The Lighthouse has a highly qualified and specialized staff of dedicated professionals that include Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Teachers of the Visually Impaired, and Rehabilitation Counselors.

ED/Chief Executive Officer

Stefanie Pontlitz, SHRM-CP

Instructional Staff

Niki Workman – Program Director, Orientation and Mobility Specialist

• Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
• Master’s in Visual Disabilities

Carly Cline – Youth Coordinator (Children’s Program / School to Work Transition Program for Teens)

Nancy Branciforte – Adjustment to Vision Loss Facilitator

Brittany Fraer – Independent Living Skills Instructor

Megan Harding – Early Intervention Instructor

• • Bachelor of Science in Education (ELED/ESE/ESOL/Reading) (Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, English to Speakers of Other Languages)
  • Master’s in Reading

Sofya Matkarim – Youth Assistant (Children’s Program / School to Work Transition Program for Teens)

Steven Maloney – Orientation and Mobility Specialist

• Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
• Master’s in Science in Special Education, emphasis in Blind Rehabilitation

Janet Morgan – Independent Living Skills Instructor, Support Group Facilitator

Theresa Santana – Public Awareness Coordinator, Assistive Technology Instructor, Support Group Facilitator

Keith Smith – Job Readiness / Children’s Program / School to Work Transition Program for Teens Instructor

• Bachelor of Science in Educational & Interdisciplinary Studies
• Division of Blindness Employment Outcomes Professional

Teresa Tinsley – Youth Program Specialist (Early Intervention and  Children’s Program / School to Work Transition Program for Teens)   

• Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education, Exceptional Education Program
• ESOL Certification

Scott Wilson – Assistive Technology Instructor

Other Staff

Sandra Daluz – Operations Manager
Sandy Barley – Facilities and Fleet Manager
Rose Montgomery – Brooksville Office Manager, Program Support Specialist Hernando/Citrus
Sandra Eckert – Administrative Assistant / Receptionist Hernando/Citrus
Meredith McInnes – Program Support Specialist Pasco

Resource Development

Patricia Porter – Grants / Donations / Media

Transportation Specialists

Bill Collum
Fannie Gasparik
Kevin Grace
Nelson Hernandez
Patricia Justice
Jeffrey Penokie
Andy Potter
Karen Schwab

Employment Programs

Production Facility

Peter James – Production Manager
Marlys Newhouse – Direct Labor Employee
Scott Wilson – Direct Labor Employee
Walter Wright – Direct Labor Employee

Katherine Firmani – Owner, Beyond the Seeds 

The Lighthouse is also assisted with carrying out our mission by many wonderful and dedicated volunteers who help by driving clients, completing clerical tasks, providing extra hands at events and much more. Learn about volunteering at the Lighthouse.