Biography

Dr. Frank Lala, Deaf, received his B.A. degree in Community Health Education, M.Ed.in Deaf Education, a Ph.D. in Health and Human Services and a certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling from UCLA. As a key speaker he lectures on addictive disorders and has authored many publications in the field of deafness, a poem "A Credo for Deaf Americans" along with his published book, "Counseling the Deaf Substance Abuser". He has a certification in Performing Arts (Acting) from UCLA.

He received Commendation Plaque from Governor Deal and Proclamation from Savannah Mayor Jackson in recognition for his statewide efforts to promote awareness of deaf citizens' rights to equal accessibility and accommodation. He was President of Georgia Association of the Deaf.

He is Sir Knight of Knights of Columbus.

He received his black belts in tang soo do karate and ju-jitsu. Karate instructor was Chief Instructor Ron Pohnel at Chuck Norris' Sherman Oaks Karate Studio. He was featured in Black Belt magazine. He was instrumental in having the International Martial Arts Federation of the Deaf accepted as a member of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf for Deaflympics.

He was awarded the William F. Callahan Award for his sustained and meritorious service at the national level to the professional of addiction counseling by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. He was the Director/Clinical Supervisor of a Deaf Recovery program. He is currently working for Georgia Department of Human Services as Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.

He received WTOC News & McDonald's Home Town Hero.

Recently he received Master 5th Dan Black Belt July 6, 2018 - Orlando, Florida at U.S. Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships from 9th Dan Black Belt Instructor Rev. Ron Pohnel. 5th - Master Level "Considered equivalent to a PhD. or Professorship"
- IMDb mini biography by: FRANK LALA