BIO Dawnmarie Caggiano, currently resides in Tampa Bay, Fl for the last 20+ years. She graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT/NTID) with her Bachelors in Social Work. Dawnmarie worked in non profit section from 1998 – 2008 and is currently employed as Business Manager for ZVRS / Purple Communications. She has served in various roles on the board of numerous organizations over the years. Dawnmarie enjoys spending time with her sister and close friends.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? I have served as a NAD Delegate in the past and understand what is involved during the COR meetings. I also have a passion for what is happening in our community. By participating as a Delegate I can contribute my votes and ensure that the community’s “voice” will be heard. I also welcome hearing from individual members on their thoughts regarding resolutions, priorities, amendments and board positions before submitting my votes. I want to do what is best for the community not for myself only. I hope you would consider voting for me as your OGG Delegate.
BIO My name is Nida Din and I am a culturally Deaf, Pakistani-American woman. My educational background includes a BBA in Consulting and Change Management at the University of Texas (Hook ‘em Horns!) in Austin, Texas. Upon graduation, I've worked for six years and my work experience included working in a domestic violence/sexual assault agency, health information technology corporation, and video relay services corporation. Eventually, I have decided to go to law school and I’ve obtained a JD from the University of Houston Law Center. Currently, I am a staff attorney at Austin Community Law Center in Austin, Texas and I practice family law, wills, and probate.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? As a result of Black Lives Matter and systemic racism, I’ve started unpacking as a Deaf, BIPOC woman. One thing that I’ve recently learned about myself is that I have imposter syndrome due to years of oppression and discrimination. To start healing, I am seeking opportunities to help me tackle my self-doubts in a safe place. Becoming an OGG delegate is an amazing opportunity for me to contribute my thoughts without doubting myself. Most important of all, I would appreciate the opportunity to make a difference and represent my views as a BIPOC, female person at the national level.
BIO Judith M. Gilliam hails from West Haven, Connecticut. She attended Gallaudet University and has held various roles; classroom teacher, dean of girls, supervising teacher, Director of Instructional Service and Director of Primary Department (Preschool through 3rd grade) She retired after 27 years of service and has become a staunch advocate for various organizations, especially NAD. Judith has been involved in various RID committees. She co-chaired the RID National Conference in Orlando, FL. She was involved in the NAD RID National Interpreter Certification for 6 years co-chairing with the beloved Gary Sanderson. Most recently, Judith has served on NAD’s RID Certification Committee for six years with the last 2 terms as the chair. Judith is a certified mediator and continues to serve RID with mediation and as an adjudicator. With her recent experience working and collaborating with the member sections and members in general, Judith wishes to continue the practice of reaching out to the Deaf and Interpreting community. She also served as a Commissioner on the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education. With her vested interest in continuing the valuable work done by the committee, Judith intends to devote her deep commitment to advocacy. She enjoys attending to issues including all issues impacting the deaf regionally and nationally. She resides in Alabama with her husband, Buford along with their 2 grown sons, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? With Judith’s forementioned experience, She wishes to serve as a delegate to the Order of Georges and Georgettes so she can remain active for NAD. She has been through different walks of life and it is without doubt she will serve the OGG delegate to her best ability.
BIO Crystal Kelley Schwartz is full of passion and expertise when it comes to advocating, mentoring, consulting, interpreting, teaching; also performing, and ministering. 20+ years in her career of working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, students and interpreters of ASL, along with professionals that serve to meet the needs of cultural and disability barriers; bring a wealth of authenticity to her profession as an independent contractor. Born and raised in Naperville, Illinois; she is still new to Fort Worth, Texas where she now resides with her husband and her children. Crystal has been involved with NAD since she was in high school. All through college and her career, Crystal has continued to remain active with NAD by being a delegate several times, serving as a college bowl judge, providing workshops at conferences and staying connected through networking. She is also a proud parent of an YLC alumni.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? NAD continues to be an organization I remain thankful and loyal to, for many reasons and to be able to serve as a delegate again allows me to stay in touch with what’s going on, offer my authentic perspective and represent the OGGs of NAD.
BIO Chad works as a Director for the Research and Resource Center with Deaf* communities (RRCD) at Western Oregon University (WOU). Outside of his role at WOU, Chad is the volunteer and founding Executive Director for a new emerging non-profit organization, Bridges Oregon, Inc. Chad previously served as a president for Oregon Association of the Deaf (OAD) for two terms (4 years) and has been to NAD’s conferences since early 1990’s. Chad served as a delegate for OAD twice and NASADHH once at COR. Currently, Chad is the chair of the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program’s advisory committee. Chad serves as a member of the advisory board with Friends of Oregon School for the Deaf, Oregon’s Early Hearing Detection & Intervention and Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Chad also serves on a core team for Oregon State ASL Interpreter Licensure Bill and is a volunteer lobbyist with Oregon Legislature. He is a member with OAD, NAD, ORID, and RID.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? Chad serves as a long-time member with NAD and served as a delegate three different times, he is very familiar with the voting process, bylaws amendments, priorities, and the election. Dr. Patrick Graham and Chad are proposing a motion on the Foster Care Bill of Rights in which he believes that the Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing children in the nationwide foster and child welfare systems should have their own rights to accessibility which they currently usually do not have access to information.
BIO I am a retired educator with 35 years of experience as a teacher and administrator at the American School for the Deaf and in public schools in Connecticut and Florida. I grew up in New York City and was a member of the first Junior National Association of the Deaf chapter that was not part of a school for the Deaf. I attended the first JR NAD conference at Gallaudet University in 1968. I graduated from Gallaudet University in 1974 with a BA in Sociology/ Social work. As a student I was involved several organizations. I was the president of the Student Body Government. I received my Masters Degree in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College in 1976. I have certification in Educational Leadership from the Central Connecticut State University. I was president of both the Connecticut Association of the Deaf and the Florida Association of the Deaf. I reside in Boynton Beach, Florida with my husband Robert.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? I would like to be an OGG representative as I feel I could contribute to the meetings. I have been a delegate to several NAD Conferences and also attended others. I am involved in the deaf community as an advocate. I am a former secretary of the Deaf Seniors of America and now serving on the Task Force on Aging. I am also a member of the Senior citizen Section of the NAD.
BIO Philippe Montalette of Utah is a Business Intelligence Data Analyst for Sorenson Communications and has been with the company for over 16 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix. He served treasurer of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) with three terms. He is former president of the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD). Montalette’s passion is working with and raising funds for various local non-profit organizations like UAD and Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf. He strongly believes in partnerships with different organizations. Montalette, who was born in Paris, France and spent his childhood in New York City and London, England, enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with his family. Montalette is married to Yvonne. He is proud grandpa of 3 grandsons. That is one of my favorite part to spend quality time with grandsons.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? When I started to be involved with NAD as board Treasurer for 6 years. It gave me rich experience to meet and learn more about deaf community in USA. My perspective did change a lot when I began join NAD board through many different diversity training like Social Justice, Intersectional, etc. I do enjoy to contribute and advocate/serve local/state/national organization. My passion of NAD is still there, want to give a good faith and support to vote of what priority in proposal in next 2 years. OGG would give me an opportunity to work with other delegates.
BIO I served as an officer of Oklahoma Association of the Deaf for over 20 years, and I am still a member of OAD. I also served on the NAD Board of Directors as Region III representative and then Secretary from 2003-2010. I am still a member of NAD. I was born in Jacksonville Florida, and moved around a lot because my dad was in the Navy. I had been to different schools, be it deaf school, oral school, hearing school with no interpreter and hearing school that had Deaf Education program. I live in Oklahoma for over 38 years now. I worked as Independent Living Coordinator at a non-profit deaf service agency in Tulsa for 20 years, and I also taught ASL classes at a community college for over 20 years. I am a mom of 2 and a grandma of 7.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? I was a delegate for OAD for many years, and I also served on the COR committee while I was on board with NAD. I have a deep loyalty to NAD, and I know what to expect of my duty as a delegate tho it will be a first time to do this virtually.
BIO I know that successful Deaf and Hard of Hearing students become successful DHH adults. By day, I teach ASL at secondary level with Pasco Country District here in Florida. By night, I’m busy teaching Deaf Culture at the local college two nights and I also volunteer my time actively involved in several organizations that I’m passionate about. I love Politics and majored in Government at Gallaudet University, where I also earned my teaching credential and Master of Arts in Deaf Education degree. Fun facts: 1) I love the Baltimore Ravens, 2) I enjoy reading YR and politics books, 3) I have been involved in working with Jr. NAD for many years at several deaf schools including 25th Jr. NAD National Conference. Feel free to connect with me on Facebook to inquire me for more information or get to know me better. I enjoy meeting interesting and passionate people from all walks of life!
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate?
(Y)our “hidden” insights that might help me other delegates’ perspective and challenge them to think differently. If I can learn something new that changes our perspective – then I might be able to come up with better recommendations, new solutions for our OGG.
(O)pportunity is for you to share your ideas and point of view. The goal here is to get as many people as possible commenting – positive and negative – so that everyone can benefit from your knowledge, expertise and ideas. I believe that together – we can create better ideas and solutions for the NAD.
(U)tilize me as a delegate for YOU!
BIO Jeremy Sebest is the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Administrative Officer. He has served in this capacity since 2016 and has worked within the federal Government since 2014. As an Administrative Officer, Mr. Sebest advises planners on all administrative matters, and organizational requirements important to ensure the successful implementation of regional goals and objectives. He has been involved with several organizations. He has been a Board Member of Diversity and Inclusion for CISA, including being the Co-Leader for the Disability and Accessibility Council. Other involvement with DHS wide, he has been a 4-year member of DHS, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Affinity Group, focusing on recruiting efforts for college graduates who are interested in pursuing a career with DHS. He also serves being the RIT/NTID Alumni Advisory Board of Directors since April 2020 for 3-year term.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? As a member of NAD for the past 3 years, I want to contribute my time and efforts to be a delegate for the OGG at the Virtual COR Meeting that will take place on October 1-4, 2020. While I have been involved with other organizations and this is a great opportunity to provide some of my perspective and discuss different topics that will be brought to the table. For NAD, I have not been involved with any events or activity so I’m available to listen and give some advice and seek what priorities will be needed to accomplish and work on the priority motions.
BIO I hail from Germany, where I obtained the 8 years of elementary education in a residential school for the deaf in Bamberg. I founded and led a youth club. At the same time I studied by myself English, Latin, Mathematics, and some natural sciences, since a secondary deaf education did not exist in Germany. Therefore, I entered Gallaudet College in 1964, received a B.A. in 1969 and a MA in education in 1971. Later I received another MA in linguistics. Thereafter, I taught deaf children and adolescents as well as ASL to hearing people in NH. I helped to found NHAD there, to train interpreters, lobbying for an interpreter bill, participated in cross-disability committees, and was involved in various leadership roles in MSAD, TDI, RID at the local and national levels. I was a COR delegate at a number of NAD conventions. I travelled several times to give papers and keynote addresses on diverse topics such as Deaf Self-Consciousness, Audism, Deaf Existentialism, Deaf History, Sign Language, Bilingual Education, Use of Deaf Interpreter, Interpreter Allyship. I also published seven essays in German professional journals.
Why do you want to be an OGG Delegate? What I would like to achieve as a delegate for OGG at COR: First, I would like to introduce an anti-audistic standard for NAD and how their leadership by which they refrain themselves from the use of audistic vocabulary, like “hearing impaired, hearing loss, disability, aural rehabilitation, verbal, etc.” On my agenda, I would also like to introduce for NAD and other Deaf-related organizations some advocating measures, such as legislation, FCC, meeting with TV executives, to advocate greater quality of captioning and increasing the use of ASL interpretation on the TV.