Two hands signing ascending

Deaf In Healthcare Summit for Interpreters

Ascending in the New Normal

April 8-10, 2022

Join us for the 2nd ever #DeafInHealthcare Summit for Interpreters!

A total of 1.5 CEUs will be offered during this action-packed, virtual summit. Sessions range from hands-on workshops to panel discussions focused on providing interpreters with insight, solutions and best practices to position Deaf and hard of hearing clients for success in healthcare settings!

We are also partnering with the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses to host a pre-conference that will provide interpreters with the skills, knowledge and resources to support Deaf and hard of hearing medical professionals in clinical settings.

Conference Registration

Registration for the 2022 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters is closed.

Agenda

Meet Our Presenters

  • Ami Garry, MSW

    Ami Garry, MSW

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Ami Garry is a Deaf Certified Reiki Master Teacher currently working within the field of Energy Medicine. With her background and expertise in mental health, victim services, and trauma-informed care, Ami provides training, workshops and consultation services to those working within legal, mental health, medical, human services, and educational settings.

  • Carla Shird, CDI

    Carla Shird, CDI

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Carla Shird is a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). She has expertise in providing workshops, consultation, mentorship, and mental health counseling including working with ASL users. Carla is passionate about helping people create self-awareness, practice self-care, and becoming more connected with themselves, others, and their purposes.

  • Carolyn R. Stern, MD

    Carolyn R. Stern, MD

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Carolyn R. Stern, MD is a Deaf Family Physician. Currently, she serves as a Medical Director and School Physician at Rochester School for the Deaf, and as an Instructor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at the University of Rochester as an Urgent Care physician. She is a co-founder of DeafDOC.org, her website with numerous health education videos. She has cared for thousands of Deaf, Hard of Hearing (D/HH), and hearing patients and the extended D/HH community.

  • Crom Saunders

    Crom Saunders

    (HE/HIM/HIS)

    Crom Saunders is currently Director of Deaf Studies at the American Sign Language Department of Columbia College, Chicago. Crom has interpreted dozens of plays, from children’s theatre to musicals, including at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and has taught dozens of ASL linguistics and theatrical workshops across the nation, in addition to working as a Director of ASL for several theatre companies across the nation. Crom also performs his one person show, “Cromania!” internationally. And yes, the eyebrows are real.

  • Jaime A.B. Wilson, Ph.D., ABN, ABPP

    Jaime A.B. Wilson, Ph.D., ABN, ABPP

    (he/his/him)

    Dr. Wilson is a medical psychologist and board-certified neuropsychologist. He provides an array of neuropsychological and psychological health care services through a private practice, Wilson Clinical Services, PLLC. As a Past President of the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses, Dr. Wilson presently serves as a member of the AMPHL board of directors. He is also presently Chair of the Diversity Committee for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology. Dr. Wilson received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University. He is presently in his final year of the master’s program in clinical psychopharmacology at Alliant International University.

  • Keven Poore, MA, CDI, CASAC II

    Keven Poore, MA, CDI, CASAC II

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Keven Poore is the Director of Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf (SAISD) at NTID. He received his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University. He provides workshops – primarily in Behavioral Health interpreting, Deaf Interpreting and Deaf/Hearing Interpreting Teams. He is also an instructor at NTID’s Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting program.

  • Korian “Koko” DeMont Thomas

    Korian “Koko” DeMont Thomas

    (he/his/him)

    Korian “Koko” DeMont Thomas was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended mainstream schools. He earned a Bachelor degree in Social Work and a Master degree in Public Administrate from Gallaudet University and a Master degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the university of North Texas.

  • Lauren Curran, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

    Lauren Curran, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Lauren Curran is currently a nurse practitioner at the University of Rochester Medical Center working outpatient in medical oncology. She primarily sees breast cancer patients and adult patients over the age of 65+ or with multiple co-morbidities in a specialized geriatric clinic. Lauren works with a dedicated team of designated interpreters. She is passionate about palliative care and end-of-life issues and what it means to have "a good death."

  • Nicole Fleming, RN, BSN

    Nicole Fleming, RN, BSN

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Nicole Fleming (she/her) is a Deaf nurse based in Rochester, NY. She attended University of Rochester where she studied ASL, Biology, and Nursing. She currently practices at Golisano Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Emergency Department, which treats more than 25,000 patients per year.

  • Nigel Howard

    Nigel Howard

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Nigel Howard is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. He used to work at Douglas College – the Program of Sign Language Interpretation (INTR), and Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS) for 25 years. Nigel has interpreted for nearly 30 years in various settings, including medical and mental health settings. He is an Accredited International Sign Interpreter by the World Federation of the Deaf and World Association of Sign Language Interpreters. He is part of the United Nations team of International Sign interpreters and interprets frequently on media.

  • RONDA MORIARTY, PT, DPT

    RONDA MORIARTY, PT, DPT

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Dr. Ronda Moriarty is the CEO of Ergologics. She is a highly qualified and experienced ergonomic professional with over 15 years of experience in physical therapy and ergonomics and over 8,000 workplace assessments. Ronda has outstanding client relations with comprehensive knowledge of assessments, interventions, and outcomes for decreased risk of injury or illness as well as increased productivity while promoting health, safety, and wellness. She has expertise in work-related injury prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, posture and body mechanics.

  • Shazia Siddiqi, MD, MPH

    Shazia Siddiqi, MD, MPH

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Dr. Shazia Siddiqi is a Staff Scientist at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA. Her current research is focused on conducting community-based participatory research strategies with Deaf populations worldwide and analyzing relationships between trauma and health outcomes in Deaf community.

Meet Our Panelists

  • April Jackson-Woodard, BS, DI, BDFA

    April Jackson-Woodard, BS, DI, BDFA

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    April Jackson-Woodard is a Missouri native who now calls Maryland home. April was born and raised in a multigenerational Deaf family. April grew up in public school then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and minor in Fine Arts specializing in Theatre and Production at Gallaudet University in 2012. She became a Deaf interpreter professional in 2018. April specializes in the interpretations of Black American Sign Language (BASL), platform/conference, medical, legal, Tactile/ProTactile, International sign and theatre settings - locally, nationally and internationally.

  • Colleen Thayer, MA, MS, CDI, SC:L, QMHI

    Colleen Thayer, MA, MS, CDI, SC:L, QMHI

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Colleen Thayer is a Certified Deaf Interpreter based in Oregon. She attended Western Oregon University and studied ASL/English Interpretation (BA). She then earned a Masters of Science in Deaf Education and a Masters of Art in Organizational Management/Leadership. She also holds both the Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L) from RID and the Qualified Mental Health Interpreter (QMHI) certifications. Colleen has been interpreting professionally for over 20 years and she currently interprets in person primarily in the Pacific Northwest and by video nationally.

  • Jeremy Quiroga, MFA, CDI

    Jeremy Quiroga, MFA, CDI

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Jeremy Quiroga continues to share his love of life and his language through workshops and performances nationally. He started out as a medical interpreter by becoming the first staff CDI for the University of Rochester Medical Center. From that point forward medical interpreting became his focus. By combining his CATIE Center training, his ASL mastery skills & life experience, Jeremy provides interpreter workshops with a phenomenal range of tools for the medical setting. Currently, Jeremy works as a VRI interpreter in medical setting.

  • Josephine "Josie" Krueger

    Josephine "Josie" Krueger

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Josephine "Josie" Krueger identifies as a transgender woman. Her transition journey started when she was 46 and she has reached most of her goals in her transition. Currently, she is just about to finish the last class at Gallaudet University in the MA in Sign Language Education program. Some cool facts: she has a tiny 4 lb dog with one eye named Bigfoot, two snakes, three sugar gliders, and two rats at home.

  • Jose-Ovi Velasquez

    Jose-Ovi Velasquez

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    José-Ovi Velasquez was born in Mexico. He has an older Deaf sister. He moved to the United States when he was 2 years old. He attended the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) in San Antonio, Texas. Upon graduation, he attended Gallaudet University for his AAS and Bachelor degrees. He has been involved in many Deaf Community Organizations for many years. He is currently a board member of Gallaudet University Alumni Association and a member of the board of trustees for the South Texas Community for the Deaf. He teaches American Sign Language classes at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley.

  • Katy Schmidt, MSW, LCSW

    Katy Schmidt, MSW, LCSW

    (SHE/HER/HERS)

    Katy Schmidt is a current psychotherapist with the Glassman Neuropsychology Associates and operates her business, DeafInspire. Katy holds a BSW from Rochester Institute of Technology and a MSW from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Katy is also a recent appointee on the Wisconsin’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Council. In addition, Katy has also served the deaf/interpreting community in a various capacities, including as a deaf and interpreter mentor and as an evaluator.

  • Keven Poore, MA, CDI, CASAC II

    Keven Poore, MA, CDI, CASAC II

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Keven Poore is the Director of Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf (SAISD) at NTID. He received his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University. He provides workshops – primarily in Behavioral Health interpreting, Deaf Interpreting and Deaf/Hearing Interpreting Teams. He is also an instructor at NTID’s Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting program.

  • Kriston Lee Pumphrey

    Kriston Lee Pumphrey

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Kriston Lee Pumphrey identifies as Black, Deaf, and Queer. Originally from Seattle, WA, he now resides in Detroit, MI. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Communications with a focus in Advertisement and Public Relations from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Kriston’s penchant for community organizing, advocacy, and storytelling has led him to his current position as CSD Unites Community Foundation’s Community Engagement Manager where he focuses on facilitating and engaging with deaf nonprofits and service providers to identify and promote opportunities for capacity development.

  • Lorne Farovitch, PhD

    Lorne Farovitch, PhD

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Dr. Lorne Farovitch is a deaf infectious disease epidemiologist with records of successful research projects, response to public health emergencies, community engagements, and developing more inclusive and accessible services for marginalized populations. Dr. Farovitch works as a surveillance and epidemiology COVID-19 data analyst at the NYC Department of Health. He was born to a deaf family with a strong deaf culture and attended deaf school, Gallaudet University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Rochester Medical Center.

  • Shawn Vriezen, CDI, QMHI

    Shawn Vriezen, CDI, QMHI

    (HE/HIS/HIM)

    Shawn Vriezen is a native Minnesotan who has been interpreting professionally since 2008 and has worked full time as a medical interpreter in video remote settings since 2017. When available, Shawn contracts to provide interpreting services for his local community. He has co-presented several workshops at the biannual Deaf Interpreter Conference held in Oregon in 2019, focusing on the merits of Deaf Interpreters in the Interpreting field, growing a supportive network and utilization of CDIs within the video remote interpreting field. In addition to CDI certification, Shawn is certified as a Qualified Mental Health Interpreter (QMHI), and is one of four CDIs holding both certifications in the US.

A Pre-Conference: An Exciting Addition to the Summit

Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses (AMPHL) is collaborating with 2axend to co-host the pre-conference and, ultimately, provide interpreters with the skills, knowledge and resources to support Deaf and hard of hearing medical professionals in clinical settings.

 

Sponsors

Ascending Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

Participating Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which platform will be used?

All workshops and panel discussions will be conducted via Zoom. All details will be provided to participants as we get closer to the summit.

Where can I find information about pricing?

For more information, please visit our Registration Options page.

How many CEUs will be offered?

The 2023 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters will offer up to 1.5 CEUs and .6 CEUs for the pre-conference.

Will this event be recorded?

This summit will not be recorded. To earn the full CEUs, you must attend all sessions.

Will English interpretation be provided?

The official language of the Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters is American Sign Language (ASL). With the exception of English-based chats, all program sessions and activities at the Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters will be delivered in ASL. No spoken language interpretation or captions will be provided. This summit is appropriate for students in interpreting training programs, working interpreters, or native language users.

What if I need a special accommodation?

Reasonable accommodations for this summit may be requested by emailing info@2axend.com.

CEU Sponsor

Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This General Studies and Professional Studies program is offered for 1.5 CEU's at the ‘Some’ Content Knowledge Level.

It is the policy of 2axend to promote an environment of mutual respect and prohibit any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, and any other protected class, in any of its activities or operations.