Our Expertise

At Braille Institute, we’re pros at bringing clarity to people’s lives. From our skilled instructors to our certified staff of low vision occupational therapists and social workers, our team illuminates paths to independence and boundless possibilities. Discover the heart and expertise behind Braille Institute.

Smiling Braille Institute staff chatting, sitting around a conference table in a team meeting.

Meet Our Specialists 

Our experts aren’t just well-versed. Some of our staff have visual impairments. Most have a personal connection with vision loss. And everyone offers a level of understanding that goes beyond a pamphlet or textbook. Learn more about the team that makes the Braille Institute thrive.

Low Vision Occupational Therapists

Katie Scheuring – DScOT, CLVT, Director
Andrew Cabal – MS, OTR/L, CLVT
Melissa Caruso – BS, COTA/L, CAPS
Caitlin Covert – OTD, OTR/L, CLVT
Rebecca Davis – COTA/L
Jennifer Debraal – BA, COTA/L
Nadia German – COTA/L
Elizabeth Lamprecht – MS, OTR/L, CLVT
Desiree Lanford – MS, OTR/L, CLVT
Jonas Latinette – COTA/L, CAPS
Jennifer Lian – MS, OTR/L, CSRS, CLVT
Jhoenalyn Mendoza – BS, COTA/L, CLVT
Daniele Rahmen – MS, OTR/L, CLVT
Carolilna Rollins – COTA/L
Creig Smith – OTD, OTR/L, CLVT
Julie Trinh – BS, COTA/L
John Turner – MS, OTR/L, CBIS, CLVT
Taylor Yandoli – MS, OTR/L, CLVT

Social Workers

 

Hannah Thomson – LCSW, Director
Leticia (Letty) Hernandez – MSW, Blind and Low Vision Social Worker
Miriam Hermoso – MSW, Blind and Low Vision Social Worker
Jeremy Hill, – MSW, Blind and Low Vision Social Worker
Carrie Kennedy – MSW, Blind and Low Vision Social Worker
Toni Liquornik – MSW, Blind and Low Vision Social Worker

Orientation and Mobility

Karen K. Esquival-Mayes – COMS, Director
Rumana Fouzia Choudhury – M.A., COMS
Maricarmen Garcia – COMS
Carolina Lopez – M.A., COMS
Keema McClung – M.Ed.
Martha Neri
Rachel Silva
Marissa J. Sylvester – COMS
Adrienn Torab
Tzeng H. Yen – COMS

Child & Youth Consultants and Specialists

Patricia L. Gallardo – Director, Child and Youth Development
Brehana Hernandez – Consultant, Child Development
Diana A. Picazo – Consultant, Child Development
Irma E. Reyes –  Consultant, Child Development

Madeleine Hernandez – Sr. Manager, International Youth Programs
Aidan Garrett – Youth Specialist
Kyra Mayes – Youth Specialist
Jocelyn Martinez Rivera – Youth Specialist

Our Instructors

Did You Know?

You can volunteer at the Braille Institute and make a real impact in someone’s life.

Lean On Us

Kathyrn shares her experience taking classes at the Braille Institute and how our low vision specialists helped her gain independence while living with best disease.

Kathryn
Braille Institute Coachella Valley Student

“Thank you is just not good enough. These instructors and volunteers are angels from heaven here on earth. “

Ready to Make a Difference? Join Our Team!

Work should be more than a way to earn a living; it should be gratifying and fun. Explore rewarding opportunities and be a part of our mission to make an impact in the lives of others.

Educate. Empower. Lead.

Check out the latest stories about the Braille Institute’s exceptional team of low vision specialists.

Contact Us

Have questions for our team? Please feel free to reach out!

Phone: 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (PT)

A Partner in Your Vision Loss Journey

A man smiling and sitting at a table with art supplies. A woman stands next to him, in conversation.