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 retired at Arizona State University as a full-time American Sign Language Lecturer. 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.
We hope you will attend ASL Arizona Total Immersion to have an enriching and fun learning experience in ASL and Deaf Culture. Please email AZTIAdm@gmail.com if any questions.
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 retired at Arizona State University as a full-time American Sign Language Lecturer. 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.
We hope you will attend ASL Arizona Total Immersion to have an enriching and fun learning experience in ASL and Deaf Culture. Please email AZTIAdm@gmail.com if any questions.
Serena Stone: Instructor, Program Coordinator/Instructor
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!
Crys Lentz: Instructor & Interpreter
Crys is a nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter and an adjunct faculty instructor at Phoenix College with the Interpreter Preparation Program. She was born and raised right here in Phoenix by her single, very hard-of-hearing mother. Crys has worked in a large variety of areas of interpreting for the last 31 years including; education, medical, mental health, DeafBlind and VRS/VRI to name a few. She attained her QMHI (Qualified Mental Health Interpreter) credentials in 2014 from the Alabama Department of Mental Health Office of Deaf Services. When not working she can, most often, be found spending time with her family, cycling or pondering her naval for the value of a life.
She is extremely excited for her first year being involved with AZTI!
Crys is a nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter and an adjunct faculty instructor at Phoenix College with the Interpreter Preparation Program. She was born and raised right here in Phoenix by her single, very hard-of-hearing mother. Crys has worked in a large variety of areas of interpreting for the last 31 years including; education, medical, mental health, DeafBlind and VRS/VRI to name a few. She attained her QMHI (Qualified Mental Health Interpreter) credentials in 2014 from the Alabama Department of Mental Health Office of Deaf Services. When not working she can, most often, be found spending time with her family, cycling or pondering her naval for the value of a life.
She is extremely excited for her first year being involved with AZTI!
Joan Hanna: ASL Instructor
Joan is 4th generation Deaf. Her native language is ASL. She is deaf in her left ear and hard of hearing in her right ear, and learned to speak at age 6 and with 7 years of speech training. She attended Gallaudet University, and St Joseph University. She was a teacher at the American School for the Deaf for 28 years and a professor at the University of Connecticut for 12 years. Former Board member for the National Theatre of the deaf for 20+ years, she has been a sign language consultant for Bushnell Theater for 28 years. Involved in many deaf-related organizations in Connecticut, she has been involved with Total Immersion Sign Language Program in CT. for over 25+ years as well as Immersion Programs in Vancouver WA, here in Arizona, and Minnesota. A workshop presenter and a comedian she has traveled all over many states.
Her philosophy in learning ASL is applying real-life events, daily communications, and having fun while learning as the best way to retain Sign Language Skills. So come on to AZTI for 5 days! Leave your hard work and daily lives at home and come to be like a kid at camp, learning, practicing, laughing, and making wonderful new friends.
Joan is 4th generation Deaf. Her native language is ASL. She is deaf in her left ear and hard of hearing in her right ear, and learned to speak at age 6 and with 7 years of speech training. She attended Gallaudet University, and St Joseph University. She was a teacher at the American School for the Deaf for 28 years and a professor at the University of Connecticut for 12 years. Former Board member for the National Theatre of the deaf for 20+ years, she has been a sign language consultant for Bushnell Theater for 28 years. Involved in many deaf-related organizations in Connecticut, she has been involved with Total Immersion Sign Language Program in CT. for over 25+ years as well as Immersion Programs in Vancouver WA, here in Arizona, and Minnesota. A workshop presenter and a comedian she has traveled all over many states.
Her philosophy in learning ASL is applying real-life events, daily communications, and having fun while learning as the best way to retain Sign Language Skills. So come on to AZTI for 5 days! Leave your hard work and daily lives at home and come to be like a kid at camp, learning, practicing, laughing, and making wonderful new friends.
Steven J. Simmon: ASL Instructor
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.
David Hamilton: ASL Instructor
I am in 3rd generation of deafness in my family. My late grandma was deaf. My dad and two older siblings are deaf. All of us attended Kentucky school for the deaf. Upon graduating from high school, I attended Gallaudet University where I got my Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, I got my masters in deaf education at western Maryland college and teaching credential at CSUN. Basketball is my favorite sports as I have always played and coached for almost all my life. I played 4 years of college basketball at Southern Illinois and Gallaudet university. Also, I was a member of USA Deaf Olympic basketball team and won 5 gold medals. This year marks my 32nd year of teaching at the deaf schools and universities. Currently, I teach health and physical education at California school for the deaf as well as teaching American Sign Language at California State University at East Bay. Fitness and Weight training are my new hobby and it’s one of my new side job, I teach and train fitness classes through zoom.
I have two grown children who are in their last year of college education.
I am in 3rd generation of deafness in my family. My late grandma was deaf. My dad and two older siblings are deaf. All of us attended Kentucky school for the deaf. Upon graduating from high school, I attended Gallaudet University where I got my Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, I got my masters in deaf education at western Maryland college and teaching credential at CSUN. Basketball is my favorite sports as I have always played and coached for almost all my life. I played 4 years of college basketball at Southern Illinois and Gallaudet university. Also, I was a member of USA Deaf Olympic basketball team and won 5 gold medals. This year marks my 32nd year of teaching at the deaf schools and universities. Currently, I teach health and physical education at California school for the deaf as well as teaching American Sign Language at California State University at East Bay. Fitness and Weight training are my new hobby and it’s one of my new side job, I teach and train fitness classes through zoom.
I have two grown children who are in their last year of college education.
Paulus Yalim
Paulus was born hearing, but became deaf at the age of eight months due to high fever that damaged his hearing. He grew up in the hearing world in Indonesia before emigrating to the U.S in 1989. It was a big "Culture Shock" when he first attended Gallaudet University's English Language Institute. It gave him a unique identity of who he was as a Deaf person. He took a graduate program at the University of Phoenix and received an M.A degree in Education. He has been teaching ASL classes for more than 22 years and is currently teaching ASL classes at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
His hobbies are playing with the new tech gadgets and exploring the Cosmos (how we came into existence and beyond). He is excited to share his experience in learning a visual language at AZTI! :)
"Deaf people can do anything except hear" - Dr. Irvin King Jordan (First Deaf President of Gallaudet University)
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein
Paulus was born hearing, but became deaf at the age of eight months due to high fever that damaged his hearing. He grew up in the hearing world in Indonesia before emigrating to the U.S in 1989. It was a big "Culture Shock" when he first attended Gallaudet University's English Language Institute. It gave him a unique identity of who he was as a Deaf person. He took a graduate program at the University of Phoenix and received an M.A degree in Education. He has been teaching ASL classes for more than 22 years and is currently teaching ASL classes at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
His hobbies are playing with the new tech gadgets and exploring the Cosmos (how we came into existence and beyond). He is excited to share his experience in learning a visual language at AZTI! :)
"Deaf people can do anything except hear" - Dr. Irvin King Jordan (First Deaf President of Gallaudet University)
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein
James Rice: ASL Instructor
James Rice, a passionate educator, hails from Phoenix, AZ. Motivated by the belief that "Life is not fair, so do something about it," he pursued a degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University West. With extensive experience teaching kindergarten through high school, James later earned a Master's degree in Arts of Education from the University of Phoenix. Currently, he teaches American Sign Language at a high school and has spent over 25 years instructing at Maricopa Community Colleges. James enjoys creating engaging lesson plans, developing curricula, and helping students embrace new languages and discover their talents. He also finds joy in spending time with his family, reading to deaf children, fishing, camping, and storytelling.
Signing hands can dance through emotions, from crazy and creative to funny and sad, and everything in between. It's not just an art of language; it's a sign language that illuminates the world. Watch it come alive, in vibrant 3-D, and witness the power of communication at its best!
James Rice, a passionate educator, hails from Phoenix, AZ. Motivated by the belief that "Life is not fair, so do something about it," he pursued a degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University West. With extensive experience teaching kindergarten through high school, James later earned a Master's degree in Arts of Education from the University of Phoenix. Currently, he teaches American Sign Language at a high school and has spent over 25 years instructing at Maricopa Community Colleges. James enjoys creating engaging lesson plans, developing curricula, and helping students embrace new languages and discover their talents. He also finds joy in spending time with his family, reading to deaf children, fishing, camping, and storytelling.
Signing hands can dance through emotions, from crazy and creative to funny and sad, and everything in between. It's not just an art of language; it's a sign language that illuminates the world. Watch it come alive, in vibrant 3-D, and witness the power of communication at its best!
Jeff Stone: Volunteer
Born and raised in Connecticut, Jeff grew up attending Mystic Oral School for the Deaf and learned ASL when he attended college at NTID/RIT. He obtained a degree in Applied. Arts/Design Drafting from NTID in 1977 and Product Design from Gallaudet University in 1981. Jeff retired from Honeywell as an engineer after 33 years but he has been teaching ASL/fingerspelling at Scottsdale Community College and Phoenix College for more than 20 years. Jeff enjoys driving his Can-Am off road on different trails and on different sand dunes and riding his mountain bicycle. He also enjoys upcycling furniture and creating art and has begun traveling more. Jeff is well known in the Deaf community as a funny guy. He is a father of three and is married to Deb Stone for 38 years. Jeff is very excited to be here at ASL AZTI making you laugh!
Born and raised in Connecticut, Jeff grew up attending Mystic Oral School for the Deaf and learned ASL when he attended college at NTID/RIT. He obtained a degree in Applied. Arts/Design Drafting from NTID in 1977 and Product Design from Gallaudet University in 1981. Jeff retired from Honeywell as an engineer after 33 years but he has been teaching ASL/fingerspelling at Scottsdale Community College and Phoenix College for more than 20 years. Jeff enjoys driving his Can-Am off road on different trails and on different sand dunes and riding his mountain bicycle. He also enjoys upcycling furniture and creating art and has begun traveling more. Jeff is well known in the Deaf community as a funny guy. He is a father of three and is married to Deb Stone for 38 years. Jeff is very excited to be here at ASL AZTI making you laugh!
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.