Our Team
Ever wondered who's behind the curtain, choosing the devices you're browsing today? Look no further. The Chicago Lighthouse Assistive Technology Center has a committed staff that are willing and able to search for technology to assist you in reaching your goals.
Michelle Fiocchi - Manager of Retail Operations and Rehabilitation Services
Michelle started working for The Lighthouse Huber Rehabilitation center in Glenview, IL in 2015 after receiving her bachelors in Education and Health Sciences from the University of Dayton. Michelle runs the day to day operations of the Tools for Living Retail store in both Chicago and Glenview as well as overseeing some clinical operations for The Chicago Lighthouse low vision clinic working directly with the optometrists and occupational therapists. She maintains orders, web operations, customer satisfaction, and works both virtually and in person on client training of assistive technology focusing on their vision goals to find the right devices and aids for each individual. Michelle also coordinates the Tools for Living roadshows which travel throughout the state of Illinois and northern Indiana.
Send Michelle an EmailPatrick Andrade - Manager of Accessibility and Assistive Technology
Patrick Andrade is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, where he majored in Computer Science. Patrick previously worked at The Chicago Lighthouse as an intern every summer from 2014 to 2018. In his role, Patrick works alongside clients and their optometrists to help match each and every person with assistive technology best suited to help them reach their goals. In addition to working with clients, Patrick consults and develops relationships with leaders in assistive technology such as HumanWare, IrisVision, and OrCam to stay on top of the newest technologies and provide input for product development. Patrick is always on the lookout with the latest and greatest assistive technology and is willing to have a conversation with anyone.
Send Patrick an EmailNoreen Costello - Assistive Technology Specialist
Noreen has an Associates in Science and continues to quench her thirst for knowledge about technology every day. She has worked for the Lighthouse since 2015 and is usually found in the store working with a patient. When she's at her desk she's either scheduling the next client or making sure someone has the right instruction or resource for a device or software. Noreen is often described as a patient yet firm instructor. Being legally blind herself, Noreen can relate to many going through vision loss.
Send Noreen an EmailAndre Asbury - Online Retail Store Lead
Andre has been working at the Chicago Lighthouse since 2018 and now takes the role in assisting customers in all elements of the new My Tools for Living online store.
A travel globe trotter, Andre worked in New York as well as in Japan as an English instructor. He has always had a strong interest in adaptive technology and computers and worked for the Computer Career Center for the Blind at Baruch College in New York as an Instructor teaching teens and adults who are blind or visually impaired about adaptive software and business applications to prepare them for employment.
Andre is a four Time Paralympic medalist in track, competing in 3 Paralympic Games, and once served on the Board of Directors for the United States Association of Blind Athletes. Andre also holds a 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate (四段) and taught at World Champions Karate Center in New York. Andre is one of the first legally blind athletes to have become a 2 Time AAU National Karate Champion in Kumite. Send Andre an email to discuss his mad skills or to ask any question regarding assistive technology and independent living aids!
Belinda Lovitt - Retail Assistant
Belinda runs the show at our main location in Chicago, catering to store customers in person, over the phone, and online. When Belinda isn't with her grandchildren or professional German club, Belinda is trying out and searching for new products and gadgets for the benefit of our customers. Belinda can be reached at 1-800-919-3375 for any and all of your questions.
Brian Bussard - MTFL Outreach Specialist
Brian Bussard has been married for over 30 years and is a father of two. As someone with lived experience of blindness, Brian understands firsthand the challenges that come with vision loss and the profound difference that supportive resources can make. Recognizing the impact that tools for independent living can have, Brian joined The Lighthouse's My Tools for Living team in January 2024. In his role, he reaches out to eye care practices across the country, encouraging them to share My Tools for Living resources with their patients. Through his outreach efforts, he hopes to empower providers, organizations, and practice support staff to equip their low vision and aging vision patients with the right resources, just as he would have valued during his own experience with vision loss.