Staff

Each member of the staff at Blind Children's Learning Center offers something special to our students. Without this dedicated group of professionals, we would never be able to fulfill our mission of providing each student the tools to live an active productive life.

Blind Children's Learning Center Leadership Team

Kathleen has served as an interim manager at Orange County nonprofits for the past six years through Third Sector Learning. She had owned and operated a marketing and public relations firm in South Orange County for nearly two decades, providing fund development plans and strategies to nonprofit organizations such as Mission San Juan Capistrano and Samaritan Health Services. Kathleen earned her Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California.

Carolyn Baker
Director of Fund Development

Carolyn has more than 20 years of professional community relations experience working in the corporate and non-profit sectors. She received her Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations from Chapman University and Certificate in Corporate Community Relations from Boston College Carroll School of Management. Prior to her work with Blind Children's Learning Center, Carolyn was Director of Community Relations/Public Affairs for HomeAid Orange County.  

Andy Markalanda
Human Resources/Accounting Manager

With his college degree in Accounting and professional experience in HR management at major organizations, Andy brings over 20 years combined experience to Blind Children's Learning Center. He joined the Center in 2004, and manages both Accounting and HR departments.

Amiee served as a preschool teacher and lead teacher at our Early Childhood Center (ECC) for six years gaining experience in the IFSP and IEP processes. She also served as Clemen's Home Preschool and Childcare teacher and at the Clara Barton Elementary School as a Visual Impairment para-educator. She is a graduate of National University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Most recently, she was employed by the Ronald McDonald House of Orange County, where she supervised volunteers and maintained the family registration process.

Irene has worked in the field of Early Intervention for children with visual impairments for more than 19 years and has worked at Blind Children's Learning Center for more than 16 years, starting as an intern. Upon earning her Bachelor's degree at University of California, Irvine, and obtaining her Child Care Director's Permit, Irene joined the Center as Lead Infant Teacher. She moved to the Infant Family Focus (IFF) Program as an Infant Development Specialist. Six years later, she was named Early Childhood Center (ECC) Director. Most recently, Irene worked at the Center for the Partially Sighted (CPS) as a Family Resource Specialist and contracted to conduct vision screenings with the Family Support Network.