BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY PERSONNEL
Our TDHHC Board of Directors are a passionate group of leaders intent on shaping the future of our deaf and hard of hearing community here in East Texas. Together they hope to shape a world where voices are heard.
Susie Grona
VICE PRESIDENT & INTERIM PRESIDENT
Susie Grona, Vice President of Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center. She is a retired Deaf Educator with 30 years of teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Corpus Christi. Susie and her husband, Patrick, moved to Hideaway in 2009 to be closer to both sets of parents. Due to her love of teaching, she taught at TJC ITP as an adjunct for 9 years. Susie & Patrick have plenty of funny and fond stories living in the Deaf Culture life together; if you need a boost of laughter, ask one of them.
Stephanie Herod
INTERIM SECRETARY
I am a CODA and was looking for ways to be more involved in the deaf community! My husband and I own a gym in Tyler, Texas, Raw Iron Gym Tyler. I’m excited to be a part of the growth of TDHHC and look forward to all that is to come!
Stacie Britt
TREASURER
Hi, I’m Stacie Britt and I’m a teacher. I’ve taught in Texas public schools for 17 years. Teaching Head Start for 7 years, first grade for 8 years, I was even an assistant principal for a year, and now I’m trying my hand at kindergarten. I’ve been awarded elementary teacher of the year and named one of the 50 best elementary teachers in the state.
In the evenings I tutor students online for subjects and skills ranging from first grade phonics to freshman algebra. So, I guess, honestly, I’m really just a teacher of anything. Through all my experience, I’ve learned how to help students get the resources they need to learn. During my time as an educator, I discovered that the hard of hearing community doesn’t have near enough resources readily available to them in this region. This is a problem that remains stagnant. This is the reason why I’m here and excited to help.
So, a little about me personally… I love to draw, knit, write, and read. I never watch TV unless someone else is around (I just don’t think about it). I considered getting a degree in physics but decided it lacked employment options. My initial degree is in journalism/communications, and I was a graphic artist and web designer in advertising before I got the ‘calling’ to be a teacher. It was the best decision I ever made. I now have a master’s degree in educational leadership that I received through a principal residency grant which is earned on merit. I have a 14-year-old son. I am also an only child who is spoiled rotten… I’m 41 years old and my daddy makes breakfast for my son and I every morning before I go to work. He usually packs me a lunch as well. It’s a pretty sweet gig!
Jamie Chatelain
BOARD MEMBER
Jamie Chatelain is passionate about serving the deaf community. Originally from Utah, Jamie’s father was deaf and from a young age she experienced life as a Coda. After becoming a master esthetician, Jamie moved to California with her husband. There, she gave birth to her third child, a daughter, they discovered was deaf at age three.
The Chatelains soon moved to Texas and now claim it as home. Jamie became involved in the deaf community, advocating for her daughter. Jamie regularly volunteered with the Regional Day School for the Deaf and Tyler ISD. Jamie has stood in front of faculty, staff, administrators, and teachers explaining the needs of the deaf community in East Texas. Jamie is also passionate about serving other youth, as a member of the board for the National Charity League and a volunteer for her church. The Chatelains have four children and enjoy spending time on the lake together. Jamie also enjoys crossfit, and is currently in the interpreter training program (ITP) at Tyler Junior College. Jamie is a true advocate for the deaf community and is excited to serve on the board.
Elizabeth Crook
ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESIDENT & BOARD MEMBER
Elizabeth Crook is the President of Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center’s advisory committee.
With the span of 20 years, she has taught ASL in various capacities: from public education settings to HandTalk Summer Camp. She is currently a part-time ASL instructor at Tyler Jr. College West Campus (continuing/non-credit courses) and a part-time substitute teacher. When in her leisure time, she enjoys visiting historical sites and participating in Deaf social events. She is looking forward to ser what the Deaf Center has to offer for the Deaf/HH Community to access services and resources.
Daphne Smith
ADVISORY COMMITTEE VICE PRESIDENT & BOARD MEMBER
Daphne Smith was born and raised right here in Tyler, Tx. She attended Tyler public schools orally, getting her first hearing aid of many at age 12. She learned sign language when she was an adult and has been immersed in the Deaf community ever since. She’s a high school teacher for the Deaf and member of the local deaf club for around 25 years. She’s been involved with TDHHC since its conception on the deaf advisory committee. Her goal for TDHHC is to have more services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offered to those in need.
Kathy Westberry
ADVISORY COMMITTEE VICE PRESIDENT & BOARD MEMBER
Grew up in San Antonio, Tx. Graduated from Gallaudet University in 1978. Moved to Austin, Tx. Worked at Vaughn House group home for 10 years and then United Cerebral Palsy/ DACT for 10 years. Then moved to Tyler, TX, in 2001. Husband and wife own RV Park and help my husband manage the park. Volunteered Meals On Wheels.
Hobbies: cooking, appreciating arts and museums, history, Bible Studies, sourdough baking, beading jewelry, animal lovers and enjoying grandkids.
Chris Detkos
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Chris Detkos developed a love for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community while attending Sunset International Bible Institute, Lubbock, TX, in 1999. There, blessed with the opportunity to be immersed in the Deaf Community. Chris has been serving on the Board of Directors since 2014, served as Vice President in 2018 & 2019, and served as President from 2020 — 2023. In 2023 the Board of Directors decided that the Deaf Center was ready to offer Chris a Co-Director position of Operations Director. He excepted because, accepting this position, it was best practice for him to resign from the Board of Directors.
Alana Husband
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
Alana Husband was born profoundly Deaf and raised in a mainstream environment. She attended Rochester Institute of Technology from 2004 to 2009 and graduated with BFA in Visual Journalism with a minor in Sociology. Alana has a diverse experience working in different fields from working with special needs children to customer service.
In 2015, she met her husband while working in New York City and moved to East Texas. She slowly became acquainted with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community here in East Texas. She served as President of TDHHC Deaf/HoH Community Committee for two years before becoming an Interpreter Coordinator for TDHHC in 2020.
In 2023, Alana Husband accepted her position as Community Director for TDHHC. She overlooks interpreting services, community needs, and various programs that TDHHC has to offer. She is thrilled to be a part of TDHHC and looks forward to working with everyone.
