Robin O'Brien: ASL AZTI Director
Robin is the director of ASL AZTI, passed on by Rocky De Buano who was the founder, establishing the Arizona’s first Total Immersion program in June of 2003. She received her MA in Sign Language Teaching from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She is currently a full-time American Sign Language Lecturer at Arizona State University. Robin also works a as part-time Interpreter Educational Specialist at Interpreter Educational Professional Development for Sorenson VRS. She has taught ASL and Deaf Culture for the past 25 years at local community colleges and universities in both Arizona and Massachusetts. She also worked for the Distance Opportunities Interpreter Training Center in Colorado as a Mentor. She has been a mentor for interpreting students, working to improve and upgrade their skills for the past 20 years. She provides workshops for educational interpreters, has been a consultant for parents of Deaf children, and has spoken to various companies and organizations about ASL and Deaf Culture. Robin has two beautiful daughters and two large dogs. She enjoys gardening and quilting.
If you’re interested in having Robin O'Brien provide a workshop, please email at AZTIAdm@gmail.com.
Robin is the director of ASL AZTI, passed on by Rocky De Buano who was the founder, establishing the Arizona’s first Total Immersion program in June of 2003. She received her MA in Sign Language Teaching from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She is currently a full-time American Sign Language Lecturer at Arizona State University. Robin also works a as part-time Interpreter Educational Specialist at Interpreter Educational Professional Development for Sorenson VRS. She has taught ASL and Deaf Culture for the past 25 years at local community colleges and universities in both Arizona and Massachusetts. She also worked for the Distance Opportunities Interpreter Training Center in Colorado as a Mentor. She has been a mentor for interpreting students, working to improve and upgrade their skills for the past 20 years. She provides workshops for educational interpreters, has been a consultant for parents of Deaf children, and has spoken to various companies and organizations about ASL and Deaf Culture. Robin has two beautiful daughters and two large dogs. She enjoys gardening and quilting.
If you’re interested in having Robin O'Brien provide a workshop, please email at AZTIAdm@gmail.com.
Robert DeMayo: Program Coordinator/Instructor
Robert is a professional actor, entertainer, educator and ASL consultant. He is a graduate of the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, where he first began performing as a clown in The Silent Alley. He attended the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, NY and toured professionally with Sunshine Too, Cleveland Sign Stage Theatre and the Tony Award winning National Theatre of the Deaf. He starred in many noteworthy NTD productions. Robert became the Artistic Director for the New York Deaf Theatre and starred as Hamlet in What If Hamlet Was Deaf? He worked with a team of ASL translators to transliterate Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night which lead to further collaboration with the Amaryllis Theatre Company. Robert was the ASL consultant and actor in the feature film Universal Signs and appeared in No Ordinary Hero. Robert was one of the lead subjects in Hilari Scarl’s multi-award winning documentary See What I’m Saying. He performed live for the closing ceremonies at the Perspektiva Film Festival in Moscow and appeared in dozens of Q&A’s with the film around the world. He taught ASL classes & Theatre Interpreted at Juilliard School. Conn. Total Immersion Program as an instructor for more than 10 years and also at Arizona Total Immersion Program for more than 13 years and became Instructor Coordinator for last three years.
Robert is a professional actor, entertainer, educator and ASL consultant. He is a graduate of the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, where he first began performing as a clown in The Silent Alley. He attended the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, NY and toured professionally with Sunshine Too, Cleveland Sign Stage Theatre and the Tony Award winning National Theatre of the Deaf. He starred in many noteworthy NTD productions. Robert became the Artistic Director for the New York Deaf Theatre and starred as Hamlet in What If Hamlet Was Deaf? He worked with a team of ASL translators to transliterate Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night which lead to further collaboration with the Amaryllis Theatre Company. Robert was the ASL consultant and actor in the feature film Universal Signs and appeared in No Ordinary Hero. Robert was one of the lead subjects in Hilari Scarl’s multi-award winning documentary See What I’m Saying. He performed live for the closing ceremonies at the Perspektiva Film Festival in Moscow and appeared in dozens of Q&A’s with the film around the world. He taught ASL classes & Theatre Interpreted at Juilliard School. Conn. Total Immersion Program as an instructor for more than 10 years and also at Arizona Total Immersion Program for more than 13 years and became Instructor Coordinator for last three years.
Rand Rom: Instructor
I was born in Bemidji, Minnesota where I spent my early years. I studied at Minneapolis Design & Art College and St. Paul TVI, now named St. Paul College. My professional career in Minnesota began as a Media Artist designing and implementing cartoon animation, storyboard and illustration at Deaf Media Project. As a Commercial Artist for Wendell’s Inc., I designed commemorative coins. Later, at Crosfield Dicomed Inc., I began my work as a Computer Graphics Artist with responsibilities of meeting with clients, assessing their needs, creating and managing computer graphics projects, and presenting concepts and artwork. Upon coming to Phoenix, where I now live, I furthered my education at Glendale Community College studying in-depth technical processes, computer graphic art, photography and 3D animation. This experience led to my goal of starting my own business as a professional freelance graphics, 3D artist and designer, hence the beginning of Rom's Creative Studio. While in school here, I tutored students in English as a second language and ASL I and II classes. Later, I taught ASL I, II, and III classes, offered to the community, at Restoration Church. More recently I've taught live ASL classes to student using the video medium via the internet. Combining my design and teaching talents led to my creating educational tools for enhancing ASL knowledge in fun, interactive ways.
I was born in Bemidji, Minnesota where I spent my early years. I studied at Minneapolis Design & Art College and St. Paul TVI, now named St. Paul College. My professional career in Minnesota began as a Media Artist designing and implementing cartoon animation, storyboard and illustration at Deaf Media Project. As a Commercial Artist for Wendell’s Inc., I designed commemorative coins. Later, at Crosfield Dicomed Inc., I began my work as a Computer Graphics Artist with responsibilities of meeting with clients, assessing their needs, creating and managing computer graphics projects, and presenting concepts and artwork. Upon coming to Phoenix, where I now live, I furthered my education at Glendale Community College studying in-depth technical processes, computer graphic art, photography and 3D animation. This experience led to my goal of starting my own business as a professional freelance graphics, 3D artist and designer, hence the beginning of Rom's Creative Studio. While in school here, I tutored students in English as a second language and ASL I and II classes. Later, I taught ASL I, II, and III classes, offered to the community, at Restoration Church. More recently I've taught live ASL classes to student using the video medium via the internet. Combining my design and teaching talents led to my creating educational tools for enhancing ASL knowledge in fun, interactive ways.
Shannon Pippin: Instructor & Interpreter
Shannon is nationally certified Interpreter who has lived/worked in California, Arizona and has made her home in Northern Colorado. Since becoming an interpreter over 23 years ago she continues to find joy in challenging her own skills and encouraging others to do the same through mentoring. She has been trained under the "Signing Naturally" curriculum to support a deeper understanding of how second language learners absorb new concepts. Shannon's goal in life is to enjoy all the moments, find joy in what we do and make the most of our journey. She looks forward to learning, playing, teaching, and sharing along side all those who have chosen to ride the Arizona immersion adventure.
Shannon is nationally certified Interpreter who has lived/worked in California, Arizona and has made her home in Northern Colorado. Since becoming an interpreter over 23 years ago she continues to find joy in challenging her own skills and encouraging others to do the same through mentoring. She has been trained under the "Signing Naturally" curriculum to support a deeper understanding of how second language learners absorb new concepts. Shannon's goal in life is to enjoy all the moments, find joy in what we do and make the most of our journey. She looks forward to learning, playing, teaching, and sharing along side all those who have chosen to ride the Arizona immersion adventure.
‘Godzilla’ Zachary Shawn DeLoya: Instructor
‘Godzilla’ was born from Deaf family and was raised in Los Angeles, California . His parents, Deloris and Donald, were actively involved in Deaf community and events. Zachary DeLoya became more interested to involve in Deaf community just like his parents for the past 13 years (and counting). Currently, he focuses mainly on Deaf culture by empowering individuals involving in any form of business and/or personal life.
Zachary DeLoya consults and advocates regularly with Deaf people in various fields to help creating synergistic solutions to common barriers. Zachary DeLoya has the strong interest in the field of psychology while he enjoys sharing the information with the experiences he enriched through his life. With his passion, he created his own business known as ADORE. He and the co-founder, Klaus Curi, founded to provide programs for consumers with disability and to shape program specializing in job coaches to accommodate the needs for the Deaf and hard of hearing. As an active team member of MATA Expo, Zachary DeLoya plays a valuable role as host for MATA Expo events and performs excellent relationship with the audience, maintaining great entertainment for Deaf and hard of hearing guests. He works closely with the media director, David Ballard, by ensuring to design the program for each event and communicating with the sponsors while he manages to provide his time meeting the guests.
‘Godzilla’ was born from Deaf family and was raised in Los Angeles, California . His parents, Deloris and Donald, were actively involved in Deaf community and events. Zachary DeLoya became more interested to involve in Deaf community just like his parents for the past 13 years (and counting). Currently, he focuses mainly on Deaf culture by empowering individuals involving in any form of business and/or personal life.
Zachary DeLoya consults and advocates regularly with Deaf people in various fields to help creating synergistic solutions to common barriers. Zachary DeLoya has the strong interest in the field of psychology while he enjoys sharing the information with the experiences he enriched through his life. With his passion, he created his own business known as ADORE. He and the co-founder, Klaus Curi, founded to provide programs for consumers with disability and to shape program specializing in job coaches to accommodate the needs for the Deaf and hard of hearing. As an active team member of MATA Expo, Zachary DeLoya plays a valuable role as host for MATA Expo events and performs excellent relationship with the audience, maintaining great entertainment for Deaf and hard of hearing guests. He works closely with the media director, David Ballard, by ensuring to design the program for each event and communicating with the sponsors while he manages to provide his time meeting the guests.
Lori Zyats: Instructor
Lori Zyats is a proud Deaf native Pennsylvanian. Her family including a Deaf brother, continues to reside in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She received her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) in Data Processing-Computer Operator at National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She also has a strong background in theatre. She was chosen to play Helen Keller in a play over a hundred of candidates. She received awards in Mime and for being the Funniest Lady, which fits perfectly for AZTI participants to have her aboard. She is currently working at Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD) as an aide with the elementary department. She is also a well-known storyteller. She hopes to launch a career in storytelling on DVDS for young children to enjoy. Recently, Lori was selected as a new Fundraising Chairperson for Phoenix Association for the Deaf (PAD). She currently resides with her partner, Tasha Goodrich in sunny Arizona with their Deaf dog, Everest.
Lori Zyats is a proud Deaf native Pennsylvanian. Her family including a Deaf brother, continues to reside in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She received her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) in Data Processing-Computer Operator at National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She also has a strong background in theatre. She was chosen to play Helen Keller in a play over a hundred of candidates. She received awards in Mime and for being the Funniest Lady, which fits perfectly for AZTI participants to have her aboard. She is currently working at Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD) as an aide with the elementary department. She is also a well-known storyteller. She hopes to launch a career in storytelling on DVDS for young children to enjoy. Recently, Lori was selected as a new Fundraising Chairperson for Phoenix Association for the Deaf (PAD). She currently resides with her partner, Tasha Goodrich in sunny Arizona with their Deaf dog, Everest.
Ronda Moriarty: Instructor
Ronda Moriarty is deaf and was born in Mark, IL. She has been living in Phoenix, Arizona for 24 years. She is an ASL Adjunct Instructor ASL at Mesa Community College. She received her B.A. from Grand Canyon University and her Doctorate degree from Midwestern University in Physical Therapy. This is her first year working at AZTI and she is ecstatic and looking forward to being a part of this journey with you all. She feels strongly that by being immerged into the deaf culture is the best way to learn and love the culture. In her free time, loving life, she loves to meet new people and spend quality time with her family and friends making new memories. She loves quotes, fine wine, to travel, to hike and above all loves to be with her wife and her 4 legged kids! “Alone we can do a little, together we can do so much” Helen Keller. Did she mention she loves quotes?
Ronda Moriarty is deaf and was born in Mark, IL. She has been living in Phoenix, Arizona for 24 years. She is an ASL Adjunct Instructor ASL at Mesa Community College. She received her B.A. from Grand Canyon University and her Doctorate degree from Midwestern University in Physical Therapy. This is her first year working at AZTI and she is ecstatic and looking forward to being a part of this journey with you all. She feels strongly that by being immerged into the deaf culture is the best way to learn and love the culture. In her free time, loving life, she loves to meet new people and spend quality time with her family and friends making new memories. She loves quotes, fine wine, to travel, to hike and above all loves to be with her wife and her 4 legged kids! “Alone we can do a little, together we can do so much” Helen Keller. Did she mention she loves quotes?
Lisa Furr: Instructor
Lisa Furr considers herself a native of Tucson, Arizona since she has lived there most of her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies from Gallaudet University and holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
Currently, she is an adjunct instructor teaching American Sign Language classes at the University of Arizona. Previously, she was the Account Manager for Hamilton Relay and managed the states contracts as well as oversaw Culture Training for all Relay personnel. She developed the culture training modules and provided the Deaf, Deaf World activities to the Communication Assistants. In the past, Lisa worked as the Advanced Program Coordinator at Pima Community College. She was a Deaf interpreter in the classrooms. She mentored the interpreters as well as provided the workshops to the interpreters. Lisa has enjoyed volunteering for a wide array of organizations. She held various positions with National Association of the Deaf, Arizona Association of the Deaf, Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, and Deaf Women United. She also provided parliamentary procedure consultation. As well as the above roles, she served as a Commissioner on the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission and participated on the Interpreter Licensure committee. She is a strong advocate who works to improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people. During Lisa’s leisure, she and her wife, Heather enjoy hiking, traveling, snorkeling, and exploring different cultures globally. They love spending time with their pets. It’s Lisa’s first time being a staff at the ATZI. She looks forward to a fun-filled week with you all!
Lisa Furr considers herself a native of Tucson, Arizona since she has lived there most of her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies from Gallaudet University and holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
Currently, she is an adjunct instructor teaching American Sign Language classes at the University of Arizona. Previously, she was the Account Manager for Hamilton Relay and managed the states contracts as well as oversaw Culture Training for all Relay personnel. She developed the culture training modules and provided the Deaf, Deaf World activities to the Communication Assistants. In the past, Lisa worked as the Advanced Program Coordinator at Pima Community College. She was a Deaf interpreter in the classrooms. She mentored the interpreters as well as provided the workshops to the interpreters. Lisa has enjoyed volunteering for a wide array of organizations. She held various positions with National Association of the Deaf, Arizona Association of the Deaf, Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, and Deaf Women United. She also provided parliamentary procedure consultation. As well as the above roles, she served as a Commissioner on the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission and participated on the Interpreter Licensure committee. She is a strong advocate who works to improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people. During Lisa’s leisure, she and her wife, Heather enjoy hiking, traveling, snorkeling, and exploring different cultures globally. They love spending time with their pets. It’s Lisa’s first time being a staff at the ATZI. She looks forward to a fun-filled week with you all!
Jaclyn Tyrcha: Instructor
Jaclyn Tyrcha is a native Coloradoan and the director of interpreting for Sorenson Communications in Denver. She was a teacher of the Deaf/HH for over 12 years and often was pulled to teach ASL to community members/families. Jaclyn also has done several workshops for educational interpreters and professionals as well as ASL immersion seminars with Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. Jaclyn also "grew up" in Arizona, attending ASU and working for Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. Jaclyn is married to an energetic husband who has two boys, 19 and 17 and she has a 16 year old kitty cat. In her spare time, she enjoys "Forced Family Fun (FFF)" time with her family, hiking, making malas, reading, and doing heart-work as an animal communicator and energy healer.
Jaclyn Tyrcha is a native Coloradoan and the director of interpreting for Sorenson Communications in Denver. She was a teacher of the Deaf/HH for over 12 years and often was pulled to teach ASL to community members/families. Jaclyn also has done several workshops for educational interpreters and professionals as well as ASL immersion seminars with Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. Jaclyn also "grew up" in Arizona, attending ASU and working for Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. Jaclyn is married to an energetic husband who has two boys, 19 and 17 and she has a 16 year old kitty cat. In her spare time, she enjoys "Forced Family Fun (FFF)" time with her family, hiking, making malas, reading, and doing heart-work as an animal communicator and energy healer.
David Funckes is a High School science teacher from Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB) located in Tucson. Also, he is an alumnus of ASDB. He used to teach at Scranton School for the Deaf in Pennsylvania for 5 years. He has a BA degree in Biology and MA degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. He has a son and daughter who both completed their majors at University of Arizona in May of 2018. He is such a proud daddy! He travels across some countries in the world during summers. His hobbies are nature exploring, backpacking, cycling, running, scuba diving, reading and doing house projects. It will be his first time to work here but he is more than happy to teach you anything.
Russ Bye: Volunteer
Russ is a certified dog trainer here in Arizona where he is currently working as a behavioral health technician in the valley for few years. He came from Deaf family with deaf parents, 4 Deaf siblings and one hearing. However, when he was very young, he was oral for the entire time of his life until his graduation from high school. Then he learned ASL from there where he is very a fluent signer. He is a proudly married to his wife, Sandi Bye, for 24 years with two wonderful dogs. Also, Russ has a Deaf son living in California from previous marriage and has 11 grandchildren. He and his wife went to Europe six times and are familiar with BSL (British Sign Language). During his recess time, he likes to share his extensive experience of travel and foreign language to people where he enjoys playing the poker with Deaf people.
Russ is a certified dog trainer here in Arizona where he is currently working as a behavioral health technician in the valley for few years. He came from Deaf family with deaf parents, 4 Deaf siblings and one hearing. However, when he was very young, he was oral for the entire time of his life until his graduation from high school. Then he learned ASL from there where he is very a fluent signer. He is a proudly married to his wife, Sandi Bye, for 24 years with two wonderful dogs. Also, Russ has a Deaf son living in California from previous marriage and has 11 grandchildren. He and his wife went to Europe six times and are familiar with BSL (British Sign Language). During his recess time, he likes to share his extensive experience of travel and foreign language to people where he enjoys playing the poker with Deaf people.
Sandi Bye: Volunteer
Sandi is a certified dog trainer here in Arizona where she is a proud housewife of Russ Bye for 24 years. Sandi came from hearing family where she became deaf at age of two in Ohio but grew up in Riverside and graduated from California School for the Riverside. At very young age, Sandi experienced very interesting life because she always felt abandoned with hearing family and friend due to lack of communication. But it didn’t stop her from what she was supposed to do until she met a wonderful husband, Russ Bye she is still happy with the communication method of ASL to use every day to communicate every day. Sandi has three hearing children, one son and twin daughters from previous marriage with 11 grandchildren. During their recess time, Sandi likes to train dogs in the valley with sign language and play poker with Deaf people.
Sandi is a certified dog trainer here in Arizona where she is a proud housewife of Russ Bye for 24 years. Sandi came from hearing family where she became deaf at age of two in Ohio but grew up in Riverside and graduated from California School for the Riverside. At very young age, Sandi experienced very interesting life because she always felt abandoned with hearing family and friend due to lack of communication. But it didn’t stop her from what she was supposed to do until she met a wonderful husband, Russ Bye she is still happy with the communication method of ASL to use every day to communicate every day. Sandi has three hearing children, one son and twin daughters from previous marriage with 11 grandchildren. During their recess time, Sandi likes to train dogs in the valley with sign language and play poker with Deaf people.
Joan Hanna: Program Coordinator, Alumnus
Joan is a professor of ASL at the University of Connecticut UCONN. She received her B.A from Gallaudet and her M.A. from St Joseph University. Previously a high school teacher at the American School for the Deaf for 25 years. Joan is a 4th generation deaf member of her deaf family. Board member- Secy of the National Theatre of the Deaf . Board Chairperson for CT Sprint Relay in CT. ASL Consultant for Broadway shows – Bushnell theatre. Total Immersion –CT Program Coordinator 20+ years, AZTI, ASL CAMP, WSD and many more. Workshop presenter and Entertainer.
Joan is a professor of ASL at the University of Connecticut UCONN. She received her B.A from Gallaudet and her M.A. from St Joseph University. Previously a high school teacher at the American School for the Deaf for 25 years. Joan is a 4th generation deaf member of her deaf family. Board member- Secy of the National Theatre of the Deaf . Board Chairperson for CT Sprint Relay in CT. ASL Consultant for Broadway shows – Bushnell theatre. Total Immersion –CT Program Coordinator 20+ years, AZTI, ASL CAMP, WSD and many more. Workshop presenter and Entertainer.
Steven J. Simmon: Instructor, Alumnus
Steven is a full time high school ASL teacher at Norwich Free Academy (private hearing high school). Steven is also a professor of ASL at the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. On the weekend, he consults, advocates, and tutors for Life Bridge Community Services for the Deaf & Hearing Impaired in Connecticut. Previously he was a high school teacher at Oregon School for the Deaf, Oregon for 12 years, and Professor of ASL at Western Oregon University for 6 years. He received his B.S. degree from Springfield College and his M.S. degree from Western Oregon University in Teacher Preparation for the Deaf. He has been an Instructor for Total Immersion for many years in Connecticut, Arizona, Washington, Missouri, and ASL Camp Missouri. He loves to travel, has already visited 50 states, loves going on annual cruises in many different places, and is an animal lover.
Steven is a full time high school ASL teacher at Norwich Free Academy (private hearing high school). Steven is also a professor of ASL at the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. On the weekend, he consults, advocates, and tutors for Life Bridge Community Services for the Deaf & Hearing Impaired in Connecticut. Previously he was a high school teacher at Oregon School for the Deaf, Oregon for 12 years, and Professor of ASL at Western Oregon University for 6 years. He received his B.S. degree from Springfield College and his M.S. degree from Western Oregon University in Teacher Preparation for the Deaf. He has been an Instructor for Total Immersion for many years in Connecticut, Arizona, Washington, Missouri, and ASL Camp Missouri. He loves to travel, has already visited 50 states, loves going on annual cruises in many different places, and is an animal lover.
Joy Marks: Instructor & Interpreter, Alumnus
Joy is a PhD in Interpretation student at Gallaudet University where she also provided freelance interpreting on campus. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Joy provided Sign Language interpreting services and coordination as an independent contractor in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and served as a staff interpreter for several agencies. In addition to interpreting, Joy has presented workshops related to interpreting and ASL to various corporations and organizations in several states. She has taught various interpreting classes for four different interpreter education programs and has been actively involved in mentoring interpreters. Joy has degrees in Education, Business Management, Sociology, and Interpreting. She loves to road trip across the United States and visit the national parks - which she has been to over 50 of them. She is the proud grandma of a beautiful granddaughter and handsome grandson and a single mother of an adult son and daughter. M.A.Ed., EIPA Secondary PSE 5.0 (Ed:k-12), NIC Advanced, CI/CT
Joy is a PhD in Interpretation student at Gallaudet University where she also provided freelance interpreting on campus. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Joy provided Sign Language interpreting services and coordination as an independent contractor in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and served as a staff interpreter for several agencies. In addition to interpreting, Joy has presented workshops related to interpreting and ASL to various corporations and organizations in several states. She has taught various interpreting classes for four different interpreter education programs and has been actively involved in mentoring interpreters. Joy has degrees in Education, Business Management, Sociology, and Interpreting. She loves to road trip across the United States and visit the national parks - which she has been to over 50 of them. She is the proud grandma of a beautiful granddaughter and handsome grandson and a single mother of an adult son and daughter. M.A.Ed., EIPA Secondary PSE 5.0 (Ed:k-12), NIC Advanced, CI/CT
Serena Stone: Instructor, Alumnus
Serena Stone was born in Connecticut to a Deaf family of 4 generations. She relocated to Arizona at a young age. Her primary language is ASL, she enjoys signing poetry, acting and telling jokes in ASL. Serena started her interest in teaching ASL because of her mother, Deb Stone, who is also an ASL instructor. Since then she began working at Phoenix College as an adjunct instructor in January 2011. Later, she obtained her Master’s degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in 2013. She is currently a full time residential faculty at Phoenix College teaching various ASL and IPP courses. This year is her second year at AZTI, and she is looking forward to seeing and meeting you all! Serena is full of energy, humor and compassion. She will bring the LIGHT to you all via ASL, comedy and acting! Be prepared to have sore abs by the end of the week!
Serena Stone was born in Connecticut to a Deaf family of 4 generations. She relocated to Arizona at a young age. Her primary language is ASL, she enjoys signing poetry, acting and telling jokes in ASL. Serena started her interest in teaching ASL because of her mother, Deb Stone, who is also an ASL instructor. Since then she began working at Phoenix College as an adjunct instructor in January 2011. Later, she obtained her Master’s degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in 2013. She is currently a full time residential faculty at Phoenix College teaching various ASL and IPP courses. This year is her second year at AZTI, and she is looking forward to seeing and meeting you all! Serena is full of energy, humor and compassion. She will bring the LIGHT to you all via ASL, comedy and acting! Be prepared to have sore abs by the end of the week!
Cameo Hunsaker: Instructor & Interpreter, Alumnus
Cameo is a nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter and faculty in the Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Program. Cameo was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA where she began learning sign language. After living in Chicago, Santa Fe, NM, and Flagstaff, AZ, Cameo landed in Tucson where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies at the University of Arizona. Since 2005, Cameo has been providing ASL interpreting services on a local, state, national, and international level. She has worked in a variety of interpreting settings, such as education, medical, mental health, VRS/VRI, athletics, business, and social services. Cameo also holds the Arizona Emergency Response Interpreter Credential and has provided interpreting services for various disaster drills and wildland fire emergencies. Having grown up in the theater, Cameo is especially drawn to performance interpreting. She has had the honor of interpreting for over 25 bands, comedians, and notable celebrities, as well as working as a voice actor for several Deaf performers and productions.
In 2016, Cameo accepted a position as adjunct faculty in the Interpreter Preparation Program at Phoenix College. Since beginning her teaching career, Cameo has won the Phoenix College Innovation of the Year Award and was selected as a presenter for the 2018 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development International Conference for her work developing authentic simulations for IPP students. She was also honored when the IPP graduation class chose her to be the keynote speaker at the Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Commencement Ceremony in 2017. Cameo now lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband, two sons, and a smattering of pets. She loves camping and hiking, traveling, Pittsburgh sports of any kind (Go Steelers!), and painting. She is extremely excited for her first year being involved with AZTI!
Cameo is a nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter and faculty in the Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Program. Cameo was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA where she began learning sign language. After living in Chicago, Santa Fe, NM, and Flagstaff, AZ, Cameo landed in Tucson where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies at the University of Arizona. Since 2005, Cameo has been providing ASL interpreting services on a local, state, national, and international level. She has worked in a variety of interpreting settings, such as education, medical, mental health, VRS/VRI, athletics, business, and social services. Cameo also holds the Arizona Emergency Response Interpreter Credential and has provided interpreting services for various disaster drills and wildland fire emergencies. Having grown up in the theater, Cameo is especially drawn to performance interpreting. She has had the honor of interpreting for over 25 bands, comedians, and notable celebrities, as well as working as a voice actor for several Deaf performers and productions.
In 2016, Cameo accepted a position as adjunct faculty in the Interpreter Preparation Program at Phoenix College. Since beginning her teaching career, Cameo has won the Phoenix College Innovation of the Year Award and was selected as a presenter for the 2018 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development International Conference for her work developing authentic simulations for IPP students. She was also honored when the IPP graduation class chose her to be the keynote speaker at the Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Commencement Ceremony in 2017. Cameo now lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband, two sons, and a smattering of pets. She loves camping and hiking, traveling, Pittsburgh sports of any kind (Go Steelers!), and painting. She is extremely excited for her first year being involved with AZTI!
Tasha Goodrich: Instructor, Alumnus
Tasha is a proud Deaf native West Virginian. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s at Rochester Institute of Technology. She performed at National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), in a play called, Antigone. She has taught (History, English, and American Sign Language) for the past ten years in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. She teaches American Sign Language (ASL) at Phoenix College and Central Arizona College and works as a driver for Uber on the side. Recently, Tasha was appointed to serve as a Board Chairperson for Phoenix Association of the Deaf (PAD). She currently resides with her partner, Lori Zyats in sunny Arizona with their Deaf dog, Everest.
Tasha is a proud Deaf native West Virginian. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s at Rochester Institute of Technology. She performed at National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), in a play called, Antigone. She has taught (History, English, and American Sign Language) for the past ten years in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. She teaches American Sign Language (ASL) at Phoenix College and Central Arizona College and works as a driver for Uber on the side. Recently, Tasha was appointed to serve as a Board Chairperson for Phoenix Association of the Deaf (PAD). She currently resides with her partner, Lori Zyats in sunny Arizona with their Deaf dog, Everest.
Phillip LeBeau: Instructor, Alumnus
I love the outdoors. I worked with horses for years. I love being in the mountains camping, hunting and fishing. My family and I visit Wyoming often. We have family in Utah and spend a lot of time enjoying their company. I have a son and a daughter in college in Utah and two girls at home. I spent some of my growing years working on my father's dairy farm in Utah. I also worked with horses at Los Cedros USA in Scottsdale, Arizona. I had a wonderful time last year as an instructor with the Arizona Total Immersion Program. I was born deaf and have participated in the Deaf Culture and community all my life. My wife Patti, who is also Deaf, and I enjoy our friends in the Deaf Community. I have held many positions of leadership in various Deaf organizations. I have taught ASL at the college level for many years. I'm currently teaching the students at Estrella Mountain Community College. I enjoy seeing students learn a new language and be able to communicate with those in the deaf community.
I love the outdoors. I worked with horses for years. I love being in the mountains camping, hunting and fishing. My family and I visit Wyoming often. We have family in Utah and spend a lot of time enjoying their company. I have a son and a daughter in college in Utah and two girls at home. I spent some of my growing years working on my father's dairy farm in Utah. I also worked with horses at Los Cedros USA in Scottsdale, Arizona. I had a wonderful time last year as an instructor with the Arizona Total Immersion Program. I was born deaf and have participated in the Deaf Culture and community all my life. My wife Patti, who is also Deaf, and I enjoy our friends in the Deaf Community. I have held many positions of leadership in various Deaf organizations. I have taught ASL at the college level for many years. I'm currently teaching the students at Estrella Mountain Community College. I enjoy seeing students learn a new language and be able to communicate with those in the deaf community.
Mark Angel Morales: Instructor, Alumnus
Mark Angel Morales was born deaf from rubella and grew up with hearing family as a Deaf Mexican/Aztec in the barrio area near East Los Angeles area of Southern California. A La Puente native attended mainstreamed programs through adolescence and he was a great athlete and starred in several sports. He graduated from South Hills High School before entering Gallaudet College in 1979 where he encountered ASL for the first time and was involved in various organizations as an athlete and a leadership. Mr. Morales is also very active in the areas related to the Deaf Community among his many contributions: was also a Dedicated Deaf Actor in many play productions at Gallaudet, NTID and Signrise, Inc. He was co-directed and co-star as portray “El Pachuco” of the famous play “Zoot Suit” at Gallaudet, his widely well-known One Deaf Aztec Man Show with an emphasis on ASL and International Sign, has enable countless numbers of his performances at many different locations. He is strongly involved in ASL Storytelling as well as International Sign Storytelling through many videotapes and CDs like www.irdt.com, www.deafnation.com, www.aslrose.com and Gallaudet University. He also featured of his life story in “History through Deaf Eyes” on PBS channel.
Mr. Morales was also two-times Deaf Olympian on the USA Men Volleyball Team as Defensive Specialist at the Deaf Olympic in 2001, in Rome, Italy and 2005, in Melbourne, Australia. He has now worked almost 26 years as free-lance professional widely respected Deaf Interpreter, Legal Setting Interpreter, ASL Instructor and International Sign Interpreter and Platform/Relay Interpreter at Gallaudet University and other agencies. He is an associate member of RID. He has worked and interpreted in a wide variety of setting including several nationally and internationally conferences. And also, he trained and facilitated the various workshops related to the International Sign. He enjoyed reading, traveling, astronomy, archeology, sports, and outdoor activities like biking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, caving, and visiting the National Parks, National Monument and State Parks. Mr. Morales is the proudly father of Mark Angel Morales II and Topaz Lisabel Morales. He is residing in the Nation Capital of Washington, D.C.
Mark Angel Morales was born deaf from rubella and grew up with hearing family as a Deaf Mexican/Aztec in the barrio area near East Los Angeles area of Southern California. A La Puente native attended mainstreamed programs through adolescence and he was a great athlete and starred in several sports. He graduated from South Hills High School before entering Gallaudet College in 1979 where he encountered ASL for the first time and was involved in various organizations as an athlete and a leadership. Mr. Morales is also very active in the areas related to the Deaf Community among his many contributions: was also a Dedicated Deaf Actor in many play productions at Gallaudet, NTID and Signrise, Inc. He was co-directed and co-star as portray “El Pachuco” of the famous play “Zoot Suit” at Gallaudet, his widely well-known One Deaf Aztec Man Show with an emphasis on ASL and International Sign, has enable countless numbers of his performances at many different locations. He is strongly involved in ASL Storytelling as well as International Sign Storytelling through many videotapes and CDs like www.irdt.com, www.deafnation.com, www.aslrose.com and Gallaudet University. He also featured of his life story in “History through Deaf Eyes” on PBS channel.
Mr. Morales was also two-times Deaf Olympian on the USA Men Volleyball Team as Defensive Specialist at the Deaf Olympic in 2001, in Rome, Italy and 2005, in Melbourne, Australia. He has now worked almost 26 years as free-lance professional widely respected Deaf Interpreter, Legal Setting Interpreter, ASL Instructor and International Sign Interpreter and Platform/Relay Interpreter at Gallaudet University and other agencies. He is an associate member of RID. He has worked and interpreted in a wide variety of setting including several nationally and internationally conferences. And also, he trained and facilitated the various workshops related to the International Sign. He enjoyed reading, traveling, astronomy, archeology, sports, and outdoor activities like biking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, caving, and visiting the National Parks, National Monument and State Parks. Mr. Morales is the proudly father of Mark Angel Morales II and Topaz Lisabel Morales. He is residing in the Nation Capital of Washington, D.C.
Corey 'Cy' Washington: Volunteer, Alumnus
Corey “Cy” had been working as an ASL instructor previously for consecutive 6 years and currently volunteer for consecutive 2 years at this wonderful program AZTI after moving here in 2002 from Washington DC with degree in Computer Information System. While I am not volunteering at AZTI, I am currently working as a direct care with deaf clients at their residential setting where I rather enjoying working with people daily over technology! I like to do several thing for fun time around here in the valley to keep myself entertained. Feel free to ask more questions during your visiting at AZTI if you want me to improve your sign language greatly! See you there!
Corey “Cy” had been working as an ASL instructor previously for consecutive 6 years and currently volunteer for consecutive 2 years at this wonderful program AZTI after moving here in 2002 from Washington DC with degree in Computer Information System. While I am not volunteering at AZTI, I am currently working as a direct care with deaf clients at their residential setting where I rather enjoying working with people daily over technology! I like to do several thing for fun time around here in the valley to keep myself entertained. Feel free to ask more questions during your visiting at AZTI if you want me to improve your sign language greatly! See you there!
April Santos-Cheng: Instructor, Alumnus
April was raised in San Francisco, California. She has attended mainstream school her whole life. She also attended the University of California-Santa Cruz for 4 years. She studied in Feminist Studies and Politics. She is currently residing in New York City since 2016. She used to work as a Dean of Students office for the last 2 years in college. Her boss was aware of her Deafness and she made her best to accommodate with April’s work at the office. April also became an ASL teacher for last 6 months for her office. She began teaching ASL in Summer 2015. When April moved to NYC, she worked with Sign Language Center for nearly 2 years. Her passion is to be a lawyer in the future. She loves politics and likes to discuss the law. She knows that the Deaf community needs lawyers since the Deaf community does not know much about law. Her job is to teach them how to work with laws and contribute her work with Deaf community. She also loves her ASL teaching job, even though her major is into law field. Her favorite things to do are hiking, going to parks, zoo, museums and more! S he loves adventure! Traveling! Her dream is to travel all over the world someday!
April was raised in San Francisco, California. She has attended mainstream school her whole life. She also attended the University of California-Santa Cruz for 4 years. She studied in Feminist Studies and Politics. She is currently residing in New York City since 2016. She used to work as a Dean of Students office for the last 2 years in college. Her boss was aware of her Deafness and she made her best to accommodate with April’s work at the office. April also became an ASL teacher for last 6 months for her office. She began teaching ASL in Summer 2015. When April moved to NYC, she worked with Sign Language Center for nearly 2 years. Her passion is to be a lawyer in the future. She loves politics and likes to discuss the law. She knows that the Deaf community needs lawyers since the Deaf community does not know much about law. Her job is to teach them how to work with laws and contribute her work with Deaf community. She also loves her ASL teaching job, even though her major is into law field. Her favorite things to do are hiking, going to parks, zoo, museums and more! S he loves adventure! Traveling! Her dream is to travel all over the world someday!
Rachel Berman: Instructor, Alumnus
Rachel Berman hails from Las Vegas and currently lives in Denver, CO. She is a professor of ASL at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley. She received her B.A. from University of Arizona, M.S. from Gallaudet University and finally, another M.A from UNC in Teaching ASL. This is her second time working at AZTI, and on the side, she does ASL Stage coaching and consulting as well as private tutoring and teaching at several employers and organizations. She was the artistic director of ASL Slam in Denver and social media guru nationally posting creative ASL content. Lastly, she was the founder and creator of Zoey Goes, bilingual children’s eBooks in ASL and English (www.zoeygoes.com). In her free time, she loves to socialize with her friends, travel and explore new places, photojournal with her iPhone, work out at
QiFlow, read and play outdoors.
Rachel Berman hails from Las Vegas and currently lives in Denver, CO. She is a professor of ASL at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley. She received her B.A. from University of Arizona, M.S. from Gallaudet University and finally, another M.A from UNC in Teaching ASL. This is her second time working at AZTI, and on the side, she does ASL Stage coaching and consulting as well as private tutoring and teaching at several employers and organizations. She was the artistic director of ASL Slam in Denver and social media guru nationally posting creative ASL content. Lastly, she was the founder and creator of Zoey Goes, bilingual children’s eBooks in ASL and English (www.zoeygoes.com). In her free time, she loves to socialize with her friends, travel and explore new places, photojournal with her iPhone, work out at
QiFlow, read and play outdoors.