My first exposure to sign language was at 9 years of age. Our family had just moved to Elkhart, Indiana and the church we visited had a deaf ministry. I was quickly fascinated, observing communication without speaking. Upon approaching the interpreter to find out if they offered classes, the deaf people captured my interest, took me under their wing, and taught me how to sign. My family only lived there for three years and then we relocated to Fort Wayne. I sought out a deaf church, which resulted in gaining deaf friends that I am still in touch with today, many years later.

I attended an interpreter training program at Sinclair Community College (Dayton, Ohio) and completed an associate of applied science degree in Interpreting for the Deaf and obtained a Deaf Studies Certificate. This training prepared me for a 14-year career as an interpreter in various settings throughout the community for both deaf and deaf-blind individuals.

My teaching experience ranges from one-on-one training to classroom settings at the college level (Cedarville University). This school year (2024-2025) is the third year that I have taught ASL at Streams of Hope Christian School.

I have also been teaching a nonverbal student ASL virtually through FlexSchool for the past year (Jan 2024 - present). FlexSchool is an accredited private school where gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students can develop their talents among intellectual peers in a nurturing learning environment. 

It is my desire to come alongside students to instruct them in both signing ASL and comprehending what is being signed to them for effective communication. Having this invaluable skill and putting it into practice will open a whole new world of communication with the opportunity of gaining lifelong friends within the deaf community!