Tia is an educator passionate about equitable educational experiences, particularly for deaf individuals, and increasing professional capacity to aptly serve deaf individuals in postsecondary settings. She has been working under the technical assistance and dissemination center grant for seven years, focusing on accommodation and accessibility practices, resource development, and providing professional development for practioners in the field. At NDC, Tia oversees project workflow, technical assistance activities, staff development, and operations of the Central Office.
 
Tia is also a certified interpreter with an interest in interpreting practices in educational settings as well as experiences of individuals of color as consumers and professionals. She currently teaches courses to educational interpreters pursing EIPA credentials in New Jersey. She recently volunteered to serve as the Region 1 representative for the Interpreters and Transliterators of Color Member Section under the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
 
Prior to working with the grant, Tia worked as an Interpreter, Deaf Services Coordinator, collegiate Program Director and a Teacher of the Deaf. She draws on her professional expertise, community experiences, and personal interest in diversity, inclusion, and equity to promote the mission of the Center. She holds a master’s degree in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College.

Lore Kinast previously worked at public state universities and community colleges coordinating interpreting, captioning, and accommodations for deaf students to access their education.  Along with the 15+ years of experience coordinating services, she has served on several advisory committees or as a board member for various organizations supporting the provision of access and services for deaf individuals.  Prior to working in the postsecondary education sector, she worked as an employment development specialist for deaf individuals providing job coaching, employment skills training, and awareness and consultation to employers.  Lauren received her master’s degree from California State University, Northridge in Educational Administration and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree at Texas Tech University in Higher Education Leadership with an emphasis on serving deaf students.