Meet The Board

 

Krista Nawrocki, President

     Krista Nawrocki, B.A., NIC, graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts with concentration in Sign Language Studies from Madonna University in Livonia, MI. Originally from the Detroit area, she moved to the west side of the state in 2009 for a federal government position where she is an Interpreter, People with Disabilities Program Manager and an EEO Specialist. She also teaches Sign Language classes, Deaf Culture and How to Use an Interpreter to the hearing culture. She has been a state certified interpreter since 2004 and NIC certified since 2011. Her previous experience includes educational, medical,  work related and VRS interpreting and teaching job skills to Deaf individuals.  Krista is married to Dan of 3.5 years, who is Deaf, and they live with their dog Higby.

     Ms Barton-Keeble was born and raised in Chicago IL, where she attended Academy of St James College Preparatory.  Ms Barton-Keeble loves to sing and won many awards in High School and was given a scholarship to Vandor Cook Music College in 1985.  She has three children Mignonne 26 , Jazz 17 and Jena' 12.  Her children are the focus that drives her.  Michelle received her first degree from Olive Harvey College in Chicago.  She received a degree in Nail Technology from Harry Truman in Chicago.  Ms. Barton-Keeble owned and operated a Nail salon in Chicago until her family was moved to Michigan in 2000.  She then attended OCC, where she obtained two degrees. Michelle is currently a Certified Interpreter for the Detroit Public School system.
 

                                      Sandra Maloney, Secretary

     Hello!  My name is Sandra.  I was born and raised in Southeast Michigan.  I began my college career at Oakland University.  After taking my first few sign language classes at OU, I transferred to Northeastern University in Boston, MA. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in ASL-English Interpreting in 2001.  After living in Boston, working as a freelance and K-12 educational interpreter, I then moved to the DC metro area for several years working mostly in the VRS industry.  I finally found my way back home toward the end of 2007 as a freelance interpreter.  I currently specialize in medical and legal interpreting and I hold CI/CT, SC:L, and MI- BEI III certification. When not interpreting, my time is spent with my sons and my two German Shepherds.


                                 Martha Meginley, Treasurer

      I was born (a few years ago) to deaf parents – an awesome gift!  I grew up in Kalamazoo, got my AA degree form Kalamazoo Valley Community College and then my B.S. degree from Grand Valley State University.  I taught deaf students for many years, and then was switched to Resource Rooms.  In 2010 I retired, after 32 years of teaching.   I have been a nationally certified interpreter since 1978.  While teaching, opportunities to interpret were of course limited.  Since retirement, I’ve begun my second career as free-lance interpreter and thoroughly enjoy it.  I have also been a part of the MIRID board, in different capacities, for many years.


                            Kat Votmann, Deaf Member-at-large

       Kat Vogtmann, a Deaf Member at Large on the Board of MiRID, lives in Kalamazoo, MI with her husband, Jim Wollard and a Black Labrador Retriever, Indi.  Kat is employed by the United States Postal Service as a clerk in Kalamazoo.  She is 1st Vice President on the Michigan Deaf Association.  She is also trying to qualify as a CDI.

                           Cindy Stemple, Member-at-Large

     Hello.  My name is Cindy Stemple and I am currently serving as Member at Large for the Michigan Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.  I live in Northwest Lower Michigan in a small town by the name of Wellston, which is smack-dab in the middle of Cadillac and Manistee Michigan. While I live in Wellston I work in Traverse City Michigan--an hour north--as both an educational and community interpreter.  I hold both my CI & CT (since 2000) along with the EIPA.  I have been professionally interpreting since 1994 but have been doing so most of my life, yes I am a CODA!  I say most of my life because my sister, being 2 years older,  shouldered most of the responsibilities of interpreting for our parents and grandparents.  I enjoy serving on the executive board of MIRID and have been learning many new things along the way.
 

                                   Yakata Nichols, Member-at-large

     Yakata Nichols, born to two wonderful Deaf parents, began her amazing career as a sign language interpreter over a decade ago. She primarily interprets in the Metropolitan Detroit area but loves to travel and interpret in various settings, attend workshops, seminars, conferences and many community events. Yakata believes that we all have an important role in the Deaf and Interpreting Community. Her goal is to promote cohesiveness and unity by becoming your voice as we move forward. She has a BS in Business Marketing and Administration, currently holds RID/NAD Certification (NIC) and is seeking to earn other certifications. She's also the Vice President of NAOBI-Detroit. Please feel free to email Yakata Nichols at yakata81@yahoo.com.

Shawn Spearman, Publications Manager

     Shawn Spearman, NIC,  is a faculty interpreter for the Detroit Public School system.  He has been freelance interpreting for more than twelve years with specific experience in religious and medical settings. Shawn has attended the interpreter training program at the University of Colorado DOIT Center in Greeley, Colorado.  He is currently the publication manager and board member for Michigan RID (MIRID) and the chair ex-officio for GLMIRID, a local subcommittee of MIRID.     Shawn is married to Jessica, who is also a certified interpreter.  Together with their daughter, Madeleine and son, Nicholas they live in Warren, MI.