PEOPLE

Students, Faculty, & Board

Empowerment Through Independence

The Hatlen Center is more than just a school, it’s a community with a shared vision. From our Founder and our Board members who guide us to our dedicated staff who teach and inspire, to our students who strive every day to make a better life for themselves, it is the people at The Hatlen Center who make us who we are.

Students

Our students come from all over California, from other states as well, and from all walks of life. The average age is between 18 and 26; however we occasionally have students in their 40′s, 50′s, or even older. Many young students have never before lived away from home. When a student first arrives, s/he is evaluated in each of the core curriculum areas: Life Skills (cooking, cleaning, care of clothing), Orientation and Mobility, Financial Management, Adaptive Technology, Pre-vocational Skills, and Braille, if necessary. Student and staff then create a curriculum that is designed to meet that individual’s unique needs.

Students may enter the program any time of the year, depending upon available openings. Length of stay is determined by individual needs and progress, with a maximum stay of up to one year. Learn more about individual students and their stories of triumph.

Staff

The Hatlen Center teaching staff consists of two living skills teachers, two orientation and mobility instructors (one of whom also teaches living skills), an adaptive technology instructor, a Braille instructor, and an overnight supervisor. In addition, since students are paying real bills out of their own income, each teacher is assigned to be the financial advisor for several students.

Our administrative staff consists of our Executive Director, Program Director, Development Associate/Office Manager, and Office Assistant. Read more about individual staff members by clicking on the links to the right under Faculty.

Board of Directors

The dedicated members of our Board of Directors bring many talents to the agency, including expertise in rehabilitation and blindness, adaptive technology, business, law, and contracting. Read about our Board members by clicking on the links to the right under Board.

Founder

Last but certainly not least, our founder, Dr. Philip Hatlen, has inspired us since the beginning. From the Center’s beginning in 1972, Dr. Hatlen hired individuals who believe that blind people can live and work independently and who expect students to succeed, and that is the only kind of staff we have ever hired. He taught that first group of teachers to think outside the box and commit themselves with dedication, enthusiasm, and energy to helping students achieve independence, and that is the only kind of staff that has ever worked here. Read more about our Founder…

Students

Faculty

Executive Director

Program Director

Adaptive Technology Instructor

Katie Mazza

Orientation and Mobility Instructor

Erin Foley