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About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Our mission is to help build physical strength and endurance, instill self-confidence, promote independence, self-esteem and empower blind and visually impaired individuals with the tools they can use to be successful at setting goals and in managing life's challenges.

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Our Story

Third Eye Insight’s foundation began in 2000, when Founder Sensei Devin Fernandez was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. As he wrestled with the implications of this life-altering disease, he knew, despite moments of despair, that this was an opportunity for learning and growing.

 

Navigating his way through social services for the blind, Sensei Devin discovered a distinct lack of fitness opportunities tailored to the needs of this underserved community. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he seamlessly integrated his expertise in martial arts, yoga, and meditation, into a first of its kind organization. 

 

In 2010, Devin Fernandez, accompanied by his sister Kim Fernandez, launched Third Eye Insight – a non-profit organization on a mission to empower and uplift the blind and visually impaired through compelling fitness activities. Since its inception, TEI has expanded its influence from Long Island to the broader New York Metro Area, sowing the seeds of inspiration at every step.

Recognized for its commitment to serving the blind and visually impaired, TEI has received support from organizations like Foundation Fighting Blindness, American Foundation for the Blind, Helen Keller, Commission for the Blind, Visions, Eye to Eye, and Lions Clubs on Long Island.

Today TEI offers a diverse range of fitness activities including archery, horseback riding, skiing, kayaking, surfing, tandem bike riding, fishing, hiking, white water rafting, sailing, and blind soccer. Partnering with organizations such as Long Island Ninjutsu Centers, Bay Shore YMCA, United States Association of Blind Athletes, and Vermont Adaptive Sports, TEI has built a strong network of support.

Meet the Team

Third Eye Insight owes its existence to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteer staff and committed board. We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering dedication to our noble mission.

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Founder & Program Director

Sensei Devin Fernandez

The term "Ninja" in Japan has long been associated with utmost excellence and an unwavering spirit of perseverance. It is a word that resonates with extraordinary levels of skill and seemingly superhuman feats, captivating the imagination of many.
 

Sensei Devin Fernandez embodies the very essence of the Ninja, transcending any limitations imposed by his diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa — a degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. Faced with a life-changing decision, he refused to let this condition define him, choosing instead to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Drawing upon his extensive martial arts background, Sensei Devin made a resolute commitment to share his knowledge with his community and the world. It comes as no surprise that he is widely acclaimed as the "Blind Ninja."
 

For more than twenty-five years, Sensei Devin has wholeheartedly devoted himself to the practice of Martial Arts, specifically Ninpo Ninjutsu. Throughout this transformative journey, he has gained a profound understanding of the pivotal role that an active lifestyle plays in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Alongside this, he embodies a profound sense of duty and an unwavering belief in the importance of giving back to the community.
 

In addition to serving as the program director for Third Eye Insight, Sensei Devin consistently advocates for the visually impaired, maintaining positions on various boards such as the State Rehabilitation Committee (SRC) for ACCES VR, Suffolk County Disability Advisory Board, the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Board, the Adaptive Martial Arts Association, and the FEMA Disability Advisory Board.
 

Firmly believing that losing sight should not equate to a loss of mobility, health, or independence, Sensei Devin draws inspiration from navigating a world predominantly designed for sighted individuals. Through his nonprofit organization, and his continued service, he inspires others by sharing his unwavering "Can Do" spirit and guiding those who are willing to step outside their comfort zone on the path toward an active and healthy lifestyle.

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Co-Founder & Executive Director

Kim Fernandez

Kim Fernandez is the co-founder and managing director of Third Eye Insight, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fitness instruction and wellness opportunities for the blind and visually impaired. Her work with Third Eye Insight reflects her deep belief in creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can discover strength, confidence, and connection.


With more than 30 years of leadership in the consumer-packaged goods industry, Kim built her career shaping some of the most recognized and innovative brands in the marketplace. She has successfully led growth across Grocery, Frozen, and HABA categories in both Natural and Conventional markets, while also driving impact in the Pharmaceutical sector. Her strategic insight and entrepreneurial mindset have been instrumental in the launch and expansion of groundbreaking products including White Wave Silk Soymilk, GoodBelly, and Beyond Meat, brands that not only achieved commercial success but also changed the way consumers think about food and wellness.
 

With a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Northridge, Kim’s professional journey has been defined by a passion for innovation, a commitment to integrity, and a belief in the power of brands to improve lives. She thrives at the intersection of vision and execution, where bold ideas meet practical strategies that deliver results. Colleagues and partners know her as a leader who inspires teams, nurtures talent, and drives businesses forward while staying grounded in purpose.
 

Outside of her professional accomplishments, she prioritizes balance, connection, and growth. She finds peace near the ocean, often spending time at the beach as a way to recharge and unplug from the noise of daily life. Music, especially jazz, provides a soundtrack for her moments of reflection, while spiritual study and meditation fuel her inner clarity and resilience.
 

An avid hiker and biker, Kim loves exploring the outdoors and staying active, which complements her lifelong dedication to health and wellness. She also treasures time spent with her loved ones, embracing the simple joys of family, friendship, and meaningful conversation.

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Director of Marketing

Roxanne Fernandez

Roxanne Fernandez serves as the Director of Marketing at Third Eye Insight. She has over 20 years of university program management and marketing experience. For over 10 years, Roxanne worked at Hofstra University where she was responsible for overseeing the management of the Legal Studies Program at Continuing Education. At Hofstra, Roxanne proposed the branding, positioning, and distance learning opportunities available with an online delivery system for the Legal Nurse Consultant Program. Roxanne was responsible for the design concept of advertising materials for the Legal Studies Program as well as, assisting in the development of design concepts for marketing pieces for Continuing Education programs.

 

Roxanne holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership and Public Policy from Hofstra University. She is currently the History Department's Graduate Program Coordinator for Stony Brook University at Stony Brook, New York.

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Board Member

Sally Braman

Sally Braman first joined Third Eye Insight as a dedicated student before quickly becoming an integral member of the organization’s board. With more than 35 years of experience as an educator, she has devoted her career to teaching, mentoring, and empowering students of all backgrounds. She currently serves as an educator at the Rosa Lee Young Childhood Center, a renowned private non-profit school in Rockville Centre, New York.

 

Throughout her career, Sally has embraced opportunities to work with diverse communities. She has served as an Adaptive Ski Instructor with Maine Handicapped Skiing, a coach at Camp Abilities Olympia in Washington, and a committee member and participant with Maine Accessible Adventures. Most recently, Sally became a Certified Blind Soccer Coach through the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA). These experiences have strengthened her expertise in adaptive education and inclusion, further fueling her dedication to supporting individuals of all abilities. 
 

In addition to her teaching and coaching, Sally played a pivotal role as the Educational Programs Chair for the Foundation Fighting Blindness Long Island Chapter, where she led awareness and educational initiatives to support individuals with visual impairments and their families.
 

Sally’s passions extend beyond the classroom. During her graduate studies at the University of New Hampshire, she completed training in Outdoor Education and Project Adventure, blending her love for nature, experiential learning, and hands-on teaching. This unique combination of professional experience and personal passion makes Sally a deeply valued voice in education and advocacy.
 

As a board member of Third Eye Insight, Sally brings not only her decades of expertise but also her spirit of compassion, resilience, and creativity, qualities that enrich the entire community she serves.
 

Sally's passions extend beyond the classroom, as she has undergone training in Outdoor Education and Project Adventure during her graduate studies at the prestigious University of New Hampshire. Her exceptional combination of experience, expertise, and dedication make her a valuable asset to the field of education.

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Board Member

Steve Cuozzo

Steve Cuozzo has built an extensive career in management, where he was responsible for structuring meetings, leading training sessions to improve profitability, controlling inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction always remained a top priority. His leadership style has consistently been defined by a commitment to efficiency, teamwork, and results.
 

Since 2015, Steve has devoted himself to serving the blind community. He began as a volunteer with the Lions Club Senior Center for the Blind, where his dedication to advocacy quickly became evident. During this time, he founded the Americans with Disabilities Awareness Movement (ADAM), an initiative dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and raising awareness about accessibility and inclusion.
 

In 2019, Steve became a manager within the New York State Business Enterprise Program (BEP), where he created a new site at the Elmira Airport, opening the door for a blind vendor to operate successfully in a high-traffic, professional environment. By building strong relationships with airport staff and management, Steve demonstrated firsthand that individuals who are blind can excel in every aspect of business management. His pioneering efforts inspired the Committee of Blind Vendors to follow his lead, advocating strongly for the creation of more opportunities and jobs for members of the blind community.
 

Beyond program development, Steve has been tireless in advocacy—regularly scheduling meetings with U.S., New York State, county, and local officials. He also organizes informational speeches, group seminars, and community discussions designed to educate, inspire, and promote inclusion.

As a board member of Third Eye Insight, Steve brings a hands-on, can-do attitude. Known for his willingness to step into any role, he approaches every task—big or small—with the same level of dedication and heart. His work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: that advocacy, action, and collaboration can transform opportunities for the blind and visually impaired.

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Board Member

Shirley Guenfoud

Shirley Guenfoud first became involved with Third Eye Insight through her sorority, Delta Gamma at Hofstra University, whose philanthropy, Service for Sight, focuses on supporting the visually impaired community. While at Hofstra, Shirley majored in Philosophy with minors in Creative Writing, Criminology, and Philosophy of Law, all while holding leadership roles across campus. As Vice President of Foundation for Delta Gamma, she organized events and fundraising initiatives in support of organizations such as the Lavelle School for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions.
 

Her dedication to advocacy and service has continued beyond her undergraduate years. Shirley is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare while completing an internship with Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, an organization that provides equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities, trauma, or other challenges. This experience reflects her passion for building inclusive communities and creating meaningful opportunities for healing and growth.
 

Beyond academics and advocacy, Shirley channels her energy into fitness and movement. She is a certified Zumba instructor, teaching classes at Stony Brook where she brings joy, positivity, and empowerment to her students through dance. Her ability to connect with others and inspire confidence shines both in the studio and in her broader work.
 

As a board member of Third Eye Insight, Shirley is excited to deepen her involvement with the organization, work alongside its dedicated team, and bring fresh, creative ideas to expand engagement across Long Island. Guided by compassion, curiosity, and a belief in the transformative power of community, she looks forward to continuing her journey of service and leadership.

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Board Member

Kelly Miano

Kelly Miano first joined Third Eye Insight as a volunteer and is now honored to serve as a board member, deepening her commitment to the organization’s mission.

A seasoned marketing leader with more than 20 years of experience, Kelly has helped grow iconic household names while also bringing innovative, better-for-you startups to life. Over the course of her career, she has launched more than 60 products across multiple channels, blending consumer insight, creativity, and data-driven strategy to build brands that last.

 

Kelly thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. Known as a hands-on and results-driven leader, she balances big-picture brand vision with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring programs are tightly aligned to business goals and executed with measurable impact.
 

Kelly is also recognized as a team builder and mentor who leads with empathy, clarity, and steady confidence. She believes strong relationships are the foundation of success, and she takes pride in nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and inspiring high-performing teams in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments.
 

Kelly earned her BA in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder before completing her MBA at the Leeds School of Business. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and spoiling her two dogs. She also enjoys exploring new ideas, staying curious about modern marketing trends, and finding ways to blend creativity and strategy to make an impact.
 

As a board member of Third Eye Insight, Kelly brings not only her expertise in brand building but also her passion for service, community, and creating meaningful connections.

Our Partners

Sensei Devin and his staff would like to express their deepest gratitude to Shihan Allie Alberigo for his tremendous support of Third Eye Insight.

YogaAccessories.com

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to YogaAccessories.com for their generous donation of high-quality yoga supplies,

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