Our Board of Directors and Staff

Stephanie Hurd, President

I have been a resident of Portsmouth for 30 years, where my husband Gary and I raised our two daughters. Over time, I have been involved in the community in different ways such as  our local Lions Club which performs vision screenings in schools, provides need based vision exams and glasses vouchers, Thanksgiving baskets, and so on.  As a member of Middle Street Baptist Church, I have taught Sunday school, am a current deacon, share music as part of a worship team during services, and serve on various boards and committees. My professional career currently as an Assistive Technology/Activities Specialist, began in 2007 with prior roles as Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Community Relations Coordinator for Future In Sight, a nonprofit organization providing services to people who are blind and visually impaired. I am also affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of NH and the Coalition of Blind and Visually Impaired Voters in NH. I am a passionate advocate, who believes all people should live out their dreams. In 2022, I competed in Seacoast Skating with the Stars (an opportunity of a lifetime), leading by example for others with vision loss to hold onto their sense of “vision” that speaks about confidence, perseverance, thriving, and fulfillment!  “Vision” sees way beyond “sight”!

Leanne Merren, Vice President

I am Camp Assistant at Michigan Department of Education Low-Incidence Outreach and Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T). Prior to being a camp assistant, I was a BVI counsultant and camp counselor at Camp T for several years. I have played and coached goalball with my husband, Tyler, and together we have four children. Lastly, i have held leadership positions with several BVI-related organizations while homeschooling my children full time.

Rebecca Weber, Secretary and Website/Accessibility Specialist

My name is Rebecca but everyone calls me Becca. I work as an Assistive Technology Teacher at Overbrook School for the Blind and graduated from Kutztown University in 2021. I am a Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Students and work with students between the ages of 3 and 21 to use a variety of technology including screen readers, screen magnification, braille displays and notetakers, and accessibility features of phones and tablets. I volunteer with the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Library in New York where I facilitate technology workshops for library patrons. In my free time, I enjoy baking and spending time with my siblings and nephew.

Andrea Bilello, Treasurer and Previous President

I am an itinerant Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) at the Strafford Learning Center in Somersworth, NH. I have a master's degree in special education from UMaine, Orono, and Vision Studies from UMASS, Boston. I have presented at several international and regional conferences about students with visual impairment, technology, and college entrance exams. With over 18 years of experience in education, I enjoy teaching students who are blind and visually impaired and providing instruction in assistive technology. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors with my daughter and husband.

Kelly Spain-Kelly, Parent Member

I am an ACVREP certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist who has been working in the field since 2017. I received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education which I obtained from Salve Regina University and subsequently earned my Master of Education in Vision Studies from UMass Boston. My passion for my career stems from my own personal experience of having a daughter who is visually impaired. When I am not working I love spending time with my family and friends or being active outdoors. I live in Southern NH with my husband, three daughters, and two dogs.

Sean Kelly, Parent Member

I am an Executive Sales Agent at an insurance company and have a daugther who is visually impaired. 

Tyler Merren, Member at Large

I am a motivational speaker, Paralympic athlete that plays goalball, and personal trainer. I am the owner and creator of Revision Fitness LLC, the audio fitness app and live with my wide, Leanne and our children.