Michelle John

Board Member

Vermont

"I am President of Vermont Hands & Voices and a Regional Coordinator for Hands & Voices Regions 1, 2, and 3. As a former stay-at-home parent, I raised and educated my three children, including my 11-year-old DeafBlind+ child with significant medical and developmental complexities.

I am passionate about family leadership,  DeafBlind+ needs, parent caregivers, storytelling and lived experience, sibling support, and the unique challenges faced by rural families. Through ongoing trainings, conferences, and presentations, I stay current on best practices and build connections that help families across the U.S. and Canada access valuable resources and support."

kari harbath

Board Member

Social Media Coordinator

Utah

"I am a disability advocate, writer, and parent leader based in Utah.  I am the mother of a child with CHARGE syndrome, who is profoundly DeafBlind.  My lived experience navigating complex medical and educational systems for my daughter has shaped my commitment to advocacy. I serve on advisory councils supporting DeafBlind and disabled students, have worked on several local political campaigns, and aim to elevate family voices in policy, education, and community spaces.

I am passionate about building inclusive systems where individuals who are DeafBlind and their families are seen, supported, and empowered!"

DARLENE NORMAN

Board Member

Policy, Information, and Education Committee Chair

California

"I am the proud mother of our vivacious teenage daughter, who has CHARGE syndrome and is DeafBlind. She has been the best teacher in helping me understand the value of individual and community advocacy and accessibility through our lived experiences together.

Professionally, I support families and educators as a special education administrator/school psychologist in public education, a licensed educational psychologist in the private sector, and as an independent facilitator for individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan.

I am thrilled to be a board member and to support our local, state, and national DeafBlind advocacy efforts!"

Courtney carpenter

Board Member

Kansas

"I am honored to serve on the NFADB Board. I am the proud mom of a 22-year-old young man diagnosed with Mosaic Trisomy 22, which has resulted in multiple disabilities, including deafblindness. Our journey has not always been easy, and I am incredibly thankful for NFADB and the many resources and connections that have helped our family along the way especially as we navigate the challenges of adult life.

My greatest passion is advocating for my son and for other individuals with deafblindness. I have served on the Kansas Deaf-Blind Advisory Council and continue to advocate for better services, supports, and opportunities for individuals and their families."

michelle williers

Board Member

Colorado

"I am a proud wife and mother, and one of the greatest privileges of my life is being mom to a young man who is Deafblind with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our journey has changed the way I see the world and taught me some of my most important lessons about courage, hope, belonging, and the power of seeing possibility before there is proof.

For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of leading nonprofit organizations in many different capacities. Today, I serve as CEO of PEAK Parent Center, where my personal and professional journeys have come together in a powerful way. I believe deeply in bringing people together, elevating family and self-advocate voices, challenging systems to be better, and turning possibility into meaningful change."