Leadership
Jennell Vick
President & CEO
Jennell Vick, Ph.D., assumed the position of Executive Director in March of 2015 and was designated President & CEO in 2024. Dr. Vick comes to CHSC from the Departments of Psychological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Vick is no stranger to CHSC. Over 20 years ago, she trained as a Speech Language Pathologist at CHSC and received her Master of Arts from Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Communication Sciences. For eight years, as a Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Vick collaborated with one of the world’s top researchers in the area of speech production and cochlear implants. She then completed her doctorate at the University of Washington in Seattle and was in the inaugural class of Callier Postdoctoral Fellows at The University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She returned to Cleveland when she joined the faculty at CWRU in the Communication Sciences Program. Dr. Vick resides with her husband, Dr. Gregory Lee, and their two young daughters in Shaker Heights.
Contact Jennell at 216-325-7557 or jvick@chsc.org.
Sarah Trimble
Chief Development and Communications Officer
With over 20 years of leadership in the nonprofit sector, Sarah Trimble brings deep expertise in advancing mission-driven organizations. As an experienced Chief External Affairs Officer, she has a strong track record in health and human services, driving impact through strategic fund development, public policy, and marketing and communications.
Sarah is known for her ability to build meaningful partnerships and grow organizational capacity with a clear focus on community outcomes.
Contact Sarah at 216-325-7503 or strimble@chsc.org.
Bridgid Whitford, AuD., CCC-A
Chief Programs Officer
Bridgid Whitford, AuD, CCC-A, has been with Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) since 1993, where she began her career as a clinical audiologist. Over the years, she has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities, including managing the Regional Infant Program (RIHP) in 2011. Director of Hearing Services in 2015 and Chief Program Officer (CPO) in 2025.
Throughout her career at CHSC, Dr. Whitford has strategically grown audiology services for adults and children with hearing loss. She has been responsible for staff development, compliance regulation, and strategic planning efforts, while advocating for people with disabilities and working with local and state legislators to improve services and funding for individuals with hearing loss. She has been active in several statewide committees aimed at improving access to services for children with hearing loss.
In her newest role of Chief Program Officer (CPO), Dr. Whitford is a key member of the executive leadership team. She is responsible for overseeing and integrating the organization's service programs including Audiology; Speech, Language and Learning; Interpreting; and the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Dr. Whitford plays a crucial part in driving revenue and grant funding growth through program services, enhancing the CHSC brand and public image, and ensuring impactful work across all programs. She collaborates closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leaders to develop strategies that leverage the organization’s programs and elevate its reputation both in the community and as a workplace of choice.
Dr. Whitford holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University, a Master's in Audiology from Kent State University, and a Doctor of Audiology from AT Still University.
Contact Bridgid at 216-325-7585 or bwhitford@chsc.org.
Kate Gagne
Chief Administrative Officer
Kate Gagne brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community engagement to her role as Chief Administrative Officer at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center. Since joining the organization in 2011, Kate has held a variety of roles spanning development, human resources, finance, and executive support, each contributing to her deep understanding of the agency’s mission and operations.
In her current role, Kate integrates the full complement of Administrative functions at CHSC, working toward continued growth and improvement in the experience of our team members, contractors, and community partners through the holistic oversight of HR, Facilities, IT, and Compliance.
Previously, as Executive Manager, Kate directed the agency’s HR function, championed diversity and inclusion efforts, and strengthened ties between clinical services and the business community through corporate philanthropy. Her earlier roles at CHSC include Human Resources Generalist, Finance Assistant, Executive Assistant, and Development Associate—each marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
Kate holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Grand Valley State University. Outside of work, she is an active leader in her local PTA community, having served in multiple board roles across Twinsburg City Schools.
Contact Kate at 216-325-7579 or kgagne@chsc.org.
Timothy Skaggs
Director of Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Timothy Skaggs first joined the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center’s Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in December of 2021. He initially took a staff position that would enable him to be part of a team of deaf professionals all working collaboratively for the betterment of the Deaf community. Timothy has a long history of working at a variety of deaf focused centers in numerous states including Deaf Services Center (DSC) in Columbus, Ohio; PAHrtners Deaf Services in Pennsylvania and Walden Learning Center for the Deaf in Massachusetts. He is very passionate about working to support the needs of the community. In addition to his work at various deaf specific centers and schools, Timothy has taught American sign Language for 6 years at the community as well as the university levels. Timothy was promoted to Director of the Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in January of 2022, overseeing all programs and services including: vocational services, case management, advocacy and training, ASL programing and SignStage. He is looking forward to supporting the continued growth of the CCDHH and its committed and dedicated staff. Timothy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet University in Psychology.
Contact Timothy at (VP) 216-230-9003 or 216-347-8143 (TEXT ONLY) or tskaggs@chsc.org
Michael Rollins
Director of Data and Systems
Michael Rollins, Ph.D., joined CHSC as the inaugural speech scientist in 2022 and established the role of Director of Data & Systems in 2024. A primary focus in these roles has been to bring together data from across the many digital systems used by CHSC into a comprehensive, easy-to-read, and visually compelling dashboard for decision makers and funders. This success has led to the launch of CHSC Sound Insights, a consultancy to bring this data visualization to similar non-profit organizations.
Another priority in his role has been to modernize and ease the workflow processes of team members across CHSC, which are aided by his kindhearted nature and strong technical background.
Dr. Rollins holds degrees from Brigham Young University (Applied Physics) and the University of Cincinnati (Biomedical Engineering), where he developed a love for wrangling data and numbers in the field of communication sciences and disorders. He is proud to call Ohio home, where he lives with his wife, Clara Rollins, and their three young children.
Contact Michael at 216-325-7511 or mrollins@chsc.org.
Karen Kantzes, AuD., CCC-A
Director of Hearing Services
Karen Kantzes, AuD, CCC-A, has been with Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) since July of 1997. She served as Assistant Director of Hearing Services starting in 2021, supporting the Director in managing audiology services, creating programs to increase service accessibility, diversifying payers, and aligning with CHSC’s mission. Dr. Kantzes helped set pricing for services, managed the Audiology Patient Assistance Program, updated department policies, and trained new audiologists and staff. She also gathered documentation for CARF accreditation.
In 2025, Dr. Kantzes was appointed Director of Hearing Services, where she now oversees the development and management of programs and services within the audiology department. Her responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting staff development, and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. Dr. Kantzes continues to play a pivotal role in leading the department while contributing to the strategic direction of the organization.
Clinically, Dr. Kantzes treats patients of all ages and has a broad range of experience in audiology.
Dr. Kantzes holds a Bachelor of Science in Hearing & Speech Sciences from Ohio University, a Master of Arts in Audiology from The Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Audiology from AT Still University.
Contact Karen at 216-325-7506 or kkantzes@chsc.org
Michelle Foye, M.A., CCC-SLP
Director of Speech-Language & Learning Services
Michelle Foye, M.A., CCC-SLP joined Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center as a clinician in 2001. While working as an SLP at CHSC, Michelle was the Head Start and School contract coordinator. In 2015, Michelle was appointed Director of Speech, Language, and Learning Services. Michelle pursued a school SLP position from 2020-2025 and has now returned as the Director of Speech, Language, and Learning Services. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Ohio University and a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kent State University. Michelle is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and is licensed by the Ohio Board and Ohio Department of Education. Before coming to CHSC, Michelle worked as an SLP with children at Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Monterey County Office of Education. Michelle also worked for three years in the Case Western Reserve University, Motor Speech Lab as the Laboratory Manager. In this role, she managed a highly technical project, funded by The Hartwell Foundation, on the movement of the tongue during speech production in older children and adults. Michelle's clinical interests are with preschool and school-age children with speech, language, reading, and writing disorders.
Contact Michelle at 216-325-7541 or mfoye@chsc.org.