PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES
The President serves as the primary leader and spokesperson for CAID, presiding over board meetings and ensuring the organization’s strategic goals are met. They work closely with the executive committee to supervise the business of the organization and represent CAID’s interests within the broader Deaf Education community. The President serves a two-year term.  Following this term, the individual typically transitions into the role of Past President to provide continued guidance to the board .
Dr. Dani Willhite
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BIO
Dr. Dani Willhite is a Teacher of the Deaf with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Deaf Education. She holds certification in K–12 special education and K–6 core content and is a certified ASL interpreter in Illinois. Dani is a committed advocate for improving language outcomes for students impacted by language deprivation and works to ensure accessible, equitable curriculum availability for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students within her school district. She leads professional development and presents at universities and workshops on collaboration and language access. As the founder of DeafEd Collaborative, she provides training and consultation focused on strengthening educational teams, promoting shared responsibility, and driving systemic change to improve outcomes for DHH students across diverse educational settings.
STATEMENT OF INTENT
"In serving CAID, I aim to advance its mission by strengthening connections among professionals supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students across diverse and often isolated settings. My goals include recruiting more Deaf professionals, connecting more educators and service providers to the organization, and strengthening collaboration across teams. I am committed to expanding access to shared resources, supporting problem-solving, and promoting professional advocacy to better meet student needs. I will also work to identify and engage professionals to provide meaningful workshops focused on practical instructional and interpreting strategies. Through these efforts, I hope to foster a more inclusive, collaborative, and connected community dedicated to improving outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students."
Brenda Wellen
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BIO
Brenda Wellen is the Executive Director and Co-owner of Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss. She is a veteran Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with over 35 years’ experience as a self-contained teacher, parent-infant advisor, and itinerant teacher. She has a master’s degree in Deaf Education from Texas Woman's University and holds positions on several state committees planning events for professionals, parents, and students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She currently serves CAID as the President-Elect Pro-Tem.
STATEMENT OF INTENT
"For decades, our field has lacked an organization truly dedicated to us as professionals with specialized expertise that general education organizations simply can't speak to. CAID is that organization — a place where we can thrive together and know we're not alone.
Since its rejuvenation, membership has grown, interest groups have moved our field forward, and the community has been offered to professionals who too often feel isolated.
I've lived that isolation. And it's exactly why I want to serve.
If elected, my focus will be on growing our community and strengthening professional development that meets members where they are. Through my work with Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss, I know what educators are asking for and where the gaps are.
I would be honored to serve."
PRESIDENT-ELECTÂ NOMINEE
(UNOPPOSED)Â
The President-Elect assists the President in their duties and automatically assumes the office of President at the conclusion of the President's term. In the event of the President's absence or disability, the President-Elect performs all duties of the office with the full powers of the President. This position is generally responsible for planning the biennial conference.  The President-Elect serves a two-year term.  At the conclusion of this term, they automatically succeed to the office of President.
Jeannine Watson
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BIO
Jeannine’s passion for teaching students who are DHH stems from growing up as a CODA. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1994) and a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Deaf Education from the University of Northern Colorado (2016). She also holds certifications in Teaching English as a Second Language and Special Education Supervision. Jeannine currently serves as Communications Officer Pro Tem for CAID, where she co-led the development of a new website, created and managed a college pilot program, and helped coordinate CAID’s virtual conference. She is also Vice President of PESDHH and serves on the Literacy Committee for the Friends of the Hearing Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
STATEMENT OF INTENT
"If elected President-Elect of CAID, I will focus on strengthening connections across the field while supporting educators in meeting the diverse needs of students who are DHH. I aim to expand mentorship opportunities to support early-career professionals and build leadership pathways within CAID. I will work to strengthen university–school partnerships to address personnel shortages and ensure strong preparation of future educators. I am committed to planning a dynamic and inclusive CAID conference that reflects the diverse needs of educators of students who are DHH, with relevant, practical, and forward-thinking sessions. I will prioritize collaboration, networking, and the sharing of effective practices to support professionals across settings and experience levels."
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER NOMINEES
The Communications Officer serves as the secretary of CAID and is the primary point of contact for the organization's official correspondence .  They are responsible for sending out correspondence to CAID members and keeping the membership up to date on current CAID initiatives, such as professional development opportunities, newsletters, and social media updates. The Communications Officer leads a committee to support these responsibilities.  The Communications Officer serves a two-year term.
Julie Luke
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BIO
Julie Luke grew up using listening and spoken language in the mainstream setting.  In college, she learned ASL and it opened up doors of communication access that she didn’t know was possible. Through practicums and student teaching, it led her to shift her dream of becoming an itinerant teacher of the deaf to wanting to teach at a school for the deaf.Â
Today, Julie is a certified Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in South Dakota with experience in a residential school for the Deaf, mainstream D/HH programs, and as an outreach consultant. Currently, she oversees the special programs offered through SD Services for the Deaf (formerly SD School for the Deaf). She is nearing completion of her EdD, with research focused on understanding the perceptions of D/HH students, their service providers, and teachers regarding educational programming in a rural state. She is currently looking forward to never writing another paper ever again – ha!
 STATEMENT OF INTENT
"I’m looking to fill the Communications Officer role for CAID. In this role, I hope to ensure clear and consistent communication across the committee. I will share important updates through social media, newsletters, and meeting minutes, so everyone stays informed. My goal is to keep information organized, accessible, and engaging for all members and non-members as well (to entice them to join! )."
Rachel Moran
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BIO
To Rachel, the commitment to the D/HH community is both professional and personal: she has served as a Teacher for the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing for 12 years and previously provided Birth-to-3 outreach for the WV School for the Deaf. Recently, she received the Service Without Walls Itinerant Award. As a parent of two children with Treacher-Collins Syndrome, she has personally navigated the deep end of language development and academic advocacy. With her retirement approaching this June, she is eager to dedicate her time and experience to this role. She looks forward to fostering clear, empathetic communication that supports families and professionals, whether she’s in the field or home on her farm.
STATEMENT OF INTENT
"As Communications Officer, I will focus on two key pillars: Operational Excellence and Strategic Expansion. First, I will ensure organizational transparency by maintaining precise official records, documenting meeting minutes, and facilitating seamless communication between leadership, members, and professional entities. I also aim to revitalize CAID’s social media presence to keep our community digitally engaged.
Second, I will lead a targeted growth initiative. Currently, CAID is underrepresented among D/HH teachers in West Virginia. Leveraging my deep local roots, I will increase awareness and participation in my home state before expanding outreach to other regions. My goal is to ensure every educator can access and benefit from the abundant resources and support that CAID offers."
TREASURER NOMINEE
(UNOPPOSED)Â
The Treasurer is the custodian of all corporate funds and securities, ensuring full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in the corporation's books. They are responsible for depositing all monies in the name of the corporation and providing financial reports to the Board of Directors and the President upon request. The Treasurer is elected for a two-year term.
Traci Bowling
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BIO
Traci Bowling has been a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) for over 15 years. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education. Throughout her career, she has worked with students in both self-contained and itinerant settings across several states. She currently serves as an itinerant teacher in California, where she enjoys connecting with various students and school teams. Building these relationships remains the most rewarding part of her work.
 STATEMENT OF INTENT
"I am eager to serve as Treasurer because I believe in the mission of CAID and want to support its continued growth. I pride myself on being organized, detail-oriented, and reliable. I understand the importance of financial transparency and would take this responsibility seriously. I look forward to the opportunity to give back and help our community move forward."
SIG CO-DIRECTOR NOMINEES
(UNOPPOSED)Â
SIG Directors represent specific professional focus areas and serve as voting members of the Board of Directors to guide the organization's governance.  SIG Directors serve a two-year term .
Vielka Montout
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BIO
Vielka is a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Northern California, supporting students across educational settings. She is also an author and founder of Quita is Love, where she creates children’s books and resources that promote ASL, hearing awareness, and inclusivity. She is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership, with research focused on educational inequities and resilience among BIPOC ( (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Her work centers language access, culturally responsive practices, and student self-advocacy. Through teaching, research, and community engagement, Vielka aims to improve outcomes for DHH students and support educators with practical, usable tools.
 STATEMENT OF INTENT
"As a SIG Director, I will strengthen the connection between educators and CAID leadership by bringing forward the real experiences of teachers and students. I plan to support initiatives that prioritize early language access, equity for BIPOC Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, and practical resources that educators can use in their classrooms. I will work closely with Special Interest Groups to identify needs, elevate effective practices, and ensure their work informs Council decisions. My goal is to support actions that lead to improved student outcomes, stronger educator support, and a more inclusive and responsive field of deaf education."
Open Position: Write-In Option
Any active member in good standing is eligible for a write-in nomination. To vote for a write-in candidate, please enter their full name in the designated field on the final voting form.
