Deaf Circle of Advisors

 At Gestures of Love, the Board, with the support of our Deaf Circle of Advisors, strive to use our varied gifts and talents to create a culture of bridging the communication gap that is more than just a metaphor; but an inspiration and figure of speech in a silent world.  We strive to demonstrate Compassion, Love, and Commitment in building and strengthening relationships between the Deaf and Hearing through communication and fellowship.  We promote not only an enjoyable experience through learning the beautiful language of sign but also acceptance and respect in a diverse  community as the two learn, connect and build relationships.  We welcome all to learn  the beautiful language of sign. 

Arsenia Clark is Founder and President of Gestures of Love Community Enrichment Corporation. She is an encourager / motivator who enjoys community service and learning sign language / deaf culture. Past experiences include Owner/Operator of a Charter Bus Company (Promise Land Tours and G-K Travels), substitute teacher and Para-Professional on an Elementary level (Special Education). Although she has been signing for over 30 years (in a religious setting), she is continually  learning and has a passion for improving communication among those who are different and often overlooked. Overwhelmed by the large percentage of hearing people who do not know Sign Language and who have deaf family members, friends, co-workers, etc; she recognized a need for effective communication to bring families and communities closer; thus Gestures of Love Community Enrichment Corporation was established.  Learning to communicate through sign language with those in our families and communities who are deaf is more than learning a second language – it’s a “gesture of love”. Gestures of Love's Mission is to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing through education and teaching the beautiful language of Sign.  

Morris Clark, Sr. is Vice President & Treasurer for Gestures of Love Community Enrichment Corporation. He enjoys good conversation (communication). He meets no strangers. His professional experiences include business management and expertise in the transportation industry. He is a friend to members of the deaf community and enjoys the travel, learning and the laughter. He ensures Gestures of Love's social gatherings are wholesome and infused with opportunities to meet and greet a variety of people; providing opportunities for both the hearing and deaf to not only have an enjoyable experience together but feel accepted and respected in a diverse hearing community. 

 Dr. Herman Clark, Jr. is a lifetime educator who brings many years of experience from the Norfolk Public School System serving as an elementary school teacher, special education teacher, reading specialist, instructional specialist, elementary school principal, and assistant superintendent.  Currently, he is serving as an Assistant professor in the Educational Leadership Program at Regent University.   He is a progressive thinker, a family man, community oriented and excited to take on the challenge of assisting Gestures of Love CEC in its mission of promoting healthier relationships and connections between the deaf and hearing through education and learning the beautiful language of sign.  Dr. Clark serves as Educational Liason for Gestures of Love CEC and he is excited to work with us in creating educational programs that will impact deaf/hearing families. Together, we are “bridging the communication gap”. 

Dr. Margaret J. Dugger has 17 years of Biblical Studies, with a Doctoral Degree in Theology and is a retired Suffolk Public Schools Title I Reading Specialist / Special Education. 

She’s a lover of people and family. She’s patient and caring. Her joy of helping children reach their full potential, combined with her knowledge of God’s word is an asset to her dual role as Gestures of Love Outreach Ministry Coordinator/ Educational Advisor. 

Her hobbies include reading, making t-shirts, Event Planning, and upcycling antiques. In addition, she likes to crochet and knit. All of these activities will be fruitful in aiding Gestures of Love in providing a positive experience for both the deaf and hearing as we “bridge the communication gap” and extend our net of Kingdom Growth to those who cannot hear. According to google, the Deaf are an unreached people. Dr. Dugger is excited to serve Gestures of Love in extending the gospel net to the D/deaf. Sharing/educating about the Gospel is a ”Gesture” of Love. Together, we are working to bridge the communication gap in our homes, in our schools, in our communities, and in our churches.