Melissa (she/her) graduated from Pikes Peak State College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in the Interpreter Prep Program. She later participated in the Rural Interpreter Skills Enhancement (RISE) program with the University of Northern Colorado where she was able to intern with The Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind in various settings throughout the state of Colorado. Currently an Educational Interpreter, Melissa is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health and is currently a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant. Melissa is passionate about empowering others and is so excited to continue serving the Deaf Community as a Board Member for DOVE.
Ida (she/her) has been deeply involved in mental health advocacy since high school, focusing on
supporting the Deaf community. She has worked with various organizations that provide trauma-
informed mental health services tailored to the cultural and linguistic needs of Deaf individuals.
Her passion for healing justice includes performing in the 2nd and 3rd ASL performances of The
Vagina Monologues in Washington, D.C. and Denver—projects centered on elevating the voices
of marginalized survivors of gender-based violence.
Ida’s doctoral lab research focused on trauma within the Deaf community, contributing to a
deeper understanding of how systemic barriers affect access to care and safety. Her work
highlights the intersection of Deaf identity, mental health, and survivorship. As chair of the
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) Board, she advocates for trauma-
responsive, inclusive mental health approaches. Ida is dedicated to advancing accessible services
for Deaf survivors of domestic violence and ensuring equity in healing resources everywhere.
Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning broker with over 30 years of experience who specializes in working with the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities, assisting builders, investors, and families interested in relocation. The founder of Uptown Realty Group, and one of the top-producing REALTORS® for Compass, Maria’s knowledge of the Colorado market is extensive. From the bustling cities of Denver and Colorado Springs to Northern Colorado, Southern Colorado, and the Western Slope, Maria has a thorough understanding of all the major Colorado markets.
Though Maria is hearing, she was raised by two deaf parents and American Sign Language is her first language. She deeply understands the challenges presented to members of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities, particularly when it comes to buying and selling properties, and is a devoted advocate for members of these communities, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community, in the real estate space. She is committed to creating clear, enjoyable, and fun experiences for all her clients as they search for their perfect home.
Maria also works with developers and investors to find their ideal target market within Colorado. Her proven ability to boost revenue is trusted among builders focused on single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes. Investors lean on her depth of market knowledge to make lucrative and rewarding financial moves.
With a focus on fostering community, Maria’s marketing ability, eye for design, and communication skills paired with her keen negotiation acumen assist her clients in finding the perfect properties and situations for their needs, time and time again. Maria is the recipient of multiple awards. When she isn’t assisting her clients, Maria loves to spend time with her beautiful family in her native state of Colorado. She loves hiking, Pilates, yoga, and spending time with friends.
Dr. Jose Luis Tapia Jr. (he, him, his) is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He graduated with his PhD in counseling at the University of North Texas. His research is focused on disability-responsive care across the lifespan. Dr. Tapia-Fuselier has published in peer-reviewed journals in serving children with disabilities using play therapy, trauma-informed ethical decision making, and serving interabled relationships in counseling. He has served the community in public and private rehabilitation settings as well as, in private and community practice for 8 years. He has provided individual, relationship, play, and family therapy with a special focus in serving people with disabilities in three languages (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language). He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and National Certified Counselor. Additionally, he is a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapy-Supervisor and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Dr. Tapia-Fuselier has led trainings and workshops centered around ableism and its impact on service delivery and disability-responsive practices for helping professionals.
Lisa’s hobbies include: sports, reading books, playing with my children, watching TV/Movies, getting involved in Bible studies with groups, and traveling. Lisa loves spending time with her family of 4, her husband and her 2 bilingual Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs).
Rachel (she/they) has long been passionate and involved within the DV field, since her senior year in high school. During her undergraduate years at Gallaudet, she spent an internship at DAWN in Washington, DC, and when she lived in Austin, TX years later, she was a volunteer as well as a Board member with SafePlace Deaf Services (now known as Deaf SHARE). She also performed on stage twice with The Vagina Monologues (under Eve Ensler’s global organization V-Day). Rachel is excited to continue giving back to the Deaf community by serving as a Board member for DOVE, using her interpersonal and community building skills. Rachel loved to travel a lot back then, and is now settled as a Mama of two young children while working as a Birth and Postpartum Doula on the side. She looks forward to sharing empowerment and building relationships with the local community!