Marcy Kaplan, M.S.W. – Executive Director
mkaplan@empowertech.org
Marcy joined the staff of EmpowerTech in early 2006, following 20 years in the Los Angeles non-profit community. Building on her background in developing and implementing services for people living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, Marcy’s focus at EmpowerTech has been to develop new programs and collaborative partnerships with other organizations to offer critically needed assistive technology services.
Gordon Cardona – Data Base Manager gcardona@empowertech.org
Gordon has been involved with EmpowerTech for many years, serving as a volunteer and a board member beginning in 1994. In 1997, Gordon joined the EmpowerTech staff. He currently manages the data base for all of EmpowerTech’s programs.
Bruce Johnson - Assistive Technology Specialist/Low Vision bjohnson@empowertech.org
Bruce came to EmpowerTech in 2005, after working in the field of assistive technology for over 25 years. Bruce is a credentialed teacher in Mathematics. His current areas of specialization at EmpowerTech are blind and low vision assistive technology, computer training and speech recognition software. Bruce also conducts assistive technology assessments and has extensive computer hardware expertise.
Tom Lange - Assistive Technology Specialist/Low Vision tlange@empowertech.org
Tom joined EmpowerTech’s blind and low vision program in 2007 after over 10 years as a computer and assistive technology instructor. Tom brings to EmpowerTech many years of experience in mainframe applications programming and computer hardware and software installation. His current area of specialization at EmpowerTech is blind andlow vision assistive technology and computer training.
Eric Larsen, M.Ed. – TRADE Director elarsen@empowertech.org
Eric joined the staff in 1998 as an Assistive Technology Specialist and has served in a variety of roles since that time. Currently Eric is the Director of TRADE at EmpowerTech (Technology Related Accommodation, Development and Employability). In addition to overseeing all aspects of the TRADE Program, Eric develops curriculum and works with students with disabilities to learn computer and other office skills with the goal of employment.
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Daniel Lipman – Lab Assistant dlipman@empowertech.org
Dan joined the EmpowerTech staff in January 2008. Recently relocating to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, NY, Dan brings his experience teaching the use of specialized computer equipment and software to children, college students and older adults. At EmpowerTech, Dan will provide support to the students in EmpowerTech’s TRADE Program.
Judy Nahman- Stouffer – Assistive Technology Educational Specialist jnahmanstouffer@empowertech.org
Judy has been with EmpowerTech since 2005. Her background and primary focus at EmpowerTech has been on working with special needs children in pre-school through high school. In addition, she currently provides instruction to older adults on learning assistive technology and provides community education. Judy holds a California Clear Teaching Credential with Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD®) Certification.
Joanne Orenski – Financial Director jorenski@empowertech.org
Joanne has been with EmpowerTech since 1991, after being introduced to the agency when her son with Down syndrome discovered the wonder of computers. Joanne has worked in nonprofit administration and financial management for over 20 years.
Melody Ram, M.A. – Assistive Technology Educational Specialist mram@empowertech.org
Melody has been working in the field of assistive technology and curriculum development for over 15 years. At EmpowerTech, she provides instructional strategies through the use of technology, focusing on children from pre-school through high school. Her areas of specialty include technology evaluations and information and training for students and family members. Melody has a Masters Degree and a credential in Special Education.