Past Directors

Note: Brenda Talley and Toby Witte-Dix were involved with camp before became coordinators starting in 2007, when Pastor Peggy Johnson turns over the administration of the camp to four coordinators, Carol Stevens, Brenda Talley, Belinda Milligan, and Toby Witte-Dix after she becomes a United Methodist Bishop and moves to Philadelphia. Then Brenda became President and Toby became Treasurer in 2014. Brenda involved camp for 13 years and Toby involved for 15 years.

 BRENDA TALLEY

Brenda TalleyPresident (2014 to 2018)

 TOBY WITTIE-DIX

Toby Wittie-Dix Treasurer (2014 to 2017)

  STEVEN COLLINS

Steven CollinsSecretary (2016 to 2018)
President (2018 to 2019)

LISA (JORDAN) WIRKUS

Picture of Lisa (Jordan) WirkusFormer Board Member

ANDREW COHEN

Photo of Andrew CohenFormer Secretary and First board member

HELENA INMAN

Picture of Helena InmanFormer Board Member

Before joining the Board in 2019, Helena has been involved with the DeafBlind Camp of Maryland as a SSP, a registration coordinator and in fundraising activities.  In 2012, Helena graduated from an ASL Interpreter Training Program and it was there that she first learned about the DeafBlind Camp of Maryland.  Helena works as a Human Resources program manager for the Federal government and as a sign language interpreter.  She has a masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a Certificate in Volunteer Management from American University.  Helena is originally from New York and has lived in Maryland since 1986.  She loves the DeafBlind Camp of Maryland and the campers!  She looks forward to providing an exceptional camp experience for all involved.

SANDI JOHNSON

Photo of Sandi JohnsonFormer Board Member

Rev. Dr. Sandi E. Johnson is celebrating her tenth year at Christ Deaf UMC. She received her Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado and her Doctoral Degree at St. Paul School of Theology, in Kansas City, MO. studying Wesleyan Theology and Church Leadership. Her Doctoral Thesis was "The Church is My Parish: Deaf Ministry".  She also carries Masters Degrees in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Abuse.

Pastor Sandi began working with DeafBlind individuals in the 1970's in Colorado, took her expertise of DeafBlind interpreting to the court system in Colorado, then in 2009 moved to Maryland and attended her first DeafBlind Camp.  She has been involved ever since, offering mentoring to SSPs, leading worship, teaching Bible Study, and 1:1 pastoral counseling as necessary.  She is delighted to serve on our Board of Directors.  

INGRID MARTINEZ

Former Board Member and Acting President

Meet Ingrid Martinez, board member of the DeafBlind Camp of Maryland. Ingrid has been involved with the camp since 2002 including roles as SSP and SSP Co-coordinator. Born and raised in Maryland and a hearing legally blind individual, Ingrid brings a different perspective to our camp family. She is a graduate of Towson University's deaf studies program (class of 2003), earned two master's degrees from Gallaudet University (2006 and 2014), and is the former Vice President of the DeafBlind Camp of Texas. Ingrid is passionate about helping others, both in her personal life and career choices as a counselor and current speech-language pathologist for the elderly population. She is thrilled to extend her passion as a proud member of the DBC of MD Board!

ROBYN GEARHART

Former Board Member

Robyn Gearhart has been an SSP for Deafblind Camp of Maryland since 2013. She also served as an SSP coordinator in 2018. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and the great outdoors.

KATHLEEN JEFFRA

Former Treasurer

Kathleen Jeffra received a B.S. in Elementary Ed/Early Childhood Development from College of Notre Dame of MD and has extensive experience teaching students from preschool to adult, especially in a religious setting. It was in the classroom that she became interested in American Sign Language when 2 young boys who were CODAs joined her class. Kathi began working at Christ Deaf Church and Deaf Shalom Zone in 2013 and became involved with DeafBlind Camp that same year. Since then she has contributed as an SSP, with administrative and logistics support for the camp, assisted with fundraising activities, and joined the Board of Directors in 2017.