Emily Addison
she/hers/her
Content Coordinator
About Me
Emily Addison
she/hers/her
Content Coordinator
Emily is a proud alumna of Clemson University (Go Tigers!), she graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. A degree in Communication prepared Emily to explore various industries (such as Higher Education, Non-Profit, and Social Media), which she has done so far in her career. Those experiences provided the opportunity to engage with different groups of people and learn how to interact accordingly. However, her true passion is using social media to raise awareness in the deaf community. Through the accessibility of social media, she is aware of current trends and the latest happenings. That level of connection has proven to be very helpful for content creation. Emily is excited to work at the NAD to blend her passion and profession.
Zainab Alkebsi
she/hers/her
Policy Counsel
About Me
Zainab Alkebsi
she/hers/her
Policy Counsel
Zainab is the Policy Counsel at the NAD. As Policy Counsel, Zainab is responsible for providing analysis, recommendations, and advice to the NAD on policy issues affecting people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Zainab regularly interfaces with government agencies, Congress, coalitions, media, and businesses on all issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Zainab also represents the NAD at conferences, on advisory committees and panels, and through presentations. Zainab also serves as the President of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association and Chair of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network. Before joining the NAD, Zainab served as Deputy Director at the Maryland Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing coordinating the office’s legislative and policy efforts. Zainab has a BA in political science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Sara Bianco
she/hers/her
Conference Coordinator
About Me
Sara Bianco
she/hers/her
Conference Coordinator
As the Conference Coordinator, Sara focuses on all things relating to the NAD Conferences and the NAD Leadership and Training Conferences. Sara also teaches American Sign Language, Deaf Studies, and Signed Language Interpreting courses and works as a Deaf interpreter. She was an exchange student to Germany and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Her degree led to the positions of Deaf Services Coordinator at DuPage Center for Independent Living, Disability Community Organizer at Equip for Equality, and then the American Sign Language, Deaf Studies, and Interpreting field for the past 15+ years. Sara has also held positions in different nonprofit organizations, such as Illinois Association of the Deaf, Ohio Chapter of American Sign Language Teachers Association, and Metro Deaf School Board. In her free time, she travels, spends time in Hyrule (the land in all Legend of Zelda video games), and cherishes her time with her family. Originally from the Chicago area, she now resides in Florida.
Anna Bitencourt
she/hers/her
Senior Attorney
About Me
Anna Bitencourt
she/hers/her
Senior Attorney
Anna is a staff attorney with the NAD. As litigator and intake specialist, her duties include handling inquiries from consumers seeking legal or advocacy assistance and engaging in litigation and administrative advocacy on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Prior to joining the NAD, she was an associate attorney for Dansie & Dansie, LLP representing clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters before administrative agencies, and state and federal judges and juries. Anna is a graduate of University of Maryland College Park (B.S.) and the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (J.D.). While in law school, Anna served as Senior Note and Comment Editor of the Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy. Her Note, “Tripping over TRIPS and the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Legislation and Political Decisions in Brazil and the United States”, was published in the same Journal. Anna also served as judicial intern to Special Master Golkiewicz of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Anna was born in Brazil to an Italian family and is a polyglot and self-professed linguaphile. In her spare time, she dances and practices yoga and enjoys outdoor sports such as hiking, running, and climbing. She loves theatre and performed with National Theatre of the Deaf in a national tour. Anna also loves to read and travel, especially to Brazil and Italy to visit her family.
Lizzie Bloom
she/hers/her
Director of Engagement
About Me
Lizzie Bloom
she/hers/her
Director of Engagement
As the Director of Engagement, Lizzie supervises the Communications Team and is committed to ensuring the NAD’s transparency by communicating updates and sharing resources. Before arriving at the NAD in 2013, Lizzie worked at Gallaudet University for five years, first as a Digital Video Specialist and then as a Video Senior Producer. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Film and Animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master’s Degree from the Administration and Supervision program at Gallaudet University. Lizzie was born and raised in California before moving out east in 1999 and now lives in Austin, Texas.
Marc P. Charmatz
he/him/his
Senior Attorney
About Me
Marc P. Charmatz
he/him/his
Senior Attorney
The longest serving staff member, Marc started work at the NAD in 1977. He is renowned throughout the disability community for taking part in several landmark cases and legal actions on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Charmatz is a graduate of New York University (B.A.) and the Northwestern University School of Law. From 1977 until 2002, he served as the director of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center (LAC). In 2002, Marc stepped down to work as an NAD senior attorney on a part-time basis. He currently is an adjunct professor of Law at the University of Maryland Law School, where he teaches the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Clinic. Marc answers numerous email and telephone/TTY messages from individuals who have questions about legal issues and provides information to enable deaf and hard of hearing individuals, encouraging them to become advocates on the issues they are concerned about. He sums up his experiences this way: “I truly believe that I have had one of the most interesting public interest careers serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals.” In his free time, Marc collects sports cards – baseball, football, and basketball, and enjoys going to flea markets and yard sales.
Drake Darrah
he/him/his
Skadden Fellow
About Me
Drake Darrah
he/him/his
Skadden Fellow
Drake is a Skadden Fellow with the NAD. His project focuses on advocating for access to programs and services for deaf families and deaf children in the child welfare system in the United States and thereby reducing inappropriate referrals, inaccessible services, erroneous foster placements that contribute to family dysfunction, unjustified permanent separations on the basis of disability, and discrimination against qualified deaf parents seeking to foster and/or adopt. Prior to joining the NAD, Drake worked at Sidley Austin and the Department of Justice. Drake holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. In his free time, Drake enjoys watching Netflix documentaries, trying new restaurants, and going for walks with his dog.
Andy Foster
he/him/his
Web Support
About Me
Andy Foster
he/him/his
Web Support
Andy is responsible for the maintenance and development of websites for the NAD. Currently he works at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Prior to that he was a web developer at National Technical Institute of the Deaf. Additionally he worked for five years at the University of Vermont where he was responsible for the Continuing Education website. He received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in Deaf Education from Illinois State University. He currently resides in Indiana.
Claudia Giordano
she/hers/her
Director of Youth Programs
About Me
Claudia Giordano
she/hers/her
Director of Youth Programs
Claudia is a dedicated and passionate professional who is driven by unwavering enthusiasm and a strong commitment to positively impacting the lives of young individuals. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Family and Child Studies from Gallaudet University, Claudia’s journey began with an internship working with the Educational Policy Counsel at the NAD, where her passion for volunteering and community service took root. She coordinated conferences such as the National Deaf Education Conference and the National Deaf People of Color Conference while advocating for deaf students in K-12 and Higher Education. Claudia’s dedication to making a difference led her to earn a Master’s degree in Early Language Advocacy. Beyond her professional pursuits, Claudia finds joy in watching TV shows, bouldering, trying new recipes, and caring for her plants. She also cherishes the company of her beloved cat, Theon. Claudia eagerly looks forward to collaborating with everyone involved in the NAD Youth Programs, empowering deaf youth leaders, and leveraging her diverse experiences and dedicated passion to create a lasting impact.
Brandon Henry
he/him/his
Social Media Contractor
About Me
Brandon Henry
he/him/his
Social Media Contractor
Brandon graduated from the Texas School for the Deaf in 2014, Gallaudet University 2019 in Communication Studies, and is currently enrolled in the Google Analytics Academy for Beginners. Brandon is a talented creative and is excited to bring valuable contributions to the NAD as a social media contractor. Identifying innovative approaches and coming up with solutions both motivates and drives Brandon. Brandon believes observing, inspiring, and determination are the foundations for his success. Bradon thrives on introducing fresh perspectives and new techniques to create opportunities to evolve and grow. Brandon’s goal is to keep up with cutting-edge social media trends!
Jenilee Marques
she/hers/her
Operations Manager
About Me
Jenilee Marques
she/hers/her
Operations Manager
Jenilee has a Master’s degree in International Development, specializing in Emergency Management; her mission is to break down barriers and create more inclusive environments. Her focus is on addressing the unique challenges faced by deaf communities. She is dedicated to providing the necessary support to help individuals navigate these obstacles. Beyond Jenilee’s professional commitments, she is passionate about animal welfare and regularly fosters animals in need. She also enjoys engaging in DIY projects, which allows her to exercise her creativity and problem-solving skills. Additionally, Jenilee loves spending time outdoors, reflecting her appreciation for nature and the environment.
Donna Morris
she/hers/her
Member and Donor Relations Specialist
About Me
Donna Morris
she/hers/her
Member and Donor Relations Specialist
Donna has been with the NAD since 1980. She is the advertising and sales specialist for the NADmag. Her other responsibilities include managing the NAD Bookstore, assisting with member and donor duties, and organizing the exhibit hall during NAD conferences. She enjoys vacations in New York, reading, and spending time with her teenage son and family.
Chris Payne-Tsoupros
she/her/hers
Education Policy Counsel
About Me
Chris Payne-Tsoupros
she/her/hers
Education Policy Counsel
As the Education Policy Counsel, Chris advises the NAD on legal and policy issues related to education for deaf and hard of hearing children and youth. Prior to joining the NAD in 2022, Chris served as a law professor at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. She continues to teach law school courses as an adjunct professor. Before joining UDC Law, Chris practiced in the employee benefits area at the global law firm, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and clerked for the Honorable John A. Gibney, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She previously taught elementary school and holds a master’s degree in education. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in deaf education at Gallaudet University. Chris received her J.D. from the William & Mary School of Law, M.Ed. from the University of Houston, and B.A. from Cornell University. She is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and Virginia (inactive). Chris has two young children who love baseball. When she is not at work, you can find her with her family on a Little League baseball field or cheering for the Washington Nationals.
Howard Rosenblum
he/him/his
Chief Executive Officer
About Me
Howard Rosenblum
he/him/his
Chief Executive Officer
Howard started as the Chief Executive Officer of the NAD in April 2011 and also serves as an ex officio member of the NAD Board of Directors. He comes to the NAD after 22 years as a lawyer, focusing his practice on disability rights and special education law. For nine years, he was a Senior Attorney at Equip for Equality, the Protection & Advocacy entity for Illinois. The previous 10 years, he worked as an associate at Monahan & Cohen, and briefly as a legal counsel at Access Living, the center for independent living in Chicago. In 1997, he founded the Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf, and served as Board Chair until 2011. In 2010 and again in 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Howard to serve on the United States Access Board. Howard has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering from the University of Arizona and a Juris Doctor degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law. Born and raised in Chicago, he is a diehard fan of Chicago sports teams. Howard also enjoys traveling the world to meet deaf people in other countries and learning their sign languages.
Jacob Salem
he, him, his
State Legislation Manager
About Me
Jacob Salem
he, him, his
State Legislation Manager
Jacob, a passionate entrepreneur, policy advocate, and startup consultant, is on a mission to expand the legislative affairs program across the US and bring invaluable tools to every state association. With a knack for finding solutions to complex issues, he contributes his knowledge to empower stakeholders and community members, fostering confidence in their decision-making and guiding them throughout the process. Recognizing the critical impact of well-structured policies, Jacob offers invaluable technical support in shaping comprehensive policy frameworks and strategic approaches. Guided by extensive experience in political roles and leadership on non-profit and state boards, Jacob deeply appreciates the art of effective board management and government administration. His willingness to challenge the norm and embrace the discomfort of disrupting the status quo has often been the catalyst for progress. As the NAD State Legislation Manager, Jacob is committed to equipping every state association with essential information and tools. His role involves assisting in drafting bills or letters, devising potent strategies, and advocating for change among state legislators. His collaborative approach spans the political spectrum, aiming to ensure equitable access to resources and information for our Deaf community. Beyond his professional commitments, Jacob graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Gallaudet University. Having previously served as the Director of Hillel at Gallaudet University for five years, Jacob enjoys contributing his time to the Jewish Deaf community. A food lover, he enjoys indulging in different cuisines during his spare time. A secret to winning him over is to bring him a box of chocolate rugelach. Jacob’s unshakable passion lies in the synergy of our collective efforts, propelling us toward a future where the Deaf community thrives with accessibility, representation, and opportunities.
Brittany Shrader
she/hers/her
Staff Attorney
About Me
Brittany Shrader
she/hers/her
Staff Attorney
Brittany is a staff attorney with the NAD. She focuses primarily on civil rights litigation filed on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing individuals to enforce federal antidiscrimination laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Prior to joining the NAD, Brittany worked as a senior litigation associate and trial attorney for Eisenberg & Baum, LLP’s Law Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in New York City, where she also concentrated her practice on the protection of rights of deaf and hard of hearing persons under local, state and federal law. Prior to becoming a civil litigator, Brittany was a juvenile delinquency prosecutor for the City of New York. Brittany’s experience prosecuting sex crimes and major crimes shaped her into a compassionate advocate with the ability to effectively represent and communicate with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Brittany holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia where she dual majored in East Asian Studies and Financial Economics and minored in World Religion. She spent summers studying at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China and at Oxford in England. Brittany also holds a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law with a concentration in Child and Family Advocacy. In addition to English and American Sign Language, Brittany also has proficiency in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. In her free time, Brittany enjoys musicals, traveling and spending quality time with family.
Jason Stark
he/him/his
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) Director
About Me
Jason Stark
he/him/his
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) Director
Jason joined the NAD shortly after it won the first grant award in 1991. His experiences have included the administration of staff in as many as 58 media libraries across the United States. He has also been responsible for computer and Internet operations resulting in first-ever advancements in accessible media delivery and retrieval. One example of such is the decade-old, yet-to-be emulated Internet-based media cataloging, classifying, and scheduling system to meet the needs of persons who are sensory disabled, their families, and the professionals who work with them. His management skills resulted in the federally funded Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) being dubbed the “Netflix of education.” Additional pioneering accomplishments include his planning and design of systems that delivered the first streaming of captioned classic movies as well as the first provision of a free-loan service of streamed captioned and described educational media. Two degrees from the University of South Carolina in business administration and information systems management were the foundation for the development of his innovative technology leadership that not only resulted in government savings of millions of dollars over the past twenty years, but also brought significant improvements in multimedia access and expansion of services to disabled children in the U.S. For two decades he has been immersed in Web site accessibility issues, consulting with programs across the country in a mutual quest for equal access.
Marlene Valle
she/hers/her
Social Media Coordinator
About Me
Marlene Valle
she/hers/her
Social Media Coordinator
Marlene graduated in Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University of Northridge (CSUN). She has a passion for mental health, as well as for traveling, wildlife & nature, and human rights. Marlene believes in the power of storytelling for social impacts and creating a connection between humans around the world. She founded Mira We Rise, a digital platform where Latine/x Deaf communities and their loved ones share their stories. Marlene is also a content creator who shares her travel experiences and who she meets in the global Deaf communities around the world. She loves relaxing in a hammock, reading books, and learning many new things, such as other languages.
Alexander Van Hook
he, him, his
Staff Attorney
About Me
Alexander Van Hook
he, him, his
Staff Attorney
Alexander is as a Staff Attorney with the Law and Advocacy Center at the NAD. Alexander will be supporting the NAD’s legal intake system and will be involved with litigation in which the NAD participates. He self-identifies as a person with cross-disabilities (Deaf wheelchair user). He was born in California and grew up in Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, in 2016; his Master of Public Administration degree at American University in Washington, District of Columbia, in 2018; and his Juris Doctor (law) degree at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, District of Columbia, in 2022. His specialized interest is disability rights as he strives to contribute to a more accessible and inclusive society for all. Alexander looks forward to supporting the NAD’s efforts in advocating for Deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. In his spare time, he loves to build LEGO models, travel and explore, play video games, go to the movie theater, visit museums, and socialize with friends. He has a corgi, golden retriever, and two cats with his parents.
Tom Wells
he/him/his
Director of Finance
About Me
Tom Wells
he/him/his
Director of Finance
Tom has worked in the Business Office of the NAD since 1996. He started as an Accountant and worked his way up to Director of Finance. In his current position Tom is responsible for the overall financial operations of the NAD. He graduated from Gallaudet University with a bachelor of science degree in accounting and in his free time enjoys playing soccer, golf, and traveling.
Leah Wiederhorn
she/hers/her
Senior Attorney
About Me
Leah Wiederhorn
she/hers/her
Senior Attorney
Leah joined the NAD in 2019 and is responsible for litigating civil rights disability cases on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. Prior to joining the NAD, Leah was a senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, where she litigated complex reproductive rights lawsuits around the country. Leah was an attorney at the Law Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Eisenberg and Baum, LLP, where she litigated complex discrimination lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, as well as applicable state civil rights laws. Leah previously served as an attorney at the Legal Aid Society, representing children in foster care proceedings and juvenile delinquency defense, among other Family Court matters. Leah was of counsel to the Law Office of Rankin & Taylor in Section 1983, Bivens, and Federal Tort Claims Act litigation and has also worked as a litigation associate at Rosin Steinhagen Mendel. Leah holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, where she received the Professor Nancy H. Fink Family Law Award, the Brooklyn Law School Public Service Award, and the CALI Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy. While at Brooklyn Law School, Leah was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and served as co-chair of Brooklyn Law School Students for the Public Interest. Leah received her B.A. in American History and Human Rights from Columbia University. In her free time, Leah enjoys reading literature, traveling, and independent film.
Sorley ‘Sami’ Willicheva
they/them/theirs
YLC Camp Director
About Me
Sorley ‘Sami’ Willicheva
they/them/theirs
YLC Camp Director
With 14 schools under their belt, Sami is an alumnus of Rochester Institute of Technology / National Technical Institute for the Deaf with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. They also hold a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Sami has served in different capacities throughout their life within the DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing (DBDDDHOH) communities ranging from youth to adults. Being involved with the NAD, first with Jr. NAD as a high school student, then later as a contestant for the NAD Youth Ambassador Program in 2016, serving as the first Secretary for the NAD Youth Section, as a member of NAD, and now as the YLC Director — they are beyond excited to serve the DBDDDHOH Youth in creating space for them to hone their skills, and gain insights and understanding of themselves as they find their footing in the broader communities.
Dominique Yeboah
she/hers/her
Communications Assistant
About Me
Dominique Yeboah
she/hers/her
Communications Assistant
Dominique graduated from Gallaudet University with a B.A. in International Studies.