Staff

Our Staff members are the foundation of MOSD, bringing with them a combined 150 years of experience, specialized training, and lots of love for the MOSD students.

Teresa Schwartz

Executive Director

Teresa is MOSD’s Executive Director, bringing 35 years of experience in and out of the classroom to her position. She has been working with the school for the past eighteen years after receiving her degree in Deaf Education from Washington University in Saint Louis. Teresa loves to watch the children learn, particularly, as she says, “when the lights come on and they say their first words, or crack the code with phonics and begin to read and write – it is a thrill every time and it is a great honor to walk this journey with our parents!” She is always amazed at the many miracles that have come to pass during the 50 year history of the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, urging all to come and be a part of modern miracles that still happen everyday with the help of dedicated parents, staff, and new technological advances.

Audiologists

Nathalie is one of MOSD’s Audiologists and has been working at the school for fifteen years and recently became a Doctor of Audiology. One of her favorite parts about working at MOSD is watching the parents’ reactions to hearing their child starting to talk. In addition to that magical moment, Nathalie also loves the many services the school offers, such as speech therapy, parent training, low student-teacher ratio, and daily therapy.

Elizabeth Domico, Au D., CCC-A

Elizabeth provides counseling to parents considering cochlear implantation for their child, works closely with implant surgeons around the Mid-South and has been providing cochlear implant activation and mapping services for over 25 years. She has been working with MOSD for the last ten years as an Audiologist and enjoys the experience shared with families when their child hears for the very first time. With all of the services and education offered, Elizabeth is overjoyed to see the progress the children make each and every single day.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Lori Shores

Lori is a Speech-Language Pathologist and has been working with MOSD for three years. Working with the children every day is one of her beloved activities, seeing the progress due to the number of services they receive, and listening to how all of her children pronounce “Miss Lori”. Lori suggests to all parents and visitors to commit to giving your child everything they need especially during their first few years of life, as they are the foundation for future success!

Cinda Walz

Cinda is a Speech-Language Pathologist and just officially started at MOSD in July 2011, but volunteered throughout her graduate school career. She loves the family atmosphere one immediately feels at MOSD, especially with the administrators, teachers, and staff all working to help bring education and fun to the students. Cinda is very excited to be working at MOSD and loves getting to know all of the students and their families.

Mary Ellen Legg

Mary Ellen is a Speech-Language Pathologist and recently joined the MOSD family last August. She loves being a part of helping the children find their voices. Mary Ellen also loves being a part of the fun activities that happen at Memphis Oral School for the Deaf!

Emily Bell

Emily is a Speech-Language and just joined the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf in July 2011. She loves the energy and excitement of the children and being greeted by their smiling faces every morning. Emily is excited to be a part of the MOSD family and to help empower the children and families of the school.

Teachers

Cyndi Eaton

Cyndi has been a Teacher at MOSD for fifteen years, working hands-on everyday with our children. To her, the children are an incredible inspiration to everyone. The parents and staff add to the amazing atmosphere at MOSD with their support. Cyndi encourages anyone and everyone to visit MOSD so to see for themselves what a remarkable place it is.

Susie Harlan

Our newest teacher, Susie just joined MOSD this summer! She knew right away that MOSD was a special place with special people. Susie immediately joined in one the staff’s one goal, to assure that each wonderful child blossoms. Her favorite part about working at MOSD is working with children with such unique personalities and watching each one of these blessings succeed.

Sue Montgomery

Sue works as a Pre-School Teacher and has been a part of MOSD for fifteen years. She has many favorite parts about the school, especially her fellow teachers, as everyone is willing to go the extra mile. She loves watching the babies new to the program adjust to school, make friends, and develop new skills. The parents’ commitment to helping their children talk, listen, and learn is awe-inspiring and encouraging, invigorating Sue and her work.

Holly Strasberg

Holly has taught deaf children for 10 years. With a bachelor's Degree in Oral Deaf Education from Kent State University, she is still learning everyday as MOSD's Preschool 2 teacher. She loves being part of the early process as children develop their auditory skills. Tracking the children's progress from early speech to having words and sentences "pour out of them" puts a light in her eye and brings her great joy.

Samantha Lepkowicz

Miss Sam has been working with MOSD as a Teacher’s Assistant for the last seven years, loving every minute of it. She takes great joy in seeing the progress made every day, especially since the children are working so hard at such a young age. Miss Sam lets all visitors know that deaf children really can talk – and if people do not believe her, send them on out and she’ll show them.

Ginger Ragan

As an Assistant Teacher, Ginger gives back to the school that once taught her child. She loves the nurturing learning environment that is provided for the students and the opportunity to be a part of everyday miracles. For her, the most exciting moment is when a child discovers a new word and is able to say it to others!

Kayleigh Gossett

As a Child Life Specialist, Kayleigh bring much experience to her job as an assistant teacher in MOSD's Preschool 2 room. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Family Studies with a specialty in Child Life. She loves being at MOSD because it allows her to build relationships with the children as she watches them progress from minimal language skills to fully developed speech.

Paige Laurie

Paige has had a passion for helping others, especially children, as long as she can remember. As a volunteer for MOSD, Paige learned about the school and specialized programs that help to teach our children how to listen and talk. She loves helping the children at MOSD learn through crafts and hands on activities. Seeing the children grow and show progress is what makes her job as an assistant teacher so fulfilling.

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Administrative Staff

Director of Business Operations

As the Director of Business Operations, Rosemary has been a vital part of MOSD’s operations for the last fourteen years! Her background in business helps the school keep up its stellar performance. One of her favorite parts of her job is watching the children progress individually – and as a group. Rosemary also loves to hear the parents’ testimonials on why they chose MOSD and how they have benefited from the school’s programs.

Kristi Ransom

Development Director

Kristi joined MOSD in the summer of 2011 and is thrilled to be a part of the school. She says she fell in love with MOSD her first day at work. Raising money to make sure all children who need the specialized services at MOSD is very rewarding to Kristi. The staff has made her feel very welcome and she is happy to have such great people and precious children as a part of every work day.

Kathy Christiansen

Administrative Assistant

Kathy has been with MOSD for five years working tirelessly as our Administrative Assistant. She welcomes all who come to visit, and takes great joy in seeing the deaf and hearing-impaired children come through the door of the school that cannot hear or speak. Prior to becoming a part of the MOSD staff, Kathy has spent 20 years as a Subsidium member volunteering at the school. Kathy takes great joy in watching the children graduate in two to four years with the ability to hear and talk, mainstreaming into a normal school setting – quite a miracle!