New England
HKNC Regional Network
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Contact Info:
PO Box 1268
44 Lafayette Rd, North Hampton, NH 03862
Christine Telford (Regional Representative)
Voice: 516-242-0357
VP: 617-865-4509
ctelford@helenkeller.org
Amalia Davila (Administrative Assistant)
Mobile: 516-460-6702 (Text)
VP: 310-953-4740
adavila@helenkeller.org
Regional Representative Christine Telford
Our regional offices bring HKNC resources to you.
Your regional representative knows all about the programs and services that are available to DeafBlind individuals, their families and service providers in your state and beyond, and can help you find and access the ones that are right for you.
Whether you’re interested in learning about support services near your home, would like to take advantage of the technology available through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program or want to explore the possibility of training at our national headquarters, your regional representative is your link to all that HKNC has to offer ─ consultation, advocacy, assessment, training, referrals and more.
Meet the representatives and specialists in your region.
Christine Telford
New England Regional Representative
Christine Telford is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation, specializing in services for individuals who are DeafBlind. Currently serving as the Regional Service Coordinator at the Helen Keller National Center in Boston, Christine supervises a team of DeafBlind Specialists and Rehabilitation professionals. She effectively manages regional budgets and collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance the inclusion of DeafBlind youth and adults in the HKNC National Registry.
Previously, Christine was a DeafBlind Specialist at HKNC, where she focused on providing one-on-one vocational rehabilitation services to help consumers achieve their employment goals. Her earlier role as an Orientation & Mobility Instructor at the Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision honed her skills in teaching clients to navigate their environments independently.
Christine has also made significant contributions at the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services, where she led the planning and implementation of programs for DeafBlind individuals, managed support service provider programs, and provided extensive training to staff and community partners. Known for her problem-solving abilities, Christine excels in identifying and leveraging community resources to resolve complex issues.
Christine holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation of the Blind from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist. She has also completed a Bachelor of Science in Deaf Studies from Towson University and holds certifications in sign language interpreting.
In her free time, Christine enjoys connecting with others in the DeafBlind community and finding new ways to raise awareness about the unique challenges they face. She believes that everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and she’s committed to making that a reality.
Megan Socha
DeafBlind Employment Specialist
Megan Socha successfully completed her undergraduate studies at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts, earning a double major in Psychology and Sociology, complemented by a minor in Deaf Studies. Continuing her academic journey, she pursued and achieved a master’s degree in social work at Salem State University, also located in Massachusetts.
During a year-long internship as a Case Manager for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Megan honed her skills and gained valuable experience. Since 2021, she has been a dedicated staff member of the New England Homes for the Deaf, contributing to the activities department. Additionally, Megan volunteers her time with the DeafBlind Contact Center and actively participates in her local DeafBlind social group.
Megan’s diverse employment history and educational background have equipped her with a broad range of skills, including expertise in tactile sign language, non-contracted braille comprehension, SSP (Support Service Provider) roles, haptics/pro-tactile experiences, communication facilitation, intake/assessment procedures, treatment/goal planning, and expertise in accessibility/accommodations. She has also fostered professional connections with multiple agencies across the state, demonstrating her commitment to the Deaf Blind community and her ongoing dedication to its advancement.
Paula Tingley
Employment Training Specialist
Paula Tingley has over 18 years’ experience working with the Deaf and DeafBlind community as an Employment Training Specialist. Most of her experience has been working at Viability, a local CRP in Western Massachusetts. Paula was the Senior Employment Specialist for Viability and was responsible for managing the Deaf Services Program. She attended Holyoke Community College Deaf Studies Program, received a Degree in Deaf Studies.
Paula specializes in job placement and job retention. She has assisted hundreds of Deaf and DeafBlind consumers in securing competitive integrated employment in settings of their choice.
She is skilled at identifying and removing barriers to employment; setting up communication systems, linking consumers to community resources, and utilizing natural resources. Paula has a personal connection to working with individuals who have disabilities since she has a child with disabilities. She is a natural advocate and links consumer to community resources.
Jenna Rydl
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Jenna Rydl is Region 1’s Orientation and Mobility Instructor serving all of New England. Originally from Florida and now transitioning to New England, Jenna brings with her O&M and ASL interpreting experience, including 7 years as an interpreter in post-secondary education and video relay service settings.
Her journey to becoming an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) began in middle school when she found her passion while befriending a group of blind and visually impaired students and their teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitative Services with a focus on Orientation and Mobility from Stephen F. Austin State University in East Texas, and is now a COMS as well as a BEI Advanced-level certified interpreter.
Jenna’s diverse background includes work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community, children and adults with multiple disabilities, Orientation and Mobility, as well as international experience as an au pair in Switzerland. With a heart for inclusivity and adventure, Jenna is eager to make connections and find creative solutions in Region 1!
Local & Community Services
Are you interested in getting involved in the DeafBlind community in the New England Region? Your regional representative can provide information about social gatherings, conferences, listservs and more. Check this space for announcements about upcoming events or contact your regional representative to request email notifications.
Ask your regional representative about:
- The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
- Local services and referrals
- On-site assessment, consultation, and training
- Making connections with other individuals and families within the DeafBlind community
- Technical assistance and in-service training
- Plans for youth transitioning from educational programs to post-educational services
- Educational materials and presentations about the capabilities and preferences of people with combined vision and hearing loss