Our Mission.
RID is the national certifying body of sign language interpreters and is a professional organization that fosters the growth of the profession and the professional growth of interpreting.
Meet the Team.
Bucky Justin Buckhold, CDI
Interim CEO
Julie Greenfield
Executive Assistant and Meeting Planner
Ryan Butts
Director of Member Services
Kayla Marshall, M.Ed., NIC
Member Services Manager
Vicky Whitty
Member Services Coordinator
Ashley Holladay
CMP Manager
Emily Stairs Abenchuchan, NIC
CMP Specialist
Catie Purrazzella
Certification Manager
Jess Kaady
Certification Specialist
Tressela Bateson
EPS Manager
Martha Wolcott
EPS Coordinator
Brooke Davis
Communications Manager
Jennifer Apple
Director of Finance and Accounting
Kristyne Reeds
Finance and Accounting Manager
Meet the Board.
Mona Mehrpour, NIC
President
Leticia “Letty” Moran, B.S., NIC-Adv
Vice President
Rosemary Wanis, CDI
Secretary
Special Election Coming Soon!
Treasurer
Special Election Coming Soon!
Member-at-Large
Glenna Cooper
Deaf Member-at-Large
Christina Stevens, NIC
Region I Representative
M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12
Region II Representative
Special Election Coming Soon!
Region III Representative
Special Election Coming Soon!
Region IV Representative
Rachel Kleist, CDI
Region V Representative
CMP Specialist
Emily Stairs Abenchuchan, NIC
Born and raised under the Florida sun, Emily is no stranger to the laid-back lifestyle and the occasional alligator sighting. However, her journey didn’t stop at the state line. She ventured to Gallaudet, where she navigated our nation’s capital for several years. Despite the fast-paced lifestyle, she kept her Floridian spirit intact, always carrying a bit of sunshine wherever she went. Following her Washington, DC escapade, Emily found herself embracing the slower pace of life in Iowa. Surrounded by endless fields and friendly faces, she discovered the beauty and charm of Midwestern hospitality.
Emily’s heart belongs to her big family and the Deaf Community. Having spent 10 years in private practice as an interpreter, she joins us as a CMP Specialist at RID. Now home in Florida with her husband, daughter, and Aussie Mika, their home is a lively blend of laughter and love. When they’re not busy conquering daily life, Emily and her crew love to hit the road to explore new horizons and are always up for a good adventure. Her downtime is often spent soaking up the freshwater springs and basking in the beauty of Florida’s natural wonders. It’s these moments, surrounded by family and nature, that truly define Emily’s approach to life – always filled with a genuine love for the journey.
Human Resources Manager
Cassie Robles Sol
Cassie was born and raised in California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management in the Human Resources field and has experience in the hospitality, education, and beauty industries. She enjoys spending time with her family and cooking in her spare time.
CMP Manager
Ashley Holladay
Ashley was born in Vermont and raised in Maine and New Hampshire. After high school, she attended the University of New Hampshire and earned her Bachelor of Science in sign language interpretation. Upon completion of her degree, Ashley worked as an educational interpreter in a local school district. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.
EPS Manager
Tressela Bateson
Tressela, known as Tressy at RID, was born in West Virginia and grew up there until her family relocated to Virginia. After graduating from MSSD, she obtained her BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and then attended Gallaudet University for a Masters of Arts in School Guidance and Counseling. Tressy worked in the counseling field, including 14 years in Mental Health Counseling before a career change to teaching ASL. She taught at Clemson University for 6 years during the development of Clemson’s ITP. Her combined experience working with ASL Students/future interpreters as well as the empathy and expertise gained in counseling makes her a valued addition to the Ethical Practices System.
Certification Manager
Catie Purrazzella
Certification Specialist
Jess Kaady
Born and raised in the Portland, Oregon area, Jess graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. Her passion for studying languages and communication styles along with seven years living abroad in Mexico led her to begin her journey as a freelance Spanish/English interpreter. She later became an ASL/English interpreter and is currently an aspiring trilingual (Spanish/English/ASL) interpreter. In her free time Jess enjoys singing, playing guitar and piano, volleyball, and engaging in conversations about differing perspectives and experiences.
EPS Coordinator
Martha Wolcott
Martha was born and raised in Colorado where she currently lives. She attended a variety of Deaf schools and mainstream classes before graduating from MSSD. Martha then graduated from Gallaudet in Psychology, she also studied interpreting, social work and sociology during her time there. She worked at the Financial Aid office at Gallaudet and managed short-term rental properties in a small mountain town before joining RID. Outside of work, Martha enjoys snowboarding, sewing and creating, reading books, and watching TV shows.
Member Services Director
Ryan Butts
Ryan is a native New Yorker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Before coming to work at RID, she worked at the University of Mary Washington in a community based program for minority students. In her spare time, Ryan enjoys going out with friends and spending time with her family.
Member Services Manager
Kayla Marshall, M.Ed., NIC
Kayla was born and raised in North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management, a Master of Education in Recreation and Fitness Administration, and an Associate of Applied Science in Sign Language Interpreting. Kayla lived in west Texas for three years during graduate school, working at a community college. After making Deaf friends there, and learning more about Deafness and interpreting, Kayla pursued a career in Interpreting. Kayla has been nationally certified (NIC) since 2021, and enjoys educational and vocational interpreting the most. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband, new baby boy, and two pups. Traveling, reading, binge watching TV shows, and swimming are a few of Kayla’s favorite hobbies.
Member Services Coordinator
Vicky Whitty
Vicky was born and raised in Upstate NY (not NYC) and is currently residing in the Sunshine State! She is happily married to her college sweetheart and a first-time mom to her beautiful child and a sassy Pomeranian girl.
Vicky holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, back in the winter of 2018. Before joining RID, Vicky was teaching American Sign Language for about 3 years at a public high school in Orlando. In her free time, she loves to check out and explore the hidden gems in the Central Florida area, seeking out any local coffee shops and spending quality time with friends and family.
Communications Director
S. Jordan Wright, PhD
Dr. Wright is a Critical Theorist, researcher, and Director of Communications for RID. Jordan was raised in Buffalo, NY, and matriculated at California State University, Northridge where he formally learned ASL and finished with a BA in English Literature at the University at Buffalo. In 2017, Jordan completed his Ph.D. at Gallaudet University and has since held a variety of academic positions at Lamar University and RIT/NTID, which led to his current position with RID which combines three of his favorite passions: writing, data, and Deaf Studies. Dr. Wright has extensive experience in the world of publishing and enjoys escaping down various rabbit holes with a thirst for knowledge and curiosity which fuels his passion. An avid traveler, Jordan enjoys seeking out new horizons, and new experiences, and immersing himself in different languages and cultures all over the world. Dad to two whippets Savior and Omega, Jordan is an animal lover and sometimes prefers the company of animals to people.
Affiliate Chapter Liaison
Dr. Carolyn Ball, CI and CT, NIC
Carolyn has been a member of RID since 1994. However, her involvement with the Deaf Community began in 1982 when she met a Deaf young man at a baseball game in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This chance meeting at the baseball game influenced Carolyn’s career and life forever. After the baseball game and many years of college, she has been teaching interpreting in higher education for the past thirty-years. Carolyn has served on several national boards and loves to be involved in the Deaf Community. She enjoys researching the history of interpreters and interpreter educators and how to become effective leaders. In her free time Carolyn enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with her family.
Strategic Communications Manager
Jenelle Bloom, PCM
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jenelle graduated from Gallaudet University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Jenelle focuses on strengthening accessibility and creating audience-specific content. Outside of work, Jenelle loves spending time with her fur children, joining animal rescue missions, and screenplay writing. She maintains an open-door policy for discussions of any kind, loves a good joke, and always makes time for vegan snacks.
Publications Coordinator
Brooke Roberts
Born and raised in sunny Tampa, Florida, Brooke embodies her dedication and passion for education, community service, and the arts. She graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, and a Minor in Dance. As a creative writer and book lover, Brooke recognizes the power of the written word and its ability to educate and inspire. As Editor in Chief of VIEWS, Brooke is driven to create content that is relevant and engaging to our members. An unwavering ally to Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, Brooke is committed to using her role to go beyond highlighting diverse perspectives. Through a collaborative framework, Brooke works to transform the traditional publication pipeline into a lasting communal bridge with a foundation in equity and authentic representation.
Director of Finance and Accounting
Jennifer Apple
Jennifer, originally from northeast Ohio, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Gallaudet University and is working towards certification as a Certified Management Accountant. Jennifer thrives on the challenges and opportunities presented by non-profit accounting and finance. Jennifer holds RID’s mission and service to the Deaf community close to heart. When not at work or doting on a family of six, Jennifer engages in a love of cooking, reading banned books, going for long hikes and bike rides, supporting local farmers, and learning new and interesting things.
Finance and Accounting Manager
Kristyne Reeds
Kristyne was born and raised in Canada. She graduated from Gallaudet University with a Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting & Business Administration and a double minor in Economics & Finance. She has 7 years of supervisory and managerial accounting experience in the hospitality industry. During her free time, Kristyne loves spending time with her friends and cats, hiking, and exploring new nature places.
Staff Accountant
Bradley Johnson
Bradley is a Minnesota native and is also known as Brad. He graduated from RIT with two degrees, an Associate in Applied Science in Applied Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Before onboarding with RID, he has been a financial professional for nearly 30 years with a background in Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology, Innovation, and Interpreter Agency in several non-profit organizations, state agencies, and a private university. Bradley enjoys exploring different cuisines, breweries, and wineries, traveling, reading business books, and spending time with family and friends in his free time.
Executive Assistant and Meeting Planner
Julie Greenfield
Interim CEO
Bucky Justin Buckhold, CDI
Bucky, also known as Justin Buckhold, is a Certified Deaf Interpreter with 13 years of experience as co-founder and operator of a Deaf-owned interpreting agency, offering rare perspectives that span Deaf consumer experience, interpreter practice, and business leadership.
At RID, Bucky is focused on helping the organization operate with more clarity, collaboration, and stability. His leadership centers on financial health, honest communication, and creating systems that support both the mission and the people doing the work.
Known for his thoughtful questions, joyful energy, and direct but compassionate leadership style, Bucky is committed to listening, building trust, and taking meaningful steps forward with the team.
When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Bucky enjoying the Colorado Rockies with his sweetheart, or proudly cheering on their two adult sons as they chart their paths. He’s always happy to connect over interpreting, leadership, or that one unforgettable assignment that still makes you shake your head. (He’s had one of those, too.)
Purpose Statement
RID’s purpose is to serve equally our members, profession, and the public by promoting and advocating for qualified and effective interpreters in all spaces where intersectional diverse Deaf lives are impacted.
Vision Statement
We envision qualified interpreters as partners in universal communication access and forward-thinking, effective communication solutions while honoring intersectional diverse spaces.
Values Statement
The values statement encompasses what values are at the “heart” or center of our work. RID values:
- the intersectionality and diversity of the communities we serve.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB).
- the professional contribution of volunteer leadership.
- the adaptability, advancement and relevance of the interpreting profession.
- ethical practices in the field of sign language interpreting, and embraces the principle of “do no harm.”
- advocacy for the right to accessible, effective communication.
Pillar One: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging
Pillar Two: Organizational Transformation
Pillar Three: Organizational Relevance
Pillar Four: Organizational Effectiveness
RID Region I
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia
RID Region II
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland & District of Columbia (Potomac Chapter), Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
RID Region III
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
RID Region IV
Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming
RID Region V
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Region I Northeast
Welcome to Region I
Welcome colleagues and friends of Region I. By browsing this site and clicking on the links below, you will catch a glimpse of what our chapters are up to and see the great energy that is Region I! We are proud to represent and introduce you to some of the most dynamic and forward-thinking individuals in the interpreting field.
STATES: Connecticut,Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia
Region I President’s Council
| AFFILIATE CHAPTER |
| Connecticut RID |
| Maine RID |
| Massachusetts RID |
| New Hampshire RID |
| New Jersey RID |
| Central New York RID |
| Genesee Valley RID |
| Long Island RID |
| New York City Metro RID |
| Pennsylvania RID |
| Rhode Island RID |
| Vermont RID |
Region II Southeast
Welcome to Region II
Welcome to the Region II page! We are excited to have a place where information will be continually updated to notify everyone on the events occurring in the region, as well as provide contact information for all Affiliate Chapter presidents. We welcome any comments/suggestions to make the site substantive and informative.
STATES: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland & District of Columbia (Potomac Chapter), Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Region II President’s Council
| AFFILIATE CHAPTER |
| Alabama RID |
| Florida RID |
| Georgia RID |
| Mississippi RID |
| North Carolina RID |
| Potomac Chapter RID |
| South Carolina RID |
| Tennessee RID |
| Virginia RID |
Region III Midwest
Welcome to Region III
Welcome to the Region III Web page! Here you will find chapter links, regional conference information and the awards available to members. This site will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back for new information in the coming months.
STATES: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Region III President’s Council
| AFFILIATE CHAPTER |
| Illinois RID |
| Indiana Chapter RID |
| Kentucky RID |
| Michigan RID |
| Minnesota RID |
| Ohio Chapter RID |
| Wisconsin RID |
Region IV Central
Welcome to Region IV!
Greetings! Welcome to RID Region IV (RIV); the home of countless passionate members and dedicated leaders. It is the vision of our RIV members and leaders to promote a community that inspires personal and professional transformation by offering cutting edge and innovative opportunities, honoring the evolving and diverse needs of its membership. We trust that you will find information on this Web page that supports this vision and hope you will make this site a frequent stop on your professional journey.
STATES: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming
Region V Pacific
Welcome to Region V
Welcome to RID Region V! Take a look and you will find a region that boasts tropical islands, snow capped mountains, wine countries, ski slopes and canyons. The beauty goes beyond the landscapes of our states; it is also seen in the members and leaders who make us Region V!
STATES: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Region V President’s Council
| AFFILIATE CHAPTER | |
| Alaska | |
| Arizona | |
| California Chapters: | |
| Central CA RID | |
| Northern CA RID | |
| Sacramento Valley RID | |
| Southern CA RID | |
| San Diego County RID | |
| Hawaii RID | |
| Idaho RID | |
| Nevada RID | |
| Oregon RID | |
| Utah RID | |
| Washington State RID |
From Around the Region
Glenna Cooper
Deaf Member-at-Large
Glenna has over 25 years of experience in program management, supervision, training, grant writing and marketing on local, state and federal levels. She is currently an Associate Professor and was the faculty chair for the ASLE program, including the ASL Studies and Interpreter Education and the World Language at Tulsa Community College. Glenna is currently an Oklahoma QAST State evaluator. For 12 years, she was a division director for a national deaf organization. She was a national logistic coordinator responsible for the management and operation unit and the Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN) training program.
She previously was one of several Deaf FEMA certified instructors for the CEPIN program with TDI to provide deaf culture and competency trainings to emergency responders and consumers with hearing loss. Glenna implemented the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Awareness Program for the Deaf and Hard of hearing communities and providers to improve communication and accessible services with funding from the US Department of Justice and Oklahoma District Attorney Council. She also worked with the Department of Health and Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to develop and implement the Oklahoma Tobacco Awareness program for deaf and hard of hearing cultural needs. For several years, Glenna previously managed a telecommunication relay call center with 250+ employees for Ameritech/Southwestern Bell and CSD in Ohio. She was the Oklahoma account manager for Sprint Telecommunication Relay Service during its early formation. In addition, Glenna serves on the subject matter expert team to review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA/Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties’ Special Needs Planning Guidebook for Emergency Managers.
She is president of the Oklahoma Association of the Deaf and served on Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as Deaf Member-at-Large. For the last 30 years, Glenna served on the City of Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on Concerns of Tulsans with Disabilities; Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse State Task Force member; Tulsa Community College Interpreter Training Advisory Committee Member. She previously was Governor’s appointee for Oklahoma State Department of Human Services Advisory Board, 1993 and Governor-appointed board member on Oklahoma State Independent Living Council, 1991-1994 and recently Governor Henry-appointed board member and elected secretary for Statewide Independent Living Council.
Glenna holds an MA in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University and a BA-LS in Leadership Administration from the University of Oklahoma and resides in Owasso, Oklahoma. She is married to Timi Richardson and has three children; Matt teaches ASL at Broken Arrow Public School, Kelsey advocates for the Indigenous Indian with her Masters in Law, and Jonathan works for Congressman Hern at the US Capitol in D.C. Glenna loves to relax at the lake house, boating and enjoying family time in her spare time.
Christina Stevens, NIC
Region I Representative
M. Antwan Campbell, MPA, Ed:K-12
Region II Representative
M. Antwan Campbell first joined the interpreting profession through his younger brother and is a 2003 graduate of Gardner-Webb University where he received his BA in ASL and in 2007, he received his Master’s in Public Administration from UNC-Pembroke. He has taught several workshops geared towards improving the skills of educational interpreters and those who work with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students across North Carolina and the surrounding states. He is currently working as the Educational Consultant for Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Interpreter Support with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
He has worked within the educational system for over ten years in a variety of settings from elementary to post-secondary and on a variety of levels from being in the classroom to supervising outside of it. He has received his Ed:K-12 interpreting certification from RID. He is actively engaged in the affiliate chapter, North Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, NCRID, as he is currently serving as its Past President. He has served the local community in a variety of ways to include mentoring new and beginning interpreters throughout the state as well. It is truly evident that Antwan has a passion for education and improving the standards for all students. He currently resides in Raleigh, NC.
Rachel Kleist, CDI
Region V Representative-Elect
Located in Northern California, Rachel has been a Certified Deaf Interpreter since 2016. But Rachel’s journey into the possibility of becoming a Deaf interpreter began in 2008 when she was first asked to do sight translation. In 2012, Rachel took her first interpreting-related workshop and started thinking that perhaps it was a definite possibility that Deaf individuals could interpret.
Rachel teaches in an Interpreter Preparatory Program (IPP) and provides training for Deaf individuals interested in learning more about the possibility of becoming a Deaf interpreter. Rachel has also served on her local Affiliate Chapter, SaVRID (Sacramento Valley Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), in various positions. General Member-at-Large, Secretary, and Treasurer. Rachel enjoys participating in and listening to many different communities, talking with and seeing different perspectives. Rachel looks forward to continuing that work, that passion, but on a larger scale – specifically as the RID Region V Representative.
Mona Mehrpour, NIC
President
ID: A middle eastern woman with short, dark curly hair is smiling warmly. She is wearing gold dangling earrings, a light beige top, and a brown cardigan. The background is plain and light-colored, keeping the focus on her friendly expression.
Mona Mehrpour is a heritage signer of ASL and the daughter of two Deaf parents. Over the past 15 years, she has interpreted across a wide range of settings, including K–12 and post-secondary education, video relay services, medical, community, theater, and public service environments throughout the United States.
Throughout her interpreting journey in Northern California, Mona completed an interpreter training program, earned a 4.0 on the EIPA, and achieved national certification (NIC). She has also dedicated significant time to professional service, volunteering with RID as a Region Representative, Vice Chair and Chair of the Deaf Parented Interpreters Member Section, and most recently serving as Member-at-Large before transitioning into her current role as President of the RID Board of Directors.
Now based in Central Virginia, Mona continues her interpreting work both in the community and virtually. As an immigrant and the child of immigrants from Iran, she grew up immersed in multiple Deaf communities—an experience that continues to shape and inspire her. Mona thrives on meaningful connections and values dialogue around personal and professional development, always seeking to deepen understanding of decision-making in interpreting and to ensure equitable access for diverse Deaf communities.
Leticia “Letty” Moran, B.S., NIC-Adv
Vice President
ID: A Latina woman with long, light gray hair standing in front of a plain gray background. She is smiling warmly and wearing a black blazer over a black top. Her makeup is natural with a bold red lipstick, and she has earrings that add a subtle accent. The image is well-lit, giving it a professional and confident look.
Leticia “Letty” Moran B.S, NIC-Adv., is a nationally certified interpreter currently working at the Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) as a lead supervising staff interpreter, educational interpreter mentor and sits on the agency’s Steering Committee. Since 2021, Letty has served in RID volunteer leadership roles as Secretary then Chair of the Deaf Parented Interpreter- member section.
A graduate of the University of Arizona Special Education & Rehabilitation program and Pima Community College Interpreting program, Letty brings a diverse background to her work and has a passion for sharing her story. First generation Mexican American born to two Deaf parents living in a border town has given her a unique lens to interpreting. With experience working in many sectors of this field, in addition to teaching experience in interpreter training programs, Letty has spent over 20 years as a professional interpreter and trained master mentor with years of social justice discourse. Her work has taken her to different parts of the country and internationally. Her love of learning and exploring her CODA, Latina identity fuels her passion for growth and she is excited to join this journey with other interpreters in unpacking our privileges.
Rosemary Wanis, CDI
Secretary
ID: A tan-skinned Middle Eastern female with hazel eyes and short black/gray hair, standing in front of a black virtual background, wearing a black/white blouse with a silver hoop earring and blue butterfly on a silver chain. She is smiling and looking at the camera.
Rosemary Wanis is a Certified Deaf Interpreter living in Central California with her parents and adult daughter. She was born Deaf to hearing parents in Egypt. They were the first of the family to immigrate to the US in 1975 and have brought most of the family over since that time. Rosemary is adjunct faculty at three colleges teaching Deaf Studies and Interpreting. She has a BA in Psychology, Masters in Social Work and Masters in Administration and Supervision (Gallaudet, ’98), and Doctorate in Educational Leadership: Higher Education. Her research focus is on Deaf Interpreters in K12 settings. She has been a trainer for Deaf Interpreters through NCIEC Deaf Interpreter Curriculum, Facilitator with Center for Atypical Language, and more. In the past, she was also involved with her local RID Affiliate Chapter on their Professional Development Committee, President and Secretary of the Board of a local nonprofit Deaf Service Agency, and Board President of BEACON Interpreting Mentor Program.