Board Members

Brytney Reaves
Armando Garza

The Team

Our Board

Our Team

Members of SWM Board of Directors are vested and have a fiduciary responsibility for the creation and revision of bylaws, ensure activities and transactions are advancing the mission; ensure non-profit obeys applicable laws and regulations follow its own bylaws; and adhere to its stated corporate purposes/mission.

Dr. D’yann Crosby

Founder

Dr. Crosby @DyannElaine has embarked on a transformative journey within the deaf community since 1997, dedicating decades to assimilating, learning, and teaching American Sign Language (ASL). Her commitment extends beyond language acquisition, as she actively serves the community as a professional interpreter, producer, educator, and accessibility advocate. A qualified ASL interpreter professional for over 18 years, Dr. Crosby made a significant impact producing the first all-deaf cast American Sign Language Emergency Preparedness (ASLEP) education video series, showcasing her dedication to accessibility and safety for the Deaf community. Presently, she contributes her expertise as a full-time teacher at Lawndale High School, and Adjunct Faculty at El Camino Community College and California State University Northridge. Dr. Crosby holds dual credentials in English and ASL, and an impressive five collegiate degrees: a B.A. in Communications from the University of Southern California, a B.A. in Deaf Studies from California State University Northridge, a Masters in Organizational Management, and a Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix and Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Bible Believers College and Seminary. Dr. Crosby serves on two additional boards, the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD), and founding member of the National Association of African American Parents and Youth (NAAAPY), a national grassroots non-profit organization serving black parents and youth. In 2023 she joined the ranks as a self-published best-selling author with the release of Seniors, Sign, Too!, a ASL illustrated self-help educational book series and flashcards. Just a few months later, she closed the year being celebrated by the Black Chamber of Commerce with their 2023 Presidential Award of Excellence.  Dr. Crosby’s multifaceted qualifications and accolades reflects her unwavering commitment and passion to bridging communication gaps and fostering inclusivity for underserved communities.

Brytney Reaves

Brytney Reaves

Vice president

Brytney Reaves (@Billionaire.Bryt) is CEO and Owner of The W.I.L.D. Company, with which she advocates for small business owners and creative industries professionals. She is a public speaker and poet who has given lectures at L.A. Film School and Community Literature Initiative classes held at University of Southern California. Her focus is often on the creative process and psychological elements of business.

Brytney is an acclaimed author of Hidden Moments, A Short Story Collection and has many books on the horizons, including a photobook dedicated to supporting women who have conquered anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Currently, Brytney is working with Inside Out Communications, LLC to complete the upcoming television series Unheard Voices. She also assists with coordinating Sign with Me events and marketing campaigns. 

Ivery Lewis

Chief Financial Officer

Ivery Lewis serves as our Chief Financial Officer, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry. With over 17 years of federal licensure, Ivery has provided a range of services and solutions to corporations and individuals nationwide.

In addition to his extensive financial expertise, Ivery has a solid educational background. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 2000 with a major in kinesiology and a minor in mathematics. Furthering his academic pursuits, he studied Education Administration & Leadership at California State Northridge and earned a Masters in Business Administration.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ivery is a dedicated family man, celebrating 16 years of marriage and raising four children. His comprehensive background and commitment make him a valuable addition to our board, bringing a wealth of financial knowledge and leadership to the team.

Cheyenne K. Robinson

Secretary

Cheyenne K. Robinson, a Los Angeles native, discovered her passion for American Sign Language at the age of 10 while attending F.A.M.E. Church of God in Christ in Southern California. Her commitment to language learning continued throughout high school at New Roads School in Santa Monica, where she excelled as a dual language student in both Spanish and American Sign Language. Engaging in Honors American Sign Language, she not only demonstrated proficiency but also initiated the establishment of the first American Sign Language Club at New Roads School.

Cheyenne holds a B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in English from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. Subsequently, she pursued her interest in sign language and interpreting at El Camino College in Torrance, California. In June 2021, she graduated with honors, earning an Associate’s Degree and a Certificate of Achievement. A month before her graduation, she commenced her role at Marlton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where she continues to contribute her skills and dedication.

In addition to her work at Marlton School, Cheyenne used to work with LAUSD through LA’s Best Afterschool program, where she provided enriching and educational activities for elementary students, fostering inclusivity for both hearing and Deaf or Hard of Hearing students. Cheyenne currently works at a Sheriff-Coroner’s office in death investigation and her skills in American Sign Language play a vital role in accessible communication in this space.

Kelton “Boss-I-Quit” Alexander

Board member

Kelton “Boss-I-Quit” Alexander, a former Marine, is a distinguished Sr. Level Executive in Business and Marketing, renowned as a “steward leader” and expert sales coach. He is a seasoned webinar host and acclaimed as a “master connector,” adept at bringing together subject matter experts, leaders, teachers, mentors, and coaches.

Recipient of the prestigious Georgia Minority Business Award for “Business Marketing Technology CEO of the Year,” Kelton’s accolades include over 10 congressional awards from California legislators for his outstanding contributions to non-profit and networking organizations. Kelton assumes the role of Director of Video Marketing on our board. Kelton’s mission is to assist individuals in creating top-of-mind awareness and establishing dominant and irresistible personal brands.

Regina Bryant

Board member

Regina Bryant is a retired teacher from the Los Angeles Unified School District and has served as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for over 45 years. Her experience includes working at a residential school for the deaf, working with deaf/blind, and severely multi-handicapped hearing-impaired students. Ms. Bryant is a former President and life member of CAL-ED (California Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). She is dedicated to the pursuit of educational excellence for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. She is also a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ms. Bryant received her educational training from Savannah State College (B.A. – Elementary Education), the University of Georgia (M.A. – Communication Handicap/Deaf Studies), Gallaudet University, Smith College (Clarke School for Hearing and Speech), and Pepperdine University (M.A. – Education Administration).

Vic'Toria Crockett

Board member

Vic’Toria Crockett plays a significant role in assisting with the development and implementation of company-wide initiatives. A formidable athlete, Ms. Crockett represents the USA Deaf Basketball team along with the Arizona Black Widows over the last ten years. She earned gold medals and played many championships. Ms. Crockett has worked extensively in administration, serving as a Personal Assistant to various CEOs. Ms. Crockett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

Ernie Epps

Board member

Ernie Epps is a thirty-five-year veteran educator teaching Deaf secondary students at Marlton School in Los Angeles Unified School District. He has served thirty-one years as the advanced instructor of ASL at Manual Arts and Crenshaw High Adult Schools. Mr. Epps, a native of Kentucky, was born deaf and attended Kentucky School for the Deaf, where he graduated valedictorian and continued his education at Gallaudet University. He is an inductee into the Hall of Fame at both the Kentucky School and Gallaudet University. Mr. Epps credentials in Education include a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Math and a Special Education Specialist Credential for the Deaf from California State University at Northridge.

Armando Garza

Armando Garza

Board member

Armando Garza, a seasoned Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), has over a decade of experience in freelancing within the field. Before embracing the role of a CDI, he served as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Houston, Texas, and contributed as a substitute teacher across different school districts in Southern California. Mr. Garza, born Deaf, attended San Marino Elementary School, Brookhurst Junior High School, and University High School. His academic journey led him to achieve a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology, an MBA from the American Intercontinental University, and a Master’s in American Sign Language (ASL) from the University of Northern Colorado.

Rose M. Greco

Board member

With over 15 years teaching various levels of American Sign Language (ASL), Rose is a Connecticut native, an American School for the Deaf, (A.S.D.) Alumni, Staff, and Parent; A.S.D. is the first school for the Deaf in the United States founded in April 1817 in Hartford, Connecticut. Rose graduated from Northwestern Connecticut Community College and took art courses at Central Connecticut State University. Since 2016, Rose has resided in the South Bay, Los Angeles with her husband and Deaf son. She is a mother of 2; one Hearing and one Deaf. Her husband is a Child of Deaf Adults, (CODA).

Back on the East Coast, Rose was the former Miss Deaf Connecticut in 1985-1987. She was a Board member of the Connecticut Association of the Deaf for many years and was also involved with the Junior Connecticut Association of the Deaf Chapter at the American School for the Deaf during her high school years. She also served as a Board Member of the American School for the Deaf Alumni Association from 1992-2015. Additionally, she served on the ASD Parents Advocacy Committee, 1998-2016 and is currently employed part-time at EL Camino College Library Learning Resources Center as a Tutor in American Sign Language.     

Tonya Jackson

Board member

Tonya Jackson is a graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills where she earned a B.A. degree in Behavioral Science and an A.A. degree in American Sign Language from El Camino College. Tonya is originally from New Jersey but currently resides in Los Angeles with her family. She enjoys working with children with special needs and has been doing so for almost 20 years. Tonya is also an ordained minister and loves attending church on a more than regular basis. She is part of the interpreting team for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) at her church and plays an intricate role in assisting the DHH in her spare time. Tonya loves working on computers and working on various projects behind the scenes. However, her greatest joy is spending time with her two beautiful granddaughters.

Patricia “Pat” Mosley

Board member

Patricia Mosley is a retiree with AT&T after 40 years of service. She has volunteered with non-profit organizations such as Los Angeles Black Deaf Advocates (LABDA) and Hear Zero, Inc. for years. She held the positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chapter Representative with LABDA. Patricia attended West Coast Deaf Bible College in 2003(WCDBC) and also held the position of Secretary with WCDBC. She currently is the Deaf Women’s Ministry Leader at Praising Hands Deaf Fellowship.