HSDC - Key Persons
Abigail grew up in Gulf Shores, Alabama and attended Troy University's ITP. Abigail moved out to the Seattle to complete her senior year internship with HSDC. Once she received her Bachelors of Science in Interpreting Training, she took on a position as an Interpreting Services Coordinator at HSDC. She has loved the scheduling aspect of interpreting as well as her work with several interpreting mentors to prepare her to become a certified interpreter in the future. She looks forward to continuing her work with HSDC and the wonderful community she has met in Seattle! ×
Amber was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle area), and is happy to be back home after many years away. She went to Western Oregon University for her Bachelors of Arts in ASL/English interpreting with a minor in Special Education. From there, she lived in Alaska for 5 years working as a school-based interpreter. She decided she was ready for a change, and went back to school three years ago, this time to Western Washington University for a graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology. She graduated last month with her Masters of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, paddle boarding, relaxing with her puppy, and time with friends and family.
Amir grew up in Atlanta and lived in DC for several years. He played point guard in basketball. Amir is the first deaf person in his entire family tree. He is very fortunate to have a wonderful mom that he can able to communicate with in ASL. Not too many people-especially those that look like him-have the same form of communication. Amir enjoys sports, teaching ASL, traveling and chess. He enjoys experiencing new cultural foods, languages and movies. Recently, Amir married the love of his life and moved to Seattle from DC. He aspires to inspire kids and their families to improve their ASL skills and grow their bond with each other with this beautiful language. He is looking forward to an exciting opportunity at Rosen Family Preschool! ×
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Administrator
- Support Specialist
Andrea's depth of administrative and project management experience benefits HSDC on many levels. She has worked in various industries, including recruiting, real estate, and technology, and she loves working to streamline processes and procedures in order to help organizations meet their goals. In recent years, she worked on a four-person team to create a robust new Enrichment program for Thornton Creek School. She also volunteers at Thornton Creek School's Developmental Preschool. Andrea enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, metalsmithing, and following various nerdy pursuits. Ask her for a random bit of useless information! ×
Angela grew up in the outskirts of Napoleon, Missouri, which is in the Eastern part of the Greater Kansas City area. She graduated from University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies, with an emphasis in Communication Consultancy, and a minor in Digital Media Productions. She has relocated to Seattle this year to be closer to her sister, the mountains and coastline, and pursue opportunities to connect with the PNW d/Deaf-Hard of Hearing community! With the ability to code switch between two different languages, American Sign Language and English, Angela has been able utilize Total Communication as she navigates between the Deaf and hearing world. Angela is passionate about accessibility, equitable communication, and is so very curious-fascinated with our natural world, organic humanness and poetry. She strives to share creative content on her website that's not only structurally and aesthetically diverse, but to also make an impact for individuals to be (and want to be) more inclusive. She has hope to be able to provide and share resources, conversations with members of our community, and discuss about ideas that promotes coexistence where we thrive more than survive - especially as Deaf-Hard of Hearing individuals within a hearing-dominated world. Angela enjoys pursuing opportunities to continue her exploration of SoulGardening during her free time outside of work and is very much looking forward to getting settled in here in Seattle. ×
Anna was born and raised in the state of Montana. She received her undergraduate degree in social work and invested two semesters of post-baccalaureate studies in speech-language pathology before settling into her master's in Deaf Education at Utah State University. During her graduate studies, Anna had the opportunity to intern for the New Mexico School for the Deaf as an Early Interventionist serving the community of Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Her teaching internship took her to the Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge, where Anna taught a kindergarten classroom.
Both her studies and work experience have shown Anna the benefits and importance of teaching deaf and hard of hearing children, along with their families, using a bilingual/bicultural perspective. At HSDC, Anna is very excited to put her knowledge into action; working alongside parents in developing language plans that support accessibility in the home, supporting families in advocating for the rights of their deaf child, and most importantly, guiding families in creating meaningful and powerful relationships with their deaf child.
Annie is Deaf and fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Before joining Rosen Family Preschool and making the Pacific Northwest her permanent residence, she had 9 years of teaching experience at Texas School for the Deaf and California School for the Deaf - Riverside (CSDR).
Annie grew up in Southern California, eventually graduating from CSDR and attending Gallaudet University in Washington, DC for her Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education. She continued her education at University of California - San Diego for her Master of Arts in Bilingual Education of ASL and English.
Outside of the classroom, Annie spends her time with her husband and dogs and cats. She also enjoys reading books, watching TV shows and movies, and doing yoga. Annie is very thrilled to be a part of Rosen Family Preschool and looks forward to learning from the team and students!
Job Titles:
- Board Member of Deaf Spotlight
- Co - Executive Director & DHHS Director
- Co - Executive Director & Director
- Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Ariele Belo is the Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Co-Executive Director of the Hearing, Speech, and Deaf Center (HSDC). She supervised staff within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (Advocacy, Case Management, Information and referral, and Education & training programs) in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham. HSDC serves 13 counties in Western Washington. Ariele works along with other Co-Executive Directors in supporting other programs (Audiology, Speech and Language, Parent-Infant Program, Rosen Preschool, and Interpreting Services) at HSDC.
Ariele is a native of Seattle and an alumna of the Hearing, Speech, and Deaf Center's Parent-Infant Program (PIP). She had years of experience as an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing. She is also a Qualified Deaf interpreter for Deaf and DeafBlind.
Since joining HSDC, she has graduated from Project LEAD (Leadership Effectiveness and Diversity), a United Way of King County program "which aims to increase the representation of people of color on nonprofit boards and in other positions of community leadership in King County".
Ariele enjoys volunteering as her parents have always volunteered while growing up. Ariele is currently a board member of Deaf Spotlight. Deaf Spotlight inspires and showcases Deaf Culture and Sign Languages through arts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinics Speech - Language Pathologist
- Director of Speech, Speech - Language Pathologist
Athina earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology, as well as her Master's of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD. Through her graduate studies and work experience, Athina has gained valuable knowledge working with children and adults with a wide variety of speech and language impairments. Athina's personal clinical interests include early intervention, feeding disorders, and motor speech disorders.
Athina was born and raised on the east coast but is excited to call the Pacific Northwest her current home. In her spare time, Athina enjoys traveling to new countries, hiking, and cycling.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Qualified Deaf Interpreter, ASL & Interpreting Services Specialist
Braden grew up in Frederick, Maryland and attended Maryland School for the Deaf. He has a bachelor's in American Sign Language with a minor in Linguistics and a master's in Interpretation from Gallaudet University.
In his spare time, he loves going out with friends, playing video games, and also has a huge affection for cats.
Brandon recently moved from Little Rock Arkansas to Seattle Washington permanently as part of the internship at HSDC. Brandon graduated with Bachelors of Arts from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in ASL Interpreting for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind- with a minor in Deaf Education and an Associates of Science in American Sign Language Studies. Brandon is Hard of Hearing/Moderately Deaf and has come to find so much acceptance from friends and others in the community like him. From Deaf family to the big wide world, Brandon has continually found that there are places for those who experience the world like him. Because of this, he has made his goal to continually educate and inspire others to live to their fullest potentials, to not just reach for the sky or the stars, but to reach for impossibility and make those dreams achievable. ×
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Bryan started out as a Billing Specialist at Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center and has now worked as Facilities Manager for over nine years. He enjoys his work taking care of reservations, preparing for events, and making sure the building is in good shape. He also enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer & Social Media Connector
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Buddy moved to Seattle at the budding age of 12. He obtained his bachelor's degree in graphic design in 2009 at the Art Institute of California in Santa Monica. In addition to his work at HSDC, Buddy works as a freelance graphic designer, partnering with several deaf-owned firms, including local organizations Deaf Spotlight and deaffriendly.
Carol has been engaged with the local Deaf and DeafBlind communities for many years, and has a high level of cultural understanding and competence that make her especially suited to working as Director of Development. She has over 25 years of experience in leadership and philanthropy, with a passion for creating nonprofit giving opportunities in order to change the social landscape.
Carol worked previously at the Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) and Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS). She looks forward to promoting the work of Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center!
Cassidy was born and raised right here in Washington, about an hour south of Seattle. She is a Deaf mom of an almost 5-year-old CODA named Isabella. Cassidy loves working with children. Fun fact: Cassidy is a PIP alumni and she volunteered with PIP during high school. Cassidy is excited to be working at HSDC! ×
Cassie was born and raised in the Puget Sound area. She received her undergraduate degree in American Sign Language Studies and graduate degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education from Western Oregon University. After graduating, Cassie interned at Phoenix Day School for the Deaf in Phoenix, Arizona and Birney Elementary School in Tacoma, Washington. Both experiences showed her the benefits of a bilingual/bicultural approach to education for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Cassie is excited to support families and their deaf and hard of hearing children on their journeys. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, visiting family, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Client Advocate, Puget Sound
Devin is a proud Washingtonian with a moderate to severe hearing reduction. He is a graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor's in the Community, Environment, and Planning (CEP) program and Anthropology a minor in Environmental Studies. After graduation, Devin spent years working with the homeless population in Seattle, advocating for and supporting their needs. Devin has also been involved in the local Deaf and hard of hearing community by educating, advocating, and supporting others with hearing differences. Devin enjoys running, reading, doing yoga, exploring the outdoors, refereeing basketball, and showing off his wonderful smile. ×
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Interim Director of Finance
Don grew up in the Seattle area and earned a BA from the University of Washington. He has worked in finance for several local companies, including Nordstrom, where he spent time as an internal auditor and administered the online vendor compliance program. Upon completion of his CPA exams, Don worked with small business clients on accounting and tax issues, one of whom introduced him to Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center.
Outside of work, Don spends time with his wife and two young children and enjoys movies, food (both favorite restaurants and cooking), and the rare moments of quiet that let him read a good book. He looks forward to learning ASL, supporting Seattle's Deaf community, and finishing his CPA credentialing while working at HSDC.
Emily is an ASL - English Interpreter, who was born and raised in Seattle, WA. Having taken ASL in high school, she pursued a degree in ASL - English Interpretation from the Rochester Institute of Technology/National School for the Deaf in Rochester, NY. After graduation, she moved home where she now lives with her partner and the various plants they've accumulated. When not in the classroom, Emily enjoys reading, yoga, playing soccer, and watching movies. She is very excited to be a part of the Rosen Family Preschool, and work with an amazing group of people. ×
Job Titles:
- Director of Interpreting Services & Logistics Manager
Job Titles:
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
Hayden was born and raised in Houston, Texas and earned his Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with his Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. During his graduate studies, he worked with a wide variety of pediatric and adult clients in clinical, hospital, and school settings. He also completed the Hearing Loss Specialty Track, which gave him experience working with Deaf and hard of hearing children.
As a person who stutters, Hayden has a special interest in working with other children and adults who stutter. Outside of his clinical work, he leads the Seattle Adult Chapter of the National Stuttering Association.
Job Titles:
- Client Advocate North Sound
Dino received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design at the College of Imagine Arts and Science, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). After he graduated in 2000, he searched for design jobs while working for Deaf Community Services of San Diego, Inc. Although he had no luck finding a design job, he ended up getting a promotion as a Client Advocate. In 2004, he moved to Washington State and became a Client Advocate at HSDC's Bellingham office. He enjoys working with brave clients to achieve their challenging goals. Dino is passionate about contributing his leadership to the Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD) and the Northwest Washington Community of the Deaf, being loyalty members of both organizations since 2005. He has also supported the Deaf Teen Leadership camp at Cispus Learning Center in Randle since 2009. He believes in Lily Tomlin's quote: "I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was that somebody." Besides his community leadership, Dino cherishes his quality time with his two silly daughters and wonderful wife. He loves collecting comic books, coordinating Deaf events, and being a father and husband. ×
Job Titles:
- Grants & Communications Manager
Born and raised in Seattle, Jason has a bachelor's in English Literature from the University of Washington. While learning American Sign Language, he began volunteering for HSDC's Development Department, where he now works.
Jason has connected with the Deaf community at HSDC and learned the importance of working to make the world a better place. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, and being active.
Jena was born and raised on a farm in Kentucky. She attended Gallaudet University, where she earned BA in English and MA in Mental Health Counseling. After graduation, she worked in various fields for more than ten years, primarily in the nonprofit sector, with additional experience in education. Before working at HSDC's Seattle office, she worked as a Program Coordinator/Lead Client Advocate at HSDC's Tacoma office. Jena strongly believes in the power of self-advocacy and empowerment in her work. During her spare time she enjoys hiking, reading books, and running her micro-business as an illustrator. ×
Jenny is excited to join the HSDC team after serving as an itinerant teacher of deaf and hard of hearing students for the past three years in Colorado. Jenny majored in Deaf Studies and Psychology at The College of the Holy Cross, and went on to Rochester Institute of Technology where she earned her Master of Science in Secondary Education of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. She is looking forward to meeting and working with all of the students at HSDC. Outside of school, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family (especially her niece), drinking copious amounts of coffee, and hiking. ×
Job Titles:
- Associate Director & Client Advocate North Sound
- Program Coordinator, North Sound
Joel has degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling/Deaf Studies and Linguistics and was a Graduate Research Fellow with the Gallaudet University Linguistics Department. He worked for years at the Arizona School for the Deaf and as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf with the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Joel also currently works as a Guardian ad Litem for Whatcom County Superior Court and volunteers as a mediator for the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. He brings a passion for collaboration and communication to his work.
In his spare time, Joel loves to run trails, swim lakes, road bike, and play music with friends. Joel appreciates all life has to offer, especially new challenges, the outdoors, and the simple pleasures of time with loved ones and great local food. Despite appearances he can easily eat twice as much as you…seriously.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Karen's association with HSDC started when she was a participant in the Parent-Infant Program as a toddler. These days, she's the one supporting children and families impacted by hearing challenges! Karen's fabulous communication skills, positive attitude, patience, flexibility, and listening skills make her an inspiration not just to the children she mentors, but to their families and her coworkers. As the only program in the Puget Sound to educate deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing infants and toddlers with both American Sign Language and English, it was a no-brainer for her to join PIP!
The first in her family to hold a graduate degree, Karen has a BA in Psychology and an MA in Deaf Education, as well as extensive training from Gallaudet University on the bilingual/bicultural approach to deaf education. Outside the office, Karen travels extensively (she was even in Germany the day the Berlin Wall fell!), gardens, researches her family history, and volunteers in the DeafBlind community. And if you ever want to make her day, just show up with some black licorice-she lives for it!
Kelly is originally from Portland, Oregon, and moved to Seattle in her mid-teens. She is a Northwest girl at heart, with a bachelor's degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington. She brings a wealth of knowledge from many different fields, including non-profit administration. Kelly is an animal lover, yoga enthusiast, and amateur photographer. She has a passion for adventure, helping people, and experiencing cultures around the world. ×
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Deaf Educator & Community Volunteer
Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center appointed Lindsay Klarman as Executive Director in 2014 after an extensive search. Formerly an Outreach & Education Specialist at the University of Washington's Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS), Lindsay conducted research at UW for 13 years in developmental cognitive science, as well as speech and hearing sciences. She is also a certified sign language interpreter, has a Master's in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University, and has served on numerous nonprofit boards. Lindsay is excited to lead HSDC and connect with the community in her leadership role. ×
Hailing from the Midwest, Lyn and her son have been in the PNW for the last 5 years. Coming from a deaf family of 22 generations, Lyn has been challenged with a coda child. For enjoyment, Lyn enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her son. ×
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Classroom Assistant for Bilingual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Classroom
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Interim Treasure & Finance Chair
Nate is a teacher with nine years of experience in Deaf Education under his belt. Before coming to Rosen, he worked at Madrona K-8 School in the Edmonds School District, and at Woodlands Elementary in the Central Kitsap School District. When he isn't in the classroom, Nate can be found snowboarding, hiking with his dogs, watching sports, or hanging out with his wife and children. Born to Deaf parents, Nate is Deaf and fluent in both English and American Sign Language (ASL). He grew up nearby on Bainbridge Island before moving to Irvine, CA for high school. After that, he attended Gallaudet University in Washington DC, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English. Nate is currently pursuing a master's degree in Deaf Education. He is very enthusiastic about the benefits of bilingual education for Deaf students and is excited to see Rosen Family Preschool grow as he enters his fifth year of teaching at HSDC. ×
Job Titles:
- Rosen Family Preschool Director
Pamela grew up in the New York area and became interested in ASL as a teenager when she volunteered in a nursery program with Deaf children. It was an interest that stayed with her throughout her life. She majored in Radio/Television/Film and Theatre education at Northwestern University to pursue a career as a teacher of theatre and video production. As a drama teacher, she produced a play with a Deaf character, bringing in a Deaf student and ASL interpreter to work on the show. It was a fantastic experience for Pamela and her students, inspiring her to pursue a master's degree in Deaf Education and Theatre.
Pamela earned her MA in Deaf Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In New York, she trained at the Lexington School for the Deaf and PS47, a public school that supports ASL and English. She's worked at the New York School for the Deaf, St. Frances De Sales School for the Deaf, and for NYC Public Schools as a teacher in a self-contained D/HH classroom. She was involved with the Shared Reading Project and helped establish an English language program for Deaf Students at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. She has also studied ASL interpreting and will soon complete an online Graduate Certificate program in Early Childhood ASL and English Bilingual Education through Gallaudet University.
Pamela has two teenage sons and lives in Redmond, Washington with her doting husband and tiny dogs. She is delighted to be adding Preschool Director to her current pursuits as a teacher, parent, and knitwear designer.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board of Directors
Sabrina is a Seattle native and learned ASL as a child from having a Deaf sibling. She is very passionate about advocating for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Currently, Sabrina enrolled at Highline College, studying to be a psychologist, with a minor in Deaf studies. In her spare time Sabrina enjoys making art (specifically photography), exploring nature, and traveling. ×
Sam grew up in Kansas, went east for college, then came back to Kansas and had a family. Eventually, his family ended up in the Pacific Northwest. Sam is very happy to be among forests and mountains. He enjoys smelling the refreshing breeze and the rain coming off the Sound. Sam is excited to be part of Rosen Family Preschool. With an array of fun approaches, he hopes to encourage the creative force of play as a part of each child's journey towards self-actualization. The kids of Rosen Preschool have already taught him a trick or two about creativity! He looks forward to seeing how each child grows. ×
Savannah Hagwood was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina with a Deaf mother, hearing father, and Deaf younger brother. She grew up using American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Savannah's life and personal experiences led her to obtain her bachelor's in Psychology at Gardner-Webb University. She became so fascinated with human interactions and behaviors that she then decided to attend Gallaudet University in Washington, DC for her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Savannah's background has given her a wide variety of opportunities, such as Intern Therapist, Support Service Provider for the DeafBlind, Direct Support Professional for Developmental Disabilities, and Community Advocate for Eastern Washington. As a strong advocate of bilingual ASL/English deaf education, Savannah is very excited to be a part of the growing PIP and Rosen Preschool programs at HSDC.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
With a love for outdoor adventures and a commitment to education, Sierra brings a unique energy to our preschool community. When she's not hiking, playing frisbee on the beach, she is dedicated to quality communication with our preschoolers as well as creating experiences that spark curiosity, and inspire their young minds to explore what's around them. ×
Takeshi was born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in Montvale, New Jersey. He has contributed a tremendous amount of his time working with children at twelve different Deaf schools and Deaf camps around the country. Takeshi is a globetrotter who has traveled the world, including 49 states and 45 Deaf schools. His favorite country is Australia. He enjoys photography, traveling, sushi, and working with children. ×
Thu-Ha earned her associate's degree at Tacoma Community College and then transferred to the University of Washington Tacoma where she received a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is profoundly deaf and has lived in Tacoma most of her life. She enjoys being involved in Deaf community activities as well as volunteering at several different organizations, such as Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) and Sound. In her spare time, she enjoys doing arts and crafts. ×
Job Titles:
- Interpreting Services Coordinator
Trista is a Puget Sound native and fifth generation Washingtonian. She graduated with honors from Western Oregon University, receiving a bachelor's degree in ASL/English Interpreting. Trista has worked in interpreting services since 2008 and has served as an approved RID Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) Administrator and Licensed Test Administration (LTA) since 2010. As a CMP, Trista's current goals are to provide, advertise, and expand Continuing Education Unit (CEU) opportunities for ASL interpreters and support events seeking RID CEU approval in partnership with HSDC. She has been committed to the service of HSDC's interpreters and Deaf clients for nearly a decade.
Trista enjoys spending her free time with her family, reading a good book, sipping good wine or tea, and cycling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Community Volunteer & College Counselor
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors