Meet the Interpreters

At the University of Minnesota, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are committed to fostering a welcoming and communication-rich environment in which DHH students, staff, faculty and guests can fully engage in all aspects of the of University experience!

ASL interpreters:

  • Facilitate communication between DeafBlind, Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and hearing individuals.
  • Are bilingual and bicultural professionals who work between two languages:  ASL and English.
  • Understand both Deaf and hearing cultures and use that knowledge to promote successful cross-cultural interactions.
  • Often hold national certification.  This certification is maintained by continuing their education and continuously developing their linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.
  • Follow all University of Minnesota policies as well as strict ethical and professional standards from their national governing body, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), and its Code of Professional Conduct.

Please click a name below for more information on that interpreter:

Ardis Houle                       Maria Holloway       

Jules Lehto                         Sam Oie                           

Barb Podesta                    Nicole Thornberg 

Marilyn Chiarello              Tamar Jackson Nelson                  

 

 

 

 

 

Key to Certification Abbreviations

RID - Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

  • CI - Certificate of Interpreting
  • CT - Certificate of Transliteration
  • NIC - National Interpreter Certificate

NAD - National Association of the Deaf

BEI - Board for Evaluation of Interpreters