board members
TANYA ARRIAGA
Tanya Arriaga has been with DBCTX since 2017 and joined the Board in 2020. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has a strong interest in mindfulness-based approaches to yoga. She is a certified instructor through the LIFT School of Acrobatics 200-hour program and Youga Yoga’s 200-hour certification.
As a DeafBlind individual, Tanya has excelled in her practice by sharpening her other senses. Throughout her life, she has relied primarily on cues and body language, rather than hearing and vision, to navigate the world. She has developed expertise in alignment-based yoga, partner dynamics, and integrating the mind and body.
Tanya teaches yoga to the public and also works closely with DeafBlind students. Her passion lies in helping individuals who have experienced stress by improving their relationships, enhancing their self-image, and fostering a sense of inner peace, completeness, and love.
TRESA BEARD Tresa Beard is a seasoned Freelance Sign Language and Protactile Interpreter. With over three decades of experience, she has worked in diverse settings, including universities, medical facilities, government agencies, legal courts, entertainment venues, and more. Tresa is committed to providing seamless communication access between Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Hearing individuals. Her expertise extends to various sign language modalities, including American Sign Language and Protactile. Throughout her career, Tresa has held leadership roles, including Interpreter Coordinator and Director of Texas Interpreting Services. She has successfully managed teams, coordinated complex schedules, and implemented innovative programs to enhance communication access for marginalized communities. Tresa's dedication to her profession is evident in her numerous achievements and certifications. She is a Senior Court Interpreter and a Master Level Certified Interpreter in the state of Texas. Her strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any team. |
SARAH GOODWIN Sarah Goodwin is a dedicated educator and advocate for the DeafBlind community. With a Master's degree in Deaf Education/Deaf Studies from Lamar University and a Bachelor's degree from Wichita State University, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. As an Adjunct Instructor at Lone Star College, she teaches the "Working with DeafBlind Persons" course and introduces students to the DeafBlind community. Sarah is passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences and encouraging students to explore tactile communication methods. Beyond the classroom, Sarah actively contributes to the DeafBlind community through her work with DeafBlind of Community Texas. As a CoNavigator Coordinator and Accommodation and Transportation Coordinator, she provides essential support services to guests, ensuring their access to communication and activities. Sarah's commitment to empowering DeafBlind individuals is evident in her training of CoNavigators and her presentations on various topics related to DeafBlindness. TODD HUSTON Todd Huston is a dedicated advocate for the DeafBlind community. As the father of a young adult who is DeafBlind, he is deeply committed to ensuring a bright future for individuals with this unique disability. A founding board member of DBCTX, Todd is passionate about connecting with others in the DeafBlind community, including professionals and families. Despite a demanding full-time job, he finds joy in building relationships and working towards a more inclusive world for all. JACQUELINE IZAGUIRRE Texas is my home, and serving on the DBCTX board is an honor. My husband and I are blessed with three grown children and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Our daughter, who is DeafBlind, has taught us the true meaning of resilience and strength. As she navigates her journey, I'm proud to stand by her side and advocate with her and the entire DeafBlind community. My daughter’s journey and the other incredible individuals I meet in this community have inspired me to advocate for the entire DeafBlind community. This inspiration has led me to be involved with various organizations like DBSCA, NFABD, National DeafBlind Coalition, and National PLACE. All of these organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of DeafBlind individuals. |