About
Us[kamille@websitehealthplan.com](https://rid.org/author/kamille@websitehealthplan.com/
"Posts by kamille@websitehealthplan.com")2025-02-05T17:19:52+00:00

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/About-Us-Photo-2.jpg)

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/About-Us-Main.jpg)

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/About-Us-Photo-1-1.jpg)

### Our Mission.

RID is the national certifying body of sign language interpreters and is a
professional organization that fosters the growth of the profession and the
professional growth of interpreting.

## Meet the Team.

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Star-Grieser-
scaled-e1678820113877.jpg)

**Star Grieser, MS, CDI, ICE-CCP**  
Chief Executive Officer

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cassie.jpg)

**Cassie Robles Sol**  
Human Resources Manager

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ashley.jpg)

**Ashley Holladay**  
CMP Manager

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emily-Stairs-Abenchuchan-
Headshot.jpeg)

**Emily Stairs Abenchuchan, NIC**  
CMP Specialist

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Catie-Headshot.png)

**Catie Colamonico**  
Certification Manager

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/jess.jpg)

**Jess Kaady**  
Certification Specialist

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tressy-Final.jpg)

**Tressela Bateson**  
EPS Manager

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mwolcott.jpg)

**Martha Wolcott**  
EPS Specialist

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ryan-Butts-
scaled-e1678820023714.jpeg)

**Ryan Butts**  
Director of Member Services

![Kayla Marshall Headshot](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kayla-
Marshall-RID-Headshot-1.png)

**Kayla Marshall, M.Ed., NIC**  
Member Services Manager

![](https://rid.org/wp-
content/uploads/2024/09/image_20240823_134150_506_960.png)

**Vicky Whitty**  
Member Services Specialist

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Neal-Tucker-
scaled-e1678820254631.jpeg)

**Neal Tucker**  
Director of Gov't Affairs and Advocacy

![Jordan Wright headshot](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jordan-
Wright-headshot-1.jpg)

**S. Jordan Wright, PhD**  
Director of Communications

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/JB-380x400-1.png)

**Jenelle Bloom**  
Communications Manager

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Brooke-Roberts-Headshot.jpg)

**Brooke Roberts**  
Publications Coordinator

![Jennifer Apple Headshot](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/JA-
Headshot-2024.png)

**Jennifer Apple**  
Director of Finance and Accounting

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kristyne-Headshot.png)

**Kristyne Reeds**  
Finance and Accounting Manager

![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27186%27%20height%3D%27186%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20186%20186%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27186%27%20height%3D%27186%27%20fill-
opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)

**Bradley Johnson**  
Staff Accountant

![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27200%27%20height%3D%27200%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20200%20200%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27200%27%20height%3D%27200%27%20fill-
opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)

**Julie Greenfield**  
Executive Assistant and Meeting Planner

## Meet the Board.

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RID-Vice-President-Remigio-
Headshot-2022-1-600x585-2.jpg)

**Dr. Jesús Rēmigiō, PsyD, MBA, CDI**  
President

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shonna-Magee.jpg)

**Shonna Magee, MRC, CI & CT, NIC Master, OTC**  
Vice President

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Andrea-k-Smith.jpg)

**Andrea K Smith, MA, CI & CT, SC:L, NIC**  
Secretary

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kate-Headshot.jpg)

**Kate O’Regan, MA, NIC**  
Treasurer

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Mona-Mehrpour-Headshot.jpeg)

**Mona Mehrpour, NIC**  
Member-at-Large

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/glenna.jpg)

**Glenna Cooper**  
Deaf Member-at-Large

![RID Region I Representative Christina Stevens](https://rid.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/04/christina.jpg)

**Christina Stevens, NIC**  
Region I Representative

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Antwan-
Campbell-e1726581035860.png)

**M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12**  
Region II Representative

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eubank-Photo.jpg)

**Jessica Eubank, NIC**  
Region IV Representative

![](https://rid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rachel-Kleist-R5.png)

**Rachel Kleist, CDI**  
Region V Representative

  * __Purpose, Vision, Values
  *  __Our Objectives
  *  __RID Regions

  *  __Purpose, Vision, Values

### Purpose Statement

RID’s purpose is to serve equally our members, profession, and the public by
promoting and advocating for qualified and effective interpreters in all
spaces where intersectional diverse Deaf lives are impacted.

### Vision Statement

We envision qualified interpreters as partners in universal communication
access and forward-thinking, effective communication solutions while honoring
intersectional diverse spaces.

### Values Statement

The values statement encompasses what values are at the “heart” or center of
our work. RID values:

  * the intersectionality and diversity of the communities we serve.
  * Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB).
  * the professional contribution of volunteer leadership.
  * the adaptability, advancement and relevance of the interpreting profession.
  * ethical practices in the field of sign language interpreting, and embraces the principle of “do no harm.”
  * advocacy for the right to accessible, effective communication.

  * __Our Objectives

**Pillar One: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging**

**Pillar Two: Organizational Transformation**

**Pillar Three: Organizational Relevance**

**Pillar Four: Organizational Effectiveness**

  * __RID Regions

### **RID****Region I**

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia

### **RID Region II**

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland & District of Columbia (Potomac Chapter),
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

### **RID Region III**

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

### **RID Region IV**

Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New
Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming

### **RID Region V**

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington

×

### Region I Northeast

Welcome to Region I

_Welcome colleagues and friends of Region I. By browsing this site and
clicking on the links below, you will catch a glimpse of what our chapters are
up to and see the great energy that is Region I! We are proud to represent and
introduce you to some of the most dynamic and forward-thinking individuals in
the interpreting field._

**STATES:** Connecticut,Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia

### Region I President’s Council

**AFFILIATE CHAPTER**  
---  
[Connecticut RID](http://www.connrid.org/)  
[Maine RID](http://www.mainerid.org/)  
[Massachusetts RID](http://www.massrid.org/)  
[New Hampshire RID](http://www.nhrid.org/)  
[New Jersey RID](http://nj-rid.org/)  
Central New York RID  
[Genesee Valley RID](http://www.gvrrid.org/)  
[Long Island RID](http://www.lirid.org/)  
[New York City Metro RID](http://nycmetrorid.org/)  
[Pennsylvania RID](http://www.parid.org/)  
[Rhode Island RID](http://www.ririd.org/)  
[Vermont RID](http://www.vtrid.org/)  
  
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### Region II Southeast

Welcome to Region II

_Welcome to the Region II page! We are excited to have a place where
information will be continually updated to notify everyone on the events
occurring in the region, as well as provide contact information for all
Affiliate Chapter presidents. We welcome any comments/suggestions to make the
site substantive and informative._

**STATES:** Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland & District of Columbia
(Potomac Chapter), Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Virginia

### Region II President’s Council

**AFFILIATE CHAPTER**  
---  
[Alabama RID](http://www.alrid.org/)  
[Florida RID](http://www.fridcentral.org/)  
[Georgia RID](http://www.garid.camp7.org/)  
[Mississippi RID](https://msrid.wildapricot.org/)  
[North Carolina RID](http://www.northcarolinarid.org)  
[Potomac Chapter RID](http://pcrid.org/)  
[South Carolina RID](http://www.southcarolinarid.org)  
[Tennessee RID](http://www.tennrid.org)  
[Virginia RID](http://www.vrid.org)  
  
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### Region III Midwest

Welcome to Region III

_Welcome to the Region III Web page! Here you will find chapter links,
regional conference information and the awards available to members. This site
will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back for new information in the
coming months._

**STATES:** Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

### Region III President's Council

**AFFILIATE CHAPTER**  
---  
[Illinois RID](http://www.irid.org/)  
[Indiana Chapter RID](http://www.icrid.org/)  
[Kentucky RID](http://www.kyrid.org/)  
[Michigan RID](http://www.mirid.org/)  
[Minnesota RID](http://www.mrid.org/)  
[Ohio Chapter RID](http://www.ocrid.org/)  
[Wisconsin RID](http://www.wisrid.org/)  
  
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### Region IV Central

Welcome to Region IV!

_Greetings! Welcome to RID Region IV (RIV); the home of countless passionate
members and dedicated leaders. It is the vision of our RIV members and leaders
to promote a community that inspires personal and professional transformation
by offering cutting edge and innovative opportunities, honoring the evolving
and diverse needs of its membership. We trust that you will find information
on this Web page that supports this vision and hope you will make this site a
frequent stop on your professional journey._

**STATES:** Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming

### Region IV President’s Council

**AFFILIATE CHAPTER**  
---  
[Arkansas](http://www.arkansasrid.org/)  
[Colorado](http://www.coloradorid.org/)  
[Iowa](http://www.iowastaterid.org/)  
[Kansas](http://www.kai-rid.org/)  
[Louisiana](http://www.lrid.org/)  
Missouri  
[Montana](http://www.montanarid.org/)  
[Nebraska](http://www.nebraskarid.org/)  
[New Mexico](http://www.nmrid.org/)  
North Dakota  
[Oklahoma](http://www.okrid.org/)  
[Texas](http://www.tsid.org/)  
[Wyoming](http://www.wyorid.org/)  
  
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### Region V Pacific

Welcome to Region V

_Welcome to RID Region V! Take a look and you will find a region that boasts
tropical islands, snow capped mountains, wine countries, ski slopes and
canyons. The beauty goes beyond the landscapes of our states; it is also seen
in the members and leaders who make us Region V!_

**STATES:** Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
Washington

### Region V President’s Council

**AFFILIATE CHAPTER**  
---  
[Alaska](http://alaskarid.org)  
[Arizona](https://www.azrid.org/)  
California Chapters: |   
[Central CA RID](https://www.ccrid.info/)  
[Northern CA RID](http://www.norcrid.org/)  
[Sacramento Valley RID](http://www.savrid.org/)  
[Southern CA RID](http://www.scrid.org/)  
[San Diego County RID](http://www.sdcrid.org/)  
[Hawaii RID](https://hawaiirid.square.site/)  
[Idaho RID](http://www.idahorid.org/)  
[Nevada RID](http://www.nvrid.org/)  
[Oregon RID](http://www.orid.org/)  
[Utah RID](http://www.utrid.com/)  
[Washington State RID](http://wsrid.com/)  
  
### From Around the Region

  * [Communication Policy (November 12)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-_HBAap35D1bGt6RWVsVHJLODA/view?usp=sharing)

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### Dr. Jesús Rēmigiō, PsyD, MBA, CDI

[**President**](mailto:president@rid.org)

Dr. Rēmigiō is Hispanic and the first generation in his family to have
graduated from college. He received his Psy. D from William James College, and
his MBA from Salem University. He is currently the Director of Equal
Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator at Gallaudet University. Jesús’
experience and intersectional identities enable him to offer a unique set of
perspectives that will benefit the membership of RID and the Deaf, & DeafBlind
community, and the hearing community that it serves. He is a past President of
the Rhode Island Association for the Deaf and continues his service as a board
member for the Rhode Island School for Deaf. Jesús has been a Certified Deaf
Interpreter for about 10 years, interpreting primarily in the medical, and
mental health settings.

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### Shonna Magee, MRC, CI and CT, NIC Master, OTC

[**Vice President**](mailto:vicepresident@rid.org)

Shonna Magee (MRC, CI and CT, NIC Master, OTC) has over 26 years of experience
interpreting, presenting, providing interpreter diagnostics, and mentoring.
She specializes in emergency management, vocational rehabilitation, VRI, and
medical interpreting. She has served as a professor of interpreting and ASL at
Daytona State College and a professor of ASL at Pensacola State College. She
received her Bachelor’s in interpreting from the University of Cincinnati and
her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South
Carolina where she was the Statewide Coordinator of Deaf Services for the
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department. She is currently the
Director of Operations at SIGNature Access Solutions LLC and SIGNature CEUs
LLC.

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### Andrea K Smith, MA, CI & CT, SC:L, NIC

[**Secretary**](mailto:secretary@rid.org)

Andrea K Smith, MA, CI & CT, SC:L, NIC has been an interpreting professional
for twenty years, primarily in legal settings with an emphasis on domestic
violence and sexual assault. She works as the staff interpreter at the ACLU
Disability Rights Project in San Francisco. She received her Master’s degree
from the European Masters in Sign Language Interpreting with her thesis on
_Signposting: Neutral Channel Communications in Deaf-Hearing Interpreting
Teams_. She recently completed a two-year assignment in Ireland and engaged in
community collaboration on the development of the Irish Sign Language
interpreter regulations. Her current research examines Deaf professionals and
designated interpreters in pursuit of her PhD at the University of
Wolverhampton. In her personal time, she travels extensively with her spouse
and twins.

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### Kate O’Regan, MA, NIC

[**Treasurer**](mailto:treasurer@rid.org)

Kate has over fifteen years of experience as a thought leader and agent of
change and enjoys the challenges and successes of working with teams and
creating systemic access. Kate is a former founder of a social impact
organization that was a vehicle for change by investing revenue into the local
Deaf Community efforts, access and programming. Kate’s experience building a
company that had real impact for the local community also afforded her the
opportunity to partner with organizations and institutions in creating access
within their systems. She has led hospital leadership, private corporation
personnel, universities, and non-profit organization leaders through the
process of maximizing their resources while creating a system of service
provision that allows their constituents peace of mind. With her professional
expertise, she brings a level of innovation and sustainability, while
maintaining a culture of respect and principles that honor each entity’s
unique structure, culture and operations.

Academically, Kate is a graduate of Northeastern University’s Interpreter
Education Program and holds a Master’s degree in Social Impact from Claremont
Lincoln University. After a decade of coordinating interpreting services at
the post-secondary level, Kate dedicated herself to providing reputable,
accessible Deaf-centric services by listening to and working directly with
Deaf consumers.

Kate and her husband live in rural Maryland with their energetic children and
enjoys taking advantage of all the countryside has to offer, while continuing
her love of learning and positively contributing to our communities.

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### Mona Mehrpour, NIC

[Member-at-Large](mailto:mal@rid.org)

Mona Mehrpour is a heritage signer of ASL and the daughter of two deaf
parents. Over the past 15 years, she has interpreted in a variety of settings,
including educational interpreting in K-12 and post-secondary settings, video
relay, medical, community, theater and public services throughout Northern
California. Throughout her interpreting journey, she has completed an
interpreting training program, received a 4.0 on the EIPA, and became a
nationally certified interpreter (NIC). Mona currently resides in Virginia,
continuing her interpreting journey by engaging in both community and virtual
work. She also volunteers and serves Deaf-Parented Interpreters Member Section
as Chair under the Registry Interpreters for the Deaf. As an immigrant and a
child of immigrants from Iran, Mona grew up in multiple deaf communities which
is her source of inspiration for continual growth. She thrives on the
connections she makes with her peers in dialogues about personal development
and dissecting interpreting work in order to understand the decision-making
processes to provide the best possible access for our diverse deaf
communities.

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### Glenna Cooper

[**Deaf Member-at-Large**](mailto:dmal@rid.org)

Glenna has over 25 years of experience in program management, supervision,
training, grant writing and marketing on local, state and federal levels. She
is currently an Associate Professor and was the faculty chair for the ASLE
program, including the ASL Studies and Interpreter Education and the World
Language at Tulsa Community College. Glenna is currently an Oklahoma QAST
State evaluator. For 12 years, she was a division director for a national deaf
organization. She was a national logistic coordinator responsible for the
management and operation unit and the Community Emergency Preparedness
Information Network (CEPIN) training program.

She previously was one of several Deaf FEMA certified instructors for the
CEPIN program with TDI to provide deaf culture and competency trainings to
emergency responders and consumers with hearing loss. Glenna implemented the
Oklahoma Domestic Violence Awareness Program for the Deaf and Hard of hearing
communities and providers to improve communication and accessible services
with funding from the US Department of Justice and Oklahoma District Attorney
Council. She also worked with the Department of Health and Oklahoma Tobacco
Settlement Endowment Trust to develop and implement the Oklahoma Tobacco
Awareness program for deaf and hard of hearing cultural needs. For several
years, Glenna previously managed a telecommunication relay call center with
250+ employees for Ameritech/Southwestern Bell and CSD in Ohio. She was the
Oklahoma account manager for Sprint Telecommunication Relay Service during its
early formation. In addition, Glenna serves on the subject matter expert team
to review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA/Office for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties’ Special Needs Planning Guidebook for Emergency
Managers.

She is president of the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf and served on
Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as Deaf Member-at-Large. For
the last 30 years, Glenna served on the City of Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on
Concerns of Tulsans with Disabilities; Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic
Violence and Sexual Abuse State Task Force member; Tulsa Community College
Interpreter Training Advisory Committee Member. She previously was Governor’s
appointee for Oklahoma State Department of Human Services Advisory Board, 1993
and Governor-appointed board member on Oklahoma State Independent Living
Council, 1991-1994 and recently Governor Henry-appointed board member and
elected secretary for Statewide Independent Living Council.

Glenna holds an MA in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University and a
BA-LS in Leadership Administration from the University of Oklahoma and resides
in Owasso, Oklahoma. She is married to Timi Richardson and has three children;
Matt teaches ASL at Broken Arrow Public School, Kelsey advocates for the
Indigenous Indian with her Masters in Law, and Jonathan works for Congressman
Hern at the US Capitol in D.C. Glenna loves to relax at the lake house,
boating and enjoying family time in her spare time.

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### Christina Stevens, NIC

[Region I Representative](mailto:region1rep@rid.org)

Christina was born on Sauk tribal lands, attended college on the lands of the
Peoria people, and currently works on the lands of the Paugussett tribe. As a
graduate of the The Theater School at DePaul University, Christina’s work with
the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) provided the impetus for her move to
Connecticut, where she has served as the CRID president for the past four
years.

Christina is a graduate of the the ASL-English Interpretation program at
Columbia College of Chicago, Illinois. In her time in Connecticut, she has had
the honor of serving as a governor-appointed member of the Advisory Board for
Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and is a designated lead interpreter
for the Connecticut Robotics Chapter for K-12 students (FIRST). Additionally,
she and her husband were married a few months before the pandemic lockdown on
an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Wrestling cruise.

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### M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12

[**Region II Representative**](mailto:region2rep@rid.org)

M. Antwan Campbell first joined the interpreting profession through his
younger brother and is a 2003 graduate of Gardner-Webb University where he
received his BA in ASL and in 2007, he received his Master’s in Public
Administration from UNC-Pembroke. He has taught several workshops geared
towards improving the skills of educational interpreters and those who work
with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students across North Carolina and the surrounding
states. He is currently working as the Educational Consultant for Deaf/Hard of
Hearing and Interpreter Support with the North Carolina Department of Public
Instruction.

He has worked within the educational system for over ten years in a variety of
settings from elementary to post-secondary and on a variety of levels from
being in the classroom to supervising outside of it. He has received his
Ed:K-12 interpreting certification from RID. He is actively engaged in the
affiliate chapter, North Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf,
NCRID, as he is currently serving as its Past President. He has served the
local community in a variety of ways to include mentoring new and beginning
interpreters throughout the state as well. It is truly evident that Antwan has
a passion for education and improving the standards for all students. He
currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

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### Jessica Eubank, NIC

[Region IV Representative](mailto:region4rep@rid.org)

Jessica Eubank is an interpreter from New Mexico native. Jessica recently
finished a term as the President of the New Mexico RID before transitioning to
the Region IV Rep position. She has worked as an interpreter in a variety of
settings including K-12, Community freelance, VRS/VRI etc. Jessica is
currently the staff interpreter for a state agency where she provides
interpreting services for advocacy on communication access issues, as well as
oversee a mentoring program that helps new interpreters gain their footing in
the field by providing support and mentorship they need to prepare for
longevity in our field. This is work that she very much enjoys.

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### Rachel Kleist, CDI

[Region V Representative-Elect](mailto:region5rep@rid.org)

Located in Northern California, Rachel has been a Certified Deaf Interpreter
since 2016. But Rachel's journey into the possibility of becoming a Deaf
interpreter began in 2008 when she was first asked to do sight translation. In
2012, Rachel took her first interpreting-related workshop and started thinking
that perhaps it was a definite possibility that Deaf individuals could
interpret.

Rachel teaches in an Interpreter Preparatory Program (IPP) and provides
training for Deaf individuals interested in learning more about the
possibility of becoming a Deaf interpreter. Rachel has also served on her
local Affiliate Chapter, SaVRID (Sacramento Valley Registry of Interpreters
for the Deaf), in various positions. General Member-at-Large, Secretary, and
Treasurer. Rachel enjoys participating in and listening to many different
communities, talking with and seeing different perspectives. Rachel looks
forward to continuing that work, that passion, but on a larger scale –
specifically as the RID Region V Representative.

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### Chief Executive Officer

**Star Grieser, MS, CDI, ICE-CCP**

Star grew up in south Florida – Stuart and Jensen Beach, Florida – where she
developed her love for the outdoors and the open sea. She attended NTID (SVP
‘94) and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in
Professional and Technical Communication, and McDaniel College with a Master’s
in Deaf Education (2001).

Star has always been active in advocacy and has worked among the Deaf and
interpreting communities, be it mental health care, Deaf education, and more
recently as Program Chair for the ASL and Interpreter Education Program at
Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA, for one and half decades, to
becoming the Director of Testing for CASLI in 2017, and now as the CEO of RID
since 2021.

She currently holds a RID certification as a Certified Deaf Interpreter. Star
is also ICE-CCP, a Certified Certification Professional by the Institute of
Credentialing Excellence. She enjoys traveling, bicycling and can usually be
found with a book in her hand.

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### CMP Specialist

**Emily Stairs Abenchuchan, NIC**

Born and raised under the Florida sun, Emily is no stranger to the laid-back
lifestyle and the occasional alligator sighting. However, her journey didn't
stop at the state line. She ventured to Gallaudet, where she navigated our
nation's capital for several years. Despite the fast-paced lifestyle, she kept
her Floridian spirit intact, always carrying a bit of sunshine wherever she
went. Following her Washington, DC escapade, Emily found herself embracing the
slower pace of life in Iowa. Surrounded by endless fields and friendly faces,
she discovered the beauty and charm of Midwestern hospitality.

Emily's heart belongs to her big family and the Deaf Community. Having spent
10 years in private practice as an interpreter, she joins us as a CMP
Specialist at RID. Now home in Florida with her husband, daughter, and Aussie
Mika, their home is a lively blend of laughter and love. When they're not busy
conquering daily life, Emily and her crew love to hit the road to explore new
horizons and are always up for a good adventure. Her downtime is often spent
soaking up the freshwater springs and basking in the beauty of Florida's
natural wonders. It's these moments, surrounded by family and nature, that
truly define Emily's approach to life – always filled with a genuine love for
the journey.

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### Human Resources Manager

**Cassie Robles Sol**

Cassie was born and raised in California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in
Business Management in the Human Resources field and has experience in the
hospitality, education, and beauty industries. She enjoys spending time with
her family and cooking in her spare time.

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### CMP Manager

**Ashley Holladay**

Ashley was born in Vermont and raised in Maine and New Hampshire. After high
school, she attended the University of New Hampshire and earned her Bachelor
of Science in sign language interpretation. Upon completion of her degree,
Ashley worked as an educational interpreter in a local school district. In her
free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her friends
and family.

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### EPS Manager

**Tressela Bateson**

Tressela, known as Tressy at RID, was born in West Virginia and grew up there
until her family relocated to Virginia. After graduating from MSSD, she
obtained her BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge,
and then attended Gallaudet University for a Masters of Arts in School
Guidance and Counseling. Tressy worked in the counseling field, including 14
years in Mental Health Counseling before a career change to teaching ASL. She
taught at Clemson University for 6 years during the development of Clemson’s
ITP. Her combined experience working with ASL Students/future interpreters as
well as the empathy and expertise gained in counseling makes her a valued
addition to the Ethical Practices System.[![pixel
space](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201%201%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20fill-
opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)](https://rid.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/pixel.jpg)

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### Certification Manager

**Catie Colamonico**

Catie is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in the oldest city in
Florida. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Rochester
Institute of Technology, and her Master’s Degree in Human Services:
Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. Catie comes
to RID with more than 10 years of experience advocating for effective
communication access, and coordinating sign language interpreting services. In
her spare time, Catie is an avid runner, enjoys sports, the outdoors,
traveling, and spending time with her wife and their deaf pittie, Lulu and
cats, Pasta, Tortellini, Turkey and Silas.

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### Certification Specialist

**Jess Kaady**

Born and raised in the Portland, Oregon area, Jess graduated from Western
Oregon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. Her passion for
studying languages and communication styles along with seven years living
abroad in Mexico led her to begin her journey as a freelance Spanish/English
interpreter. She later became an ASL/English interpreter and is currently an
aspiring trilingual (Spanish/English/ASL) interpreter. In her free time Jess
enjoys singing, playing guitar and piano, volleyball, and engaging in
conversations about differing perspectives and experiences.

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### EPS Specialist

**Martha Wolcott**

Martha was born and raised in Colorado where she currently lives. She attended
a variety of Deaf schools and mainstream classes before graduating from MSSD.
Martha then graduated from Gallaudet in Psychology, she also studied
interpreting, social work and sociology during her time there. She worked at
the Financial Aid office at Gallaudet and managed short-term rental properties
in a small mountain town before joining RID. Outside of work, Martha enjoys
snowboarding, sewing and creating, reading books, and watching TV shows.

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### Member Services Director

**Ryan Butts**

Ryan is a native New Yorker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English
from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Before coming to
work at RID, she worked at the University of Mary Washington in a community
based program for minority students. In her spare time, Ryan enjoys going out
with friends and spending time with her family.

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### Member Services Manager

**Kayla Marshall, M.Ed., NIC**

Kayla was born and raised in North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science
in Recreation Management, a Master of Education in Recreation and Fitness
Administration, and an Associate of Applied Science in Sign Language
Interpreting. Kayla lived in west Texas for three years during graduate
school, working at a community college. After making Deaf friends there, and
learning more about Deafness and interpreting, Kayla pursued a career in
Interpreting. Kayla has been nationally certified (NIC) since 2021, and enjoys
educational and vocational interpreting the most. In her free time, Kayla
enjoys spending time with her husband, new baby boy, and two pups. Traveling,
reading, binge watching TV shows, and swimming are a few of Kayla’s favorite
hobbies.

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### Member Services Specialist

**Vicky Whitty**

Vicky was born and raised in Upstate NY (not NYC) and currently residing in
the Sunshine State! She is happily married to her college sweetheart, and a
first time mom to her beautiful child and a sassy Pomeranian girl.

Vicky holds a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice from Rochester Institute of
Technology in Rochester, NY back in winter of 2018. Before joining RID, Vicky
was teaching American Sign Language for about 3 years at a public high school
in Orlando. In her free time, she loves to check out and explore the hidden
gems in the Central Florida area, seeking out any local coffee shops, and
spending quality time with friends and family.

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### Government Affairs, Public Policy and Advocacy Director

**Neal Tucker**

Neal was born and raised in Boston, MA. He has spent over a decade of his
career working in areas intersecting with disability rights and government
affairs at local, state, and federal levels. His passion for influencing and
implementing positive change is the driving force behind his professional
pursuits with the approach of, “Leave the world a better place than you found
it.” He is honored to work for RID knowing that he and his team have a direct
impact on the lives of the diverse Deaf and ASL-using communities.

Neal serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer of the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN) which is a national coalition of
organizations representing the interests of deaf and/or hard-of-hearing
citizens in public policy and legislative issues relating to rights, quality
of life, equal access, and self-representation. He also serves on the Board of
Directors for Atlas Preparatory Charter School which prepares and empowers all
students for success on their post-graduate paths through educational
excellence, character development, and community engagement. Most recently,
Neal was appointed to the Institute of Credentialing Excellence's (I.C.E.)
Government Affairs Committee to leverage his expertise for a one-year term
(2025-2026) to engage in efforts at the local, state, and federal levels
affecting the credentialing community.

Neal and his partner, a Major in the United States Air Force, reside in
Colorado with their two dachshunds; Penny & Nickel. In his free time, Neal
enjoys volunteering, running, playing tennis, skiing, reading of all genres,
trying new restaurants, and traveling whenever he can!

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### Communications Director

**S. Jordan Wright, PhD**

Dr. Wright is a Critical Theorist, researcher, and Director of Communications
for RID. Jordan was raised in Buffalo, NY, and matriculated at California
State University, Northridge where he formally learned ASL and finished with a
BA in English Literature at the University at Buffalo. In 2017, Jordan
completed his Ph.D. at Gallaudet University and has since held a variety of
academic positions at Lamar University and RIT/NTID, which led to his current
position with RID which combines three of his favorite passions: writing,
data, and Deaf Studies. Dr. Wright has extensive experience in the world of
publishing and enjoys escaping down various rabbit holes with a thirst for
knowledge and curiosity which fuels his passion. An avid traveler, Jordan
enjoys seeking out new horizons, and new experiences, and immersing himself in
different languages and cultures all over the world. Dad to two whippets
Savior and Omega, Jordan is an animal lover and sometimes prefers the company
of animals to people.

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### Affiliate Chapter Liaison

**Dr. Carolyn Ball, CI and CT, NIC**

Carolyn has been a member of RID since 1994. However, her involvement with the
Deaf Community began in 1982 when she met a Deaf young man at a baseball game
in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This chance meeting at the baseball game influenced
Carolyn’s career and life forever. After the baseball game and many years of
college, she has been teaching interpreting in higher education for the past
thirty-years. Carolyn has served on several national boards and loves to be
involved in the Deaf Community. She enjoys researching the history of
interpreters and interpreter educators and how to become effective leaders. In
her free time Carolyn enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with her family.

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### Communications Manager

**Jenelle Bloom, PCM**

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jenelle graduated from
Gallaudet University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies.
Jenelle focuses on strengthening accessibility and creating audience-specific
content. Outside of work, Jenelle loves spending time with her fur children,
joining animal rescue missions, and screenplay writing. She maintains an open-
door policy for discussions of any kind, loves a good joke, and always makes
time for vegan snacks.

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### Publications Coordinator

**Brooke Roberts**

Born and raised in sunny Tampa, Florida, Brooke embodies her dedication and
passion for education, community service, and the arts. She graduated from
Gallaudet University with a degree in Business Administration, with a
concentration in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, and a Minor in Dance. As a
creative writer and book lover, Brooke recognizes the power of the written
word and its ability to educate and inspire. As Editor in Chief of VIEWS,
Brooke is driven to create content that is relevant and engaging to our
members. An unwavering ally to Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, Brooke is
committed to using her role to go beyond highlighting diverse perspectives.
Through a collaborative framework, Brooke works to transform the traditional
publication pipeline into a lasting communal bridge with a foundation in
equity and authentic representation.

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### Director of Finance and Accounting

**Jennifer Apple**

Jennifer, originally from northeast Ohio, holds a Bachelor of Science degree
in economics from Gallaudet University and is working towards certification as
a Certified Management Accountant. Jennifer thrives on the challenges and
opportunities presented by non-profit accounting and finance. Jennifer holds
RID’s mission and service to the Deaf community close to heart. When not at
work or doting on a family of six, Jennifer engages in a love of cooking,
reading banned books, going for long hikes and bike rides, supporting local
farmers, and learning new and interesting things.

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### Finance and Accounting Manager

**Kristyne Reeds**

Kristyne was born and raised in Canada. She graduated from Gallaudet
University with a Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting & Business
Administration and a double minor in Economics & Finance. She has 7 years of
supervisory and managerial accounting experience in the hospitality industry.
During her free time, Kristyne loves spending time with her friends and cats,
hiking, and exploring new nature places.

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### Staff Accountant

**Bradley Johnson**

Bradley is a Minnesota native and is also known as Brad. He graduated from RIT
with two degrees, an Associate in Applied Science in Applied Accounting and a
Bachelor of Science in Finance. Before onboarding with RID, he has been a
financial professional for nearly 30 years with a background in Healthcare,
Human Resources, Information Technology, Innovation, and Interpreter Agency in
several non-profit organizations, state agencies, and a private university.
Bradley enjoys exploring different cuisines, breweries, and wineries,
traveling, reading business books, and spending time with family and friends
in his free time.

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### Executive Assistant and Meeting Planner

**Julie Greenfield**

Julie is a native Michigander. She holds a BA in Psychology from Gallaudet
University and an AAS in Applied Art from NITD. Prior to joining RID, she
worked as a conference manager for AvalonBay Communities, Gallaudet
University, and the American School Health Association. She enjoys travel and
cultural events with her family and friends in her spare time.

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