About Marie Philip School

Glennis passionately believes in the foundation of literacy and has focused her studies on early literacy intervention strategies for deaf and hard of hearing children with a career goal to advocate and implement an early literacy curriculum for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Glennis earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta after an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston. She then obtained a Master of Arts degree in Middle Grade Math and Science from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.

Her role as TLC Superintendent makes her the first Black Deaf woman and first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduate to become a Superintendent of a Deaf School throughout the history of Deaf Education, joining the league consisting of a few Deaf BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Deaf School Superintendents in the United States.

Toni received her master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University and has more than 35 years of experience working in the fields of nonprofit organizations, literacy, classroom management, education reform and lesson planning. She was an Elementary Principal for 25 years prior to moving into a senior leadership role in curriculum and instruction.  Toni is also responsible for supporting TLC’s educational leaders and academic programs.  She is also responsible for TLC’s Educational Compliance through DESE and is a MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Shira has a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from Boston University, and a Master’s in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University. She brings 18 years of professional experience in Deaf and community-based education to TLC.

Her work in the nonprofit sector as Executive Director of Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN) early in her career led to her subsequent work in Deaf Education and community-based work. Before coming to TLC, Shira worked at The New Mexico School for the Deaf as the Curriculum Specialist, working to develop and implement curriculum adoption strategies and cross-sector collaborations with community groups. Prior to that, she was an Elementary ASL Teacher at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, a field she continues to be involved in through her current work in the ASL Curriculum Instruction and Assessment (ASLCIA) work group. 

She works closely with various entities in designing and providing professional development training and coaching for educators, interpreters, and camp staff in various settings on topics surrounding advocacy, mentorship, nature-based learning, Anti-Bias education, and language access. Shira loves the arts and the outdoors!

Mary Jane Huru has a deep, personal connection to TLC. She is the mother of a former PIP student, who went on to attend her entire schooling at TLC, graduating in 2010. Mary Jane received her bachelor's degree in Child and Family Services. She has worked at TLC for 25 years, 10 as Admission Director/Family Liaison. Prior, she was the Director of TLC’s Childcare Center.

David is from Philadelphia, PA, and graduated from Northeastern University. He received his Master’s degree in Sports Management from Springfield College.

He most recently worked at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in Hartford, Conn., as Director of Student Life. Prior to working at ASD, David spent 10 years at TLC, starting as a dorm supervisor, and rising all the way to Director of After School and Athletic Programs.

In his spare time, David enjoys coaching his daughters' soccer and basketball teams, and traveling.

Donna holds a Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Administration from Framingham State University. She has than 35 years of experience in nursing, includes experience in pediatric critical care, cardiology, medical-surgical care, and nursing education at Emerson Hospital. Donna has also served as nursing faculty at Northeastern and Regis College, as well as the Director of Professional Development at TaraVista Behavioral Health. Before joining TLC in 2022, she was the School Nurse Leader at St. Bridget’s School in Framingham.

When she is not at work, she enjoys travel, especially Disney World, with her husband and son. Her two dogs bring her much joy.