Adult Advisory Board

Dave Ballmann is a Transition Specialist and Parent Liaison with the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI).  In this role, he provides transition support to students, families and educators throughout the state of Wisconsin. He also coordinates a five-week Summer EmployAbility program for Blind and Visually impaired youth. Prior to working for WCBVI, Dave worked for a private agency providing adult rehab to those experiencing vision loss. Here he provided instruction in braille and daily living skills.

Meredith R. Bailey has worked within the field of blind and low vision for the past 10 years. She has obtained her master’s degree from Western Michigan University in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, and a certification in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). She has worked in various states performing vision rehabilitation that includes daily living skills, assistive technology, braille instruction, and employment readiness. She is on the Board of Directors for the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Low Vision (AERBVI) and is the Hard of Hearing representative on the Governor’s Counsel for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind. Being Deaf-Blind herself, she is passionate about individuals receiving the services they need and deserve to live the lives that they want to live on their own terms.

James Boehm, LPC-MHSP, CAAP, a business owner, entrepreneur since 1998, and blind since 2010, serves as a therapist, supervisor and Accessibility Coordinator at Refuge. He also has a private practice, Alliance of Nashville. James, founder of the nonprofit You Cane Give Initiative, finds fulfillment by traveling abroad to advocate, learn, and grow from others. James believes community, faith, hope, and tools for independence can empower everyone to live a life of purpose.

Tracey Fields is a life-long user of assistive technology who transitioned into the blindness rehabilitation field in 2014 after 15 years of working in the medical field. For the past ten years she has worked at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center-Smyrna where she taught braille for two years and then transitioned into teaching assistive technology. She holds a Master’s degree in clinical Psychology and has achieved both a graduate level Assistive Technology Specialist certificate and a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) certification that focuses on assistive technology used by those who are blind and low vision to aid her in providing relevant and quality training to Vocational Rehabilitation customers in the state of Tennessee. Tracey is also the President of the Nashville Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Tennessee and is a strong advocate for the blindness community.

Jane has worked with both older adults and youth experiencing vision loss for over 23 years. She is celebrating her 11^th year at Guide Dogs for the Blind, and in her current role as Youth Outreach Specialist, she is dedicated to helping prepare youth and their families for partnership with a guide dog. Jane has a Master’s degree in Gerontology, and is working towards her second Master’s in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy at Western Michigan University which she began in the fall of 2023.

My name is Quinn Howard. I have been legally blind since birth following a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). I currently serve as a VR Field Supervisor for Blind Services in Middle TN. I strive to enhance the awareness of blind services through increasing access to resources and opportunities for all BVI individuals throughout the state of TN as it relates to independence, self-advocacy, and employment.

Richard Rueda began his career in 2001 with the State of California’s Department of Rehabilitation as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Since 2010, Richard has worked in leadership roles directing Transition/PRE ETS programs across California with leading nonprofits. In 2020, Richard joined the APH ConnectCenter managing CareerConnect, a well-respected and interactive resource for job seekers. As Assistant Director, he works with a team of dedicated professionals promoting critical life changing tools and supports.

Hi, I'm Jamie Torrence! I attended the Colorado Center for the Blind to learn how to do blind girl stuff. I graduated from Auburn University with a masters degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling in 2023. Previously, I worked with all kinds of animals from dogs to dolphins! Currently, I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor serving the Middle Tennessee area.

My name is Roger Womack. I have had vision issues all my life. I am now totally blind. I have worked in a variety of fields including land development, Production/Quality control, and in VIP Security and Mounted Security for Opryland, CMA, and Nashville Super Speedway. I have participated in many groups including Boy Scouts, Jaycees, Lions Club, Sunday School/Youth Director, ACB and NFB, WeGo Access Ride APAC Committee, Middle Regional Planning and Policy Council, Ham Radio ARES Sky Warn Emergency Member, and I’m a member of the Vanderbilt Low Vision group. I believe regardless of any disability you can do anything you put your mind to. When told that I could not do something I have been determined to prove them wrong to show that I could accomplish whatever task or job was given.