Barbara Spiecker (she/her) is a deaf marine ecologist who uses mathematical and statistical tools, along with experimental and field-based research, to investigate how marine communities respond to climate change and to improve the monitoring and management of marine habitats. She is the co-founder and executive director of Atomic Hands, a nonprofit dedicated to making science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engaging and accessible through American Sign Language (ASL). Atomic Hands creates ASL STEM videos, provides national and international presentations and training on delivering STEM content in ASL, and offers ASL–English translation services for STEM materials. Barbara has collaborated on state- and federally funded initiatives to develop STEM vocabulary in ASL and has worked with state education departments to translate English-based standardized tests into ASL. She holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Marine Biology from Northeastern University, and a B.S. in Biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Nigel Howard is an instructor at the University of Victoria in the Department of Linguistics. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Linguistics. At Douglas College, he had worked in the Program of Sign Language Interpretation (INTR), and Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS) for 25 years.

Nigel has been an interpreter for nearly 30 years in various settings such as medical, mental health, legal, theatre, community, and conference/workshops locally, nationally, and internationally. He is an Accredited International Sign Interpreter under the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) and is also part of the United Nations team of International Sign interpreters and interprets media. Broadcasting and translating are his forte.

Teri Hedding is an Assistant Professor at Moraine Valley Community College, where she has been teaching ASL since 2017. Previously, she spent 17 years as Manager of Sinai Deaf Health at Sinai Health System, overseeing interpreter services and healthcare access for Deaf and hard of hearing patients. She also served as the Statewide Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services with the Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health.

Ms. Hedding holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling (1993) and a master’s degree in Sign Language Education (2023), both from Gallaudet University. She became a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) in 2009 and has interpreted in medical, mental health, government, business, and legal settings. A fun fact: she enjoys hiking at local forest preserves.

Esteban Amaro is a native of Chicago and proudly identifies as a COMA (Child of Mexican Adults). He graduated from Columbia College Chicago (2005) with a bachelor’s degree in ASL–English Interpretation. Esteban has held various staff positions throughout his career where he has been able to work alongside CDIs and DIs to enhance communication. In 2022 he became a staff ASL Interpreter for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disability (MOPD) Career Center in Chicago, IL. Esteban has past experience presenting on topics related to Trilingual (ASL-SPA-ENG) related topics and the BEI’s TEP Test. He is thrilled to be co-presenting during this year’s IDDHC’s annual conference.

A native ASL user and second-generation Deaf individual, June Prusak brings a lifetime of linguistic and cultural insight to her work as a Certified Deaf Interpreter. With a BA in Leisure Studies: Therapeutic Recreation from Gallaudet University (1993) and years spent empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth, June's journey culminated in earning her CDI (2005) and a Conditional Legal Interpreting Permit-Relay (2009). Today, she is an indispensable staff CDI and Coordinator at the Circuit Court of Cook County, bringing years of dedicated experience in legal interpreting to her role.

A dedicated educator, June generously shares her diverse expertise through workshops for both interpreter and Deaf communities. Off-duty, she recharges by connecting with the beauty of the outdoors and the fast-paced fun of pickleball.

Ann Wohlmuth received a BA in ASL<>English Interpretation in 2001 and after graduate work in the field of interpreting in legal settings, she began working for the Circuit Court of Cook County (2007). In 2013, Ms. Wohlmuth became their Supervisor of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Access (DHHA); accumulating over 1,000 hours of specialized legal interpreter training and 19 years of interpreting experience across the state.

Ms. Wohlmuth serves on many advisory groups related to sign language interpretation in legal and law enforcement settings including acting as co-chair of the Disability Access Committee under the Illinois Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission and appointed to the Chicago Bar Association’s Pro-Se Advisory Committee. In her free time, she works with the CPD on police policies as it relates to the Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) community and frequently presents on deaf culture for the courts to improve understanding and access to the justice system.