Our Board of Directors and Staff
Andrea Bilello, Executive Director
Andrea Bilello is a Teacher of Students of Visual Impairments and Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS). She has over 20 years of experience in education, including special education and teaching students with visual impairment and deafblindness. Andrea has a M.Ed. in Special Education from UMaine, Orono and a M.Ed. in Vision Studies as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments from UMASS, Boston. Her greatest rewards have been witnessing students learning to read braille, use technology to access the curriculum, and develop independence advocating for their needs. Andrea enjoys spending time with her family, going to the stable, and being outdoors.
Stephanie Hurd, President
Stephanie Hurd has been a resident of Portsmouth, NH for 30 years, where she and her husband raised their two daughters. She has been involved in the community in different ways such as the local Lions Club and Middle Street Bapstist Church. Stephanie has been an Assistive Technology/Activities Specialist since 2007, with prior roles as Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Community Relations Coordinator at Future In Sight, a nonprofit organization that provides services to people who are blind and visually impaired. She is also affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of NH and the Coalition of Blind and Visually Impaired Voters in NH. Stephanie is a passionate advocate, who believes all people should live out their dreams. In 2022, she competed in Seacoast Skating with the Stars, leading by example for others with vision loss to hold onto their sense of “vision” that speaks about confidence, perseverance, thriving, and fulfillment! “Vision” sees way beyond “sight”!
David Kuhns, Co-Vice President
David Kuhns is a 30 year retired USAF Colonel and pilot with commercial airline experience. He has served in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Dave has been successful leading both large and small organizations. He has also served in executive positions at BAE Systems and Allied Universal Security Services. Dave lost his sight in 2014 due to a rare form of cancer and is totally blind. He has received blind rehabilitation training at VA hospitals, Future Insight and at the Colorado Center for the Blind. He is a firm believer in the power of accessible technology and other blind coping skills to be a path for independence and employment. Dave is a board member for four charitable non-profits and serves on a town board. He and his wife reside in Bedford, NH and have 3 adult children and four grandchildren.
Cynthia Learson, Co-Vice President
Cynthia Learson lives in Epsom, NH and has been a registered nurse for over 30 years, focusing on pediatric care. She is proud to serve on the board of directors for Camp Exsighting Adventures, a summer camp for visually impaired children. Cynthia is truly passionate about supporting this camp.
Renee Chalifour, Co-Secretary
Renee Chalifour is a totally blind resident of Leominster, Massachusetts. She attended camps for the blind since she was six years old. Camp is where she met some of her lifelong friends and tried many activities that she otherwise probably wouldn’t have had a chance to do. Renee is enjoying being on the board of directors to encourage more blind youth to learn about fun opportunities at camp.
Lori Smith, Co-Secretary
Lori Smoth is retired and a resident of Epping, NH.
Brian Knox, Treasurer
Brian Knox works in the legal field for an equipment financing and leasing company in NH. He is a New York Jets fan and loves playing basketball. In his spare time, Brian umpires Little League baseball and coaches basketball. Brian's mother-in-law and family friends have visual impairments.
Jessie Wetzel, Member at Large
Jessie Wetzel is a mother to three little ladies, member of the Woburn School Committee, educator, Lions Club member, Braille Literacy Council Member, and US Army veteran. Her oldest daughter was born with a visual impairment and she quickly became involved with that community. Jessie has a passion for service and is committed to advocating for families and strengthening the community. Jessie enjoys outdoor activities, travel, and reading, all while being with her family.