Charmaine J. Hlibok is a dedicated educator and leader with over 25 years of experience in Deaf education, language development, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. She served as Principal of the Elementary Department at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Campus, from 2018 until she retired in June 2025. In this role, she provided instructional leadership, cultivated a positive school climate, and worked closely with families, educators, and community partners to ensure student success.

Her career has been rooted in advancing bilingual education in American Sign Language and English. Before becoming principal, Charmaine served as a Language Development Specialist, designing and implementing strategies to support language acquisition and literacy growth for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. She also taught kindergarten and served as a substitute teacher across multiple grade levels, building a strong foundation in child-centered instruction. From 2000 to 2017, Charmaine devoted herself to raising her four children as a stay-at-home mother. This experience shaped her leadership style with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of family engagement in education.

Beyond her work in education, Charmaine has played a pivotal role in nonprofit leadership through the Mark Seven Deaf Foundation. As Chairperson of the Board, she spearheaded program expansions, including the launch of Deaf Film Camp in 2013, and guided the organization through accreditation and board development. Later, as Fundraising Director, she cultivated sponsors and organized successful events to advance the foundation’s mission.

Her earlier leadership experience includes serving as Interim Coordinator of Recruitment at Gallaudet University, where she developed and executed strategies to attract a diverse body of prospective students.

Charmaine holds a Master of Science in Deaf Education from Columbia University, a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from Gallaudet University, and a Bachelor of Science in Professional and Technical Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology. Recognized for her leadership and scholarship, she has received numerous awards and honors, including the Thomas J. Landers Award for Administration and the Graduate President Scholar distinction from Gallaudet University.

Now residing in Lewes, Delaware, Charmaine and her husband, Gregory Hlibok, are the proud parents of four children: Rainer (25), Brendan (23), Charlton (21), and Lauren (19). A lifelong advocate for inclusive, child-centered education, she remains committed to fostering opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students while strengthening organizational growth and strategic vision.