Photo Caption 1: Director of People and Culture, Mario Burton, stands at the podium while Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Cox, and Assistant Director of Facilities, Julia M. Stewart, look on. Their video images are displayed infinitely on the large screen TV behind them as if reflected in an infinity mirror
Photo Caption 2: Vice President of Programs, Scott Blanks, listens as Community Outreach Coordinator, Sheri Albers, talks on a large screen TV
More than two years ago, on March 13, 2020, to keep everyone safe during the pandemic, LightHouse closed its physical doors, stopped all in-person programming, and sent non-essential employees home to work remotely. Immediately LightHouse came up with a plethora of virtual classes to continue serving our community and some limited in-person services outdoors. Over the last 26 months, there have been many changes, including an influx of new staff hired during the pandemic. On May 4, staff members masked up and gathered at LightHouse headquarters to celebrate their colleagues’ return to in-person work. Below are reflections from several staff members.
Wael Ghobrial: Graphic Designer
Started at LightHouse: April 2022
“I saw a group of people with a lot of motivation and determination to make change. Before I was excited to work at LightHouse, but now, I’m VERY excited”
Sequence Gilder: Admin Assistant, DeafBlind Telecommunications Program
Started at LightHouse: March 2022
“I have been at the LightHouse for two months, and from what I can see, have landed my feathers in the right nest! I look forward to meeting everyone in person again. You all keep me learning, smiling, and feeling continuous passion about what I do!”
Sabrina Bolus: Adult Programs Coordinator
Started at LightHouse: March 2022
“I’m glad to be part of the LightHouse team! I felt a sense of camaraderie and reconnected with and met many of the other beautiful people I worked alongside, learned from, and played with online. The food on The Fourth was good, too. The New Yorker in me chose the pastrami. My favorite part? The scavenger hunt!”
Jeffrey Colon: Director of Access Technology
Started at LightHouse: April 2020
“The first time that I came to our headquarters, the office was empty; It felt strange. There were no students, no community partners and only a few work colleagues. I wondered how it was going to work. I learned a lot and how to make adjustments when working remotely. When I finally met with my colleagues in person, I said to myself, “This is what this organization is! All of us with just one mission.”
Danette Davis: Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Started at LightHouse: 2016
“It’s great to be back in person with colleagues, back to feeling like part of a team. It’s been a long couple of years out on the streets with students but connecting with colleagues only virtually. So, I’m happy and ready for the opening.“
Katt Jones: Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Started at LightHouse: 2015
“As an O&M Specialist, even pre-COVID I was mostly working outside of the office. The biggest adjustment was the six months we were virtual-only. In October 2020, I began to teach in person again, outdoors only. May 4 was pretty amazing for me to see so much of staff in person and to match new faces to their voices on Zoom. I’m excited to see what we are able to do in the future as we adjust to in-person work and services.”
Divina Carlson: Braille Instructor
Started at LightHouse: 1993
“Going back in person for the first time after 26 months felt like the first day at school; you didn’t know what to expect. I was excited to meet our colleagues, new and old. At the end of a long day with the all-staff meeting, several nice breakout sessions and lunch, I was exhausted but happy to see everyone.”
Tony Fletcher: Director of Enchanted Hills Camp
Started at LightHouse: 1990
“It is wonderful to be back at the office and reconnect with my colleagues. It didn’t take long to realize what a special team of professionals we have at LightHouse and to admire how much our organization has grown even with the pandemic trying to slow us down. I was reminded how much I missed the collaboration and enthusiasm that comes from being together in person.”
Scott Blanks, LightHouse Vice President of Programs, who started in 2014, gives some general impressions and informs the LightHouse Community on how they can find out more about future programs.
“Much like the world over, The pandemic has wrought changes upon the LightHouse, impacting staff and students alike. These past 26 months have challenged us in ways we couldn’t have imagined in early 2020. Across the organization, we have remained committed to supporting the blind and low vision community towards their personal and professional goals, while striving to keep everyone safe and healthy. We will continue to make this promise as we gradually transition select services and programs from virtual settings to hybrid or in-person offerings at our multiple locations.
“Students currently enrolled in LightHouse programs will be kept up-to-date by teachers and program leads on what changes to expect over the coming months. If you have yet to participate with us, you can learn what’s possible by calling 415-431-1481, or emailing info@lighthouse-sf.org.”