Meet Our Team
A Mission Born from Experience and Compassion
At Voiceblocks, our story begins with a simple yet powerful belief: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter their challenges. Inspired by real-world experiences navigating the special education system, we set out to bridge the gap between families, schools, and the resources they need.
The Heart Behind Our Mission
Our journey started with personal challenges—experiencing firsthand the struggles of advocating for students with disabilities, working through IEP meetings, and interpreting the complexities of the IDEA Act. These moments shaped our commitment to create a solution that simplifies the process, empowers parents, and supports educators.
From Vision to Impact
Since day one, we’ve focused on making a tangible difference:
For Families: Simplifying the complexities of special education to ensure your voice is heard and your child’s needs are met.
For Schools and Charter Schools: Delivering innovative tools to enhance compliance, improve communication, and elevate student outcomes.
We’ve grown from a vision into a trusted partner.
Meet Our Voiceblocks Team
The Voiceblocks team is made up of dedicated professionals with deep experience in education, technology, AI, and startups focused on both profit and social impact. The team is well-equipped to scale the company to make Voiceblocks the #1 special education advocate and choice for families and schools.
OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Lonna Hardin is a parent, educator, and innovator who has walked the same journey as many of our families. From fighting for her own child’s IEP goals to collaborating with schools to improve outcomes, she turned her passion into purpose: building a platform that supports every student’s potential.
Dr. Hardin brings over seven years of experience in EdTech, particularly in working with special needs students. She is a serial entrepreneur with a background consulting Silicon Valley startups, including Uber, where she helped scale the company from 6 to 354 markets.
DIRECTOR OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Dr. Donna Bronner is a a licensed speech pathologist. She has deep expertise in special education and behavioral science with more than 30 years experience working in the fourth largest school districts in the US.
Dr. Bronner has a background providing services and developing strategies for students with disabilities and diverse learners with IEPs.
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Dr. Royand Hendrix brings 28 years of excellence in school and community development, international educational leadership, higher education, and special education advocacy.
Dr. Hendrix background focuses on neurodiversity and learning disabilities, ensuring we remain focused on the unique needs of students with diverse learning needs and are building a platform that is inclusive and effective for all students.
Mike Halpert has more than 20 years of experience delivering top-tier sales solutions to the tech and media sectors, Mike has held leadership roles at industry giants like Google and Walmart E-Commerce.
Mike also holds deep expertise in product management, driving sales strategies, nurturing emerging talent, and fostering team growth.
Advisors
Nancy Benovich Gilby is a seasoned product development expert with a proven track record of leading 8 startup exits. Nancy’s experience in scaling technology companies and guiding products from early stages to exit ensures we will be both scalable and sustainable as we grow.
David Williams is founder of Care3.com, David has successfully led three startup exits, including one valued at $150 million in healthcare.
His expertise is invaluable as and vast network’ healthcare partnerships and aims to offer its platform through HMOs and EAPs.
Dan Kihanya is co-founder of Wizely and MyPoints.com, Dan has extensive experience in early-stage startup strategy, fundraising, and customer growth.
As a venture partner at Stockton Ventures, his guidance will be essential in helping Voiceblocks scale effectively, improve product-market fit, and build a robust customer base.
Building a Brighter Future Together
Ready to join us in advocating for a child with special needs or superpowers?
Every milestone we’ve achieved is driven by the incredible families, schools, and communities we serve. By working together, we’re shaping a more inclusive and equitable world for students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and those needing behavioral support.
Your Role in Our Story
You’re part of this movement. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of students.