Meet the Staff at Our Center for Blindness & Vision Loss in Naples FL

Robin Goldstone Garcia Chief Executive Officer

robing@lighthouseofcollier.org

Robin Goldstone Garcia is the newly appointed CEO of Lighthouse of Collier, located in Naples, FL.  With an extensive background in both business and community service, Robin brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

Robin graduated from SUNY Oswego with degrees in Psychology and Business Administration.  She spent 20 years working in the software industry and then as a financial advisor before transitioning to a career focusing on community service.  Her personal journey began when her son was born with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing deafness and vision loss.  This inspired her to volunteer at Lighthouse of Collier, where she quickly rose to the position as the first paid Executive Director of the Lighthouse of Collier in 2014.

After working as the ED of Lighthouse of Collier for 5 years, Robin served as the Deputy Director for the Division of Blind Services in Tallahassee Florida, but she found her true calling at the community level, serving the blind and visually impaired community directly.  She returned to Naples, and worked as the Executive Director of the Florida Lions Eye Clinic, for over three years, when she returned to Lighthouse of Collier to serve as the CEO.  Her vision for Lighthouse of Collier includes expanding services to reach more people in need and providing transportation solutions to ensure clients can access the care they need.

Robin’s leadership and dedication to improving the lives of the visually impaired make her an invaluable asset the Lighthouse of Collier and the community it services.

Rick Hart Assistant Director of Client Empowerment & Program Services

rick@lighthouseofcollier.org

Rick joined the Lighthouse of Collier in February 2015. Helping people who are blind or visually impaired is Rick’s passion. He knows firsthand what it is like to live with vision loss as he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at age eight. He knows how difficult it can be to get along in a sighted world.

Rick holds a Master of Arts in Community Agency Counseling from Saint Xavier University (Chicago, Illinois). He is certified to teach screen reading and magnification software through the Florida Division of Blind Services. He also facilitates the support groups and provides individual peer counseling. His aim is to help clients (of all ages) gain confidence and skills needed to adjust to living with vision loss. Rick’s overall goal is to help clients enhance their quality of life by teaching adaptive skills which enable clients to continue to be productive and self-reliant.

Christie Young Bookkeeper and Office Administrator

christie@lighthouseofcollier.org

Victoria Scott Saphia Fund Development & Public Relations Manager

victoria@lighthouseofcollier.org

Victoria started her role at Lighthouse of Collier in December 2025. She is an award-winning journalist and communications professional. She worked for NBC and Fox affiliates before transitioning out of broadcasting. Victoria currently freelances for Naples Illustrated. She has a BA in political science and international relations from Rollins College. She also has an MA in journalism from the University of Miami. She enjoys making a positive difference for the blind and visually impaired in Collier County.

Kayla Butler Teacher of the Visually Impaired/ Children's Programs

kayla@lighthouseofcollier.org

Kayla graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Science degree in Visual Disabilities Education, specializing in Orientation and Mobility. Following graduation, she worked with a school district as a teacher for students with visual impairments and as a certified orientation and mobility specialist. During summers, Kayla served children at camps for students with visual impairments. She enjoys providing new experiences to clients and supporting them in their journey to independence. 

Daniela Gonzalez Teacher of the Visually Impaired/ Adult Programs

daniela@lighthouseofcollier.org

A Naples native, Daniela graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s Degree in Visual Disabilities. Before joining the Lighthouse of Collier, Daniela worked for two different school districts as a teacher for the visually impaired (TVI) in the Tampa/St. Pete area.

During her time in Tampa, Daniela also worked with transition aged students on career education, independent living, and assistive technology through their local Lighthouse. Daniela is currently working on getting certified to teach screen-readers and magnification software.

Daniela feels it is important to spread awareness to the world about blindness and low vision. She encourages all her clients to strive for independence and be their biggest advocates.

Jason Shaffer Teacher of the Visually Impaired/ Transition Program

jasons@lighthouseofcollier.org

Jason has an extensive educational background with two master’s degrees: one from Texas Tech University in Special Education, specializing in Orientation and Mobility, and another from the University of Utah, focusing on Early Childhood Education. With over twenty years of experience, Jason has served in various capacities such as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, and as a director of a transition program. He holds or has held certifications as an instructor in JAWS, FUSION, COMS, and Early Childhood Education.

In his leisure time, Jason is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying activities like fishing, kayaking, and spending quality time with his family.

Kerry Birchall Program Director

kerryb@lighthouseofcollier.org

Kerry Birchall has a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and a Master of Education Degree with a concentration in Visual Impairments from the University of Massachusetts. She also holds a national certification as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist as well as a certification as an Assistive Technology Specialist for Individuals with Visual Impairments.

Kerry began her career as a TVI in Boston Public Schools, and then worked as a TVI and Orientation and Mobility instructor for the Paul V Sherlock Center on Disabilities in Rhode Island for over 15 years. She was an adjunct faculty member for the TVI and O&M Teacher Training programs at UMass Boston and has received numerous professional accolades including the Lowell Association for the Blind George P. Zermas Scholarship, the AER O&M Division Donald  Blasch  National Scholarship and the American Federation of the Blind Josephine Taylor Leadership Institute Fellowship.

Kerry entered the field of Visual Impairment shortly after her nephew was born with advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa, and remains passionate about insuring her students and clients reach their highest personal potential.

Cindy Bello Rehabilitation Instructor

cindy@lighthouseofcollier.org

Cindy Bello received a Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham,  Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Susquehanna University, and  Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University. Over the course of her career as an OT, Cindy has served individuals of all ages in a variety of settings, including early intervention, inpatient and outpatient rehab, acute care hospital, school, and home health. Her experience at the Lighthouse began with volunteering at the Children’s Summer Camp and assisting adults with Activities of Daily Living Classes. Currently, Cindy works with children and adults and is committed to helping them reach their full potential through activities that are meaningful to them.

Cindy is also a lifelong music lover and plays clarinet in the Bonita Springs Concert Band and New Horizon Band. At the Lighthouse, she has incorporated her passion for music  by teaching a weekly drumming class using the World Music Drumming Curriculum. Cindy strives to improve clients’ accessibility to music whether as a spectator or performer. She serves as a liaison to the Naples Community Orchestra and Artis Naples who generously donate tickets to Lighthouse clients. Cindy coordinates clients’ attendance at these venues with the goal of accessing events in the community and socializing with peers.  In addition, Cindy instructs music students in accessing their music through use of the adaptive software, Goodfeel, which audio describes music notation and converts print music to braille. Cindy enjoys her journey with Lighthouse clients as they learn adaptive skills, form supportive friendships and discover new interests!

Cynthia Eddy Program & Client Services Coordinator

cynthia@lighthouseofcollier.org

Cynthia Eddy has served Lighthouse of Collier since November 2022. She began her involvement with the organization as a volunteer and briefly served on the Board before transitioning into her current role as Program and Client Services Coordinator. Cindy is part of the intake team, welcoming new clients and guiding them through the process of accessing services. She collaborates closely with the instructional staff to support client programming, and she contributes to the day-to-day operations of the front office.  Cynthia brings over 35 years of experience as an English teacher and Gifted Support educator in Pennsylvania. She is passionate about giving back to the community and finds great fulfillment in supporting individuals with vision loss.

Stephany Estremadoiro Client & Volunteer Engagement Manager

stephany@lighthouseofcollier.org

Stephany prides herself on having excellent interpersonal communication skills. She is bilingual and enjoys living in Naples. Stephany began working at Lighthouse of Collier in Spring 2019 as a Receptionist and was later promoted to Intake Specialist. She is passionate about assisting clients in receiving services in order to help them become independent. Stephany is a Senior at Florida Gulf Coast University, pursuing a major in Psychology. When meeting with new clients, Stephany lends an ear and provides comfort. Clients come to Lighthouse afraid of the unknown while trying to grasp the situation. She finds it rewarding when clients leave with a smile on their faces and feeling more confident.

Sead Bekric Assistive Technology Assistant

Jeffrey Zacarias Assistive Technology Assistant

He currently attends college and works at Lighthouse as an Assistive Technology Assistant. He strives to use his experiences with low vision and technology to help others. He has been a Lighthouse client for over ten years. He began attending children’s summer camp and then enrolled in the transitional program. As he grew older, he began volunteering at Lighthouse during the summers as a receptionist and then as an Assistive Technology Assistant.

Magali Saldana Receptionist

receptionist@lighthouseofcollier.org

Maggie has been a Lighthouse client for almost three years. She suffers from glaucoma and damaged corneas, causing a great deal of pain and extreme light sensitivity. She administers eye drops multiple times a day and attends frequent eye appointments. Compounding these challenges, Maggie was recently let go from her job due to COVID-19.

Despite her circumstances, Maggie always sees the glass half full and never seems defeated. She shows up with a smile and a “can do” attitude. Maggie frequently networks with other Lighthouse clients to help them cope with their vision loss. She leads by example by lending a hand to those in need.

Maggie started as a volunteer at the Front Desk to learn and hopefully become a Receptionist. Maggie’s determination made her a strong candidate thereby earning a part-time position as receptionist. Maggie brings sunshine to the office and is a wonderful icon showing others how hard work and perseverance pays off. As she often says, “This is my new normal, so I’m going to have to figure out how to get it all done, but in a new way!”