Cora Shahid
CA H&V Executive Director and ASTra- Co-Coordinator
CShahid @cahandsandvoices.org
Cora Shahid and her husband Naseer live in San Diego, California, where they are proud parents to Christina, Zain, and Ibrahim—both Zain and Ibrahim are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Cora is deeply passionate about empowering families to find joy and strength in raising their Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. She believes all children deserve to grow up feeling safe, valued, and supported, with a strong sense of belonging within their family, peer group, and community. Currently, Cora serves as the Executive Director for California Hands & Voices, where she collaborates with the organization’s teams to support and empower families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children across the state. She co-coordinates the Southern California Family Camp, as well as the ASTra and CARES programs. Cora is a member of the Fostering Joy Core Team, a graduate of the Hands & Voices Leadership-to-Leadership Program (L2L, 2019), and has served as a mentor for the L2L Program since 2021. Her true passion lies in meeting parents where they are, walking beside them, and cheering them on throughout their parenting journey—while empowering them to get involved with systems at the local, state, and national levels. Her background is diverse, including roles as an ASL Interpreter, Montessori Preschool Teacher, Parent Mentor, and founding Board Member of California Hands & Voices. In recognition of her dedication to ensuring no family walks this journey alone, Cora received the Lee Katz Award (ASDC, 2014) and the Parent of the Year Award (CAL-ED, 2017).
Kat Lowrance
CFO and ASTra Co-Coordinator
KLowrance @cahandsandvoices.org
Kat’s personal and professional journey. Kat’s career in advocacy and support for families with diverse abilities is extensive. She previously served as the Executive Director at Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California, a non-profit IDEA-funded Parent Center dedicated to providing information, training, and support to families. Additionally, she spent 11 years as the Parent Links Coordinator, covering 47 California counties, and was a Mentor for families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing babies in Northern California. For five years, Kat directed the Northern California Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Camp for California Hands & Voices. Currently, she is the Co-Coordinator, Trainer, and Advocate for the ASTra Program, an advocacy initiative by CA Hands & Voices, working with a dedicated team of seven Advocates statewide. Kat is passionate about giving back the support and love she received throughout her journey. Kat’s journey into the Deaf community began many years ago through her close friendship with Toni, who had a Deaf son, Jamin. Kat supported Toni during the early stages of navigating services for Jamin. When Kat's own son, Dylan, lost his hearing to spinal meningitis at eight months old, Toni became her pillar of support. Initially, Kat learned Signed Exact English (SEE) based on medical advice at the time but soon discovered a richer understanding of Deaf culture and communication through ASL. Every day, Kat continues to learn and grow, deeply appreciating the friends, Deaf individuals, and professionals who have guided her along the way.
Amanda Jones,
Administrative Assistant: Amanda Jones has over a decade of experience in executive support, project management, and marketing operations. With a strong background in team leadership, digital tools, and strategic execution, Amanda specializes in streamlining systems and driving organizational growth. She currently leads planning initiatives at SizzleForce Marketing, where she manages cross-functional teams, develops business strategies, and ensures smooth day-to-day operations.
ASTra Advocates
We are grateful for our volunteer ASTra Educational Advocates, who generously share their time, knowledge, and compassion to support families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Your dedication helps parents feel more confident, informed, and empowered as they navigate their child’s educational journey. Thank you for being such a vital part of our CA H&V family! 💛
Leslie Manjarrez
Spanish/ASL/English
Leslie is a born and raised California girl: Born in San Diego, raised in the Imperial Valley, now living in San Francisco. Leslie’s pronouns are she/her. She is raising a 18-year old dog named Bailey with her partner of 16 years. Leslie is trilingual; English, Spanish and American Sign Language. She possesses over 10 years of experience in Deaf education which spans infant to adult within a variety of environments from in-person, in-home, in-school classrooms, and virtual online instruction. She currently works as a Teacher of the Deaf, Early Interventionist, Health Educator, Interpreter and Co-Director of a Camp for Deaf Children. Leslie believes that children are as diverse as the cities we each live in and strives to continue to learn skills to best support them all with a lens on equity and justice within clinical and educational settings. She holds degrees from the University of California San Diego: a B.S. in Biology and a M.A. in Education Studies, Teaching, and Learning (Bilingual Education-ASL). In addition, she holds continuing education certificates. One for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers, and Families(ITF): Collaboration and Leadership from Gallaudet University and a second one in Child Life from University of California, Santa Barbara. She completed an in-person Child Life Practicum at UCSF in 2021. Leslie works tirelessly everyday to run the marathon that is life and never lose her sense of wonder.
Brittany Comegna
bcomegna @cahandsandvoices.org
ASL/English
Brittany Comegna was born in Baltimore, MD and raised in California to hearing parents. Brit is also a SODA (Sibling of a Deaf Adult). Her brother, Nick is three years older and they both use American Sign Language as their native language. Being raised in a mixed hearing/Deaf household has given Brit a breadth of perspective about how family structures can be and are unique. Brit is passionate about empowering families of DHH children on their journeys of self-determination and informed decision making. Brit attended the California School for the Deaf at Fremont and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Production and Marketing from CSUN. In 2013 Brit earned her Master of Science in Management from RIT. Brit completed her certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She is the CEO of Deaf & Disability Mediation Services wherein she utilizes her expertise as a Deaf person and an educator to mediate Deaf Ed conflicts.
Pam Wirht
pwirht @cahandsandvoices.org
English/ASL
Pam Wirht is a credentialed & passionate deaf educator. She is proficient in ASL and loves communicating & connecting with the deaf community. With a Masters degree in Deaf Studies & Deaf Education from Cal State University, Northridge and experience teaching in a variety of settings she understands the intricacies of the education system. She enjoys empowering families to advocate for their children. As a mother of four grown children, Pam has 35 years of personal parenting experience. She understands the power of inclusivity and is already teaching her 3 grandchildren ASL signs. Pam brings curiosity and compassion to every relationship she has and is eager to work with families to help them access the best possible support and educational environment for their DHH child.
Chelsea Hull
CHull @cahandsandvoices.org
English/ASL
Chelsea received her BA and an MA in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Deaf Education. She’s worked as Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at various levels from preschool through high school. Currently, Chelsea enjoys working with the ASTra program because she has seen first hand how valuable consulting with experienced parents is and how parent-to- parent educational support can lead to improved outcomes. Chelsea works part-time as a certified ASL interpreter and privately as an educational advocate. She believes deeply in the Hands & Voices mission and loves sharing stories about her experiences as a child of a parent with hearing loss (CODA). Chelsea became a Navy spouse in 2011 and is the mother of two exceptional children with IEPs. In her free time, you can her find at a Thai restaurant, relaxing in a hot tub and once in a while surfing warm waters.
Tony Ronco
TRonco @cahandsandvoices.org
English/ASL
Tony is an involved dad, husband, with an engineering background. Along with his wife Jenny, they have two young adults: Their hearing son is Austin who does data analysis and their Deaf one is Sawyer whose a science teacher at the Model Secondary School of the Deaf on the Gallaudet campus. Tony has a particularly strong passion for all children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to achieve Kindergarten Readiness and for those children to have the benefit of full family inclusion.
Sonia Nunez-Romero
Spanish/English
Sonia Nuñez is an engaged parent leader and dedicated mother of a teenage child who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing. She serves on the Southern California Family Camp Planning Committee, where she helps create meaningful and inclusive experiences for families. Sonia brings both personal passion and professional strength to her advocacy work, drawing from over 26 years of experience in project management and coordination. As a Project Manager Assistant at Stantec Architecture, Sonia supports multiple project managers in the Buildings - Architecture sector. She is also a long-time volunteer with California Hands & Voices and an active committee member with the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Myra Cullum
English/ASL
Myra Cullum, born and raised in Texas, began her professional career teaching Elementary Music in San Antonio, TX. Her passion for teaching runs deep and has taken her around the world. She is grateful for teaching experiences in countries like Thailand, Kenya, Romania, and from coast to coast in America. In 2000 she met her husband Andrew in North County San Diego. Myra’s journey into the world of Deaf and Hard of Hearing began in 2004 with the birth of their second child, who has a severe/profound bi-lateral hearing loss and special needs. Surviving the years of testing, hearing aid fittings, surgeries, therapy visits, and later -countless IEP meetings, all contribute to Myra’s passion for teaching others with DHH children how to navigate the system. Grateful for the support CAH&V has given her family, Myra is eager to encourage others as an ASTra Advocate.
Andrea Grillot
English
Andrea Grillot is a parent of two teenagers, one of whom is hard of hearing. She has been teaching for over twenty years and is credentialed in the following areas: multiple subject (Elementary), single subject (English), CLAD (English Learners), and Reading Instruction. In 2025, Andrea received a Leadership in Biliteracy Award from the San Diego County Office of Education for her work with Multilingual Learners (students learning English). Andrea is passionate about supporting all students and empowering parents who are navigating the IEP process and learning how to advocate for their child. In her free time, Andrea is out in nature with her husband and dogs or enjoying a yoga or CrossFit class.
Ashley Jones
English
Ashley is a dedicated stay-at-home mom, who finds fulfillment in raising her five children with her husband Ayinde. Their family dynamic shifted when they learned that two of their children were hard of hearing due to a genetic condition. This revelation prompted Ashley to step into a role as an advocate and ally of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. When she's not actively involved in her advocacy work, Ashley cherishes quality time spent with her family. Whether they're gathered around the table playing board games, snuggled up for a movie night, or out enjoying walks together, family bonding is at the heart of their everyday life. Ashley's commitment to raising awareness and her dedication to her family reflect her compassionate and nurturing spirit, making her a pillar of strength for her loved ones.
Tina Spinello
English
Tina Spinello is a proud parent of a teenage Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) student and she serves as an ASTra Advocate with California Hands & Voices. Tina is especially resourceful for families with middle and high school-aged DHH children as they navigate the path toward self-advocacy and independence. She brings empathy, encouragement, and a strong belief in meeting families where they are—helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered. Professionally, Tina has led high-performing sales teams at Salesforce , with previous roles at Microsoft and IBM. A natural motivator, she encourages her daughter to take the lead in her own advocacy journey—always ready to be her “wingman” as she flies her own plane. Tina is a lifelong learner who believes in the power of kindness, connection, and community. She’s eager to support and uplift other families raising DHH children across California.
Abigail Kennedy
English
Abigail Kennedy is a devoted Navy spouse, mother of four children on the autism spectrum, including her second child, who is Deaf and a passionate advocate for families navigating the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) journey. Her family is actively learning American Sign Language (ASL) to build deeper, more inclusive communication at home and in the community. Abigail proudly serves on the board of the Hands & Voices Military Project, where she helps support military families through the unique challenges of frequent transitions, deployments, and system navigation. Drawing from her own lived experience, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every family’s voice and choices are heard, respected, and supported. Her mission is to empower others with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to advocate for their DHH children, no matter where military life takes them. Hands & Voices Military Project
ASTra Team Group Photos
United in Purpose, Driven by Passion
In Gratitude: Honoring Those Who Paved the Way
No longer with ASTra: Johanna Wonderly, Kristen Stratton, Rhonda Savage, Nancy Sager, Claudia Acosta, Kasey Cain.
