Meet our Interpreters
Our Sign Language Interpreters
Connie Meck
Abby Mattingly
My name is Abby Mattingly and I live in in Lexington. I am an Eastern Kentucky University Graduate with a Temp License. I am a dog lover and enjoy being outdoors. I look forward to meeting all of our clients!
Anna Beard
April Jefferies
My name is April Jeffries, I was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky! I graduated from in 2002 from Eastern Kentucky University’s Interpreter Training program. In 2019, I earned my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky. I am nationally certified with my RID-CI and CRC. Something interesting about me is that I love to go camping in my popup with my husband and three children.
Audrey Ruiz Lambert
I am nationally certified holding my CI and CT from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf since 1997. I live in Morehead, KY and attended Morehead State University where I received my BA in Spanish. My husband and I live on a beautiful farm not far from Cave Run Lake where we tend to our cattle, donkeys, dogs, and cats.
Derek Fraser
Emily Jones
Amy Schilling
I have been a certified interpreter since 2004, earning my bachelor’s in Deaf Education from EKU and my master’s in Interpreting from Gallaudet University. I am currently working on Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. I teach ASL and interpreting at EKU and am the current President of the Kentucky Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Lisa Hunter
Vickie Bashear
I am a certified interpreter who grew up with deaf parents. I have CODA and CSC and educated with an MS from Indiana University Southeast. I currently serve as the Department Chair for American Sign Language and Interpreter Education at EKU. I spend my off time taking care of my 44 acre farm in Stanford, KY
Lisa Amstutz
Macklin Hamilton
Keira Leger
Hello my name is Keira Leger. I live in Richmond, KY. I went to Eastern Kentucky University where I got my degree in ASL and English Interpretation. I am a NIC fully certified interpreter.
Kayla Newsome
I am a CODA and work as a certified interpreter living in Lexington, KY where I was born and raised. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the Interpreter Training Program at Eastern Kentucky University.
Heather Isreal
I am a certified interpreter who resides in Lexington, KY. I have my CI and CT from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. I attended Eastern Kentucky University and graduated with a B.S. degree from the Interpreter Training Program in 2005. My interest in ASL and interpreting was sparked when I met and formed a lifelong friendship with Deaf classmate at the age of 12.
Nicki Fairchild
I am a certified sign language interpreter living in Lexington, KY. I attended Tennessee Temple University (TTU) where I graduated with a double major in Sign Language Interpreting and Women’s Ministry. I went on to receive a Masters in Education from TTU in 2014.
Rita Zirnheld Anderson
My name is Rita Zirnheld Anderson. I grew up in Danville, KY where I still live. I attended Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Tennessee. I have been interpreting for 45+ years. I love to spend time with my grandchildren, hike, sail, exercise, travel and read.
AlishaSalyer
I am a nationally certified interpreter (NIC) who graduated from the EKU’s Interpreter Training Program in 2008. I reside in Lexington and can often be found hiking and camping with my family and golden retriever, Lorelai.
Keara Beck-Ortt
> Keara Beck Ortt is a graduate of Asbury University and Eastern Kentucky University. She currently lives in Nicholasville and has been working as an Interpreter since 2008. She’s a huge University of Kentucky basketball fan and a self proclaimed total Disney nerd.
Rebecca Kreutzer
Rebecca Kreutzer is a native user of American Sign Language. Born into a large Deaf family, she grew up immersed in Deaf culture. She has had many opportunities to use her expertise of the language. She has served as a SLPI rater, ASL teacher and tutor, and was also employed by the Kentucky School for the Deaf. Furthermore, Rebecca has also served as a Support Service Provider (SSP) for Deaf-Blind individuals. Most recently, her lifelong passion for learning other cultures and languages led her to Eastern Kentucky University where she is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a Deaf Interpreter. In addition to furthering her education, Rebecca has attended various workshops focusing on the field of interpreting. In the summer of 2019, she attended the Deaf Interpreter Conference in Oregon and this past February, Rebecca attended a Deaf-Blind Immersion Weekend Training in North Carolina.
Diane Cross
Kim Babich