Staff
Charis Austin – Client Advocate
Charis’s responsibilities include facilitating agency support groups, managing the Aids and Appliances Store, transcribing information into Braille, and coordinating the Reaching Inclusion Through Successful Employment Program (RISE). She participates in the Kent County Health Department Disaster Mental Health and Human Services Committee which has an emphasis on emergency preparedness. In addition, she advocates for people who have vision problems on a number of community organization boards.
Brenda Berens MBA, -Accountant
Steve Brodnicki PT, MS-Systems Director, Rehabilitation Services
Dr. Micelle Bullion-Low Vision Optometrist Muskegon Clinic
Jennifer Helsel MSA – Clinic Specialist
I’ve had the wonderful experience to begin working with ABVI as the office manager. The experience provided me the opportunity to understand the organization and how the lives of people with visual impairments are impacted- especially in the area of employment. With a background in nonprofit career services and education in organizational development and behavior, I now work with a great team building programs for many different areas of life. I look forward to supporting & developing programs and the people who will benefit from them.
Colette Mattox-Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist
Dr. Lori Smolinski – Certified Low Vision Optometrist, Grand Rapids/Holland
Lori joined ABVI in 2000 and truly enjoy helping the visually impaired maximize their remaining vision through different low vision devices, techniques and technologies. She lives in Holland with her husband Tom, daughter Abby and Plott Hound Lola. She enjoys traveling, attending concerts, crafting and reading.
Josh Thomas – Orientation and Mobility Specialist
My name is Josh Thomas, Orientation and Mobility Specialist for AVBI. I like to think of myself as a Jack of all trades, always moving on to the next hobby or activity that piques my interest. I am an athlete and competitor at heart and enjoy a variety of sports ranging from recreational activities like fishing and swimming; to team sports like baseball and soccer. In my free time, I love to work on cars, go to car shows, and attend autocross events hosted by different organizations in the surrounding area. I have a rescue dog named Scout, who is my hiking partner when I get the chance and is always up for a game of fetch or down to lay around and watch the newest TV series. Recently, I have been traveling abroad, and I am always looking for the next destination to add to my bucket list.
Tim Tuthill – Development Director
Tim joined our team in November 2022 after many years as a community nonprofit leader. He is passionate about finding ways to serve the low vision and blind community through rehabilitation, service, accessibility and inclusion. You can usually find Tim with a cup of coffee in one hand and a stack of ideas in the other. Tim is the father of three teenage sons and enjoys running, cooking, and reading.