Board of Directors

Gail Mancewicz is both visually impaired and hard of hearing and thrilled to be part of the D&HHS board. She says that serving an organization that is a vital resource for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals fits well with her passions for advocacy and education. “Advocacy is a key theme in my life,” she says. A Grand Rapids native, Gail attended Aquinas College for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and worked for several years in mental health with the developmentally disabled and then in administration in a facility for the homeless who were recovering after a hospital stay. She also completed her Master’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University, focusing on policy planning and administration, and then went on to earn a law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School and now is working on gaining admission to the Michigan Bar. In her free time, Gail enjoys reading, knitting, crocheting, swimming, and skiing.

Megan Howe joined the D&HHS board in 2022 and also serves as its treasurer. Profoundly Deaf since a young age, she received a cochlear implant on her left ear at four and her right ear in her late 20s. The challenges she has had to overcome have given her a deep understanding of what it means to advocate for both herself and the larger Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. She adds: “Without tools, resources and individuals advocating on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves, it is imperative we have an organization like D&HHS.” As D&HHS continues to grow, Megan’s strong financial and strategic background provides a valuable perspective on the board. She advises on the annual budget, provides financial oversight, assists with the year-end audit and more. Megan grew up near Ann Arbor and now lives in Grand Rapids. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Business Management minor from Cornerstone and earned her Certified Public Accountant designation from the State of Michigan. She works as a manager on the Accounting Solutions Team at Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors. In her free time she loves spending quality time with her husband and son, as well as leisurely walks, cooking new recipes, watching sports, reading books and having coffee with friends.

Mickey Carolan is on the D&HHS board and acts as the ombudsman. He has served on the board since 2015, though his first involvement with the organization dates back to 2009. His role is a critical one for the board, providing business oversight, fiscal responsibility and strategy. He loves being part of D&HHS and being part of the board because it provides him an opportunity to serve a community of people similar to the one that he grew up in. Born and raised in the thumb area of Michigan, Mickey is proud to say he is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) as both his mom and dad are Deaf. In his free time, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and two children, adding: “When I am able to find time outside of my career and family, I enjoy weightlifting and cycling.”

Ellen Zwarensteyn serves on the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services board because she believes in inclusion, choices, universal design, and education. She also appreciates the openness and culture of learning created at D&HHS. She was first introduced to us through the experiences of her own children, both of whom were born with their own hearing journeys. She notes that she and her partner Pete began learning ASL through D&HHS and hope to continue that work to teach their children. She adds: “D&HHS serves to educate, to respect the choices families have when it comes to hearing and signing communities, and to provide essential services. This is a glaring gap in society. D&HHS does what it can to bridge that gap and I am so grateful it exists.” A Grand Rapids native, Ellen has degrees from Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, and Grand Valley with State University, including an undergraduate focus in International Relations and Women’s Studies, a teaching degree, and a Master of Science in Communications. A teacher and coach, she now directs the Michigan Center for Civic Education, Michigan’s K-12 civic education organization working to advance the skills and knowledge necessary for a healthy democracy. In fact, in a recent MCCE Mock Trial program, she helped bring an understanding of the need for more interpreter training time in legal settings. In her free time, she and her family enjoy theme parks and impromptu dance parties! She also loves the theater.

Brian Post has been on the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Board since July 2020.  Born with chronic eardrum problems, he has been Hard of Hearing since high school. He joined our Board because of the struggles he has faced in that area and his recognition of the value of an organization in West Michigan that advocates for people who face similar struggles. Brian has worked at The Right Door for Hope, Recovery and Wellness for 20 years.  As a mental health therapist, he has a heart for listening and for advocating, and in his work for the agency, Brian uses his contacts to advocate with other area service providers to ensure those who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing have equal access to services.  On the Board, Brian focuses his attention on ways to enhance communication and organization of Board information as well as supporting our growth in technology and its applications. He earned his Bachelor’s in Social Work from Calvin University and his Master’s in Social Work from Michigan State University. Born in Grand Rapids, he spent much of his early life growing up in Jackson and enjoys reading and playing video games in his spare time.

Tyler Smeltekop joined the D&HHS board in 2023, bringing with him a passion for advocacy and communication access for all. “It’s essential to me that our children with hearing loss in Michigan are given the opportunity to succeed and accomplish their goals, and D&HHS is positioned to provide services and consultation at critical points of need,” he said. Born Deaf and raised oral with two hearing aids, his hearing loss is progressive, and he now uses a combination of ASL, lipreading and one hearing aid. In 2020, he received a cochlear implant on his right side, and in the process, also received a diagnosis of Pendred Syndrome, helping shed light on his hearing loss. Over time, it became clear that the cochlear implant would not produce appreciable benefit, and he and his family have committed to using ASL. Tyler works for Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities as their Assistant Director for Assistive Technology Innovation, dedicated to investigating, piloting and integrating cutting-edge solutions to ensure equitable access to education and instruction at MSU. His lived experiences navigating the K-12 and collegiate education systems with Deafness help to inform his professional work and his service to D&HHS. A Williamston native, Tyler has an BA in Professional Writing from Michigan State University and a MA in Information Science from Wayne State University.

Rhonda Maxwell, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), joined the D&HHS board late in 2023, inspired by connections to the organization through her Deaf mom and through some philanthropy work through Steelcase, her employer. “I learned there was a need, and I felt called to support,” she said simply. She added that she is interested in learning more about the program offerings, so that she can share her experiences and can help her mom get better connected. “Overcoming communication barriers is of utmost importance, particularly in the Deaf culture,” she said. Rhonda was born on the east side of the state but has lived throughout Michigan at various locations over the years. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in English & Literature and a Master’s of Science in Communications from Grand Valley. When she’s not working at Steelcase as a Senior Sustainability Analyst, or serving D&HHS, she enjoys reading, writing, playing chess, kayaking and hiking. She also is a published author of the children’s book “When Dandelions Dream.”