Nicky Gillies, MS, NIC
Director
Nicky Gillies is the Project Director for the Louisiana DeafBlind Project at the Human Development Center, where she has worked since 2021. Nicky began her career as an American Sign Language interpreter in 2009, attaining national certification in 2012. She completed her MS degree in ASL/English Interpreting Pedagogy at the University of North Florida in 2019. Nicky has worked as an interpreter, mentor, consultant, and educator in a variety of settings including higher education, the non-profit sector, and private practice. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in ASL, launching a series of ASL courses for LSU Health New Orleans students in 2023. Nicky works with early intervention providers, school districts, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to identify and provide appropriate support to students birth through 22 who are DeafBlind. She designs professional development for educators who work with this highly diverse population of students. Nicky also provides educational planning and resource support to families of children and youth who are DeafBlind.
Rose Angelocci, Ph.D., CRC, CWIC
Coordinator
Rose Angelocci is the Deafblind Registry & Data Coordinator for LSU Human Development Center’s Louisiana Deafblind Project for Children and Youth. Since 2017, Rose has provided technical assistance to families and professionals connected to children with combined vision and hearing loss especially in the areas of assistive technology, transition from high school, and the use of deafblind interveners. She also maintains the Deafblind Registry for Louisiana. Rose is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CR), a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT), and a Certified Deaflbind Intervener.
Catherine “Cathy” Miller, MA
Family Engagement Coordinator
Cathy Miller works as Family Engagement Coordinator for the Louisiana Deafblind Project for Children and Youth. She is a trained listener and counselor. She is committed to using her skills to empower those with whom she works. Her goals include finding a voice for those who cannot speak and bringing understanding and communication to Deafblind individuals and their friends and loved ones. In addition to her role as liaison to Louisiana families with children who are deafblind, Cathy is known throughout the U.S. as an advocate and grassroots organizer who is committed to the empowerment of Deafblind citizens.
