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.

Laura and her family first connected with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in 2016 after learning their preschooler was hard of hearing. They became active in Kids Kamp, began learning ASL and participated in many family events. When their son was later diagnosed with disease-causing variants for Usher Syndrome, the Deaf community offered resources, wisdom and practical guidance that helped their family navigate next steps with confidence. That support—and a desire to help other families find the same sense of community—is what led Laura to serve on the D&HHS board. Born and raised in Minnesota, Laura holds a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages. During COVID, she completed the ASL interpreting program at Lansing Community College to better support her son. In her spare time, she enjoys learning languages, completing triathlons, reading and knitting.

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.

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.

Amy Marcus brings a personal and professional connection to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services that runs deep. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Amy is Deaf, has used interpreter services through the agency and has taught sign language for D&HHS. When invited to join the board, she embraced the opportunity with a clear purpose: to better understand the agency and find ways to more effectively serve the Deaf community’s needs and aspirations. “D&HHS is an integral part of our community, fostering impactful connections,” she said, noting the agency’s role in bringing together Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and senior community members in ways that make meaningful interaction possible. Amy studied at Kendall College of Art and Design and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, with graduation expected in May 2026. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking scenic trails, embroidery, writing, meditation and creating art and mood boards inspired by her interior design background. She also treasures time with her family and grandchildren.