Meet our Florida Board – Main HQ

Fred Korman
Executive Director/CFO

Founder of D.E.A.F.  The organization was founded in January 2013. Retired Educator for the NYC DOE. The organization was founded for the purpose of fighting on the behalf of the Deaf Community for equal access advocacy rights. Open Caption access should be the same for all movie patrons, no matter what your disability is. I enjoy attending open caption movies and seeing members of the Deaf Community enjoying this too. 

Robin Peterson
President
Robin has a Masters in Special Education - Deaf Education and ASL Endorsement.  She is currently a South Region Director for Florida American Sign Language Teacher Association (FASLTA) since 2020;  President/Founder of American Sign Language Club of the Treasure Coast since 2013.  Robin a teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in West Palm Beach and lives in Martin County.  Robin used to own a pottery studio for nine years in Port St. Lucie, FL and is familiar with running a businiess.  Robin is married and has an amazing teenage son.
Lisa Santiago
VLOG Coordinator
Hello! My name is Lisa Santiago and I am from NYC and work as a Kindergarten teacher at Lexington School for the Deaf. I love working with kids and helping the Deaf community.My main goal for the Deaf Equal Access Foundation is to become well-known in the Deaf Community. It is important to help the kids and adults to be aware of their access and their rights anywhere. D.EA.F wants kids and adults to get together to share their experiences, socialize, and see what can we improve for the Deaf Community.
Janet Richards
Secretary

I live in Virginia and work for Department of Defense.  I have a BS degree in Business Management from George Mason University and got my MBA from Webster University.  I look forward to seeing D.E.A.F foundation grow strong roots in the state of Florida as it supports the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community along with its much valued alliances.

Diana Plager
Interpretering Coordinator

As a trilingual sign language interpreter with 5+ years of experience, I am passionate about my job, hard working and extremely ethical. I am caring and motivated to improve my skills and my understanding of Deaf culture on daily basis. As a person, I am a litina woman who has principles and integrity and a lot of sensitivity for other's needs with very minimal tolerance to injustices.

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Alan Schussel
Vice President
Alan has extensive board experience and strong leadership background which he holds a doctorate in healthcare administration. Alan is currently living in Chicago and owns Dr. Blue Pencil, LLC, which specializes in academic editing and accessibility consultation for clients globally. Alan has two adult children and two grandchildren living in Arizona.
Steve Lovi
Advisor