Tia Ivanko works to promote conditions for optimal success for deaf students by providing information, gathering evidence based resources, and developing training, and providing consultation and support to inquiring stakeholders.  Tia brings over 15 years of professional experience and a comprehensive range of expertise related to education and communication access for deaf individuals; She also has experience evaluating, implementing, and overseeing accommodations and access services. Tia is also a nationally certified interpreter, knowledgeable of technical, ethical, and professional practices within the interpreting field. She holds a master’s degree in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College.

Lauren “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.