ProTactile Training Bios

Jonathan LeJeune

Jonathan LeJeune is a DeafBlind Protactile mentor, trainer, and consultant based in Boston. He serves as the Director of DBCAN, a Protactile trainer, and an adjunct instructor at Northeastern University, where he teaches and mentors future professionals in DeafBlind communication and access.

Raised in a DeafBlind family in Louisiana, Jonathan brings both lived experience and professional expertise to advocacy, education, and community-building efforts across New England and nationwide. He is committed to expanding Protactile access, strengthening DeafBlind leadership, and creating opportunities for DeafBlind individuals to thrive in their communities.

Lesli Silva-Kopel

Lesley “Les” Silva-Kopec is passionate about supporting the DeafBlind community.

Growing up, Les and her DeafBlind sister faced significant challenges as they transitioned from being deaf to becoming DeafBlind, navigating that journey without adequate support. Over time, as she connected with more DeafBlind individuals, Les found a strong sense of belonging and embraced her identity as a DeafBlind person. This personal journey led her to seek out, learn, and live Protactile

Les works as a freelance Protactile educator and Co-Navigator trainer and is also involved with Tactile Communications, where she contributes to training. Based in New York City, Les lives with her husband. She enjoys meeting new people and exploring diverse experiences.

Jelica Nucci

Tactile Impression: Her stories are smooth and come with the scent of lavender. She draws you in slowly and then grips. When she laughs on you, you can’t help but laugh too. In the summer, her skin soaks up the sun and feels warm. Jelica Nuccio is a DeafBlind phonologist, researcher, Protactile educator, and consultant based in Oregon. She is the founder of Tactile Communications, LLC, where for more than a decade she has worked to advance DeafBlind autonomy, communication access, and Protactile language development through training, mentorship, and community-based programs.

Her research focuses on Protactile language and DeafBlind communication, including major National Science Foundation-funded projects exploring Protactile phonology, language acquisition, and tactile communication systems. She has collaborated with researchers at the University of Chicago and is widely respected for her contributions to linguistic research and DeafBlind education.

Jelica has served as a Protactile Language Educator with Protactile Language Interpreting (PLI) and as lead trainer for the DeafBlind Interpreting Institute at Western Oregon University, home of the DeafBlind Interpreting National Training and Resource Center. In addition to her research and teaching, she is a nationally recognized trainer, presenter, and advocate who continues to promote DeafBlind leadership, accessibility, and equitable communication access across the United States.

Nicole Alleman

Nicole Alleman, MSW is the DeafBlind Services Coordinator for the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Ms. Alleman received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. She was on the Board of Directors for the American Association of the DeafBlind. She is currently representing the DeafBlind Community on the North Carolina Interpreters and Transliterators Licensing Board.

Jason “Jaz” Herbers

Jason “Jaz” Herbers (he/him) is the first graduate of Tactile Communications, a DeafBlind-led training center originally based in Seattle, Washington, now located in Monmouth, Oregon. He serves as a coordinator at Tactile Communications. He also works as a Protactile educator, co-navigator trainer, and I Can Connect trainer. Jaz is deeply committed to Protactile and integrates PT into both his professional and everyday life.

Before shifting to the DeafBlind community, Jaz spent over 15 years in Information Technology, including serving as a Computer Support Team Leader at Gallaudet University, where he earned his degree in 1996.

He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, Deanna, their two young adult children, and their cat.