If you’ve visited the Alaska Center for the Blind recently, chances are you’ve already felt Daria Ezhova’s warm, energetic presence. As one of our newest team members, Daria brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a welcoming spirit that helps create a calm, patient, and engaging atmosphere in the Assistive Technology space and Youth Program events. With her dark brown hair, big brown eyes, and unique sense of style, she adds a touch of creativity to each day.
Daria was born and raised in West Siberia, Russia, in the city of Novosibirsk. After earning her degree in Linguistics, she began her career as a foreign language teacher, working with students of all ages — from toddlers to adults. Her dedication and leadership quickly stood out, and she soon took on a larger role organizing programs, events, and camps for elementary education while continuing to teach.
Life took an exciting turn when Daria reconnected with her longtime friend Adam, whom she had met years earlier in Indiana, where she stayed for a high school year as an exchange student. Their friendship grew into something more, and together they began the journey of moving Daria and her daughter to the United States. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and complicated paperwork, their perseverance paid off. Around the same time, Adam pursued his dream of joining the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. Soon, Daria, her daughter, and their cat Pushok (which fittingly means “Fluff” in Russian) joined him at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Alaska quickly captured Daria’s heart with its stunning mountains and forests. While she was used to city life back in Siberia, living in a place where moose and bears roam freely was a new adventure — especially the unforgettable moment when a bear wandered right up to her front door!
After arriving in the U.S., Daria became a client of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, where she received guidance and support from her counselor, Katie Lester. She is deeply grateful for that support, which led her to enroll in a 12-week program at the Alaska Center for the Blind. There, she connected with an incredible team who helped her further embrace her visual impairment while building skills in assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and daily living. She especially enjoyed her cane travel lessons around town, hands-on cooking experiences, learning screen reader technology, and even woodworking! These experiences not only strengthened her independence but also helped her feel at home in a new country and community.
Even after completing the program, Daria stayed connected with the Center, continuing to grow and contribute. Today, we are proud to have her on staff, where she works under the guidance of Nate and Casey — both of whom she is sincerely grateful to for their support and mentorship.
Daria’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and passion for helping others. We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to all the great things she will continue to bring to our community!