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.

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.

Charis Austin has served on the D&HHS board since 2018 and is the board secretary. “I love making sure that people with sensory disabilities are included and can participate fully in society,” she says. She notes that she was asked to serve because of her vision loss, adding that her voice is an important one for the organization because “D&HHS is finding more people who are experiencing hearing and vision loss.” She is also a member of the Hard of Hearing community having lost all hearing in her left ear. Employed at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Charis’ job allows her to advocate for the needs of people who are blind and visually impaired, and she says that because of her involvement with D&HHS, she is able to share information with both communities. Born in West Virginia, Charis moved back to Michigan when she was very young because her parents knew that she would receive the specialized help she’d while going through school. In her free time, she likes bowling, reading and cooking.

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.

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.”

Luis Peña is connected to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services both as a frequent attendee of events and now as a new board member, having joined the Board in September 2025. He believes it is essential to stay engaged with both the Deaf and DeafBlind communities and is eager to work with others to raise awareness and ensure that Grand Rapids and West Michigan are equally and fully accessible. Though new to the board, Luis brings enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a commitment to teamwork. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Grand Rapids, Luis became a naturalized American citizen 29 years ago. He has a background in manufacturing and warehouse work and is currently exploring new job opportunities. Outside of work, Luis enjoys lifting weights and connecting with others through conversation. He is DeafBlind using tactile ASL (hand on hand communication).

Rowan is Deaf and uses ASL as his primary language. He often benefits from D&HHS’s interpreter referral service and is committed to supporting advocacy and services for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing community in West Michigan. Rowan joined the board because he believes there is more work to be done in expanding and strengthening the services D&HHS provides. He is especially interested in helping improve board governance and in increasing and diversifying the agency’s revenue through community outreach and donor engagement. Rowan has lived in Grand Rapids for 25 years, the longest he has ever stayed in one place. A graduate of Michigan State University, he currently teaches ASL at Grand Rapids Community College and also substitutes at the high school level. In his free time, Rowan enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and sailing.