Alumni Profiles

Cory Brunner
I graduated magna cum-laude in 2000. Living in Waltham Mass, I worked as the Administrative Assistant/ Staff Interpreter for the ASL Program at Northeastern University (Awesome job!) and freelanced part-time for 4 years. During my time as an NU staff member I passed the Massachusetts interpreter state screening, CI, CT and became an LTA for the RID written and performance exam. I also became a board member of MassRID serving 4 years as co-secretary. In 2004 I moved to Vermont with my husband and began freelance interpreting full time (which I LOVE!!!). I am currently the workshop committee chair for VTRID. The American Sign Language Program gave me everything I needed and more to become a successful interpreter. The depth of the classroom experience and the overall program was/is incredible. The support that I found within the program is comparable to none. The opportunities for skill development, networking, and resume building while as a student are countless. The staff, which in my opinion is the most integral part of the program, provides an amazing learning and growing experience. The environment at the ASL Program fosters growth and development not only of one's ASL and Interpreting skills, but also in areas such as problem solving, time management and ethics. Coming to NU's ASL/ Interpreting program is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Keily Carr
NU ASL Interpreting Program Graduate May 2005. After graduating, I spent just over a year living and working freelance in the southern tier of upstate New York. I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana during July of this year and achieved NIC certification in August. I'm currently freelancing in the post-secondary setting here in Louisiana and hope to find a staff interpreting position that fits me soon! I would love to be contacted via email at kei534@yahoo.com if any students want to chat about the NU Interpreting Program or post-graduation experience :)

Jackie Chesney
I can't say enough wonderful things about this program and all that I've gained from being a part of it. My seven sisters and I learned from the faculty and from one another to foster a safe and supportive learning environment where we all excelled. I graduated so very recently and I already miss them! I prefer to use this "bio" opportunity to say this: to all prospective (and current) students, the number one thing I suggest you keep in mind while going through this program is that in this field, we all develop at our own pace and that is OK! Commit yourself to excellence and you will succeed. You just have to believe!

Maryann DiLuglio

Hello! :) My name is Maryann and I love interpreting!!! I became passionate about American Sign Language back in high school, and then went on to Nassau Community College in Long Island, NY. I graduated Summa cum Laude in 2003 with an Associate’s degree in American Sign Language, and was encouraged to go to Northeastern for interpreting. I transferred into Northeastern's Interpreting program that following September where I graduated Magna cum Laude in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in ASL-English Interpreting. I moved home to Long Island after graduation where I now work for two agencies as a full time Freelance Interpreter. I am currently a member of the Publications and Fundraising committees for the Long Island chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (LIRID). There have already been countless times that I leave a job and say to myself "Thank God I went to Northeastern" The interpreting program is intense, thorough and worth every minute of your time. I cannot imagine being where I am today without this program and all of the fabulous professors and mentors that guided me along the way. Although you may not realize it when you are paying the tuition bill...the education you receive through this program is priceless :)

Melanie Girshick
Hi, My name is Melanie and I graduated from the NU ASL/English Interpreting Program June of 2000. I was president of the Interpreting Club at Northeastern University (ICNU) for the academic year of 1998-99. I was fortunate enough to experience the program from Freshman thru Senior year with a phenominal group of peers as well as staff members. I am currently CI, CT and NIC RID Certified. I am the President of NYC Metro RID 2006 part-time as staff for the New York City Department of Education as well as a part-time independent contractor.

Kristal Haynes
I transferred to NU in 1998 after earning an AAS in Educational Interpreting from RIT/NTID. I spent two great years at NU as a student and three more as a staff interpreter. I count my memories and experiences at Northeastern among my most valued. My educational and professional experiences at Northeastern, which included a variety of mentoring opportunities, are what enabled me to attain my goal of returning home to VT to work as a community interpreter. I graduated from the Interpreter Training Program with my BS in ASL/English Interpreting in 2000, passed MA State Screening in 2001, attained CI in 2002 and CT in 2003. I am now working as a freelence interpreter in VT and have been working the past year as an interpreter in a high school. I had a daughter, Molly (in picture), this past February and am spending this summer interpreting some and hanging out with Molly a lot.

Leah Hyland






>Karen Ingram</strong><br></br> After meeting some interpreters for Disney World while on vacation I knew that I wanted to become an interpreter. In 2002, I transferred to Northeastern only knowing the ABC's in ASL but I had the enthusiasm to carry me through the program. From the very beginning the office staff, faculty, and students were tremendous and quickly became my second family. Over my four years at NU, I became the MJP Poetry, Storytelling, and Art Competition Student Coordinator, the President of ICNU, participated in a Co-op at the ASL Office, team interpreted the Jimmy Buffet Concert, and was given the opportunity to go to Florida for an internship with an interpreting company in the Orlando Area. I graduated in Magna Cum-Laude in May of 2006 and immediately moved to Orlando to start working as a Freelance Interpreter. Thus far I have had the experience of working for a VRS company, and the joys of interpreting for Walt Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Kennedy Space Center amongst the typical Doctor's Appointments, Colleges, and Universities. I am also one of the 2008 FRID Conference Coordinators. It has been amazing seeing my career come full circle from being the person in the audience watching the interpreter to actually being that interpreter. <p> </p><p> </p> <!-- Angela Hudon Graduate of the class of 2005. Deanna Ammon Graduate of the class of 2000. --> <p><img align=Alicia Jones





Amy Lanasa
My name is Amy K. Lanasa. I was born and raised in Baltimore and Catonsville, Maryland. On September 15, 2001 I stepped out of my Maryland southern box to become a Bostonian. Before coming to Massachusetts I earned my AA from the Interpreter Training Program at Catonsville Community College, earned my Certification of Interpreting from RID and had been working as a professional freelance interpreter for several years. I was soon enrolled at NU's American Sign Language/English Interpreting program. Within two years, I graduated with a B.S. in ASL/English Interpreting. My advice to anyone working in this field is to humbly get involved (not take over) in the Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing and Interpreting communities! Try to make true allies in all of the communities. Classes are great and important but one needs to get out there and get practice in both American Sign Language and English. Getting involved also will give an opportunity to learn about the different cultural norms of the specific communities in which we work. I'm still learning something new everyday.

Nancy Levinson

My name is Nancy Levinson and I grew up in Dallas, PA (near Wilkes-Barre and Scranton). My four years at Northeastern, and especially being in the Interpreting Program, provided a wonderful growth experience for me. Even though NU is a large university, I felt very comfortable and at home within the Program, both with my professors and peers. I loved living in Boston and interacting with the vibrant Boston Deaf Community. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006 with a B.S. in ASL/English Interpreting and a minor in Jewish Studies. After graduation, I moved to Philadelphia and started working as a freelance interpreter. I currently work as a staff interpreter at the Delaware School for the Deaf. My best piece of advice is to always keep up your sign language skills over the summer. I worked at a different overnight Deaf camp each summer. These jobs were a great way to meet new friends, have fun, and improve my skills.


Rachel Mich

In 2003 I transferred from the University of Toronto to Northeastern University specifically for the ASL-English Interpreting Program. The faculty, staff, and other students helped me feel at home immediately and made my transfer experience a smooth one. The faculty, staff, and curriculum during my three years in the program have given me a strong foundation for interpreting. While at Northeastern, I had the opportunity to hold executive board positions with the Interpreting Club and Deaf Club (Go NUDC Broomball!!) on campus. I was also able to have a Co-op experience at The Learning Center for Deaf Children as a teacher's aid, which was one of many highlights during my three years in Boston. All of my experiences at Northeastern in the Interpreting Program enriched and prepared me for work as an Interpreter. In May 2006 I graduated summa cum laude with a double major in ASL-English Interpreting and Visual Arts. I am now back in Rochester, New York (where I was born and raised), working as a free-lance interpreter for two agencies in the area.

Sandra Nyear
I graduated from Northeastern University in 2002 and I loved every minute of it! It provided me with a wonderful backbone to my interpreting profession. Currently I work as a freelance interpreter in the New York City and Long Island area, I have attained my dual certifications (CI/CT) and I am currently the President of the Long Island chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (LIRID). My experiences gained at NU truly motivated me to become an active member in the interpreting community.

Amy Sandstrom






Kara Santaniello
Hello! My name is Kara Santaniello and I am from Springfield, MA. I graduated from the program on May 1, 2004! I transferred to Northeastern in 2001. I have not only grown as a student here at Northeastern University but also as a person. Since the Interpreting program is so small, we are like a family. Everyone is extremely supportive and patient. This was definitely the best decision I ever made.