ABOUT US

Transforming Lives, one Individual at a Time. 

We empower people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in assistive technology and independent living skills.

Bill Schuldt, President and CEO

Bill came to Vision Loss Alliance of NJ after working for 33 years at Spectrum for Living, an organization serving more than 800 adults with developmental disabilities in New Jersey. He began his career working directly with their participants and moved into various management positions over the years. He most recently served as their Vice President of Operations.

Bill graduated from Springfield College with a BS in Rehabilitation Services.  He has dedicated his professional career to helping people with disabilities live purposeful and meaningful lives.

Jennifer Singer, Vice President,

Development and Communications

Jennifer joined Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey in 2019 and is the Vice President of Development and Communications. Jennifer has built her career in the nonprofit sector, increasing visibility of and financial support for the Arc of Union County, the United Way of Northern New Jersey, and Community Hope.  Jennifer attended Radford University in Virginia and holds a B.A. Degree. “Working for a nonprofit is important to me because nonprofits have the power to change a person’s life”. 

Elsa Zavoda, Senior Vice President, Programs

Elsa, MS OTR/L, SCLV, CLVT joined Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey in 2016 and is the Senior Vice President of Programs. Elsa has been a practicing Occupational Therapist since 1997 with extensive clinical experience, serving in a variety of settings. Elsa originally graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.  Elsa obtained a Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2007 under the leadership of Mary Warren, MS OTR/L, FAOTA, SCLV.  She has served as a teaching assistant, working directly with Ms. Warren.  Elsa has been concentrating in the field of Low Vision Rehabilitation since 2006.  She is the 16th Occupational Therapist in the U.S, and the first in NJ to be awarded Specialty Certification in Low Vision (SCLV) from AOTA in January 2010.  She also has earned her Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) credential from ACVREP in September 2010.  Elsa has successfully established and implemented 3 low vision programs in NJ, and practiced at The Low Vision Center of Central NJ.  She also serves as the Vision Advisor for OccupationalTherapy.com.

Victoria Lowrie, Program Director

Vicki joined Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey in 2023 and is the program director. She is responsible for creating, coordinating, and supervising all in-person and virtual classes, support groups and forums. Vicki holds a Bachelor of Science from Capella University with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership. She spent most of her career in the development and fundraising field working for NewBridge Services, Inc. and the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Vicki’s very first job in the nonprofit sector was for Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey when they were known as the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind. Vicki is extremely passionate about helping people with vision loss and is excited to play a part in the future of the organization.

Laura Downey, Bookkeeper/Office Manager

Laura serves as our Bookkeeper to our program participants and staff. Laura’s finance background has come from the manufacturing field. Laura has volunteered her time feeding the homeless and volunteering her time to assist young adult women to overcome their inner struggles. With her love for people and numbers, Laura has found her home here at Vision Loss Alliance where she brings with her attributes to our organization. “I finally found a place where I can use my talents and compassion to help people with vision loss in the community”.