Margaret - Executive Director

Margaret, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Riverside. She earned her teaching credential from San José State University and completed her Master’s in Teacher Education as a Fellow at Sacramento State University. Additionally, she obtained her Administrative Credential from Fresno Pacific University.

In 1999, Margaret experienced significant vision loss due to an unknown disease, which led her to become actively involved in the local blindness community. In 2007, she co-founded the Center of Vision Enhancement (COVE) and now serves as its Executive Director. Before her tenure at COVE, Margaret was an educator, teacher trainer, and administrator in Merced County Schools. Her extensive experience as a Project Director has been invaluable in her current role, where she is dedicated to helping individuals with vision loss lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Dana – Assistive Technology Trainer

Dana grew up in the Bay Area, where she was immersed in cutting-edge technology from an early age. Utilizing advanced computer software, magnification tools, and talking devices, she excelled in her academics, hobbies, and professional endeavors.

Upon relocating to the Central Valley, Dana faced economic challenges distinct from those in the Bay Area. She became a client of COVE and, with support from COVE and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), pursued higher education and discovered a new career path. Dana joined COVE in 2018 and has since been dedicated to teaching clients how to use assistive technology to enhance and enrich their lives.

Allen – OIB & Assistive Technology Trainer

Allen joined COVE in 2009. He finds great joy in seeing clients return with smiles, knowing his classes have positively impacted their lives.

Allen trains clients on various technologies, including JAWS for Windows, Microsoft Office products, typing, iPhone VoiceOver, and the Victor Reader, among other devices and apps that aid the visually impaired in achieving daily tasks independently.

Originally from South Carolina, Allen moved to this community for better opportunities for an independent life. He and his wife appreciate the accessible transportation, which allows them to attend family gatherings and community events with their three children. Allen's hobbies include being a ham radio operator, listening to music, exploring new technology, and reading books. Blind since birth, his eye condition remains unknown.

Seema – Orientation and Mobility Trainer

Seema holds credentials as a specialist for the visually impaired and as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She earned her Master's degree in Visual Impairment from San Francisco State University and brings 14 years of experience in the field of special education. Her student teaching at the Orientation Center for the Blind has equipped her with valuable skills to work effectively with blind and visually impaired adults.

Liliana – Assistant Services Manager

Liliana was born in Terceira, Azores, Portugal, and moved to America at the age of three. Diagnosed with severe visual impairments early in life, she adapted and sought resources to support her education and independence. She earned an associate’s degree in psychology and behavioral science from Merced College as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Stanislaus State University.

Liliana was diagnosed with Ocular Albinism, Nystagmus, and Astigmatism, conditions that significantly affect her vision. Despite these challenges, she uses public transportation and enjoys traveling. As an employee at COVE, she is dedicated to helping individuals develop independent living skills, fostering confidence and independence among those with vision loss.

Cynthia – Office Assistant

In 2019, Cynthia moved to Merced with her retired husband, Bill, and their younger son, Gavin. Their older son, Lucas, resides in NYC. The family also includes a Russian land tortoise named Gilbert, who enjoys roaming the yard in hot weather.

A retired RN, Cynthia has over twenty years of experience working in Oncology, Hospice, Labor & Delivery, NICU, PAR, and Outpatient Surgery. She and her husband were foster parents to nine medically fragile infants and adopted one of them, Gavin.

Cynthia is a two-time breast cancer survivor, having overcome the disease in 2005 and 2017. She crochets for two hours daily to manage lymphedema in her right arm and welcomes crochet requests.

In 2020, Cynthia underwent three corneal transplants at UCSF for Fuchs’ Dystrophy. Facing rapid vision loss and the potential loss of her driver’s license, she is profoundly grateful that both her eyes are now doing well.

Brenda - Independent Living Skills Trainer

Brenda, a native of Merced, lost the majority of her eyesight in 2008. During this challenging period, COVE provided her with significant support. Following her work with the Department of Rehabilitation and attending college, Brenda joined the COVE team of trainers in December 2022. She now takes great pride in helping others gain independence through daily living skills, including household management, cooking, money management, and basic travel techniques .

Osvaldo – Assistive Technology

Osvaldo moved to the United States at the age of one and grew up in Merced, California. He began learning Braille in first grade, which became integral to his education. Osvaldo developed a passion for reading and writing, winning numerous awards in elementary school. In middle school, he was introduced to JAWS, a computer screen reader, which significantly enhanced his ability to complete online tasks.

After graduating high school in 2019, Osvaldo continued his education at Merced College. He then joined the Center of Vision Enhancement, where he teaches clients Braille and JAWS, and provides office assistance. Osvaldo is dedicated to helping others and finds great joy in his work.