MIDDLEBORO — READS Collaborative, a member of the Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives (MOEC), has announced that Rebekah Marchilena has been appointed as the collaborative's new Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Director. 

"MOEC is proud to have a long-standing tradition of serving students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and to serve these students and their families in the least restrictive settings across the Commonwealth," said MOEC Executive Director Joanne Haley-Sullivan. 

Marchilena will replace long-time Director of the READS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Evelyn Rankin. She will begin in her new role on July 1.

Marchilena currently serves as a science teacher for the Norton Public Schools. 

She has previously held the titles of teacher of the deaf, MCAS tutor for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing program administrator. 

Throughout her career, Marchilena has participated in and led a wide range of education initiatives including those in STEM and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education. She holds all necessary Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certifications.

Marchilena holds a master’s degree and certification coursework completed in deaf education from Boston University, a bachelor's degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies from the University of Rochester and a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from the University of Rochester. She holds professional licensure in deaf education, as well as American Sign Language as a second language. 

She has most recently completed doctoral coursework in educational leadership.

"Ms. Marchilena has proven commitment to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and advancement of education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students," said READS Collaborative Executive Director Dina Medeiros. "We look forward to welcoming Ms. Marchilena to READS Collaborative."