Guam CEDDERS Newsletter

March 27, 2020

Volume 22, Issue 2

In this issue:

26th GSAT Fair & Activities....................................1-4

EHDI Conference.....................................................5

SKI-HI Training....................................................6-7

EHDI Activities.....................................................8-9

Improving Literacy ...............................................10

Principles of Explicit & Systematic Instruction.........11

In Loving Memory of Suzanne Lizama...............12-13

Bisita Needs Assessment.......................................14

SW400 Presentation.............................................15

ELC Parent Training...............................................15

CEDDERS Professional Development.......................16

Langston University Collaboration/Staff Farewell...17

Project EPICS Updates...........................................18

COVID-19..............................................................19

Website Survey.....................................................20


GSAT Hosts 26th Annual Assistive Technology Fair 
“Leading Our 2020 Vision”


On March 7, vendors demonstrated Assistive Technology devices and related services to fair participants 
during the Guam System for Assistive Technology Fair held at Agana Shopping Center.

March is Developmental Disabilities 
Awareness Month and one of the highlights 
of the month is the Guam System for Assistive 
Technology (GSAT) Fair. This year’s theme, 
“Assistive Technology: Leading Our 2020 Vision,” 
showcased the advancements in technology 
and services available for the commuity. GSAT, 
in collaboration with the Guam Developmental 
Disabilities Council (GDDC) and Guam Legal 
Services Corporation-Disability Law Center (GLS-
DLC), held the fair on March 7 at Agana Shopping 
Center. 

The fair gave the public an opportunity to 
network with service providers and learn about 
available services and programs. There were 
twenty-eight vendors who participated in the fair. They included various programs 
from the Department of Public Health and Social Services , Guam Client Assistance 
Program, WestCare Pacific Islands, Office of the Public Guardian, Ross Hearing Aids, 
Helen Keller National Center / ICanConnect Program, Guam American Sign Language 
- Machanao Congregation, Guma’ Mami, Inc., Guam Department of Education 
Student Parent Community Engagement Project, Guam Community College Office 
of Accommodative Services, Autism Community Together, Department of Integrated 
Service for Individuals with Disabilities, Health Services of the Pacific, The Medical 
City, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Phil MD - St. Lukes Medical Center, 
Parents Empowering Parents, Pacific Human Resource Services Inc., and TOHGE 
(Transforming Guahan through Healing, Growth, & Enrichment). Vendors were given 
an opportunity to present brief descriptions of their agency/organization. American 
Sign Language (ASL) interpreters were present to assist with communication for 
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). AT devices and equipment were on hand for 
participants to try out with assistance provided by Guam CEDDERS staff. 

Maria Bontogon and Rodney Calimlim, both individuals with disabilities, were 
available to demonstrate the devices they use to access information and help them 
perform activities of daily living. The fair also showcased The Guam Community 
College ASL students who performed songs in sign language and the “MagicMan” 
show with Wally Wusstig.

Si Yu’os Ma’ase to the staff, vendors, and participants who made the fair a successful 
event.

GSAT Provides Resources to UOG School of Health


On February 5, Leah Abelon, GSAT Center Coordinator, provided several resources including the Pripara Hao Emergency Preparedness Guide for Persons with Disabilities, 
Behavioral Health and Disabilities Glossary in Chamoru, and Guam Directory of Services for Individuals with Disabilities to the University of Guam School of Health Team. 
Pictured above from (left-right): Leah Abelon, Guam CEDDERS, GSAT Coordinator; Janice Ada, UOG School of Health Education, Training Coordinator; Veronica B. Alave, 
MSN/ED, RN; and Margaret Hattori-Uchima, RN, PhD, Dean of the School of Health and Assistant Professor. Not pictured: Jaysleen Lainos and Clarissa Leon Guerrero, UOG 
Social Work practicum students.

The Pacific Disability Forum Takes an Interactive AT Tour of GSAT 


On March 2, the Pacific Disability Forum members visited Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT). GSAT Center Coordinator, Leah Abelon, facilitated a presentation on 
available devices, equipment, and services provided by GSAT. Participants were given a tour of the GSAT Demonstration Center and Model Home. Participants included the 
North Pacific Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities-Sustainable Development Goals (CRPD-SGDs) Training, from Palau, Yap, Guam, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae 
and the Marshall Islands. The Pacific Disability Forum is a regional body governed by persons with disabilities from the Pacific and works with organizations run by persons 
with disabilities to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the Pacific.



EHDI Conference Provides Valuable Resources


In early March, a team of four embarked on flights from 
Guam to Kansas City, Missouri to attend the 2020 Annual 
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Conference. 
The Guam Team consisted of Guam EHDI staff and a parent 
from Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc., the non-profit 
organization which provides Parent-to-Parent Support for 
families with children identified with a hearing loss. The 
Annual EHDI Conference gives participants the opportunity to 
learn new and relevant information related to EHDI, network 
with other professionals in the EHDI system, and participate 
in face to face meetings with each EHDI’s Project Manager 
and Quality Improvement Technical Assistance provider. 

The four-day conference began with the Islands/Outlying 
Territories Meeting held on March 7. Representatives from 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), 
Palau, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Marshall Islands, Puerto Rico, 
and Guam presented on their respective program successes 
for the grant year. Tony Ronco, a parent with California Hands 
& Voices facilitated a discussion on website development in 
preparation for the new EHDI grant year. Also present at the 
meeting were Leticia Manning representing HRSA; Marcus 
Gaffney representing Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC); and Karl White, and Alyson Ward representing National 
Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM).

Over the next three days, the Guam EHDI Team planned 
their schedules to attend plenary and topical sessions 
that would assist the Guam EHDI Project in meeting its 
goals and objectives. While at the Conference, the team 
met with Bethany Applebaum, HRSA Project Manager 
for Guam EHDI, and Alyson Ward, Quality Improvement 
Director at NCHAM, to discuss the progress of the Guam 
EHDI Project and to provide guidance on how to address 
data concerns for new grant objectives in light of the loss 
of CDC funding for territories not meeting the minimum 
birth rate requirements for continued grant funding.

On March 9, the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Team 
break posed for a photo after attending the Opening Plenary Session of the Annual 
EHDI Conference held in Kansas City Missouri. Pictured (Left to Right): Ann Marie 
Cruz, Board President, Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT); with Guam 
CEDDERS Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director; Marie Wusstig, Training Associate; 
and Joseph Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager.


On March 10, the Guam EHDI Team met with JJ Whicker, an audiologist at Primary 
Children’s Hospital during the Annual EHDI Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. 
Whicker volunteered his time and expertise as an audiologist for The CARE Project 
of North Carolina as the lead facilitator for the CARE Team that came to Guam in 
November 2019 to facilitate the Guam CARE Project Family Retreat. Pictured Front 
Row, (Left to Right): Ann Marie Cruz, Board President, GPPT, Marie Wusstig, Training 
Associate, Guam CEDDERS. Back Row, Left to Right: JJ Whicker, AuD. and Joseph 
Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager, Guam CEDDERS .


On March 9, the Guam EHDI team met with the HRSA EHDI Project Manager in Kansas City, Missouri to discuss progress of the Guam EHDI project. Pictured (left-right) 
Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, JJ Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager, Guam CEDDERS, Bethany Applebaum, HRSA Project Manager, and Marie 
Wusstig, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS.



SKI-HI Institute Facilitates Deaf Mentor Training on Guam

Two years of preparation and hard work to bring the SKI-HI 
Institute’s Deaf Mentor Program to Guam came to fruition. On 
January 15, SKI-HI Institute Deaf Mentor trainers, Paula Pittman 
and Jodee Crace met with Cathy Tydingco, Guam Department of 
Education Part C Coordinator – Guam Early Intervention System 
(GEIS) to discuss the critical role GEIS holds in the development 
of a Deaf Mentor Program for the island’s Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing (DHH) children birth to 5-years-old and their families. 
The success of the program relies on the partnership between 
the GEIS Service Providers and the Deaf Mentors working 
together to provide families with the best services possible. 

SKI-HI lead trainer Paula Pittman is no stranger to Guam. 
Her last visit was about 10 years ago when she conducted SKI-
HI training for teachers and service providers of DHH infants. 
This was Ms. Crace’s first trip to the island as a SKI-HI trainer 
for Deaf Mentors. Ms. Crace is a DHH adult and one of a team 
of three trainers for the Deaf Mentor component of the SKI-
HI curriculum. SKI-HI programs can be found throughout 
the United States as well as countries such as South Africa, 
England, Poland and a few areas in China to name a few. The 
unique aspect of the Deaf Mentor Training compared to other 
trainings is that the entire training is done in American Sign 
Language (ASL). Participants are required to be fluent in ASL 
to attend the three-day training. From January 16-18, 13 deaf 
adults participated in the rigorous training to build the island’s 
local capacity of Deaf Mentors at the Guam System for Assistive 
Technology (GSAT) training room located at the University 
of Guam. Of the 13 trainees, 11 completed the program.

To better understand the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Program, Guam 
CEDDERS’ Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention 
Deaf Mentor Program invited GEIS and Guam Positive Parents 
Together (GPPT) staff to participate on the first day to receive an 
overview of the program. Two ASL interpreters were present on 
day one to interpret for the hearing attendees of the training.

This was a first for both interpreters and hearing adults 
present during day one of training. GEIS, GPPT, and EHDI 
staff, as well as interpreters gained the unique experience of 
the communication challenges DHH adults face on a daily 
basis in the hearing world. Interpreters shared that they are 
used to and most comfortable when interpreting in ASL for 
DHH community; however, when voicing the signs from DHH 
individuals to hearing individuals, the task was more challenging 
in conveying the message that the DHH speaker intends to relay. 
The completion of this training forged stronger connections 
between the Deaf Mentors and GPPT. The GPPT Parent Support 
Group is currently planning activities to bring the deaf adults 
in contact with families of children identified with a hearing 
loss. Guam CEDDERS continues to work with Guam’s Special 
Education personnel to develop an approach to utilize and 
maximize the skills acquired by the identified Deaf Mentors.

The SKI-HI curriculum for early intervention and training 
began in 1972. The institute is currently part of the Center 
for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University in 
Logan, Utah. Families are given choices, illuminated to 
possibilities, given inforamtion and skills and are strengthened 
in confidence, appreciation and love of their child, as 
well as envisioning a future full of hope for their child.


On January 18, participants completed a three-day SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Training held on January 16, 17, and 18, at the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) 
conference room. This intensive three-day training was conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) by SKI-HI Deaf Mentor instructors, Paula Pittman and Jodee Crace. 
The purpose of the training is to provide a foundation for development of the Deaf Mentor Program on Guam. Pictured Front Row (left-right): Michelle Aguigui, Associate 
Director, Guam CEDDERS, Bong Sun Ahn, Cory Mendiola, Paula Pittman, Ph.D. SKI-HI, Jodee Crace, MA, SKI-HI, Cory Mendiola. Back Row (left-right): Tasha Hanley, Normie 
Ilustre, Myra Aguon, Janice Toves, Melencia Porto, Eufrocino Porto, Christopher Taitingfong, Francisco R. Perez, Jr., and Regina Hawkins. Not Pictured: Tanya Simer, Research 
Associate, Guam CEDDERS and Marie Wusstig, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS.



SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Training (con’t)


On January 16, members of the Deaf Community shared about themselves and what 
they hope to gain after the three-day SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Training. Pictured sitting 
at the table (left-right): Normie Ilustre , Bong Sun Ahn, Christopher Taitingfong, and 
Regina Hawkins.

On January 16, Myra Aguon (left), Deaf Mentor trainee, introduces herself as Deaf 
Mentor Trainers Jodee Crace and Paula Pittman, from Utah State University, SKI-HI 
Institute watch and listen intently.


On January 16, participants worked collaboratively in small groups to discuss 
and list the characteristics of an effective Deaf Mentor. Pictured (left-right): Tasha 
Hanley, Cory Mendiola, Regina Hawkins, Normie Ilustre, Christopher Taitingfong, 
and Melencia Porto. Not Shown: Francisco R. Perez, Jr., Janice Toves, and Jude Ogo.

On January 16, after discussion and brainstorming with her group members, Myra 
Aguon records potential “Challenges” and “Solutions” a Deaf Mentor may encounter 
during a home visit as Paula Pittman seizes the moment to capture a photo of the 
group in action. Pictured from (left-right): Eufrocino Porto, Myra Aguon, Normie 
Ilustre, Paula Pittman, Director SKI-HI and Deaf Mentor Outreach, SKI-HI Institute, 
Utah State University.


On January 18, as part of the training activities, participants broke into two groups 
to play a game of “Trivia”. Each team generated a list of famous Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing adults. The team with the most unduplicated names determined the winner 
of the “Trivia” game. Pictured (left-right): Tasha Hanley, Normie Ilustre, Melencia 
Porto, Christopher Taitingfong, and Regina Hawkins.

On January 18, as part of the training activities, participants broke into two groups 
to play a game of “Trivia”. Each team generated a list of famous Deaf and Hard of 
Hearing adults. The team with the most unduplicated names determined the winner 
of the “Trivia” game. Pictured (left-right): Francisco R. Perez Jr., Myra Aguon, Cory 
Aguon. Back Row: Eufrocino Porto.



GPPT Project FitMe Sponsors “Let’s Paint Family Day”


On January 25, the Guam Positive Parents Together Deaf/Hard of Hearing (GPPT DHH) Family Support Group met at Color Me Guam to learn basic ASL signs geared to the 
art activity that followed immediately after the lesson. Guam Community College (GCC) ASL students and their instructor, Kirsten Rosario were present to provide additional 
support to families. 

Lion’s Club Holds Health Fair


On February 01, (left photo) Marie Wusstig, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, conducts a hearing screening during the Lions Club Health Fair at the Micronesia Mall. 
(right photo) Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) and Guam’s Positive Parents Together (GPPT) participated in the Lions Club Health Fair held at 
the Micronesia Mall. Information and resources were provided to attendees on the importance of early hearing screening, detection of hearing loss, enrollment into early 
intervention services, and information on parent support group services available to families of children with a hearing loss. University of Guam Social Work Interns Jaysleen 
Lainos (left) and Clarissa Leon Guerrero (middle) share resources with fair participants.

Server Installation

EHDI Advisory Meeting


On February 20, Guam EHDI Advisory council members, Guam EHDI staff, Deaf 
Mentor trainees and guests attended the Guam EHDI Advisory Committee and 
Learning Community meetings at the Guam Lotte Hotel. The EHDI staff provided an 
update on the hearing screening data collected. The Learning Community Meeting 
convened thereafter with a presentation on the Special Needs Identification Project 
(SNIP) for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

JJ Mendiola (left), Guam CEDDERS Data Manager, works with Carlo Bocago, Data 
Management Resources, on upgrades for the Guam EHDI Network. During this 
round of refinements, a new server and firewall were installed to enhance network 
performance and security.



Deaf Mentors Meet and Collaborate


On February 7, Guam CEDDERS, Guam Positive Parents Together (GPPT) and Deaf Mentor trainees met three weeks after the initial training to discuss the Deaf Mentor Plan 
and potential partnership with early intervention partners. Pictured (left to right): Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director, Guam CEDDERS, Rose Arceo, ASL Interpreter, Marie 
Wusstig, Training Associate, Myra Aguon, Tasha Hanley, Jescilla Cruz, and Ann Marie Cruz, Board President, GPPT.


On February 15, Guam CEDDERS, GPPT and Deaf Mentor trainees came together to discuss the roles each person trained can contribute as a role model for families of 
children identified with a hearing loss, actively participating on the Guam EHDI Advisory and Learning Community meetings and working collaboratively with Guam EHDI 
and GPPT to plan future training opportunities and social events for DHH families. Pictured (left-right): Kirsten Rosario, ASL Interpreter, Michelle Aguigui, Associate Director, 
Regina Hawkins, Ann Marie Cruz, Board President, GPPT, Jesicilla Cruz, Myra Aguon, Christopher Taitingfong, Normie Ilustre, Bong Sun Ahn, Melencia Porto, Eufrocino Porto, 
Janice Toves, and Francisco R. Perez, Jr. Not Shown: Marie Wusstig, Training Associate, Guam CEDDERS.



Families Participate in Workshops for 

Improving Literacy Using Online Resources


Two Guam Department of Education (GDOE) State 
Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP) schools provided family 
engagement workshops for parents centered on improving 
literacy. The schools were M.U. Lujan Elementary and J. M. 
Guerrero Elementary. M.U. Lujan Elementary held their session 
on December 19, 2019 and J.M. Guerrero Elementary held 
their session on January 14. Both sessions were conducted 
at the respective schools. A combined total of 144 parents 
participated in the workshops. The workshops were focused on 
the online family toolkit from the National Center on Improving 
Literacy (NCIL). Using laptops provided by the schools, parents 
were given the opportunity to explore the NCIL website for 
parent resources and tools that can be used to support reading 
at home. The sessions were an extension of the Pacific SSIP 
Collaborative which was held on Guam in October 2019. As 
part of the Pacific SSIP Collaborative, Sarah Sayko, Deputy 
Director of NCIL, conducted a workshop for families and 
school personnel on October 12, 2019. The SSIP principals 
who attended the sessions took back the information to their 
school community and had their own workshops to share this 
valuable online resource.

On January 14, J.M. Guerrero Elementary school parent Sheena Tommey (right) and 
her daughter Zuemai Tommey (left) explore the NCIL website together. 


On December 19, M.U. Lujan Elementary school parents explore the NCIL website for 
reading resources and tools.

On December 19, M.U. Lujan Elementary school principal Natasha Dela Cruz 
speaks to parents about the importance of supporting literacy at home.


On January 14, J. M. Guerrero Elementary school principal, Rose Castro (seated front right) poses with parents who attended the family engagement workshop.



GDOE Focuses on the Principles 

of Explicit and Systematic Instruction

As part of the Guam Department of Education’s (GDOE) State Systemic Improvement Project (SSIP), a professional development 
centered on the principles of explicit and systematic instruction and on improvement science was held on January 6 at The Westin 
Resort Guam. One-hundred thirty teachers, teacher assistants, and administrators from the four SSIP schools participated in the 
training. The SSIP schools are Price Elementary, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary, Juan M. Guerrero Elementary, and M.U. Lujan 
Elementary. The facilitators of the training were Guam CEDDERS training associate, Josephine Cruz; and Guam CEDDERS consultant, 
Nieves Flores with support from SSIP teacher leaders Bianca Nguyen, Pearl Hamada, Valene Salas, Michelle DeGuzman, Gina Call, 
Annette Raguindin, and Ursula Umadhay and SSIP school principals Darlene Castro, Rose Castro, Natasha Dela Cruz, and Elias Taisipic.

The professional development is part of GDOE’s “Continuous Improvement Road Map for Improving Reading Achievement”. The 
goal of GDOE’s SSIP is to improve the reading proficiency of students by the time they reach 3rd grade. Central to achieving this 
goal is ensuring that effective instructional principles are being implemented. In addition, understanding the “root cause” for the 
current state of reading achievement within the GDOE SSIP schools is critical in promoting systemic change.

Subsequently, the professional development served as an extension of the Pacific SSIP Collaborative that was held in October 2019 
and included the expertise of technical assistance providers from four National Centers and the Regional Educational Laboratory-
Pacific (REL-Pacific). During the Pacific SSIP Collaborative, there were sessions on high-quality reading instruction and the use of 
explicit instructional elements in the delivery of reading instruction.


Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary teachers discuss their reading data. From (left-
right): Alan Mortera, 4th grade teacher; Celeste Lizama, 4th-grade teacher; and 
Eleanor Quichocho, 4th grade teacher.

Teachers from M.U. Lujan Elementary work together to determine the “5 Whys” 
based on their reading data. From (left-right): Zenia Duenas, ESL teacher; Cherise 
Charfauros, Special Education teacher; Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS consultant; 
Norma Quinene, 5th grade teacher.


First-grade teachers from J.M. Guerrero Elementary review their reading data 
to determine the “root cause”. From (left-right): Michelle De Guzman, teacher; 
Josephine Cruz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate; and Darlene Vigil, teacher.

Price Elementary kindergarten teachers review their reading data. From (left-right), 
Tina Aguilar, teacher; Elias Taisipic, acting principal; Krystal Castro, teacher; and 
Jessica Tamam, teacher.



In Loving Memory of Suzanne Lizama

“Sooze”
Always There by Emma Marie Etwell

When you remember me,

Please do not weep.

My body may not be there.

It has chosen to sleep.

I'm not that far away.

My soul lives on,

Looking down, watching over

You and everyone.

And when you feel sad

And life seems so blue,

Just remember

That my spirit has its arms around you.

And on those special days,

Times that you wish I could see,

That cool breeze flowing past you...

Well, that will be me,

So don't be sad.

Have no fear.

God has taken me under his wing,

But I'll always be near.

I still watch you

Every minute, every day.

My love and soul are with you,

And that's where they will stay.

Shared on February 29, during the Eulogy presented by Donna Flores, CNMI PSS Acting Special Education Director



In Loving Memory of Suzanne Lizama

Excerpts from the Eulogy presented by Donna Flores, CNMI PSS Acting Special Education Director:

The sun is shining bright yet our hearts are gray this beautiful Saturday morning, February 29, 2020. Mass of Christian Burial was 
celebrated that day for Suzanne Lizama, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island Public School System (CNMI PSS) Special 
Education Director, who passed away February 16, 2020. A longtime leader in early intervention and special education, Suzanne’s 
legacy will live on in the lives of many – a champion for children with disabilities and their families.

Suzanne Lizama epitomized the definition of Leader. If you look up Leader in the dictionary, it probably says “See Suzanne Lizama.” I 
say this because she had a mission, a purpose; and she defended and protected it at all costs. You see, I knew what she meant to me, I 
just wasn’t sure what she meant to others. But it spoke in volumes from the hundreds of messages of comfort and condolences, and shared 
memories received by her local, regional and national counterparts, her colleagues, her staff:

We have lost a great champion of individuals with disabilities in the CNMI. - Pam Sablan, Developmental Disabilities Council. I am so 
honored to have been able to work alongside Suzanne through the SESAP, and more so appreciative of her passion and dedication towards 
the betterment of the CNMI disability community. - Carla T. Hocog, Special Education State Advisory Panel (SESAP) Member. We lost a 
champion for special education on our island. - Kelley Butcher, Attorney. She had a wonderful wit, was incredibly knowledgeable about 
Special Education and its goals, and carried a great passion to insure that PSS’s Special Education program educated and developed 
students with special needs in the CNMI. - James Sirok, Attorney. The CNMI has indeed lost a champion educator and advocate for 
kids and people with disabilities. - Cherlyn C. Osung, Principal. She was a superb advocate for our special needs children. - Tim 
Thornburgh, PSS Federal Programs Officer. We will continue her fight to provide equal opportunities of success for all students with 
disabilities. - Preston Basa, Special Education Teacher. This community lost a great advocate...and as special educators, we’ve lost a 
great mentor and friend. - Ben Rayphand, Special Education Teacher. Our Champion, our Hero- Bobbie Solberg, Special Education 
Teacher Aide. One of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever met- Dr. Boni Pangelinan, PSS Associate Commissioner. She encouraged and 
comforted. A loving, caring, great Boss - Lorie and Leah, Office staff. Insurmountable situations had no chance with her…she would 
find the way and lead the way. - Marnee Brick, President & Co-Founder TinyEYE Therapy. She will be missed indeed. I’m just jealous 
of the angels around the throne tonight. - Arthur Albert- Federated States of Micronesia Assistant Secretary/Special Education Director. 
I saw her as a champion to us all in the Pacific by raising the most questions in the loudest voice for the sake of our children, and for that 
I always admired her. - Nora Renguul, Palau Special Education Coordinator. I have known her to be a constant voice for what was right 
for kids and families and educators- Rorie Fritzpatrick, National Center for Systemic Improvement Director. With her leadership she 
helped us shape our work and make the best for all students and families in the Pacific Islands. - Cesar D’Agord, NCSI Pacific Liaison. 
I have no doubt that her tremendous spirit and passion for the children of CNMI, and for the children across the Pacific, will live on 
as her spirit touches all those she knew. - Maureen Hawes, National Center on Educational Outcomes Educational Consultant. I loved 
her willingness to voice her perspective and challenge OSEP on certain decisions. Her authenticity added always value to our work. I 
will never forget her. -Judy Gregorian, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Associate Division Director. I’ll certainly miss 
Suzanne’s steadfast advocacy for CNMI’s special education program and children with disabilities. It will be difficult to find as strong 
an advocate as her. - Charles Kniseley, OSEP State Lead.

The messages are endless- different yet the same. Thank you all for such kindhearted words.

But it wasn’t all about work for Suzanne. And, contrary to popular belief, Suzanne had a 
super soft spot- seven soft spots to be exact- her grandchildren. Tyler, Damian, Sky, Kane, 
Ponce, Vince, and Lexi- Nana’s world revolved around you guys. She was so proud of 
every accomplishment, big or small. She was your biggest and loudest cheerleader and 
she will continue to cheer from up above. So, you have to keep going- keep aspiring. 
There are pieces of her in your heart, in your soul. Keep her spirit alive in all you do. 
Being your Nana was her greatest joy. 

Boss, you are forever our Champion. I thank the family for sharing you with us. I thank 
God for blessing me with someone like you. None of us were ready to say Goodbye but it 
was time for you to go. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel; we are so jealous right now. 

 

Bisita Needs Assessment Forums Held 

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services 
Project Bisita I Familia, in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, 
began facilitating a series of focus group meetings with parents 
of children birth to five years and early childhood providers to 
pull together data and information about home visiting services 
for the updated Needs Assessment. First conducted in 2010, the 
Needs Assessment identifies communities with concentrations 
of defined risk factors, assesses the quality and capacity of home 
visiting services in the territory, and assesses the territory’s capacity 
for providing substance abuse treatment and counseling services. 

The purpose of updating the territory-wide needs 
assessment is for grantees to gather more recent information 
on community needs and ensure that Maternal, Infant, and 
Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) programs are being 
implemented in areas of high need. The 2010 Needs Assessment 
identified the areas of Dededo, Yigo, and Mangilao as areas 
of high need and as such home visiting services are offered 
to families residing in these villages. Updates to the needs 
assessment will determine if home visiting services should 
continue and/or expand to other villages around the island. 

The focus group meetings, facilitated by Early Childhood 
Consultants Mary Kidd and Elaine Eclavea, provided parents 
and early childhood providers the opportunity to examine 
and assess services currently being offered in the community. 
Parents provided feedback on the types of questions and 
modes of delivery to garner feedback from families receiving 
early childhood services. Early Childhood providers were given 
the opportunity to discuss current services and gaps in training, 
acceptance of services, and job satisfaction. The completed 
2020 Needs Assessment will be submitted in September.


On February 25, Mary Kidd, Early Childhood Conusltant, facilitated a stakeholder input session with parents enrolled in Project Bisita I Familia, Guam Early Intervention 
System, Early Childhood Special Education Preschool, and Head Start Program at the Dededo Farmers’ Market Complex. This group of parents provided suggestions on the 
types of questions necessary for garnering feedback about home visiting and early childhood services on Guam.


On February 25, Mary Kidd (standing right), Early Childhood Consultant, facilitated the first focus group meeting with parents receiving services from early 
childhood programs at the Dededo Farmers’ Market Complex.



Guest Speakers Share Experiences with Social Work Class


On February 28, the Social Work class of Terrie Fejarang and Michelle Aguigui were 
honored to have Tashia Hanley (standing), as a guest speaker. Ms. Hanley, an 
individual who is deaf, shared her life growing up in Oregon and her experiences 
when she moved to Guam.

On February 21, the Social Work class of Ms. Terrie Fejarang and Michelle Aguigui 
was fortunate to have Ms. Myra Aguon, a passionate advocate for individuals with 
disabilities, present her various experiences as an individual who is deaf and how 
people can communicate with community members who are deaf and hard of 
hearing.


On March 06, Alina Butler (standing), a student majoring in Social Work, shared her very emotional journey in growing up with a disability, dealing with self-esteem issues, 
and how she was able to overcome these challenges.

Early Learning Council Quarterly Meeting Held


On April 6, the Guam Early Learning Council held their quarterly meeting at the Guam Department of Education Special Education Conference Room. Vera Blaz, Guam 
CEDDERS Training Associate (standing right) co-presented with Margarita Gay (standing third from right), Project Bisita I Familia Project DIrector, on the progress of the 
Bisita Updated Needs Assessment activities to date.



Guam CEDDERS Holds Professional Development


On December 6, Michelle Aguigui, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director, provided the 
instruction to staff on an activity related to the Guam CEDDERS Work Plan.

On December 6, June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Interim Director, reviewed the 
Guam CEDDERS goals and objectives during the Professional Development.


On December 6, Guam CEDDERS staff worked in groups to review the Guam CEDDERS work plan activities during the Professional Development. Left photo (pictured left to 
right): Joseph Mendiola, Interoperability Data Manager; Vera Blaz, Training Associate; and Nancy Cueto, Fiscal Manager. Right photo (pictured left to right): Shawni Acfalle,

GSAT Center Assistant; Bernadette Shisler, Evaluation Assistant I; and Marie Wusstig, Training Associate.


Guam CEDDERS staff pose for a picture during the December 2019 Guam CEDDERS Professional Development.



Langston University in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS Provides 
Technical Assistance and Support


Jacquelin Meno Gouniai completed her successful defense of her dissertation 
titled, “Mental Health Literacy of Varying Obsessive-compulsive Disorder 
Manifestations: An Exploration of the Perceptions of Guam-based Medical 
Providers and Clergy” on November 15. Ms. Gouniai, a student in the Doctor 
of Psychology (PsyD) Program at California Southern University, received 
technical assistance and support from a Langston University research grant, 
in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS, which aims to encourage and support 
research conducted by and on minority populations relating to disabilities.

Guam CEDDERS Says Farewell


Shawni Acfalle (second from right) began working at Guam CEDDERS on September 25, 2016 as the Center Assistant for the Guam System for Assistive 
Technology. Armed with an Associate Degree in Deaf Studies and Deaf Education from Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii, Shawni was able to 
use her knowledge in communicating with individuals with disabilities who sought assistance from GSAT. Her proficiency in American Sign Language enabled 
good communication with individuals with hearing impairments. Some of her many duties included the initial review of loan applications and related duties 
for the Akudi Loan program, assisting in the facilitation of presentations at the various Senior Centers, and researching new Assistive Technology (AT) devices 
and equipment. Guam CEDDERS will miss Shawni’s valuable contributions to the organization and wish her well as she relocates to the mainland.



Project EPICS Update: Approaching The Last Lap

After fully engaging in an “epic marathon,” Project 
EPICS scholars are “quickly approaching the finish line!” 
Currently midway into the planned final year of a five-year 
project, the “Educating Pacific Island Clinicians in Speech 
Pathology” project, also known as “Project EPICS,” is in 
“the last lap” of this amazing endurance event. Eighteen 
student “scholars” are entering their last few months of the 
project whose mission is to produce graduate level speech 
language pathologists to serve and provide much-needed 
speech services to the children of Guam and the Pacific 
region. This project is funded through a U.S. Department of 
Education, Office of Special Education Programs personnel 
preparation awarded to San José State University (SJSU), in 
partnership with Guam CEDDERS. 

The Spring 2020 semester is packed with activities 
including completing two online courses and finishing 
up the required number of practicum hours in school 
and hospital settings. In April, the scholars can opt to 
participate in an online “Praxis Preparation Workshop” with 
Dr. Kay Payne, CCC-SLP, a nationally recognized expert on 
Praxis prep and the author of numerous Praxis Preparation 
resources. Similar to the national Praxis examination for 
teacher certification, the Praxis test for Speech Language 
Pathologists (SLPs) is a requirement for national certification 
for SLPs. Scholars have the option as to when to sit for this 
examination. The last SJSU program requirement for all the 
EPICS scholars is the Comprehensive Examination, fondly 
referred to as “Comps.” This is scheduled for May 2, 2020.

If you may recall, the group of 18 scholars were divided 
into two cohorts for the purpose of completing an 
externship in the San José, California area at various sites 
in collaboration with SJSU. Nine scholars in Cohort 1 
completed this externship in August 2019. The remaining 
nine who comprise Cohort 2 are scheduled to complete their 
externship this summer, ending in early August 2020. Upon 
this group’s return, the Project will hold a much-anticipated 
graduation ceremony to celebrate the incredible effort of 
these scholars in completing this “marathon” program.

As of this writing, however, things are looking like Cohort 
2’s externship plans will need to change, given the situation 
with the COVID 19 pandemic. And sadly, graduation may 
have to be postponed as well. Stay tuned for the next issue 
of I Tellai for the update.


(Front Row left-right) Guam CEDDERS consultant, Terrie Fejarang, Dr. Carol Zepecki, CCC-SLP, San Jose State University faculty, and Keokia Mendiola, CCC-SLP, EPICS 
Clinical Practicum Supervisor, pose with the EPICS scholars during the end of the classes celebration on August 3. (Second Row left-right) Camille Onglao, Bobbie Obillo, 
Dianne Sapida, Tricia Taitano, Liahlanni Cruz, Megan Merfalen, Lisa Eclavea, and Jasmin Advani. (Back Row left-right) Aileen Serrano, Catherine Ruszala, Lillian Reyes, 
Cassandra Dimla, Christina Cole, Gabriella Duenas, Ignacio Dela Cruz, Tatiana Perez, Meagan Terlaje, John Payne, and JJ Mendiola.


Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service

These events are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, grant#2001GUATSG-00. Additional funding is provided 
by the US DHHS, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, through support to the Guam Tri-Agency: Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS); Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, and Guam Legal Services Corporation-Disability Law Center. 
The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
26TH Annual Guam System For 
Assistive TechnologyFriday, March 20, 20208:00 AM - 4:00 PMWestin Resort GuamSomnak BallroomPostponedCONFERENCETo register, for more information, or to requestfor reasonable accommodations, contact:
Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) 
Tel: 735-2490 TTY: 735-2491 • Email: gsat@guamcedders.org
University of Guam
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter

Guam CEDDERS

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

University of Guam
303 University Drive

Mangilao, Guam 96913

Phone: (671) 735‐2480/1

Fax: (671) 734‐5709

TTY: (671) 734‐6531

Email: june.deleon@guamcedders.org

I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS.

Interim Director: June De Leon

Editors: Michelle Aguigui, Vera Blaz, & Josephine Cruz

Layout & Design: Jenika Ballesta

This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from 
the following Guam CEDDERS staff members/consultant: Leah 
Abelon, Michelle Aguigui, Jenika Ballesta, Vera Blaz, Josephine 
Cruz, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Tanya Simer, Keith Villaluna, 
and Marie Wusstig

Alternative formats (e.g. Braille or large print) of I Tellai will be 
made available upon request.

Please contact Jenika Ballesta at (671) 735‐2477 (v), (671) 
735‐6531 (TTY), or (671) 734‐5709 (fax) for more information.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer

For more information on any of these events, 

please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org

This newsletter was produced with 100% funding support from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and 
Developmental Disabilities, Grant No. 90DDUC0064-02-01 and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS). This newsletter is also available online and in alternate formats at www.guamcedders.org.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.