Meet the AADB Board of Directors
Last Updated:
March 7, 2010
Email this pageDan Arabie - President
State: Louisiana
His Contact Information:
Email: LSUCajunDan@lusfiber.net
Committee:
- Bylaws Committee
- Ad Hoc Committee
- Finance Committee
Dan's Thoughts:
Background Information:
Greetings and Cajun Hugs!
My name is Dan Arabie and I am running for AADB President. I am eager to serve my fellow Deaf-Blind citizens and know that I am qualified to do the job. I would like to share my experiences with you now so that you can see who I am and what I stand for.
I was born with Usher Syndrome in Louisiana which has the highest incidence of Usher Syndrome in America. I graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1980 at the Louisiana School for the Deaf. After raising four daughters and retiring from the United States Postal Service, I devoted my time and energy to serving the deaf-blind and deaf communities as a leader and advocate. My studies in psychology at South Louisiana Community College and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette helped me to better understand the needs of deaf-blind people everywhere.
Among offices, I have served as president of the Louisiana Acadiana Deaf-Blind Citizens and of the Lafayette Athletic Association of the Deaf; as vice-president of the Louisiana School for the Deaf Alumni Association and of Affiliated Blind of Louisiana; and as general chairman of the National Softball Association of the Deaf. I was also State Treasurer of the Louisiana Association for the Deaf.
I consider as one of my greatest achievements organizing and leading a Deaf-Blind rally at the State Department of Social Services in Baton Rouge to request Support Service Providers (SSP) Services for the Deaf-Blind people of Louisiana. This rally was instrumental in helping our state pass new SSP legislation.
I am also the founding Chief Executive Officer of Deaf Bayou e-News, one of the nation's most popular publications geared toward the deaf and deaf-blind.
During the past summer months I traveled to many events in different states to speak about issues dear to my heart, such as how Hurricane Katrina left many deaf-blind people in Louisiana homeless or in fear of what would become of them. I told how I was able to help these individuals find shelter and assistance.
I have received leadership training from the Seattle Lighthouse in Seattle, Washington. The skills I learned during this training have helped me in so many ways. I also gave a presentation at the last National Association of the Deaf Convention that took place in New Orleans in the summer of 2008.
Timothy Jackson - Vice President
State: South Daktota
His Contact Information:
- Email: Tjjhulk24@gmail.com
- Phone: 605-370-6629 (VP)
- Phone: hulk.myvp.tv (VP)
Committees:
- Bylaws Committee - Chair
- Ad Hoc Committee
Timothy’s Thoughts:
Back Information:
My name is Timothy Jackson. I am known online as "Hulk" because Tim is such a common name. I want everyone to know exactly who I am as I run for Vice President of AADB. I am eager to complement Dan's leadership experience with my organizational and policy skills.
Like many people who are deaf-blind, I have Usher Syndrome. I graduated as the president of my class from the South Dakota School for the Deaf in 1988. The year before, I received training at the Helen Keller National Center which prepared me to succeed in college. I served two terms as President of Gallaudet Association of the Deaf-Blind, joined Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and computer information systems from Gallaudet University in 1995.
I then worked for six years as a Database Specialist for SPS Payment Systems before setting up my own business doing woodworking and marketing. My wife, Ruth, and I have been married for twelve years and have a son, Joshua, who is five years old. I am also a deacon at Signs of Grace Deaf Church in Sioux Falls where I teach Sunday school, lead Bible studies, and work as the Secretary for the church's five state branches. I also perform some monetary duties for the church's Sioux Falls branch.
As part of my membership in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, I developed the parliamentary procedures and became a well-versed Parliamentarian for the organization. I have assisted many organizations in parliamentary procedures and helped plan events and conferences. I have attended several leadership training programs and look forward to training new leaders of the future.
Debby Lieberman - Secretary
State: New Mexico
Her Contact Information:
- email: deblieberman@earthlink.net
- phone: (v) 505-286-0196
- Fax & TTY: 505-286-0199
Committee:
- Executive
- Policy and Procedure
- Hispanic-Latino
Debby's Thoughts:
Background Information
Debby Lieberman currently lives in New Mexico. She has been a member of AADB since 1990 and is an active member of the Zia Deaf-Blind Club of New Mexico and the Northern California Association of the Deaf-Blind where she served as secretary from 1991 until moving to New Mexico in 2001, and still serves on the NCADB Newsletter Team and Bylaws Committee. She is a braille transcriber and instructor, a volunteer SSP, and participates on the New Mexico Task Force on Deaf-Blind and the Advisory Committee for the Project for New Mexico Children and Youth Who Are Deafblind. Debby enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening, caring for her orchid collection and spending time with friends and family.
Michael Reese - Treasurer
State: Michigan
His Contact Information:
Email: WelshGent@aol.com
VP: 734.447.3398
Committees:
- Finance Committee - Chair
- Fund Raising Committee
Mike's Thoughts:
Background Information:
I was born with a severe-to-profound bilateral hearing loss and mild vision problems (including a congenital cataract, which was removed at age 9 months). I was declared legally blind in September 2006 after a bout of increased vision loss during that spring and summer. My vision problems consist of: hypersensitivity to light (thus the wraparound sunglasses), retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and severe astigmatism. I also have bilateral cochlear implants; my left one since 2002 and my right one since 2007.
My postsecondary education are the following: BS Computer Science, University of Michigan - Dearborn (1989); BA Sign Language Studies, Madonna University (1993); MSA Software Engineering Administration, Central Michigan University (1998); BS Mathematics, Madonna University (December 2009).
I have been employed by the Internal Revenue Service for 22 years this coming January as an Information Technology Specialist.
I have a wealth of experience in various leadership positions, including all four officers, in various capacities. In addition, I am currently serving as a member-at-large/newsletter editor for MI's SHI-M=DB, a committee member of MI's DeafBlind Workshop, treasurer of my local mixed deaf/hearing bowling league, and was recently elected vice-president of the Great Lakes Chapter of VIEW (Visually Impaired Employee Workforce) through IRS.
I am married and have two adult stepsons. My spare time activities include: spending time with my wife, studying French and Japanese, karate, swimming, bowling, and honing my stand-up comedy skills.
I hope to bring my experiences with me to serve AADB and its members to the best of my ability and support AADB's mission as well.
Karyn Campbell
State: Illinois
Her Contact Information:
Committees:
Karyn's Thoughts:
Background Information:
My name is Karyn Campbell. I graduated from college in May 1984 with a BA degree in Political Science. I have been happily married for 11 years. While we have no kids, we do have 6 nieces and nephews. I work as a receptionist at a small state agency, a job I have held for 17 years. I enjoy football and baseball.
I am blind, having only light perception with large objects up close, and have a mild to moderate hearing loss for which I wear hearing aids. Speech is my primary means of communication and I use an FM system or Assistive Listening device where necessary. I have found that I do better in meetings and large programs when using this type of equipment.
I am involved in the community, including the Illinois Council of the Blind (ICB) and its parent organization, the American Council of the Blind (ACB), as well as my local Lions Club. I have been involved in the deaf-blind community and its issues since 2000. At that time, I joined the ACB Sight AND Sound Impaired (SASI) Committee, and became its program Chairperson in 2004. I also serve as ICB’s representative to the SSP Task Force here in Illinois, where I have served since 2002.
Mark Gasaway
State: Georgia
His Contact Information:
- Email: mark.gasaway@comcast.net.
- Phone: 866.957.6153 (VP)
- Phone: 866.320.8173.
Committees:
- Ad Hoc Committee - Chair
Mark's Thoughts:
Background Information:
Mark Gasaway has been a member of AADB since 1996 and was a board member from 1998 - 2004. He ran for the board again in 2007 after resigning at the end of 2004.
He has a BA in Social Work from Gallaudet University and MA in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. He enjoys running, walking, biking, and other outdoor activities. He has been very active in promoting awareness for the deaf-blind, serving on many boards, committees, and meetings.
Jill Gaus
State - Michigan
Her Contact Information:
- Email: jagaus@sbcglobal.net
- Phone: 517.764.6178 V/TTP
- VP: 517.719.0016
Committees:
- Fund Raising Committee - Chair
- Finance Committee
Jill's Thoughts:
Background Information:
My name is Jill Gaus, I am from Michigan and I have Ushers Syndrome. I am a member of the Board of Directors of American Association of the DeafBlind and chair of Fundraising, member on the finance and Ad-Hoc committee and on the NTFDBI, National Task Force on DeafBlind Interpreting. I am Director of MI DBW (DeafBlind Workshop) at DeSales Conference Center in Brooklyn, MI. Co-founder, Past President and currently Treasurer of SHI-M=DB (Self-Help for Independence in Michigan: Equalizing the DeafBlind Community. I am also a Consultant for DB Central, MI Services for Children and Youths who are DeafBlind. Coordinator/Facilitator of the first ever camp, DeafBlind Transition Camp (DBTC) for DeafBlind teenagers, held at MSU. Member of the MI Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council. Volunteer nurse for different groups - MI Youth Leadership Forum, many Deaf Children programs at the Holley Family Village, MI DBW, and DBTC. Instructor at Lansing Community College teaching ITP (Interpreter Training Program) students, nursing students and EMT staff and students about working with DeafBlind individuals, DeafBlind interpreting and the role of SSP.
All these years, I felt people telling me what I could do or couldn't do was not empowering. Through learning experiences, trials and tribulations, I have grown to trust myself by proving that I can do it. I feel in order to become independent and believe in myself, it requires not allowing others to control your life. It can be most frustrating when I hear a DeafBlind person saying, "I can't." How does one know unless one has tried? So what we have a few limitations? Doesn't everyone? When people ask me, what does it feels like not to be normal, I ask them what is normal?
With my support system, including my husband, Jim, and my leader dog, Heidi, my family, friends, SSPs, different agencies and DeafBlind individuals I have met from all over, I now believe in myself and others. I feel having one life to live and living it fully, believing in your gifts and contributions can go a long way.
Lynn Jansen
State: Ohio
Her Contact Information:
Email: LynnAADB@aol.com
Committee:
- Ad-Hoc Committee
- Finance
Lynn's Thoughts:
Background Information:
Lynn received her Associates Degree in Business Administration at the Southern Ohio Business College, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting at the College of Mount St. Joseph, earned a certificate from Northern Illinois University on Studies on Deaf-Blindness. She has been an accountant working at various companies, including a CPA firm, in the Cincinnati area.
Lynn has Usher Syndrome, Type II and is legally blind as well as being profoundly hearing impaired. She is currently working hard learning American Sign Language.
She is very active in local, state, national, and international organizations. Lynn is proud to say that she is the founder and President of the Deaf-Blind Explorers, Past-President and a support staff of the Ohio Association of the Deaf-Blind, the Treasurer of the Visions and Opportunities, and the founder of South Western Ohio Deaf-Blind Association. As a founder and member of the Accessibility for Deaf-Blind of Ohio, she was appointed Chair of task force to develop a State - Wide Support Service Provider Program for all age groups who are visually-hearing impaired. Over the years, Lynn was a board member of Trustees for the American Council of the Blind of Ohio, for the American Council of the Blind of Greater Cincinnati Chapter, and for the Self Help for the Hard of Hearing (now Hearing Loss Association of America). For over fifteen years, Lynn has been a member of the American Association of Deaf-Blind, American Council for the Blind, and Hearing Loss Association of America. She was also a member of the state Rehabilitation Services Commission's Consumer Advisory Council. Lynn had the privilege of being a mentor for two young mentees who are deaf-blind and trained others on how to become mentors. She also was a committee chair for several conferences and retreats.
Not only does Lynn love to travel, she likes to dabble in the arts and has some pottery/ceramics and paintings on displays in the local galleries. By attending Ski for Light, she has discovered the love for cross-country skiing, as well as other outdoor activities such as, walking, hiking, tubing, and white-water rafting. Lynn is the mother of three children who are now young adults.
Maricar Marquez
State: New York
Her Contact Information:
Email: maricar.marquez@hknc.org
Committee:
- Ad-Hoc Committee
- By-laws Committee
Maricar's Thoughts:
Background Information:
Born in the Philippines and raised in Ontario, Canada, Maricar has Usher Syndrome, Type I. She received a BA degree in Communication Arts in 1994, and an MS degree in Administration in 1997 from Gallaudet University. Maricar has been employed at the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC) in Sands Point, NY, for over ten years and is now a senior instructor in the Communications Learning Center. In this capacity, she evaluates the communication skills of deaf-blind students at the Center and provides them with individualized rehabilitation training to prepare their vocational and educational pursuits.
Maricar has presented on a state and national level on an array of deaf-blind issues including SSP services, deaf-blind cultural issues, recreational opportunities, interpreting techniques and self-determination. She has been a mentor and trainer to deaf-blind teens, families and professionals.
Skydiving, rock climbing, parasailing and competing in triathlons and the NYC Marathon are just some of the activities that Maricar has enjoyed over the years. Other interests include reading, trying various ethnic dishes, and attending Broadway plays in New York City. Maricar is married to Don Horvath, who also works at HKNC.
Dorothy Walt
State: Washington
Her Contact Information:
Email: dorothyaadb@juno.com
Committees:
Dorothy's Thoughts:
Background Information:
Dorothy Walt is from Seattle, Washington. She is a regional representative for the Helen Keller National Center, northwest region. She earned her M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Gallaudet University and has worked in the field of deaf-blindness for over 15 years. Married to Ronald and has one daughter, Dorothy and her family lived in Alaska for 20+ years. After starting and managing a statewide deaf-blind program in Anchorage, Alaska, Dorothy accepted a position as a HKNC regional representative and became involved with advocating for deaf-blind people nationally and world wide. She enjoys networking, traveling, reading, cooking, being with family and working with and for AADB.
Emily Vera
State: California
Her Contact Information:
Committee:
Emily's Thoughts:
Background Information:
Hello, my name is Emily Maria Vera. I am very happy to be a new board member for AADB!
I was born hard-of-hearing and legally blind in Healdsburg, California. I have worked at the California School for the Blind in Fremont (CSBF) for the past four years in various positions as a teacher aide, office assistant, counselor assistant, and library assistant.
In May 2005, I graduated from College of the Redwoods, Northern California, with a Business Administrative Assistant certificate.
I am also proud to be a board member of the Northern California Association of the Deaf-Blind. I have been a fundraiser coordinator for NCDBA for a year. I also continue to enjoy working as NCDBA’s website designer, which I have done for the past three years.
I am looking forward to working with AADB and the deaf-blind communities, and pledge to bring you some new and exciting ideas and goals for the future. AADB is a great place to be!