Biography

Loren Prizant lives in Louisville with his wife, Jane, and two children. While just joining the board in July 2023, Loren is excited to help support VIPS’s mission. Being a third-generation board member, as his grandmother Maud Fliegelman was a founding board member and first President of the Board of VIPS, Loren is well acquainted with VIPS and its facilities. Loren graduated with his Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. Loren is an active member of the community as he currently serves on the Project Friendship Board, the host committee of The Legal Aid Society’s annual fundraiser, and chairs the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair Beer Booth.

Loren works as an in-house corporate counsel for Manna, Inc., and Ebony and JET Magazines. When not at work, Loren enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on the UofL Cardinals, managing his short-term-rental units built out of shipping containers, and drinking craft beer.

Biography

Mike and his wife, Caroline, live in Louisville with their three children. Their youngest child, Michael Patrick, has multiple special needs including a visual impairment. Michael Patrick was in the first graduating class of the VIPS preschool in 2009. This experience combined with the family services that their family had received forged their commitment to the VIPS organization. Mike & Caroline have served on the VIPS Board of Directors since 2009. He began serving as the board’s president in July of 2017. Mike continuously works to advance the mission of VIPS and advocate for the children and families that are affected by blindness and visual impairment.

Mike is the founder and President of Data Management Solutions in Louisville, KY. DMS offers custom software solutions to its customers in the automotive industry. Mike holds Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Louisville.

Biography

Taylor Gehring lives in Louisville with her husband, Ryan, and two young children. Her youngest child has a visual impairment, among other special needs. Taylor attended Indiana University for undergraduate study, and University of Colorado for her post-graduate MBA. Taylor serves as District Sales Manager – Mid-Atlantic for Rheem Manufacturing Company, where they lead regional sales strategy, build strong customer relationships, and drive business growth across the Mid-Atlantic market.  Taylor is passionate about advocating for her son, who has multiple special needs. She was the keynote speaker for the VIPS gala in May of 2020, sharing Wells’ story and the wonderful work that VIPS has done to contribute to his visual improvements, development and ability to thrive in a school setting.

Biography

John Anders retired from PNC Bank in 2018 as Executive Vice President Territory Executive after 30 years of service. Anders held positions in retail management, business development, credit underwriting, and customer relationship management. Leadership roles within the US marketplace in commercial as well as small business banking were his primary focus over the past 18 years. Anders first joined the VIPS board in 1998 and is a past Board President.

Biography

Jennifer Arington is a Louisville Area Manager for UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Jennifer has been with UPS for 35 years; the majority of her career has been within US Imports and Customs Clearance. She is currently the Executive Sponsor for UPS Brokerage Women’s Leadership and Development Business Resource Group and a member of the UPS LGBTA Business Resource Group.

Jennifer joined the board in 2022 and is excited to help support VIPS mission.

Jennifer lives in Louisville with her husband Jay; they love traveling, camping, music festivals, and spending time with their 2 grandchildren.

Biography

Leslie Bender is a Louisville native with a heart for serving others and a passion for supporting young people. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature while competing as a member of the university's varsity golf team and serving on the Student Athlete Advisory Board. She is also a proud alumna of Assumption High School.

Biography

Dr. Jerry Bizer has actually been a part of VIPS since first reaching out to Sharon Bensinger to get involved in 1998. As an optometrist and entrepreneur, Jerry has a great impact on the growth of VIPS as a business and strong nonprofit - serving on the board of directors so many times over the years we have lost count. 

Biography

Jennifer Bratton is a seasoned accounting and financial services professional with extensive experience serving businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. As a partner at Henderman, Jessee & Company, PLLC, she provides trusted financial guidance and accounting expertise, helping clients navigate complex financial matters with accuracy, integrity, and a client-centered approach.

Biography

Dr. Rowan Candy earned her Membership of the British College of Optometrists after completing her B.Sc. in Optometry at the University of Wales, Cardiff. She then earned her Ph.D. in Vision Science from the University of California, Berkeley and completed her postdoctoral work at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in San Francisco.

She is now Professor of Optometry and Vision Science at the Indiana University School of Optometry with an adjunct appointment in Psychological and Brain Sciences and membership of IU’s Neuroscience and Cognitive Science programs. Dr. Candy mentors graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates in her research laboratory and currently serves as the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the IU School of Optometry. She served as Interim Dean of the school in 2023-2024.



The focus of Dr. Candy’s research program is on studies of both typical and atypical visual development with a view to preventing common conditions including amblyopia and various types of strabismus. Funded by the National Institutes of Health since 2003, this research has modified technical methods based in optics, neuroscience, and experimental psychology to give researchers and clinicians an understanding of how the developing brain coordinates its own visual experience through its ocular motor responses. This work has recently involved developing models of how infants and young children use their vision for tasks in their natural environment.

Dr. Candy is a member of the Vision Sciences Society and is a fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Biography

Terri Connolly is a lifelong educator, advocate, and champion for children who are blind or have low vision. With a master's degree in Deaf/Blind Education from the historic Perkins School for the Blind, Terri has dedicated her career to empowering children and supporting families through innovative teaching, compassionate leadership, and unwavering service.

A longtime member of the VIPS family, Terri began her journey as an early interventionist in 2002 and has remained deeply involved with the organization ever since. Throughout the years, she has helped shape many of VIPS' signature programs and initiatives, including the development of the Parent Empowerment Program, innovative sensory learning environments, and educational resources that have impacted families far beyond Kentucky and Indiana. Her creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence continue to influence the organization's work today. Terri is also a past president of the VIPS Board of Directors.

Biography

Steve Deeley graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Louisville, his undergraduate degree is also in public administration. He began working for the Kentucky State Government in December of 1980 as a benefits specialist for the Kentucky Personnel cabinet. He spent 16 years as an employment specialist with vocational rehabilitation and 15 years with the Office for the Blind as operations manager at the McDowell Rehabilitation Center.

Steve lives with his white golden doodle Jack and is a huge University of Louisville fan. He especially loves following basketball and football. He enjoys working out in his home gym.

Biography

Jena Fahlbush is a Technical Assistance Specialist II for the National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI or “n-cademy") at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) at Utah State University. Ms. Fahlbush is a passionate advocate for creating accessibility. Ms. Fahlbush has a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University.

Biography

Dani lives in Louisville with her husband, Justin, and son, Leo. Her daughter, Grace, was a VIPS student from 2021-2023 before she passed away. Because of the joy and enrichment that VIPS brought to Grace’s life, Dani and Justin want to support VIPS in any way they can, most recently through Dani joining the board in 2024. Dani is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Law and currently serves as Trust Counsel for Baird Trust. During her spare time, Dani enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and attending concerts and musicals.

Biography

Family man, mentor, and Chief Information Officer of the American Printing House (APH), an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to access for people with blindness or low vision, Alejandro Franco is a force of nature in the most pleasant of ways. Whether it’s creating and managing brilliant technical strategies, watching a mentee develop new skills, or trying to replicate his mother’s authentic Mexican recipes for his wife Miriam and his two college-age daughters, Alejandro is all in for all the right reasons. In addition to leading the transformation of APH’s new AAA accessible website, he routinely transforms strategy into impactful solutions in order to help enhance APH’s ability to break down barriers to accessibility wherever they arise.

Biography

Paul is a VIPS graduate who is a first-hand testimony of the importance of the services provided at VIPS. He is currently the Head of Sales at Cliff Cherry Machine Company. He is married with one son. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and is an avid University of Louisville fan.

Biography

Ken Gould is a Strategic Client Executive focused on fortune 1000 clients at WTW, a global advisory insurance broking, and solutions firm. Ken has been a broker in the insurance industry for 40+ years.

Ken lives in Flower Mound, TX with his wife Sharon (also a VIPS board member), they have two grown children, Bobby (Dallas) and Billy (Brooklyn). Both boys were diagnosed with Keratoconus in their early years, and have had successful procedures to stem further deterioration.

Ken joined the board in 2024 and is excited to help support VIPS mission.

Biography

Sharon Gould lives in Flower Mound, TX with her husband Ken (also a VIPS board member). They have two grown children, Bobby (Dallas) and Billy (Brooklyn). Both boys were diagnosed with keratoconus. At the time of Billy’s diagnosis, his vision had declined substantially and relies on one eye. Both boys have had a successful procedure to stem further deterioration.

Sharon is the owner of Good As Gould Embroidery, a small custom embroidery shop.

Sharon joined the board in 2024.

Biography

Brandi Hitzelberger is the Director of Advocacy for the Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen policy, elevate family voice, and expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities. She previously served as Treasurer for the National Family Association for DeafBlind Board of Directors and worked as the Family Engagement Coordinator for the Kentucky DeafBlind Project.

Brandi has long been active in advancing family‑centered support systems. She has held leadership roles as Chair and Secretary of the Kentucky School for the Blind Advisory Council and she has also served on the Kentucky State Advisory Council for Exceptional Needs and the Regional Advisory Council for the U.S. Department of Education. Brandi is an active member of The Fillies, Inc., and has contributed through multiple leadership roles, including Chair of Outreach, Corresponding Secretary, and Technology Chair.

Brandi’s connection to VIPS is deeply personal. Her two children attended preschool at VIPS and were part of the very first graduating class — an experience that shaped her family’s early journey and provided essential support during critical years. She is honored and excited to give back to an organization that gave her family so much, continuing the cycle of advocacy, partnership, and hope for future VIPS families.

Biography

Nathan’s long career in banking has included work at Fifth Third, PNC and BB&T.

Nathan Holladay, was just recognized by Business First Louisville as one of 20 People to Know in Wealth Management for 2025. In 2021, Nathan was honored by Louisville Business First's Forty Under 40 program which recognizes up and coming leaders in the area. He has been an active member of the Louisville Theatrical Society Board of Directors and a Philanthropic member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Nathan and his wife Holly have three children. As a former collegiate soccer player, he spends time following my children’s soccer careers with Mockingbird Valley Premier Soccer Club. I’m still very active in my marathon and triathlon schedules and play golf with my children. When all else fails, I’m happy to have a free weekend on the lake.

Nathan is very familiar to most of VIPS’ Board of Directors because he has been involved at VIPS since its start when his mother, Pam, served as one of our first teachers. Nathan has given generously of his time, talent and treasure for many years; first serving on the VIPS Board of Directors from July 1, 2015 until he rotated off June 30, 2024. He most recently served as the President of the VIPS Board of Directors from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024

Biography

Shari House is a 20 year veteran of the insurance profession and McGriff Insurance. As a dual-licensed professional, she oversees both the property & casualty and employee benefits relationships for many of her clients. Her success is the result of her passion for helping her clients achieve their maximum potential, building strategic partnerships and often becoming an integral member of their team. Her strong belief of the importance of being engaged in the community is reflected in her love for the VIPS organization.

Biography

Hammad M. Khan, Esq. serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, Special Prosecutions Unit, Violent Crime Reduction Team, and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky. He is dedicated to prosecuting violent crime while building strong partnerships with the communities he serves.

Prior to his current roles, Hammad served as an Assistant County Attorney and Criminal Unit Chief in the Office of the Jefferson County Attorney and as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society, where he advocated for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Kentucky and graduated magna cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law.

Originally from Pakistan, Hammad immigrated to the United States more than 25 years ago with the dream of becoming an attorney. As a member of the VIPS Board of Directors, he is honored to support the organization's mission of empowering children who are blind or have low vision and helping families thrive.

Biography

Dr. Donna Brostek Lee is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education at the University of Kentucky (UK). She oversees the Visual Impairment Program and has a background as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist. Dr. Lee received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University, followed by her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville.

Dr. Lee is deeply committed to improving educational services for children who are blind and visually impaired in Kentucky. She established the Teacher Preparation Program in Visual Impairments, which began at UK in 2013, and the O&M program in 2020. While working on her doctoral degree, Dr. Lee worked as an early interventionist for VIPS. She is proud to continue to support VIPS' mission as a past Central Kentucky VIPS board member and current board member.

Dr. Lee has been happily married to her husband, Brian, since 2008. Their son, Charlie, was born in 2013, and most recently Benny (a Beagle/Blue Heeler pandemic pup) joined the family in November of 2020.

Biography

Jennifer Merrick has worked for Mercer since 2013 focusing on overseeing the creation and management of global social media campaign strategies, with marketing expertise that includes digital marketing, direct response marketing and online advertising. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Finance from Georgetown College.

She spends her free time outside running, biking, or hiking. She also enjoys traveling, live music, and attending sporting events, especially the Louisville Cardinal football/basketball.

Biography

Paige Riley is an attorney at Stites & Harbison's Louisville, Ky., office where she is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. She handles a wide variety of litigation matters, including nurse and nursing home liability, product liability, medical malpractice, veterinary malpractice, professional liability, premises liability, and motor carrier litigation. Paige has experience at all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation counseling to taking and defending depositions, and to drafting and arguing dispositive motions. In her third year of practice, she tried a case to a verdict favorable to her client. Paige routinely represents health care providers in complex medical malpractice cases and represents nurses, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and a variety of allied health professionals in actions alleging significant personal injury or death.

Outside of the firm, Riley is active in a variety of professional and community organizations. She is a member of the American Bar Association’s Health Law Section and the Kentucky Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. She serves as a student mentor for both the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Additionally, Riley is a past member of the Brandeis School of Law’s Alumni Council.

Biography

Joe is a Partner at Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs and a seasoned litigator, with over sixteen years of experience defending clients in the courtroom. Known for his strategic thinking and tenacious advocacy, Joe has successfully represented and advised a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, education institutions, family owned businesses, franchises, and individuals in high-stakes legal matters. He specializes in employment law, insurance defense, premises liability and personal injury defense, commercial disputes and torts, real estate litigation, and medical malpractice defense to name a few.  Joe is recognized for his ability to navigate multifaceted legal challenges with precision and insight. His approach combines thorough legal research, innovative strategies, and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients.

Joe’s focus is always what is in the best interest of his clients to resolve a dispute as efficiently and effectively as possible. He finds it very helpful and beneficial to treat each case with the upmost importance and urgency. Additionally, Joe speaks and writes frequently on current and relevant employment topics. Joe is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in his practice.

Outside of the courtroom, Joe is passionate about community service and mentoring young lawyers. He also enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing golf during his free time.

Biography

Andy Steinbach is a retired global risk management and finance executive whose career spanned more than 15 years with Yum! Brands, Inc. During his tenure, he held positions in claims, loss prevention, corporate security, captive management, and insurance placement. During the last 10 years of his career, he worked extensively in the international risk and insurance areas. In addition, Andy oversaw global supply chain strategy and vendor counterparty risk. He was also a frequent lecturer at industry conferences.

YUM! Brands develops, operates, franchises, and licenses a system of restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell brands. There are ~ 42,000 restaurants in 130+ countries and territories in the Yum portfolio.

Missy is a longtime community volunteer and philanthropist. She and her husband are proud parents of three grown children and have long been active in the Louisville community. She believes in the power of service, collaboration, and philanthropy to create meaningful opportunities for children and is honored to help further the life-changing work of VIPS. 

Biography

Sharon is the Founder of VIPS, and served as Executive Director from 1985 until retiring in 2009. Prior to VIPS, Sharon worked in the Research Department in the area of Early Childhood Blindness at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville. Sharon received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisville. She is married, with 4 children, and four grandchildren. Now that she is retired, if she isn’t volunteering, she and her husband love traveling the US and abroad.