Commissioners

Dr. Norm Dawson, a resident of New Mexico for over 61 years, became deaf at age 27. He learned sign language and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of University Studies (BUS). He then earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, TX.

Throughout his life, Dr. Dawson has been a strong advocate for himself and others with hearing loss. His advocacy journey began at age 14 when he insisted that his father provide him with hearing aids. While attending UNM, he secured funding for the first TTY (Teletypewriter) in the library.  With the assistance of the Department of Justice, he successfully lobbied for UNM to provide sign language interpreters for extracurricular activities, additional braille resources, and more wheelchair ramps. He also played a key role in the creation of the New Mexico Relay.

Currently, Dr. Dawson delivers educational seminars on reducing the risk of dementia associated with hearing loss and other lifestyle modifications, including nutrition and exercise. He is also a vocal advocate for organizations to provide closed captioning, both online and in person. Dr. Dawson has been self-employed for most of his life.

He is actively involved with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)-Albuquerque chapter and serves on the New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Additionally, he currently serves as the President of the Albuquerque Challenge Toastmasters Club.

Dr. Dawson has been married for 44 years, and together with his spouse, they have five children, two of whom have hearing loss. They enjoy bike riding, traveling, and being involved in the community.

Dr. Jennifer Herbold was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Washington DC where she was practically raised on the Gallaudet University campus. She received her B.A. degrees in English and Secondary Education in 1997, and her Master’s in Deaf Education in 1999 from Gallaudet. Her first job in college was with the campus summer intern and conference housing program. As part of her job, she became familiar with the inner workings of the U.S. Capitol and politics. In 1995, she started working directly for the Secretary-General then President of the Deaflympics in various positions. During her six years with the Deaflympics, she acquired a wealth of experience in collaboration and organization, as well as love for working with people from international cultures.

Dr. Herbold was thrilled to move to New Mexico in 1999 where she reconnected to her family’s southwestern roots and started her first full time career teaching English at the New Mexico School for the Deaf. During this time, she also attended the University of Arizona as a fourth generation graduate where she earned her PhD in Language, Reading and Culture in 2008. She eventually became a literacy specialist, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Instruction. She currently is honored to be the school’s Superintendent. When she isn’t working, she enjoys reading, crocheting, working on various projects, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three children and the family Aussie.

John Hooper is a native New Mexican, born in Lovington. He attended and graduated from the New Mexico School for the Deaf.  He received his Associates Degree from the New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs and Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico.  Mr. Hooper retired from the State of New Mexico in 2014 after working 25 years and 7 of those years he was employed with the NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Mr. Hooper is active in the community; he officiates middle and high school basketball and is the current President of the Hearing Loss Association of America Santa Fe Chapter.  In the past, Mr. Hooper has been active on the New Mexico Relay Board and Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees).

Joseph Lopez III, aka “JoJo,” was born and raised in Riverside, California, and attended the California School for the Deaf Riverside (2004) and Gallaudet University (2010/2017). He has a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.A in Sign Language Education. JoJo currently lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and works as a Developmental Specialist for the Early Intervention Department at New Mexico School for the Deaf. He is also an Adjunct Instructor for ASL Levels I & II at New Mexico State University. JoJo also works for the Family Language Connector Program for the Heritage Sign Language Center at Gallaudet University. He is an active advocate in his community and is involved in local, state, and national organizations. Previously, JoJo served as a Member At Large for the New Mexico Association for the Deaf. Currently, he serves on the boards for Raíces del Rio Grande, New Mexico Mano A Mano, Council de Manos, and the National Association of the Deaf. He loves socializing, hiking, drinking coffee, taking pictures, and spending quality time with family.

Dr. Meena Mann was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. Throughout childhood, she attended Vancouver Oral Center, Jericho Hill School for the Deaf, and Kitsilano Secondary School. She has a BA in Psychology and Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision both from Gallaudet University, as well as an MS in Deaf Education from McDaniel College. In 2016, she received her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership with track specialization in Organizational Leadership.

Her passion is to share her expertise and knowledge in organizational leadership. She enjoys providing consultations to non-profit organizations. Meena is actively involved in local, state, and national organizations. She is currently the president of the New Mexico Association of the Deaf. In the past, she served as an Appointed Board Member of the National Association for the Deaf; Advisory Committee for Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID); Organizational Advisor for Louisville Association for the Deaf; and ASL Advisory Committee for Nashville Community College.

Dr. Mann works as a Statewide Educational Consultant in the Outreach Department at New Mexico School for the Deaf. During her leisure time, she enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling. She resides in Santa Fe, NM with her husband, Bryce McMillan.