Born and raised in sunny California, the only hearing child of Deaf parents, Mary Jane began interpreting professionally at Saddleback Community College in 1989. Wanting to explore different cultures throughout the globe, she became an Officer aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in 1994. After a few years living on ships, she decided to go back to her roots and began interpreting for the Deaf while living in Buffalo and Rochester, NY. In 2004 she relocated to the Boston Area and started a small business called Baby Steps To Signing, teaching hearing parents the importance of early communications with their hearing babies using American Sign Language. These workshops are primarily conducted in private groups, Mom’s Clubs, and several Maternity Stores in the Boston area.

Mary Jane is using her knowledge of interpreting, office skills and financial background to help her in her new role as Program Assistant for the NIEC. She is currently enrolled in the Leadership Program at Northeastern University.