| Name |
Lori Steed, President 2005-2006,
board member since ? I lost track. |
| Where I live |
Grover Beach (next to Pismo Beach)
– the great dunes on the coast between L.A. and S.F. 10 miles
from San Luis Obispo |
| Family Info |
Divorced in 2001, hearing daughter
Jennifer, now 19 and attending NMSU, throwing discus and hammer
on an athletic scholarship. She was so. Cal CIF champion her
junior year and 5th in state her senior year. Okay
I’m proud. Deaf son, Daniel, now 16, and maintaining a >3.5 GPA.
yes I’m proud. Oh and I am engaged to the wonderful Thomas
Sortino III. No, no date set yet. Stay tuned. |
| Where my deaf child attends school |
Righetti High School in Santa Maria |
| How I felt when it sunk in that my
child doesn’t hear |
It hit me when I was at the
Pantages, experiencing Phantom, the same day we had taken him to
House Ear Institute. It suddenly hit me that he’d never
experience the detail of the voice in opera. Tears just started
running down my cheeks. |
| What having a Deaf child has
brought to my life |
Sooo much. Appreciation and
Awareness. ASL, new people, friends, awareness of non-verbal
communication, new abilities, an education about the education
system, the legal system, and awareness of people and their
kindness and the lengths people will go to for something or
someone they believe in. Wow. So much. |
| My advice to other parents |
Slow down. Study your children.
Watch, observe, learn who they are. Follow their lead. Love
them. Don’t try to fix them or change them. They have something
to teach us about ourselves. Learn from them. Just love them the
way they are, right now, every day. |
| My deaf child’s biggest
milestone(s) |
Transforming from an isolated,
frustrated, depressed, yearning to be included student to the
intelligent, funny, happy, successful, leader that he truly is. |
| Year I joined IMPACT |
I think 1993 or 1994 |
| Someone I remember from my first
conference |
Nancy Sager |
| One thing I remember from my first
conference |
They have a childrens program with
people who can communicate with my son! I get to actually focus
on workshops and he’s having a good time, too!!!! |
| Why I joined the board |
Because I was impressed with the
collaboration with CAL-ED, the experiences at the conference
every year, and I believe there is great value and worth in what
we do for children, parents, and community. |
| My role models, mentors, heroes and
inspirers in this journey |
The whole IMPACT board, Carl
Kirchner, Jon Levy, Terrylene, Cathy Walsh, Max & Charlotte
Wilhite, Bob McMahon, Rita Jordan, The whole Hapitok staff and
volunteers (all the TIGRS!!!!) +++ more |
| Outside of parenting a deaf child,
I also… (hobbies) |
Play soccer, run, frequent the
beach, ride my bike, collect friends, travel, learn new things,
expand my awareness, dance, create art, sing, study life, and
love people. I give free hugs. Find me and get one. |
| And a little about my education,
work or career… |
Cal Poly SLO, Graphic Design. 23
years with American Eagle Airlines. Starting a new business. I
love to inspire and lead. Watch my website for updates.
www.loristeed.com |
| And my final words… |
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! HUG YOUR
KID(S)! |