presented at multiple transition conferences, sharing her lived experiences.
• Nicol Medina is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments with 10 years of experience in Special Education, including 6.5 years in the vision field. She currently works as a COMS in a North Texas school district.
• Jack Mitchell has been an COMS since 2019, and in the field of AT since 2000, first as a Rehabilitation Engineer and more recently a regional dealer for Humanware. He is currently the O&M Specialist at Industries of the Blind in Greensboro, NC, a member of the AER Environmental Access Committee and an at-large board member of NC AER.
• Kelley Nicholson, COMS - Certified in Orientation and Mobility since 1999, Kelley works with blind and visually impaired individuals. She specializes in autism, traumatic brain injury, septo-optic dysplasia, hearing impairment, and mobility device users, including guide dogs. She serves ages 0–22 in Fort Worth ISD and adults. Kelley is a wife and mother proudly.
• Chelsea Nohan (they/them) started their career as a TSVI/COMS in central Ohio before pivoting to training guide dogsn after the pandemic. They now work on the DeafBlind and Adaptive Services team at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Michigan. Chelsea has always had a passion for tactile graphics and served as the Braille and Tactile Graphic Coordinator at their university while getting their Bachelors degree.
• Phoebe Okungu is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of the Teacher of DeafBlind Program at Texas Tech University. She has published and presented globally about DeafBlindness, blind orientation and mobility instructors, development of application supporting body awareness of children with visual impairment, and assistive technology.
• Kristen Oplinger previously taught O&M within the Department of Veterans Affairs, and is now working as a GDMI at The Seeing Eye. She is involved with TSE’s O&M seminars, educating university students on guide dog travel, and is active within the Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association (OMSA).
• Alyssa Otis: Has been with Leader Dog 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 US, 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"
• Amy Parker, EdD, COMS, is an associate professor and the coordinator of the Orientation and Mobility Program in the Special Education Department. Her research interests include orientation and mobility for individuals with complex disabilities, communication interventions, participatory action research with people with disabilities and their families, and community-based partnerships to create social change.
• Jennifer Pelletier is a COMS and a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) from Minnesota. She has worked in a variety of health care and educational settings, and has presented on the use of music therapy & O&M nationally and internationally. She is particularly interested in the multicultural possibilities of this collaboration.
• Jeannine Penzone is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Leader Dogs for the Blind. She attended Salus University where she graduated with her Master of Science in Orientation and Mobility in 2023 and a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist certificate in 2024.
• Amanda Perez: I have 22 years of teaching experience and currently work as a TVI/COMS for the Tennessee School for the Blind, serving West Tennessee. I am passionate about empowering students with visual impairments and strive to make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun.
• Rona Pogrund, Ph.D. , TSVI, COMS is Professor and Coordinator of the Visual Impairment Program at Texas Tech University and was the Director of an O&M personnel preparation program with 53 years experience in the VI field. She has chaired the subcommittees that developed the VISSIT, O&M VISSIT, and VISSPA.
• Angela Regier, OTD, OTR/L, ATP/SMS: Angela, a licensed occupational therapist and RESNA-certified ATP and Seating & Mobility Specialist, leverages neurorehabilitation expertise in wheelchair seating and mobility. As LUCI’s Regional Director of Clinical Education, she supports clinicians in smart wheelchair application, presents nationally, and advocates for clinician-led CRT to enhance client independence and outcomes.
• Patrick Rich: I am a CTVI and COMS in the Outreach Department at the Tennessee School for the Blind with eight years of experience. I am passionate about fostering independence through problem-solving, assistive technology, and self-advocacy in safe, engaging, real-world learning environments.
• Sandy Rosen, Ph.D., is a retired professor and director of the O&M program at San Francisco State University. As a PT and COMS, Dr. Rosen has created a pioneering technique for proprioceptive teaching called the Rosen Method. She has created respected curricula through APH, including Step-By-Step and now is releasing the Rosen Method, a free course to support the use of proprioceptive teaching techniques for O&M Specialists.
• L. Penny Rosenblum, PhD. is the owner of Vision for Independence and Research Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona. She has 40 years of experience in the field. She is the co-author of Finding Wheels. She has presented at conferences in the U.S. and internationally and has more than 50 publications.
• Jenna Rydl, BEI Adv., COMS works for Helen Keller National Center as an itinerant O&M. Her diverse background includes work as a post-secondary ASL interpreter in Texas and au pair in Switzerland. Jenna’s passion is making connections, finding creative solutions, and bridging the gap between interpreting and vision rehabilitation professions.
• Lindsey Sharpe, PT, DPT, ATP: Lindsey, a licensed physical therapist and RESNA-certified ATP, is LUCI’s Regional Director of Clinical Education. She develops and delivers clinical resources, including inservices, CEU courses, and training programs. With neurorehabilitation and seating/mobility expertise, Lindsey advances assistive technology and frequently presents at both national and international conferences.
• Yolanda Shaw, MSW, is the Family Engagement Coordinator for TSBVI Outreach, serving families with blind and low vision children and youth. With over 15 years of experience, including 10 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, she brings her knowledge and lived experience to empower families and professionals through collaborative partnerships.
• Mary Shore is an O&M Consultant in the Outreach department at TSBVI. Mary has worked in the field of visual impairment serving children, adults and VI professionals for over two decades. Her current work places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting O&M concepts and skills in early childhood.
• Amanda Stolz is a COMS/TSVI with over 17 years of professional experience in the field. She serves as Chief Programs Officer for Adult Services at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of South Carolina and teaches graduate-level O&M courses at USC Upstate.
• Scott Turner is the Statewide Orientation and Mobility Consultant with Outreach Programs at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and has enjoyed a career as a COMS for over 30 years, working as an itinerate O&M Specialist and a Regional ESC consultant.
• Garret Waldie is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Leader Dogs for the Blind. He attended Western Michigan University where he graduated with his Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility in 2020. He is a veteran of the Marine Corps and has worked at Bosma Industries.
• Toni I. Walls, of Huntington, West Virginia, is a devoted family woman, minister, and leader dedicated to serving people with vision loss. As a COMS, CVRT, and Executive Director of the Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, she champions independence, compassion, and community, inspiring others through faith and service.
• Bradley Welling is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Leader Dogs for the Blind. He attended Western Michigan University where he graduated with his Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility in 2022.
• Nikki Wentz is a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, with more than 14 years of experience in the guide dog industry. She is currently Director of Client Services at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and has experience both training guide dogs and working with clients in campus and home-based trainings.
• Chelsea White has worked as an Outreach Specialist for The Seeing Eye for 25 years. She travels extensively through out North America educating people about dog guides. Chelsea is also a graduate of The Seeing Eye. She is currently partnered with a German Shepherd named Yen.
• Alicia Wolfe is the APH Outreach Regional Specialist for the Southcentral Region of the US. She is a seasoned TSVI with 25 years' experience and is highly qualified in evaluating the Functional Vision, Expanded Core Curriculum and Learning Media needs of students with visual impairments including those with multiple disabilities.
• Marjie Wood, COMS, TSVI, has over 40 years experience in O&M, teaching children from birth through high school. She has presented workshops nationally and internationally, focusing on early O&M, low vision, complex needs, and ensuring all children identified as VI receive an O&M evaluation by a certified O&M Specialist.

• Kate Almon is a recent graduate of the O&M program at Portland State Univeristy who is now a COMS and GDMIs in Oregon and part of the multi-year testing that is being presented at this conference.
• Rhianna Baldree is a student at Portland State University O&M program who works for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
• Beth Carrillo is a student at Portland State University, and pursued the research for this presentation as a part of earning a master's degree.
• Mallary Hoefer is a recent graduate of the O&M program at Portland State Univeristy who is now a COMS and GDMIs in Oregon and part of the multi-year testing that is being presented at this conference.
• Caron Isakson is a student at Portland State University, and pursued the research for this presentation as a part of earning a master's degree.
• Damian Janda is a student at Portland State University, and pursued the research for this presentation as a part of earning a master's degree.
• Katja LaFlamme is a student at Portland State University O&M program who is being dually prepared as a TSVI and O&M Specialist at Portland State University.
• Kirsten Hille is a student at Portland State University, dually enrolled in the O&M Program and pursuing a master's degree.
• Ky Wiese is a recent graduate of the O&M program at Portland State Univeristy who is now a COMS and GDMI in Oregon and part of the multi-year testing that is being presented at this conference.