Glider Spotlight: Meet Tiffany Manosh - Super Glider, Instructional Assistant, and Lifelong Learner.

In this monthly series, we put the spotlight on our Gliders community to celebrate individuals who inspire us. This month, we’re highlighting Tiffany Manosh, a California-based super Glider with a deep passion for learning, support others' ambitions, and staying active!

Tell us a bit about your background and upbringing, Tiffany!

Hi! my name is Tiffany Manosh and I live in Northern California. I live in Citrus Heights, which is close to Sacramento. My father was an Air Force Captain and we were stationed in Loring Maine. However, I was born in Massachusetts as my father was overseas and my mom went to stay with her parents until I was born.  We then moved to Beale Air Force Base in Marysville California.  I am a proud military brat!  My father passed away at an early age from cancer so my mom moved to Citrus Heights where I have lived most of my life.

‍

We hear you're quite the sports fan - and, more recently, player! Tell us more!

I am a huge sports fan, and follow the Sacramento Kings, Boston Celtics, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Oakland A’s, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants.  I had the honor of throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for the Sacramento River Cats.  At the time they were the AAA of the Oakland A’s, but now are with the San Francisco Giants.  That was an amazing day which I will never forget.

I have recently started playing a sport I did not think I could play anymore due to bing blind.  However, I am excited to be able to play blind tennis. I started about three months ago and am having a blast.  Each time I am on the court I feel like I am improving.  It is a blast!

‍

What type of work do you do - both volunteer and otherwise?

This October I will have worked 25 years as an Instructional Assistant in the Computer Lab at American River College.  I have a passion for helping students.  To this day, I am still in awe that I was chosen for the position and still love every minute of it.  I am a 9 month employee so I get my summers off which I am grateful for. I assist students in our various Microsoft Office courses, computer familiarization, and HTML courses.

I am also a member of the National Federation of the Blind.  I attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston Louisiana to obtain blindness skills.  From that training I knew I wanted to give back to the organization.  I have held many positions in various chapters and our state affiliate board.  I am a board member of our At Large chapter, Treasurer of our State Affiliate board and President of the River City Chapter.

‍

Your favorite kinds of media?

I enjoy streaming TV shows such as Survivor and NCIS.  I have read all of the Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson and can not wait for the next book to be released.

‍

What motivates and inspires you on a daily basis?

I have a very positive outlook on things.  I know I have to do something different to complete a task.  Some tasks can be more challenging than others due to my blindness, however, I enjoy finding solutions to make those difficult tasks work for me.

I go on long walks during the summer months.  I typically end up at Starbucks for coffee during my walk.  I typically order either a Chi Tea Latte, Carmel Macchiato or a caramel Frappuccino - but all drinks have to be made with Coconut milk as I am allergic to dairy!

‍

Anything else you'd like to share with the Gliders community?

I am so thankful to Amos and the Glidance Team for developing this amazing tool, Glide!  I have attended virtual demos of Glide.  I attend the monthly Glider’s zoom call and learn a little more each month.  I have walked with Glide at CSUN and the NFB National and State Convention.

Each time I put my hand on a Glide demo at these conferences I am impressed and excited with the new features.  I am looking forward to having Glide as my mobility tool.  I know it will help at work as chairs and tables are moved constantly and my cane goes under them as I am unaware and walk into them.  I know with Glide I will be able to walk around them with confidence and not wonder where are they today. As a blind person, I want as many tools in my tool box to make me successful.  I am happy and excited to have Glide as one of those options in my tool box as my mobility aid.

‍

Thanks so much, Tiffany!!