R.I.S.E. Presenters and Workshops
Who are YOU excited to see?
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Workshops listed in chronological order
Presenters listed in alphabetical order
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Workshops with (*) means that workshop is also offering a
Deliberate Practice Session
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In a Deliberate Practice Session, participants have the unique opportunity to have time with the presenter to deepen their understanding of the content from the workshop. The deliberate practice lab is designed to provide time for application of new knowledge in an interactive setting. Activities will extend the learning from the workshop session, discussions will address questions or clarifications about content, and extended time with colleagues and the presenter allow for co-creation of new knowledge.
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Friday, September 27th, 2024
Legal Interpreting: Plz Fix
​Presenters: Wendy Framson, MS, NIC & Vesselin Mitev, Esq
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 12:00pm (3 hours,)
Deliberate Practice Session: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 3:30pm (1.5 hours,)
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Interpreters are trained as general practitioners. Thus, most lack the basic foundational knowledge to successfully interpret in legal proceedings both in and out of a courtroom. While Bachelors and Masters level Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) may offer a basic, surface level, introduction to legal interpreting courses, these are usually taught by non legal professionals and provide few to no fundamental skills.
Additionally these classes are not considered a requirement of most ITPs.
Since 2016, when the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf National Interpreter Certification Special Certification:Legal was placed under moratorium, the field of interpreting has lacked not only the proper education providers , but the proper certifying body to provide proof of working knowledge.
Result: courts and the legal system can only offer deeply inadequate interpreting services or sometimes no interpreter at all; adjourning a case into the unforeseeable future and denying equal access to and understanding of a vastly complex system with critical impacts on those who are in it, including determination of rights to property, custody of children, and freedom or incarceration.
Our presentation will provide a starting point for interpreters looking to enter the field of legal interpreting to satisfy the demands of a courtroom and legal proceedings and address the ethical concerns of providing a sign language interpreter that is not qualified for potential life or death matters.
While many areas of interpreting are saturated with qualified interpreters, legal is not one of them. Attendees will learn first hand from a nationally well known attorney and high profile trial lawyer.
From Tension to Unity: Conflict Resolution Strategies for Interpreters
Presenter: Mychal Hadrich, MA, NIC
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 12:00pm (3 hours,)
Deliberate Practice Session: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 3:30pm (1.5 hours,)
Conflict is an inevitable part of any profession. As interpreters, we are responsible for confronting our colleagues when ethical or professional breaches occur. However, navigating these difficult conversations can be challenging especially when emotions run high and conflicting perspectives are at play. Before conflict resolution can begin we must first understand our physiological responses to stress and how to manage them. Once managed, we can utilize various frameworks of conflict resolution more easily. One such framework, nonviolent communication, has been shown to improve empathy among colleagues and consumers in various practicing professions.
This workshop will provide a platform to discuss the effects of interpersonal conflict on the interpreting profession and on ourselves. Through the framework of nonviolent communication, we will apply conflict resolution techniques to everyday work scenarios in a collaborative atmosphere.
Sight Translation Theory and Techniques
​Presenter: Randy Thuesen, MS, NIC, BEI Master
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 12:00pm (3 hours)
Deliberate Practice Sessions: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 3:30pm (1.5 hours) or
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9:45am (1.5 hours)
ASL-English interpreters encounter sight translation in various settings. It is also a required skill to demonstrate for achieving BEI certification. This workshop will briefly address translation theory and explore best practices and strategies in ENG-ASL sight translation to improve translation fidelity and clarity. After establishing fundamentals, participants will have the opportunity to apply what they learn in a small group practice setting.
Diagnosing Patterns of Practice
Presenter: Jeffery York, MS, NIC, Hub-CMI, EIPA 4+
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 12:00pm (1.5 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Friday, September 27, 2024 1:45pm (1.5 hours)
It is not uncommon for practitioners, interpreting students, and mentors alike to feel uncertain about where to begin the journey of improvement. This workshop is specifically tailored for interpreting students and practitioners focused on enhancing their self-analytical skills, and interpreter mentors who are dedicated to nurturing their mentees' development. Throughout the session, participants will explore interpreting work samples through the lens of language layers to better understand patterns of interpreting practice. By fostering this understanding, practitioners, mentors, and students will be empowered to identify and address discrepancies between language input and output. Whether you're a student, a seasoned interpreter refining self-analysis skill, or a mentor fostering mentees' growth, the Diagnosing Patterns of Practice workshop promises an enriching learning experience. It aims to deepen comprehension of language articulation and cultivate an enhanced ability to recognize and rectify ineffective interpreting patterns.
Navigating Mental Health Settings: Addressing Linguistic Diversity and Ethical Considerations
Presenter: Katy Schmidt Hagmeyer, LCSW
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 3:30pm (1.5 hours)
This presentation aims to explore the unique challenges considerations involved in interpreting within mental health settings, with a particular focus on linguistic diversity. This presentation will provide an overview of doing a quick assessment of the person’s linguistic abilities to provide effective communication as possible. It will provide interpreters with strategies and skills to execute accurate, culturally competent, and ethical communication, ultimately improving mental health outcomes for linguistically diverse populations.
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From Calamity to Tranquility: Understand and Support DHH & DB students In and Out of the Classroom
Presenters: Scott Kendziorski, Behavioral Health Consultant & Kallie Freel, MS, NIC, EIPA
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 6:00pm (3 hours)
OR
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:15pm (3 hours)
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​This workshop will focus on understanding better Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind students (DHH/DB), their mental health needs in and out of their classrooms, and in their home/ residential settings. DHH/DB students often connect and share their feelings of stress, happiness, or other emotions with their parents and caregivers, including their Educational Interpreters, rather than others on their educational teams due to their unique relationships. This workshop will give participants a better understanding of the types of trauma, triggers, and how to reduce and respond to students in crisis. Because this impacts students and interpreters alike, Self-Care and Compassion Resilience will be introduced in this workshop. Social emotional learning is unique to DHH/DB students and will be examined on how to distinguish the relationships of DHH/DB students and their peers. In addition, attendees will build their own toolbox of resources and be able to share this with their school team, especially their Student Service Program or Pupil Services team.
And Left Sweet Pyramus Translated There: Understanding and Interpreting Shakespeare
Presenter: Lindsey D. Snyder, PhD, CI
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 6:00pm (3 hours)
In this session, participants will delve beyond the theatrical realm to explore Shakespeare's enduring influence across various facets of life, from business meetings to everyday conversations. We'll embark on a journey to unravel the rich tapestry of Shakespearean language and imagery, understanding its significance in contemporary contexts.
This workshop equips you with invaluable strategies to enhance your ability to decipher Shakespearean texts for deeper meaning. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, you'll sharpen your text analysis skills, honing in on the nuances of dramatic poetry unique to Shakespeare's works.
Moreover, we'll delve into the art of visualization and production, empowering you to craft interpretations that are both accurate and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're a seasoned interpreter or a newcomer to the Bard's world, this workshop offers a comprehensive toolkit to navigate and interpret Shakespeare with confidence and flair.
How to Empower Yourself in Competitive Economic Market: Transforming from Exploitation to Empowerment
Presenter: Justin D. Vollmar, MA, CDI
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 6pm (3 hours)
The history behind the contractual nature and self-employment in the business sphere is a complex tapestry woven from various economic, social, and legal threads. Understanding this history can indeed empower interpreters and other workers to navigate the intricacies of the labor market more effectively. There will be many discussion points for small group breakouts and open forum discussions.
1. The Rise of Service Economy and Gig Economy: In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, the U.S. economy transformed manufacturing into services. This shift led to the rise of the gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work.
2. Profit Maximization: In the U.S. corporate-capitalist system, the overarching goal for many businesses is profit maximization and minimization of quality in the service. The current regulatory market has made independent contractors vulnerable to economic exploitation.
3. Enhance Your Professional Prestige and Negotiation Skills: Participants will develop practical negotiation skills to effectively advocate for fair and favorable contract terms, including strategies for asserting their rights and maximizing their value in the labor market. Learn how to articulate your value proposition and justify your rates based on your skills, experience, and the outcomes you can deliver.
4. Collaboration and Collective Action: Participants will learn about the benefits of collaboration and collective action among interpreters, including the use of professional networks, cooperative ventures, and understanding your real market value to enhance their collective benefits and achieve greater economic security.
Empowering interpreters and other workers in this context involves understanding the labor market dynamics, negotiating fair contracts, and advocating for policies that protect workers' rights. Ultimately, by gaining a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary forces shaping contractual and self-employment relationships, interpreters can make more informed decisions about their employment and contracts in the competitive economic market.
Finding Your Place: Interpreting Ethics in High-Risk Settings
Presenters: Katy Schmidt Hagmeyer, LCSW & Sandy Peplinski, BS, CI, CT, QMHI, SC:L
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 6:00pm (1.5 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 7:45pm (1.5 hours)
Interpreting in high-risk settings, such as medical emergencies, legal proceedings, and mental health crises, poses unique ethical challenges. Interpreters must navigate complex situations where their decisions can significantly impact outcomes. This presentation explores the ethical principles guiding interpreters in such environments, emphasizing the importance of professional integrity, cultural competence, and emotional resilience.
Saturday, September 28th 2024
BEI Certification Deep Dive and Success Strategies
Presenter: Randy Thuesen, MS, NIC, BEI Master
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am (3 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Sunday, September 29 at 11:30am (1.5 hours)
The prevalence and availability of the Board for Evaluation of Interpreter (BEI) certifications continue to grow. This workshop will provide an overview of the components of the BEI Test of English Proficiency (TEP) and performance exams. We will also explore the eligibility criteria unique to Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin and licensure requirements.
Ethical Practice of Growth Mindset
Presenter: Meagan Beaty, Ed.D., NIC
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am (3 hours) OR Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9:45am (3 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:15pm (1.5 hours)
The practice of being multiculturally aware and sensitive within the field of interpreting is an emerging ethical practice. Exploring a sign language interpreter’s cultural competencies challenges them to understand their own position within situations as well as the positions of those involved. When interpreters are engaged in this critical work, they are able to consistently exhibit interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that reflect wholehearted positive regard for individuals within diverse cultural positions. This workshop will focus on self-analysis through Growth Mindset and engaging the participants in activities that will enhance their understanding of how to improve communication dynamics with individuals they will encounter through their work as professional interpreter educators. The overarching goal of this workshop is for participants to understand the influence they have on interactions with others, especially with others who have a worldview and life experiences different than their own.
Empowering Deaf Survivors: Navigating Power, Privilege, and Oppression
Presenters: Anna Dorst, Empowerment Director & Greta Surprenant, Empowerment Director
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am (3 hours)
Discover a transformative workshop tailored for folks who are dedicated to supporting and empowering deaf survivors. This radical, culturally responsive, and professional training equips you with essential tools and knowledge to adeptly interpret for trauma survivors with compassion and expertise. Gain insights into navigating boundaries while empowering survivors and maintaining professionalism through empathetic support. Explore self-care strategies to manage personal and secondary trauma and learn culturally responsive practices that honor diverse backgrounds. By blending professional excellence with heartfelt compassion, our goal is to foster a safe and supportive environment for deaf survivors. This workshop goes beyond skill enhancement—it cultivates a community of interpreters committed to approaching their work with love, respect, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by deaf survivors. Together, let's create a space where interpreters and survivors alike can flourish.
Collaboration in Education: The Key to Success for K12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Presenters: Kallie Freel, MS, NIC, EIPA & Tracy Dworak, MS, Licensed DHH Teacher
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am (1.5 hours) OR
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9:45am (1.5 hours)
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Deliberate Practice Sessions: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:15am (1.5 hours) OR
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 11:30am (1.5 hours)
While working within a school system, there are a variety of people involved in the success of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students' education. Educational interpreters must work collaboratively alongside the DHH teacher to ensure success for the DHH student. Sometimes this is easier said than done. We will identify opportunities from your everyday work where you can come together as a united force to support the students educational goals. Partnering the work between educational interpreters and the DHH teacher, we are able to find parallels from a variety of curriculums and instructional practices. Finally, you will be able to create an action plan for ways that you will intentionally seek out a joint partnership with your DHH teacher this school year. Let’s dive into learning some ways that you can develop, grow and maintain this working relationship to ensure student centered success.
From Calamity to Tranquility: Understand and Support DHH & DB students In and Out of the Classroom
Presenters: Scott Kendziorski, Behavioral Health Consultant & Kallie Freel, MS, NIC, EIPA
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Workshop: Friday, September 27, 2024 at 6:00pm (3 hours)
OR
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:15pm (3 hours)
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​This workshop will focus on understanding better Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind students (DHH/DB), their mental health needs in and out of their classrooms, and in their home/ residential settings. DHH/DB students often connect and share their feelings of stress, happiness, or other emotions with their parents and caregivers, including their Educational Interpreters, rather than others on their educational teams due to their unique relationships. This workshop will give participants a better understanding of the types of trauma, triggers, and how to reduce and respond to students in crisis. Because this impacts students and interpreters alike, Self-Care and Compassion Resilience will be introduced in this workshop. Social emotional learning is unique to DHH/DB students and will be examined on how to distinguish the relationships of DHH/DB students and their peers. In addition, attendees will build their own toolbox of resources and be able to share this with their school team, especially their Student Service Program or Pupil Services team.
Dynamic Duos: Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Certified Hearing and
Deaf Interpreter Teams in High-Stakes Interpreting Spaces
Presenter: Lindsey D. Snyder, PhD, CI
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:15pm (1.5 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:00pm (1.5 hours)
In the fast-paced world of platform, conference, and diplomatic interpreting, the partnership between Certified Hearing Interpreters (CHIs) and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) forms a potent blend of language mastery and cultural acumen. This presentation explores the intricacies of CHI-CDI teamwork at the White House, highlighting practical skills to teamwork in a high-stakes environment.
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The recent surge in demand for CDIs underscores the need for comprehensive training programs that prepare interpreters to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural terrains. Traditional training often emphasizes linguistic skills, but the unique role of CDIs calls for specialized training in visual-spatial processing, cultural mediation, and rapport-building. It also requires a particular set of skills for the CHI’s who work in concert with them including preparation proficiencies, feeding, monitoring, and rapport building.
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To navigate the cultural and interpersonal dynamics of CHI-CDI collaboration, finesse, flexibility, and mutual respect are essential. Through ongoing dialogue and innovation, CHI-CDI teams can break down barriers, amplify voices, and contribute to a more inclusive society. This presentation will discuss the practical approaches, insights for developing professional practice, and the potential for further exploration into training.
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Should I Sign That?
Presenters: Wendy Framson, MS, NIC & Vesselin Mitev, Esq
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:15pm (1.5 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:00pm (1.5 hours)
In the world of freelance sign language interpreting, we’re often sent off into the field with little to no understanding of how to navigate direct contracts and negotiations with agencies. We’re told we need terms of service, and we may have to set our own rates. However, Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) do not teach us how to navigate this part of our career. In our presentation, Mr. Mitev will take us through all the pitfalls we may experience as interpreters in the freelance world and how to assure we have a strong contract to protect us as independent contractors.
Keynote Presentation:
“What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There: Planning for Career-long Job Satisfaction”
Presenter: Robyn K. Dean, PhD, CI/CT
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Presentation: Saturday, September 28 at 5:45pm (1 hour)
Deliberate Practice Session: Q&A Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9:45am (1.5 hours)
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Dr. Robyn K Dean’s keynote address will inspire conference attendees to consider the conference theme through the lens of her ongoing scholarly works. The aim of this presentation is to share insights from her research findings and teachings to spark dialogue for interpreters regarding practitioner development.
Sunday, September 29th 2024
Endnote Presentation
“Bridging Two Worlds: Elevating ASL Interpreting through Cultural Competency,
Shifting Mindsets, and Trusting the Process”
Presenter: Christopher Johnson, MA
Presentation: Sunday, September 29 at 8:00am (1.5 hours)
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Ethical Practice of Growth Mindset
Presenter: Meagan Beaty, Ed.D., NIC
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Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am (3 hours) OR Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9:45am (3 hours)
Deliberate Practice Session: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:15pm (1.5 hours)
The practice of being multiculturally aware and sensitive within the field of interpreting is an emerging ethical practice. Exploring a sign language interpreter’s cultural competencies challenges them to understand their own position within situations as well as the positions of those involved. When interpreters are engaged in this critical work, they are able to consistently exhibit interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that reflect wholehearted positive regard for individuals within diverse cultural positions. This workshop will focus on self-analysis through Growth Mindset and engaging the participants in activities that will enhance their understanding of how to improve communication dynamics with individuals they will encounter through their work as professional interpreter educators. The overarching goal of this workshop is for participants to understand the influence they have on interactions with others, especially with others who have a worldview and life experiences different than their own.
Collaboration in Education: The Key to Success for K12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Presenters: Kallie Freel, MS, NIC, EIPA & Tracy Dworak, MS, Licensed DHH Teacher
​
Workshop: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am (1.5 hours) OR
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9:45am (1.5 hours)
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Deliberate Practice Sessions: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:15am (1.5 hours) OR
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 11:30am (1.5 hours)
While working within a school system, there are a variety of people involved in the success of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students' education. Educational interpreters must work collaboratively alongside the DHH teacher to ensure success for the DHH student. Sometimes this is easier said than done. We will identify opportunities from your everyday work where you can come together as a united force to support the students educational goals. Partnering the work between educational interpreters and the DHH teacher, we are able to find parallels from a variety of curriculums and instructional practices. Finally, you will be able to create an action plan for ways that you will intentionally seek out a joint partnership with your DHH teacher this school year. Let’s dive into learning some ways that you can develop, grow and maintain this working relationship to ensure student centered success.
Meagan Beaty, Ed.D., NIC
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Ethical Practice of Growth Mindset*
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Meagan Beaty, Ed.D., NIC has been a working interpreter since 2011. Meeting her wife and having her three beautiful children has been the greatest honor she’s had, with her work as Program Coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Interpreter Education Program a close second. Dr. Beaty has a passion for lifting up those around her, raising her children, and raising up new interpreters in the field. She is grateful for the chance to connect and hopes to leave a lasting positive impact on those attending the workshop.
Robyn K. Dean, CI/CT, PhD
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Robyn K. Dean, CI/CT, PhD has been a nationally certified signed language interpreter for over thirty years with particular service in the field of healthcare. Her scholarship in decision-making and ethics in community interpreting is recognized internationally. Dr. Dean has over twenty publications, all of which focus on the theoretical and pedagogical frameworks used to advance the practice of community interpreters. Dr. Dean is currently an Associate Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she is the lead instructor on the Institute’s postgraduate degree in healthcare interpretation.
Anna Dorst, Empowerment Director
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Empowering Deaf Survivors: Navigating Power, Privilege, and Oppression
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Anna was born and raised in Wisconsin and attended the Wisconsin School for the Deaf. She earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She works as the Empowerment Director for Deaf Unity, providing direct services to the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf individuals with disabilities who are victims of Domestic/Sexual Violence. Anna is very passionate about being involved in social movements and finding ways to reduce violence without relying on existing systems. As a form of self-care, she enjoys taking her dog for walks and spending time in nature.
Tracy Dworak, MS
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Collaboration in Education: The Key to Success for K12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students*
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Tracy Dworak, MS, graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 2017, and returned to complete her Masters in Deaf Education in 2020. Tracy’s most recent work was in a dual-role position as a licensed DHH Teacher and Educational Interpreter. In addition to her 7 years of experience in Deaf Education, she interprets for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. Being a mother of 3 littles has led her towards the journey to becoming a stay-at-home mom, but not before she shares her knowledge as a professional in both roles with a passion of doing “right” by the students we are privileged to work for.
Wendy Framson, MS, NIC
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Legal Interpreting: Plz Fix* & Should I Sign That?*
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Wendy Framson is a highly skilled and nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter based in New York. She holds a Master’s degree in American Sign Language Interpreting from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language interpreting from the prestigious Rochester Institute for Technology. With over a decade of experience in the field of interpreting, Wendy has worked with a wide range of clients in various settings, including educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations.
Currently, Wendy is employed by the New York State court system, where she provides essential interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals involved in court proceedings. Her ability to accurately convey complex legal terminology and concepts in American Sign Language has been instrumental in ensuring equal access to justice for all parties involved.
Kallie Freel, MS, NIC, EIPA
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Collaboration in Education: The Key to Success for K12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students* &
From Calamity to Tranquility: Understand and Support DHH & DB students In and Out of the Classroom
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Kallie Freel, MA, NIC, EIPA- graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 2017 and in 2021 obtained her Masters of Arts in Interpreting Studies: Teaching Interpreting with an Education Interpreting Certificate from Western Oregon University. Kallie interprets in a variety of settings and also works as an educational consultant with WESP-DHH. She also enjoys opportunities to come alongside current and future interpreters in the field as a mentor and coach. However, Kallie’s full time work in K-12 is where her passion for raising the standards and respect for K-12 Education Interpreters has sprung from.
Mychal Hadrich, MA, NIC
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From Tension to Unity: Conflict Resolution Strategies for Interpreters*
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Mychal Hadrich, a transplant to South Dakota, works as a community interpreter, adjunct interpreting instructor, and interpreting mentor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sign Language Interpreting from Augustana University and a Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies with certificates in interpreting education and interpreting research from Western Oregon University. Mychal is nationally certified through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and has served in multiple capacities in various professional organizations. Mychal values spending quality time with his family and friends and can often be found playing board games or riding his bike in his free time.
Christopher Johnson, MA
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Early Years and Personal Growth
Christopher D. Johnson, or CJ in the deaf community, was born in rural western Georgia as the first deaf child in his family. With support from his brother, Emmanuel Johnson, M.D., CJ pursued academic excellence, earning a degree in Sport Management from the University of West Georgia. His journey was one of resilience, navigating life without a role model or mentor and with limited exposure to ASL. After graduating in 2013, CJ embraced his identity as a Black deaf bicultural male by committing to not only education but also leadership development.
Community Engagement and Leadership
In 2018, CJ earned a Graduate Assistantship at Gallaudet University and completed a Master's in Sign Language Education. He also taught ASL at Northern Virginia Community College. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, CJ is now pursuing a terminal degree in Leadership in Higher Education and a Legal Studies certificate. As Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence at the University of Cincinnati, his primary focus is supporting neurodivergent and underrepresented students through the implementation of an Inclusive Excellence maturity plan, drawing from frameworks like Inclusive Excellence and Disability Justice. His leadership roles continue to impact the deaf community, advocating for equity and inclusion in deaf and higher education.
Scott Kendziorski, Behavioral Health Consultant
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From Calamity to Tranquility: Understand and Support DHH & DB students In and Out of the Classroom
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Scott Kendzorski currently works as the Behavioral Health Consultant for Outreach Services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind. He has worked with Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind students for more than 30 years in schools, treatment centers, homes, residential programs, and communities focusing on mental health and social support. He has provided countless sessions with students on social skills, anger management, bullying, coping skills and restorative practice individually, in groups, and with professionals. Scott has also provided communication support for language deprived and language dysfluent students in a variety of situations such as academic, behavior interventions, family mediation, health, medical, meetings, and law enforcement. Not only working with DHH and DB students, Scott has worked with professionals and families as well.
Vesselin Mitev, Esq
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Legal Interpreting: Plz Fix* & Should I Sign That?*
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Mr. Mitev has successfully tried hundreds of cases and conducted hearings at every trial-level court level in New York (District, County, Family, and Supreme), as well as in the Federal Courts and at myriad administrative agencies.
His cases have made international headlines, and are regularly headline news, including the Long Island Serial Killer, the defense of a Hong Kong arms dealer, and the celebrity divorces of socialites and politicians, to name a few.
In a career spanning three decades, over 70 of Mr. Mitev’s precedent-setting cases have also drawn the attention of the nation’s most prestigious legal publication, the New York Law Journal, widely known as the legal journal of record for the bench and bar for over 200 years. He has argued over 50 matters in various appellate courts, including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals twice.
Sandy Peplinski, BS, CI, CT, QMHI, SC:L​
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Finding Your Place: Interpreting Ethics in High-Risk Settings*​​
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Sandy has been an interpreter for 25 years. As a Child of Deaf Adults, she has a deep
understanding of deaf culture and the communication struggles deaf individuals experience. She specializes in legal and mental health interpreting. She also attended the Interpreter Training Program at UW-Milwaukee. She is registered to provide interpreting services through the Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR). She is the first recipient of the Outstanding Interpreter Award (2017) from the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf for her work in the deaf community. She is a guest lecturer at the Interpreter Training Program at UWM-Milwaukee.
Katy Schmidt Hagmeyer, LCSW
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Navigating Mental Health Settings: Addressing Linguistic Diversity and Ethical Considerations & Finding Your Place: Interpreting Ethics in High-Risk Settings*
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Katy Schmidt Hagmeyer, LCSW, is a well-known leader in the Wisconsin Deaf Community and owner of Deaf Inspire, LLC, which provides clinical and community-based services. She has an extensive background in mental health, with a specific interest in trauma and language deprivation. Katy has experience in leadership development, healthcare management, and education. She is a former President of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf and currently serves on several governor-appointed councils. Katy holds Master's Degrees in Social Work and School Psychology.
Lindsey D. Snyder, PhD, CI
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And Left Sweet Pyramus Translated There: Understanding and Interpreting Shakespeare &
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Dr. Lindsey D. Snyder is an ASL/English/IS interpreter and educator, Shakespeare/performance studies scholar, and theatre practitioner. In 2021, Lindsey was hired as the first on staff CHI (certified hearing interpreter) at the White House to team with the first on staff CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter). As a freelance interpreter she specializes in Shakespeare, performing arts, diplomatic/Federal interpreting, conference interpreting, and higher education. Lindsey recently consulted with Shakespeare’s Globe in London and was the project lead/director for the Royal Shakespeare Company Macbeth translation. As an educator, She has been an adjunct instructor and guest speaker at various universities. She is currently working with the American Shakespeare Center, The Royal National Theatre, and the Stratford Theatre Festival.
Greta Surprenant, Empowerment Director
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Empowering Deaf Survivors: Navigating Power, Privilege, and Oppression
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Greta Surprenant is the Empowerment Director at Deaf Unity, bringing a unique perspective as a third-generation Deaf individual. Her work is centered on advocacy, survivor-centered services, transformative and restorative justice, aiming to empower survivors and address systemic injustices. With a strong commitment to anti-violence efforts, Greta has extensive experience in Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Victim of Crime support.
Greta pursued studies in Social Work at Gallaudet University, underscoring her dedication to social justice. Beyond her professional roles, she enjoys traveling, community engagement, and playing volleyball, prioritizing quality time with her family.
Randy Thuesen, MS, NIC, BEI Master
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Sight Translation Theory and Techniques* &
BEI Certification Deep Dive and Success Strategies*
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Randy, a Texas native and certified interpreter (NIC, BEI Master), has been involved with the Deaf and DeafBlind communities since he was a young boy and enjoys giving back to them. For the past 20 years, Randy has enjoyed interpreting in mental health, educational, medical, legal, and conference settings, but his heart lies with teaching. He started teaching interpreting in the Greater Houston area in 2006 and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of ASL & Interpreting Studies at the University of Northern Colorado. Greeley, Colorado is home for Randy, his wife Ramichelle, and their 2 dogs.
Randy is an alumnus of the University of North Florida's Interpreter Pedagogy program. More recently, his fascination with diagnostic assessment of interpreter performance has helped him frame his work with students and mentees in a new light. He enjoys learning from the experiences of others, fostering dialogue, and making meaningful connections.
Justin D. Vollmar, MA, CDI
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Justin D. Vollmar is a multifaceted individual with a diverse background spanning academia, interpreting, social media influence, teaching, and community leadership. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Deaf and Labor History at Northern Illinois University, Justin's research interests lie at the intersection of the Deaf Economy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Gallaudet University and a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University. He is a part-time ASL lecturer at the University of Wisconsin.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Justin is a RID-certified deaf Interpreter and a Wisconsin Court-certified interpreter. As a successful social media influencer, Justin has amassed a significant following with over 8.5 million views on various platforms. Justin has demonstrated exceptional leadership as an associate and executive director of nonprofit organizations for ten years. Justin is a proud Wisconsin native from a fourth-generation Deaf family. He is privileged to come from a family with multiple Deaf school teachers and ASL interpreters.
Jeffery York, MS, NIC, Hub-CMI, EIPA 4+
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Diagnosing Patterns of Practice*
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Jeffery holds a BA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an MS in ASL-English Interpreting Pedagogy from the University of North Florida, and a graduate certificate in Education of the Deaf Hard of Hearing from Missouri State University. He is currently enrolled at Western Carolina University in an Ed.D. Program with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership.
Jeffery has 30 years of interpreting experience and holds NIC certification and full licensure in North Carolina, as well as, Hub-CMI from the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters.
In addition to his interpreting career, Jeffery has assumed a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of interpreters in academia and non-profit organizations. He has served as the Interpreter Preparation Program Coordinator at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, NC, since August 2020. Most recently, he was named the Executive Director of ASL-Owl, a non-profit organization dedicated to building the capacity of interpreting students and working interpreters. Jeffery actively contributes to the field as a workshop presenter and mentor, sharing his expertise and passion for interpreting with diverse audiences.
