Who We Are
LITERACY
Early Intervention Language Programs, Specialized Literacy Instruction and Literary-rich Environments.
OUTREACH
Sign Language Support, Pediatric Hearing Tests (ages 0–4), Educational Summer Camps, Online Teaching Materials, Distance Learning, Parent/Family Support, as well as Training/Technical Assistance for Professionals
TECHNOLOGY
Tools such as iPads, FM Systems, Interactive (Smart) White Boards, vibro-tactile aids, LED projectors and other assistive technologies that enhance learning by providing visual, auditory, or tactile access.
Career and Technical Education
Professional training and equipment to prepare students with academic, technical and occupational knowledge to succeed in life after graduation
S.T.E.M. Curriculum
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math courses, including robotics, 3-D printing and engineering applications
Our
Mission
Children who are born deaf or hard of hearing are also born with the same innate ability for language acquisition and learning as hearing children. Therefore, providing them with an education specific to their needs can resolve the biggest challenge they face: the potential for lack of access to language, communication, and human connection. When introduced to language, children who are deaf or hard of hearing have the opportunity to reach their own unique linguistic capability, as well as their individual academic and social-emotional potential.
Because TSD provides such an education to the deaf and hard-of-hearing children of Texas, TSD Foundation works to raise awareness of the important work TSD does and to raise funds that help bridge the gap between monies allocated biennially to TSD by the Texas legislature, and what is actually needed to provide such excellence in education.
The mission of Texas School for the Deaf Foundation is to strengthen and sustain language, academic achievement, and career pathways for deaf students at TSD and across Texas.
Our
Funding Priorities
TSD’s goal is for every child across the state of Texas who is deaf or hard of hearing to receive educational services that meet his/her unique needs, ensuring that s/he has the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong. With that goal in mind, TSDF supports specialized educational programs, teaching strategies and essential resources in five key areas that enhance learning opportunities and promote educational excellence for these children, while also providing needed support to their families and the professionals who serve them.
Our
Board Members
Amanda Tuite
President
Amanda Tuite, has a passion for providing access and training to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. In 2020 she founded Access Vine, a service offering various communication services to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Amanda was a trainer for the Texas Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services where she trained & provided technical assistance to agency program staff and stakeholders on a variety of topics. Amanda and her husband David Tuite live in Austin with her two adult CODA children.
Tamara Suiter
Vice President
Tamara Suiter is a dedicated realtor and fundraiser, and a pillar of the Deaf community in Austin. As the only Deaf female realtor in the area, she's passionate about helping Deaf individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams. Her strong communication skills and commitment to accessibility make her a trusted advocate. With experience at Gallaudet University and the Texas School for the Deaf, Tamara has a deep understanding of the community's needs. She also serves as Vice President of the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation Board. Tamara enjoys spending time with her husband, CODA children, and their three boxer dogs.
Evan Winegard
Treasurer
Evan Winegardgrew up in NYC and relocated to Austin where his two children attend Texas School for the Deaf. Third-generation deaf, Evan holds degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and works with various deaf businesses as CFO/Investor. Evan's & his wife's two children are TSD students.
John Biggs
Financial Officer
John Biggs joined the TSD board in 2021 and serves as the foundation Investment officer. His connection to TSDF and the deaf community was indirect via a close childhood friend who had a two decade relationship with TSDF. He grew up in the Houston area and has lived in Austin since 2013. John is married with two grown daughters, a nurse and an engineer. John enjoys anything outdoors.
Claire Bugen
Claire Bugen, upon her retirement in 2023 after 49 years of dedicated service at the Texas School for the Deaf, including the last 25 years as superintendent, Claire took on the role of interim Executive Director for the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools Programs for the Deaf (CEASD). Claire has had a distinguished leadership career in deaf education, uniquely serving as both the president of the profession's administrative organization CEASD and the teacher organization CAlD. Additionally, she served as vice chair of he Gallaudet Board of trustees for 12 years and was recently honored with the title of Trustee Emeritus. The only distraction from her committed leadership roles are her two beloved grandchildren, William, 11, and Caroline, 7.
Danny Lacey
Danny Lacey, a partner and advisor at Kramer Wealth Managers since 2001, specializes in crafting forward-thinking financial strategies for clients ranging from pre-retirees to business owners. Danny has demonstrated his commitment to community service through board positions with organizations like the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation and USA Deaf Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, he enjoys watching sports and spending time with his wife, Debbie, and their two children.
Mike Moody
Mike Moody has served on the TSD Foundation board since 2004. His grandfather, Harry Rudolph, as well as his grandfather's twin brother, Harol, graduated from TSD in 1925. Mike is a partner with the law firm Cain & Skarnulis, PLLC. His law practice focuses primarily on general commercial litigation. He received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law. Mike and his wife reside in Austin with their teenage son.
Jefferson Powell
Jefferson Powell joined the TSDF board in 2024 . Jefferson is a partner with the law firm DuBois, Bryant & Campbell, LLP, and his practice focuses primarily on corporate transactional matters. He received is B.B.A and J.D. from the University of Oklahoma. Jefferson lives in Austin with his wife and German shepherd. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, a nice bottle of Rhone valley red wine, and building out his lego collection.
