ABOUT

Lenore has devoted over 38 years to teaching ASL at various colleges, universities, and deaf schools. She is an ASL proficiency evaluator/rater and has held the presidencies of FASLTA and Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf Alumni Association. Currently, Lenore is a full-time ASL Specialist at FSDB and an Adjunct Professor at Flagler College. She holds two master’s degrees in social work and Educational Leadership.

Vicci, who has been deaf since birth and is a native New Yorker, strongly believes in the power of communication, the need for communication between two worlds, and the importance of bridging those worlds. Vicci's mother worked as an interpreter for thirty years, which inspired her own desire to contribute to the community. Empowering others by providing a valuable and essential service holds great significance for Vicci. This drive motivates her to push herself and those around her to achieve excellence. Vicci graduated from NTID/RIT with a degree in Interior Design. Following her graduation, she spent almost eight years working in the Hospitality industry as a project designer. During her free time, Vicci enjoys brewing vegan specialty coffees and cooking. She is also a volunteer at the North Carolina Museum of Arts for ASL Tours.

David Thacker Bowell has been involved in the field of Deaf Education for 30 years, serving many roles. His last role was the principal of “47” The American Sign Language and English Lower School (PS 347). David retired from the New York City Public Schools in 2022 and currently is an ASL instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Born and raised in Kansas, David currently lives in New York City with his son. In his spare time, David enjoys traveling, word puzzles, and the theater.

I defended my Sign Language Linguistics thesis in December 2022 at the University of Paris 8. Currently, I'm a postdoctoral researcher at EHESS in Paris and a proud father of two girls. My career includes teaching LSF in France and abroad, and I'm fluent in five languages, including four sign languages. I enjoy traveling, meeting new friends, exploring gastronomies, and watching movies.

Hi there! I’m Kristen, I have a toilet trained cat, and a wonderfully loyal dog who knows sign language. Got your attention there, didn’t I? I’m also one of the sign language hub teachers, a deaf interpreter, and deaf advocate in the Washington DC area. I was fortunate to have a deaf family and fully integrated signing environment growing up, which makes me a native & Fluent asl user. Thank you for your motivation in learning sign language and interest in being part of our diverse community!

Mayra is the Director of Camp Sol of the Deaf, Inc since 2016, a camp dedicated to empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth of color. As an ASL teacher at Barnstable Academy HS for students with disabilities, she fosters language acquisition and development. Born Deaf in 1964 to Cuban refugees, Mayra's journey was filled with challenges. Her passion for Deaf language and culture was ignited at the National Technical Institute of the Deaf, and she later graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Psychology in 1997. With over 25 years of experience, Mayra has worked with various non-profit agencies, offering human services, mental health support, and case management to Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients. Through her work and leadership, she strives to be a role model and advocate within the Deaf community.

Meet Gloria from IL. She is a third generation deaf. She received her B.A. in Social Work from Gallaudent University and her Master in Social Work from University of Maryland. She worked as a therapist for deaf people while teaching ASL on the side for many years. After retirement from social work, she continued teaching ASL. Gloria loves to do many fun things such as making crafts, hiking, working out, hanging out with friends and reading.

I earned my master’s degrees in Elementary Education from McDaniel College and in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. My background includes having worked as an ASL instructor in a variety of settings, from high school to college. I am an animal lover and have been working as a rover for 2 years. My passion is telling ASL stories including reading aloud to young Deaf children. My hobbies are hiking, camping and doing art stuff such as drawing.

With over 25 years of experience teaching ASL, I am passionate about helping students enhance their ASL skills and advocating for their growth. Originally from California, I moved to Maryland to study at Gallaudet University, where I proudly earned my BA in Deaf Studies with a minor in Linguistics. My life is enriched by my wonderful family—my fabulous wife and our five daughters, all Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs). Teaching ASL is not only my profession but my lifelong passion, and I am committed to empowering each student to connect more deeply with the Deaf community through language and culture.