About the Author

EDITORS  

Jessica Bentley-Sassaman, Ed.D, CI, CT, SC:L, ED:K-12 

Jessica Bentley-Sassaman, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of ASL/English Interpreting at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg. Jessica earned her bachelor’s from Bloomsburg University in Interpreting for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, her Master of Arts from Gallaudet University in Linguistics, and a Doctoral Degree in Education from Walden University: her student was focused on Deaf and hearing interpreter teams and the teamwork aspect of their work. She has earned her CI, CT, and SC:L from RID and hold the ED:K-12 certification. She is a master certified interpreter through the Administrative Offices of the Pennsylvania Courts legal interpreter program. She interprets in various settings like legal, government, and religious. Jessica has published articles related to mentoring and Deaf-hearing interpreter teams and has presented workshops on several topics.

Rebecca Minor, Ph.D., NIC 

Dr. Rebecca Minor is a Professor and the Chair of the Communication Arts Department at the Community College of Baltimore County. Dr. Minor is committed to enhancing programing and developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a nationally certified sign language interpreter (NIC) and holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Gallaudet University. Recipient of the Innovation of the Year award from the League of Innovations, Outstanding Ally award from the Maryland Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Sheldon & Jamie Caplis Faculty Excellence Award. Dr. Minor is dedicated to enhancing cross-cultural communication, access and excellence in teaching.

Stephen Fitzmaurice, Ph.D., CI, CT, NIC: A, NAD V, Ed: K-12

Dr. Stephen Fitzmaurice is an Associate Professor of Interpreting: American Sign Language (ASL), and lead faculty for the ASL-English Educational Interpreting program at Clemson University.  He earned his Ph.D. in Interpretation from Gallaudet University and a Master of Interpreter Pedagogy degree from Northeastern University. Dr. Fitzmaurice holds several national interpreter certifications and is the Principal Investigator of the South Carolina Educational Interpreting Center.   He has worked as a professional ASL-English interpreter for over 30 years and authored several research articles and books on educational interpreting.  Dr. Fitzmaurice lectures extensively on developing interpreting skills for in-service ASL-English educational interpreters and has scholarly interests spanning applied linguistics; sociolinguistics; literacy development of Deaf children; and educational access via interpreting services.

Contributors

Deborah Cates, Ph.D. 

Deb oversees the Sign Language Proficiency Interview and Iowa educational interpreter professional development in the Outreach Department at the Iowa School for the Deaf. She is also the president for the National Association of Interpreters in Education, the Iowa representative for the TASK-12 project, the contracted content expert for the EIPA with Boys’ Town National Research Hospital, and a nationally recognized presenter. She has a Ph.D. in Linguistics, an EIPA 4.7 in Secondary PSE, a Mid-America QAST Level V in Interpreting, and dual interpreting licensure in Nebraska and Iowa.

Stephen Fitzmaurice, Ph.D., CI, CT, NIC: A, NAD V, Ed: K-12 

Dr. Stephen Fitzmaurice is an Associate Professor of Interpreting: American Sign Language (ASL), and lead faculty for the ASL-English Educational Interpreting program at Clemson University.  He earned his Ph.D. in Interpretation from Gallaudet University and a Master of Interpreter Pedagogy degree from Northeastern University. Dr. Fitzmaurice holds several national interpreter certifications and is the Principal Investigator of the South Carolina Educational Interpreting Center.   He has worked as a professional ASL-English interpreter for over 30 years and authored several research articles and books on educational interpreting.  Dr. Fitzmaurice lectures extensively on developing interpreting skills for in-service ASL-English educational interpreters and has scholarly interests spanning applied linguistics; sociolinguistics; literacy development of Deaf children; and educational access via interpreting services.

Kat Womack, M.S., NIC 

Kat Womack (she/her) is the Biomedical Science Training Programs Interpreter for the Deaf Health Care and Biomedical Science Hub at RIT/NTID, with a focus on interpreting for deaf-led research activities and NIH-funded training programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students doing biomedical research. She has been a designated interpreter at RIT/NTID since 2017 and has worked with deaf professionals in various settings since 2014. Kat is also invested in mentoring new interpreters and leads the Deaf Hub’s Summer Healthcare Academic Research Program: Novice Interpreter Program for recent graduates who are interested in working with deaf professionals in research settings.

Nikki D. Cherry, M.Ed., NIC 

Nikki Cherry (they/them) earned their B.S. degree in ASL-English Interpreting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and their M.Ed. in ASL-English Interpreting from the University of North Florida. They own an agency called Specialized Interpreting Services (SIS), and prioritize putting minoritized folks to the forefront. Nikki primarily works with Deaf Professionals in research and science/healthcare related settings; including working as a Designated Interpreter at RIT/NTID for 10 years. They enjoy conference interpreting and as part of their agency offerings provide conference coordinating services. While freelance interpreting is part of Nikki‘s work, they prefer working with Deaf Professionals in research-related settings. Nikki now focuses on helping BIPOC individuals and members of the LGBTQ community feel welcome and encouraged to work in all desired settings.

Anna M. Kasper, B.S. 

Anna Kasper graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. degree in Biology in May 2023 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Perelman School of Medicine. As a highly involved undergraduate, Anna cumulatively worked in 6 academic labs concerning a variety of biological and public health topics, and participated in one industry co-op at a pharmaceutical company. Anna is hoping to become an interdisciplinary research director in neuroimmunology post-Ph.D. Along the way, she plans to continue advocating and educating hearing professionals on working with deaf professionals and their respective DIs.

Victoria A. Popov, MS.c. 

Victoria Popov is a deaf Neuroscience PhD Candidate at the University of Rochester (UR) in Drs. John Foxe and Ed Freedman’s Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab. As an RIT/NTID alumna, she holds two degrees from RIT in Biomedical Sciences (BS) and, as a Rochester Bridges to the Doctorate scholar, Professional Studies (MSc). She is passionate about using computational and multimodal neuroimaging approaches to better understand the underlying neuronal processes which contribute to (dys)function in people with and without neurocognitive differences (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorders), as well as how sensory systems and experiences may be different for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. She is committed to developing effective treatments for individuals with neurocognitive disorders, particularly schizophrenia, through basic knowledge. As a leader of the UR Neuroscience Diversity Commission’s NEURO2ALL workgroup, Victoria enjoys empowering and giving opportunities to the next generation of (neuro)scientists by teaching simplified neuroscience concepts to children, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Sara Blick-Nitko, Ph.D.

Sara is a postdoctoral associate in the laboratory of Dr. Isaac Harris within the Department of Biomedical Genetics and is part of the Rochester Postdoc Partnership program. She utilizes the Multifunctional Approach to Pharmacologic Screening (MAPS) to explore novel vulnerabilities in cancer cells. Dr. Blick-Nitko earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Pathology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where her research centered on the role of platelet Ido1 in Plasmodium yoelii uncomplicated malaria infection. As a deaf professional with over 25 years of experience working with interpreters, including nearly a decade in post-secondary education, Dr. Sara Blick-Nitko is deeply committed to advocacy for the deaf community. She is dedicated to promoting language equity, improving accessibility, and creating inclusive environments where deaf individuals can thrive. Her passion for breaking down barriers and ensuring that accessibility is recognized as a fundamental right drives her efforts both in the laboratory and beyond.

Kameron B. Kinast, M.S.

Kameron Kinast is a Data Analyst at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where she specializes in the analysis and interpretation of complex datasets to drive informed decision-making. She holds a master’s degree in Computational and Applied Mathematics from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Throughout her graduate studies and career, Kameron has developed a strong interest in leveraging machine learning and predictive modeling to address real-world challenges. Alongside her professional role, she is committed to fostering a work environment where deaf employees can thrive. She actively educates her colleagues on the importance of accessibility and works to create a workplace culture that is inclusive and supportive for everyone.

Rosemary Wanis, Ed.D, MSW, CDI 

Rosemary is a Certified Deaf Interpreter living in Central California with her parents and adult-teen daughter.  She was born Deaf to hearing parents in Egypt.  Learned ASL in college and graduated with a BA in Psychology, then she went to Gallaudet University where her identity as a Deaf person grew. She obtained her Masters in Social Work and Masters in Administration & Supervision in 1998 at Gallaudet. After graduation, she returned to California. There, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fresno State in 2018. Rosemary became a Certified Deaf Interpreter in 2005 and in 2014 became a trainer using the NCIEC Deaf Interpreter Curriculum. Rosemary is adjunct faculty at two colleges teaching Deaf Studies and Interpreting. She has been involved with the Center for Atypical Language Interpreting since 2018 as a meta-facilitator, module, PAVE, and induction facilitator.

Jessica Bentley-Sassaman, Ed.D, CI, CT, SC:L, ED:K-12 

Jessica Bentley-Sassaman, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of ASL/English Interpreting at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg. Jessica earned her bachelor’s from Bloomsburg University in Interpreting for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, her Master of Arts from Gallaudet University in Linguistics, and a Doctoral Degree in Education from Walden University: her student was focused on Deaf and hearing interpreter teams and the teamwork aspect of their work. She has earned her CI, CT, and SC:L from RID and holds the ED:K-12 certification. She is a master certified interpreter through the Administrative Offices of the Pennsylvania Courts legal interpreter program. She interprets in various settings like legal, government, and religious. Jessica has published articles related to mentoring and Deaf-hearing interpreter teams and has presented workshops on several topics.

Heather Schmerman, CDI 

Heather Schmerman’s career has been interpersonal and intercultural. Heather is a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) and a member of the American Sign Language Teacher Association (ASLTA). She has been trained as a Certified Deaf Interpreter, and has completed legal training under the Project Cultivating Legal Interpreters from Minority Backgrounds, focusing on the marginalized interpreters community. Heather mentors both Deaf and hearing ASL interpreters at St. Catherine University.   She has interpreted in many settings, including emergency medical, mental health, legal and theatrical. She has been able to mentor women from Gambia and Malawi, Africa under the Mandela Fellowship Leadership program at Drexel University. One highlight was giving a presentation at the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters in Paris, France (2019) as a mentor.   Heather teaches American Sign Language at the University of Pennsylvania, and teaches all levels of the language and culture. Heather studied in Brisbane, Australia where she became fluent in Australian Sign Language and is conversational in Italian and British Sign Language. She has traveled throughout Europe and Southeast Asia, and has extensive travel experience and knowledge of other cultures which she displays through her work.

Carla Mathers, Esquire, SC:L  

Carla M. Mathers, Esquire, SC: L practiced law in Maryland and the District of Columbia for over twenty-five years.   She currently is an independent consultant teaching legal interpreting.  Ms. Mathers’ law degree is from Howard University School of Law.  Ms. Mathers’ interpreting degree is from the College of Southern Idaho.  She currently serves on the District of Columbia Courts Language Access Advisory Committee, and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Legal Interpreting Credential Task Force.  Ms. Mathers sits on the American Bar Association’s Advisory Committee for Language Access to develop standards for language access in courts for the American Bar Association (2012 & 2023-present revisions).  Ms. Mathers also sat on the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts’ Advisory Committee on Interpreters Sub-committee on Ethics and Sub-committee on Testing and Training.  She served as an adjunct instructor for the Gallaudet University Department of Interpretation.  She served as Vice President for the Conference of Interpreter Trainers.

Sandra McClure, Ph.D., NIC, SC:L, ED: K-12 

Sandra McClure (she/her), has been a professional American Sign Language (ASL)-English interpreter with specialty certifications in legal interpreting and K-12 education since 2009. She is also an educator and mentor. Sandra earned her PhD in Interpretation and Translation Studies at Gallaudet University and her dissertation focused on ASL-English Interpreters’ Preparation Practices in Legal Settings: Perspectives of Professionalism. She holds a Master of Science in ASL-English Interpreting: Interpreting Pedagogy from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, she has three Associate degrees which include interpreter training and criminal justice. Additionally Sandra currently serves as the co-vice chair for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Legal Interpreters Member Section (LIMS) and previously served as the chair and Region II representative.

Juliana Apfel, M.S., CDI

Juliana Apfel (she/her/ella) is a Deaf Latine interpreter and translator with Mexican roots, originally from Arizona and now based in Maryland. She holds two Master of Science degrees, one in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University and another in Healthcare Interpreting from Rochester Institute of Technology, along with a Bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University. Juliana’s diverse interpreting experience spans forensic, medical, legal, post-secondary, and K-12 settings, including platform work. Passionate about mentoring and interpreter education, she currently serves as the Chair of the Legal Interpreters Member Section for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, where she contributes to advancing the profession while proudly representing her multicultural background.

Marty Barnum, MA, CSC 

Mary has been an interpreter since 1978.  She was one of the developers of the Health Care Interpreting Program at St. Catherine University and directed that program from 1985-1999.  During that time, the program grew from a 2-year program to a 4-year bachelor’s level program.  Marty contracted with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Minnesota to advocate for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind people in healthcare settings, including nursing homes. Marty has presented nationally and internationally on interpreting in medical settings. She recently retired at age 79.

Jamie Amacci, CSC, CI, CT, OIC:C, NIC, ED:K-12 

Jamie has been interpreting since 1979. She worked as an interpreter at St. Paul TVI, as a Staff Interpreter for the Legal Aid Project for Hearing Impaired People (LAPHIP), and Staff Interpreter for the Regional Service Center in the Twin Cities. In Madison WI she worked as an educational interpreter for the Madison School District, a medical freelance interpreter and at PURPLE VRS. Returning to MN she continued work in VRS and as a fulltime freelance medical interpreter.

Bridget Morina-Meyer, NIC 

Bridget Morina-Meyer is an ASL Interpreter with 20 years of experience. Bridget was the first ASL staff interpreter at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where she spent six years working with Deaf children, their parents and healthcare providers. Her clients started as young as 15 months old, were from many different countries, and came from a variety of different backgrounds. Bridget not only interpreted for Deaf patients and their families but also contributed to developing hospital policies, workshops and materials helping to provide better understanding of the needs of this vulnerable population.

Charlene Crump 

Charlene Crumpis the State Coordinator for Communication Access and Training Services with the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In this capacity, she developed and oversees the national Mental Health Interpreter Training project. She is a nationally certified interpreter, Qualified Mental Health Interpreter-Supervisor, and she holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and post graduate certifications in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services programming.  She is a co-developer of the Communication Skills Assessment, is a frequent presenter on regional and national levels, and has published several book chapters and articles related to work in mental health interpreting.

Jasmin T. Porter, B.S.  

Jasmin T. Porter earned her B.S. in ASL/English Interpreting from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Jasmin is passionate about disability advocacy, mental and behavioral health, promoting inclusivity, and improving accessibility. Jasmin and co-author, Krishna Barua, detail significant insights and considerations regarding ASL interpreting in behavioral health. Jasmin is committed to advancing the quality of interpreter training and education through research, instruction, and collaboration with the Deaf community.

Krishna Barua, B.S.  

Krishna Barua was raised in Northern Virginia and graduated with a BS in Psychology from George Mason University. Krishna is a third-generation Deaf individual currently working as a Behavior Technician with plans to become a Family Social Worker. Krishna contributed to this Online Educational Resource to share her experiences as a Deaf Behavior Technician who has worked with ASL interpreters who are interested in the behavioral therapy field.

Joi Bannister, NIC 

Joi Bannister, NIC holds an A.A in ASL Interpreting from CCBC Catonsville and a B.A in business administration from Strayer University and has over 20 years of professional interpreting experience.  While most of Joi’s professional experience is working in the Department of Defense setting, where she was named a 2021 Woman of Influence, she is also the owner and CEO of Joyful Signing, LLC a small award-winning minority business based in Maryland. Joi currently is a Commissioner for the Prince George’s County Commission of Individuals with Disabilities and a former board of director for the CCBC Alumni Board.

Jenese Portee, NIC 

Jenese Portee is a North Carolina Native, where she received a B.S. Degree in Educational interpreting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a M. S. in ASL/English Interpreting from the University of Norther Florida respectively. After an unplanned introduction to deafness at a young age, Jenese felt that interpreting was a way she could ensure a level of equality for all. Utilizing the skills, she has gained from twenty plus years of experience, she is an expert in providing access to Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members in various situations. In addition to being a Certified ASL Interpreter, Teacher and mentor she is an excellent resource for communication related issues for persons with hearing loss including captioning, assistive technology and disability inclusion and working with American Sign Language Interpreters. In addition to being a Nationally Certified American Sign Language Interpreter, Jenese is a mom of an amazing teen daughter, and feisty 2-year-old son who keeps her busy and on her toes. She has previously held community positions with the North Carolina and DC Chapters of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters respectively. This has allowed Jenese to interact with a wider range of interpreters and deaf community members throughout the metropolitan area.  She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

David Robb 

David is a national RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) certified sign language interpreter. He has been interpreting in the Greater Philadelphia, Pa region since 1995.  Although nationally certified, he worked for 14 years as a ‘qualified’ freelance interpreter prior to certification. He has also served as adjunct faculty at the University of Valley Forge teaching ASL (American Sign Language) levels 1 and 2.  He is married with four children.  Before interpreting, David served in the Army for 6 ½ years.  His two boys are currently serving on active duty in the US Airforce.  David lives with his wife and two high school daughters in Delaware county, PA.