MS. GERALDINE G. TAECKENS

Commissioner

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Geraldine (Geri) Taeckens is a woman who possesses a passion for increasing knowledge, awareness, and acceptance among ALL individuals. Having experienced personal and social intolerance as a result of gradual vision loss from age seven to 35, Geri has made it her mission to evoke positive changes in attitudes.

She holds a special education degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master's of social work degree from the University of Michigan.  She has worked in the education and mental health field for over 30 years.  Presently, Geri is employed by the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District, contracted to Sault Area Schools as a school social worker.

An accomplished writer, she has published (in multiple formats) two children's books with musical CDs and her autobiographical novel, Blind Man's Bluff!

Geri is also the owner/operator of two businesses.  Accessibilities Educational-Therapeutic Services is a private practice in which she provides psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups.  The Iris Seemore Animal Health Fund, Inc., is a nonprofit product sales corporation for promoting acceptance of differences and raising money for catastrophic illness for service animals.

Geri is a wife and mother who enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, writing, singing, and playing music. 

Regarding her continuing role as MCB Commissioner, she states, "I am proud to have the opportunity to further commit to promoting existing accomplishments of the agency and its staff and customers, as well as contributing to its future growth."