Ascend and Transform
May 3-5, 2024 │ Virtual Summit
The 2024 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters will be an action-packed, virtual summit where interpreters can earn up to 1.5 CEUs. Sessions range from interactive presentations to armchair discussions and are focused on providing interpreters with insight, solutions and best practices to position Deaf and hard of hearing clients for success in healthcare settings!
Join us in May!
Registration for the 2024 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters is closed.
Agenda
Friday, May 3, 2024
2:30 – 2:45PM (CT)
Welcome
2:30 – 2:45PM (CT)
Understanding Medication:
Drugs Used for Common Mental Health Disorders
Drugs Used for Common Mental Health Disorders
A2: Linguistics and Considerations:
Respiratory System
Respiratory System
5:45 – 7:45PM (CT)
B1: Interpreting for the Sexual Assault Patient: An Overview of
a Sexual Assault Survivors Visit to the Emergency Department
B2: Linguistics and Considerations:
Digestive System
7:45 – 9:00PM (CT)
Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9:30 – 9:45AM (CT)
Welcome
10:00AM – 12:00PM (CT)
Be Like Water: Teaming with Deaf Interpreters
C2: Overview of Medical Equipment and Devices
12:00 – 1:00PM (CT)
Lunch/Virtual Networking
1:00 – 2:30PM (CT)
D1: An Interactive Conversation about the DeafBlind Experience in Healthcare
D2: RID and Health Care Interpreters
3:15 – 5:15PM (CT)
E1: Sexuality and Mental Health
E2: Diabetes: An Overview of Basics, Nutrition
and Checking Glucose
5:15 – 6:30PM (CT)
Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
Sunday, May 5, 2024
9:00 – 9:45AM (CT)
Virtual Exhibit Hall
10:00AM – 12:00PM (CT)
F1: Communicating the Hardest Wishes: Navigating Advance
Care Planning Conversations and Documentation as Sign
Language Interpreters
F2: Overview of Diabetes-Related Medications
and Technology
12:00 – 1:00PM (CT)
Lunch/Virtual Networking
1:00 – 2:30PM (CT)
G1: Experiencing Mental Health Through the Lens of
Case Scenarios
G2: Vital Signs of Diagnostic Medical Imaging
3:15 – 5:15PM (CT)
Discussion: The Language of Ethics and Values
5:15 – 5:30PM (CT)
Closing Remarks
Meet Our Presenters
ASHLEY R. WALKER, PHARMD
SHE/HER/HERS
Dr. Ashley Walker is a pharmacist,
entrepreneur, and an advocate. Dr.
Walker holds a Doctor of Pharmacy
degree from Xavier University of
Louisiana and a Bachelor of Science
degree in Biotechnology from
Rochester Institute of Technology. She
has been a pharmacist for 7 years
and recently transitioned into full time
entrepreneurship. Through her
business, Med Max Consulting, LLC.,
Dr. Walker advocates for members
of the deaf and hard of hearing
community, as well as offers
medication counseling services to
help this unique community maximize
and optimize their medication therapy.
BEE GEHMAN, M.ED., CSE, CDI
THEY/THEM
Bee Gehman (they/them) M.Ed., CSE,
CDI, is the founder of jooux, the Deaf
Sexual Wellness Center. With a
decade of experience, Bee is an
AASECT certified sexuality educator,
focusing on inclusive sexual health
services, professional training, and
comprehensive education for Deaf
and Hard of Hearing communities.
A passionate advocate, Bee aims to
eliminate disparities through genuine
connections and systemic change.
Their mission: Empower through
education, bridge gaps, and
dismantle barriers for accessible
sexual well-being.
CHELSIE KLEEH, PA-C, NYS SAFE PEDIATRIC / ADOLESCENT / ADULT
SHE/HER/HERS
Chelsie Kleeh is a Physician Assistant
at University of Rochester Medical
Center Urgent Care and Emergency
Observation Unit and is also the
Director of the URMC Sexual Assault
Forensic Program. She completed
my Bachelors Degree in Biology at
Syracuse University and received her
Masters Degree in Physician Assistant
studies from D’Youville College.
Chelsie completed her training in
both Adult and Pediatric/Adolescent
sexual assault forensic evidence
collection through the International
Association of Forensic Nursing.
ELIZABETH AYERS, MS
SHE/HER/HERS
A Deaf-born Seattle native, Liz is a
sonographer and clinical instructor
with more than 25 years of field
experience and an advocate of ASL
signs that appropriately reflect STEM
concepts. Liz’s other hats include
university instructor at NTID, Director
of Healthcare Mentoring with Deaf
Hub, PhD scholar, and more!
JEREMY QUIROGA, MFA, CDI
HE/HIM/HIS
Jeremy Quiroga continues to share
his love of life and his language
through workshops and performances
nationally. He started out as a medical
interpreter by becoming the first staff
CDI for the University of Rochester
Medical Center. From that point
forward medical interpreting became
his focus. ASL mastery skills & life
experience, Jeremy provides
interpreter workshops with a
phenomenal range of tools for the
various settings. Currently, Jeremy
works as a VRI interpreter in medical
setting. In his free time he enjoys
cooking, hiking and gardening.
JESÚS REMIGIO, PSY.D., MBA
HE/HIM/HIs
Dr. Jesús Remigio has been a Certified
Deaf Interpreter for almost 10 years,
interpreting primarily in the medical
and mental health settings. His current
role as Director of the Equal Opportunity
Programs at Gallaudet University will
afford him the privilege of advocating
for all in terms of diversity and equality.
Possessing a wealth of professional
experience, Jesús is in the appropriate
position (given his diverse background)
for supporting Gallaudet University
towards further success and excellence.
Jesús Remigio is also currently Vice
President of the Registry Interpreting for
the Deaf. He received his Psy. D from
William James College, and his MBA f
rom Salem International University.
KARISSA MIRUS, MSHA
SHE/HER/HERS
Karissa Mirus is a program manager
at the University of Utah College of
Nursing, overseeing research grant
projects focused on improving
healthcare for Deaf individuals with
diabetes. With a background in deaf
health equity research since her
college days at the Rochester Institute
of Technology, Karissa has a wealth
of experience, having worked as a
research administrator at Gallaudet
University and a research data analyst
at Johns Hopkins University. Her
dedication to enhancing healthcare
access for the Deaf community is
evident in her commitment to making
a positive impact in their lives. Karissa's
passion drives her ongoing efforts to
contribute meaningfully to the field of
deaf health equity.
KATIE ROZA, MD
SHE/HER/HERS
Dr. Katie Roza, MD is a geriatrics and
palliative medicine house calls
physician with Sutter Health in
Oakland, California. She majored in
English literature at Amherst College
in Massachusetts, researched early
Deaf education as a Fulbright Scholar
in Italy and graduated from the Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai In
New York City. She completed internal
medicine residency at Geisinger
Medical Center in Danville,
Pennsylvania and a geriatrics and
palliative medicine fellowship at
Mount Sinai. She has given various
presentations on the needs of Deaf
and hard-of-hearing patients and
healthcare professionals.
KELLY MATAMOROS, MA, CI/CT
SHE/HER/HERS
Kelly Matamoros learned ASL and
engaged in the Deaf community at
a young age and since has sought
Deaf-centric spaces to learn, live and
work. She obtained her Master's
Degree from Gallaudet University
and has 20+ years of interpreting
experience, in predominantly medical
and behavioral health settings. She
has supported and led interpreters in
various roles throughout her career
and is passionate about collaboration,
challenging herself and others to
create and maintain space for co-
interpreting, critical especially in
healthcare settings.
MICHELLE LITCHMAN, PHD, FNP-BC
SHE/HER/HERS
Dr. Michelle Litchman is an Associate
Professor and Nurse Practitioner at
the University of Utah College of
Nursing. She serves as the Medical
Director of the Intensive Diabetes
Education and Support Program at
the University of Utah and directs the
Deaf Diabetes Can Together diabetes
self-management program. Dr.
Litchman received her research
doctorate and master’s degree from
the University of Utah and
undergraduate degree from Weber
State University. Dr. Litchman is a
Jonas Scholar, Betty Irene Moore
Nurse Leader and Innovation Fellow,
and University of Utah Presidential
Societal Impact Scholar. She also
has six deaf family members,
including her mother.
KENTON MYERS, NIC, QMHI, LMT, ABICE, CHI™-SPANISH, CMI- SPANISH, CORECHI-P™, BEI ADVANCED
HE/HIM/ÉL
Kenton Myers is a trilingual (ASL/
Spanish/English) interpreter based
out of Birmingham, Alabama. He is
well known across the South for his
leadership in the advancement of the
field of interpretation and translation.
He currently serves as president of the
Interpreters and Translators
Association of Alabama (ITAA) and
Mano a Mano, Inc., a non-profit
organization of trilingual (Spanish,
English and ASL) interpreters in the
United States who work in communities
and settings where Spanish is prevalent.
Kenton is also the co-founder of Myers
& Lawyer, a Black multilingual
researcher/interpreter duo that
engages in research, consultation,
training, and resource development for
BIPOC interpreters.
MICHELLE MONTELONGO, RID/NAD IV
SHE/HER/HERS
Michelle Montelongo has interpreted
for over 20 years, specializing in
mental health, congressional, and
post-secondary with an emphasis
on STEM. For over a decade she
served as Interpreter/Cultural
Consultant for the Kern County
Mental Health System of Care. Her
congressional experience ranges
from being a contracted
Congressional Interpreter for the U.S.
Senate’s Special Services Department
in Washington D.C., touring with
California’s Governor’s Commission,
serving as Lead Interpreter for Deaf-
Blind Young Adults in Action where
she interpreted on Capitol Hill and the
White House, and Helen Keller World
Conference in Uganda. She currently
works as an Interpreter/Mentor for the
state of Nevada.
NICOLE FLEMING, RN, BSN
SHE/HER/HERS
Nicole Fleming is a Deaf nurse based in Rochester, NY. She attended the University of Rochester for degrees in ASL, Biology, and Nursing. She is currently enrolled in the Master’s of Nurse Practitioner program at UR. She has worked in various settings, including prehospital, inpatient, emergency department, and currently specializes in pediatric endocrinology. Outside of work, she is an avid rock climber, baker, and dog mom to her service dog, Freya.
NIGEL HOWARD
HE/HIM/HIS
Nigel Howard is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. He used to work at Douglas College – the Program of Sign Language Interpretation (INTR), and Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS) for 25 years. Nigel has interpreted for nearly 30 years in various settings, including medical and mental health settings. He is an Accredited International Sign Interpreter by the World Federation of the Deaf and World Association of Sign Language Interpreters. He is part of the United Nations team of International Sign interpreters and interprets frequently on media.
RHONDA VOIGHT-CAMPBELL
SHE/HER/HERS
Rhonda is an adjunct faculty member at the Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf in the ASL and Interpreting Education Department. Specifically, she teaches undergraduate students the necessary skills to work effectively with DeafBlind people. Rhonda also has expertise in Protactile communication strategies and collaborates with many DeafBlind folks from all backgrounds and in different environments/platforms, such as retreats, through direct trainings and on listservs. Rhonda believes in the full inclusion of DeafBlind people by fostering fuller access to information through the sense of touch.
ROBYN K. DEAN, CI/CT, PHD
Dr. Robyn K. Dean has been a nationally certified signed language interpreter for over thirty years with particular service in the field of healthcare. Her scholarship in decision-making and ethics in community interpreting is recognized internationally. Dr. Dean has over twenty publications, all of which focus on the theoretical and pedagogical frameworks used to advance the practice of community interpreters. Dr. Dean is currently an Associate Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she is the lead instructor on the institute’s postgraduate degree in healthcare interpretation.
STAR G. GRIESER, MS, CDI, ICE-CCP
SHE/HER/HERS
Star Grieser graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Professional and Technical Communication, and McDaniel College with a Master’s in Deaf Education. Star has always been active in advocacy and has worked among the Deaf and interpreting communities, be it mental health care, Deaf education, and more recently as Program Chair for the ASL and Interpreter Education Program at Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA, for one and half decades, to becoming the Director of Testing for CASLI in 2017, and now as the CEO of RID since 2021. She currently holds a RID certification as a Certified Deaf Interpreter. Star is also ICE- CCP, a Certified Certification Professional by the Institute of Credentialing Excellence.
SUSAN LAYTON, RID CI/CT, NAD IV
SHE/HER/HERS
Susan Layton, alongside her Deaf husband, co-founded Access Simplified, inspired by his personal accessibility challenges to meet the broader needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Introduced to ASL and the Deaf community at the age of 3, Susan brings over 35 years of experience as a certified ASL interpreter, with specializations in the medical and performing arts fields. Leveraging her expertise in ASL interpretation, translation, and video production, she is dedicated to enhancing inclusivity and providing accessible resources. Susan champions the importance of challenging assumptions and prioritizing real-life experiences to deliver truly effective support.
YASHAIRA “YASH” ROMILUS
SHE/HER/HERS
Yashaira “Yash” Romilus’ ethnicity comes from Puerto Rico. She identifies herself as DeafBlind Queer Latina. She brings to this world a wealth of knowledge and experience from her personal life and her work experiences followed by specialized training and instruction in PT (Protactile) language. She has studied Social Work and Spanish at Gallaudet University. She has worked as a PT instructor on both national and international levels, including as a PT trainer under DBII (DeafBlind Interpreting Institute) located at Western Oregon University. She has experienced mentoring, advocating, educating, consulting and training DeafBlind youth/adults, families and interpreters.
The Pre-Conference:
Have a Question?
frequently asked questions
All workshops and panel discussions will be conducted via Zoom. All details will be provided to participants as we get closer to the summit.
For more information, please visit our Registration Options page.
The 2023 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters will offer up to 1.5 CEUs and .6 CEUs for the pre-conference.
This summit will not be recorded. To earn the full CEUs, you must attend all sessions.
The official language of the Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters is American Sign Language (ASL). With the exception of English-based chats, all program sessions and activities at the Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters will be delivered in ASL. No spoken language interpretation or captions will be provided. This summit is appropriate for students in interpreting training programs, working interpreters, or native language users.
Reasonable accommodations for this summit may be requested by emailing info@2axend.com.
Our Wonderful Sponsors
Ascending Sponsors
Contributing Sponsors
Participating Sponsors
Community Sponsors
CEU Sponsor
ASL Communication is an approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This General Studies and Professional Studies program is offered for 1.5 CEU’s at the ‘Some’ and ‘Extensive’ Content Knowledge Levels.
It is the policy of 2axend to promote an environment of mutual respect and prohibit any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, and any other protected class, in any of its activities or operations.