Interpreter Spotlight
Trani Morton
- Fun fact: Oddities conventions are her happy place
- Book vibe: Big fantasy reader (dragons? magic? yes please!)
Trani’s career began in elementary school, after her sister joined a signing sisters group created to welcome a Deaf family into their community. She quickly fell in love with signing, and that passion has since shaped countless connections with Deaf communities across the United States.
Often on the move, Trani spends many weekends traveling for work, and when she’s not, she can usually be found exploring an oddities convention in search of unique additions to her collection.
Outside of work, she’s an avid fantasy reader and a proud mom to a striking all-black beauty who may have made a surprise appearance in a few of our staff meetings.
Signing Aide Spotlight
Angela Lundy
- Dream goal: Creating specialized care centers for Deaf children in foster care
- Fun fact: She’s on a mission to teach every child she works with a new joke
Angela Lundy has been a dedicated American Sign Language Interpreter since 1996, bringing decades of experience, compassion, and a heartfelt commitment to the Deaf community. She began working with RISE in 2013, prior to the organization’s transition to an employee model, and in October 2019 she proudly joined the Signing Aide team. Angela’s long-standing relationship with RISE reflects her strong alignment with its mission and its value of community connection, which are central to her work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Angela’s ASL journey began in a meaningful and personal way when Deaf friends helped her learn about the Bible—an experience that shaped both her language skills and her lifelong advocacy. With a professional background rooted in childcare and preschool education, she quickly recognized the importance of being people centered, especially when supporting children during their most formative years. This passion continues to guide her work in educational and developmental settings, where trust, consistency, and access are essential.
Looking ahead, Angela hopes to establish specialized care centers designed to support Deaf children in the foster care system, providing tailored activities, resources, and culturally responsive care. Outside of her professional life, Angela enjoys voice-over acting and music. A fun fact about Angela: she makes it a personal goal to teach every child she works with a new joke to share with their friends.
Office News
RISE Values
As we move through 2025, we want to take a moment to center what guides our work every day: our RISE Values. These values shape how we show up for our consumers, support one another as a team, and strengthen the communities we serve. Below is a quick refresher-along with a slideshow that shares more detail and examples of what each value looks like in action.
Community Connection
Recognizing and supporting the rich talents of the Deaf community by promoting language access and opportunities.
RISE to the Challenge
When faced with situations that include unique physical or cognitive demands, we embrace the opportunity and find a way to succeed.
People Centered
We consider what is in the best interest of our consumers, customers, and employees when making business decisions.
Trust
We recognize the personal and sensitive nature of our work and honor the confidence placed in us.
Next up: Be sure to check out the slideshow below for more information, real examples, and ways we can all bring these values to life in our daily work.
Events
Thank You for Joining Us – RISE End-of-Year Party 🎉
Thank you to everyone who supported our RISE End-of-Year celebration this year, whether you attended in person or couldn’t make it. We’d love input from all employees to help us plan future events that work better for everyone. Please take a minute to complete the quick feedback form below (timing, preferred days, gift ideas, themes, and more), then enjoy a few highlights from this year’s party in the photos that follow.
We appreciate everything you do for RISE and the communities we serve. Here’s to finishing the year strong and stepping into 2026 together.
Happy New Year!
RISE Interpreting Team
Employee Reminders
II Availability
Interpreters are encouraged to update their availability in II regularly. The more accurate your availability is, the more relevant your assignment emails will be. If you need help, please reach out to your department manager.
*Retaining Active Employee Status*
All RISE employees are expected to accept at least two assignments every 45 days to remain in active status. If you anticipate being unavailable for more than 45 days, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible so we can update your status and support you accordingly.
HR
*OPEN ENROLLMENT*
Medical/Dental/Vision & FSA 12/8/25 – 1/18/26
Sign in to Insperity to sign up and review.
https://portal.insperity.com/cs/nsp/index
Need to talk to someone?
Call the Insperity Contact Center @ 866-715-3552 or Patti Knight @ 951-565-4422
December Birthday Club!
Andrea Duarte
Nicole Gradilla
Javin Kimbrough
Frank Dominguez
Mary Glasgow
Adonis Parker
Shantel Ornelas
Delaynee Scheurenbrand
Jasmine Casarez
Ali Phelan
Kaya Scroggins
Alana Zurbrugg
Ramon Vega
Derek Foddrill
Myrna Romero
November Statistics
1430
Deaf Consumers Served
23
Professional Development Meetings
11
RID & EIPA
Tests Proctored
Vocabulary Builder
Deference
Noun
Humble submission and respect.
“he addressed her with the deference due to age”
Monthly Tidbits:
NATIONAL CANDY DAY
National candy cane day is celebrated on December 26 in the United States. The first candy cane was made over 350 years ago. The first historical reference in America to the candy cane dates back to 1847. A German immigrant from Wooster, Ohio decorated his Christmas tree with candy canes.
How does a snowman lose weight?
He waits for it to get warmer
Peer Props
Want to give positive feedback about colleagues? Use the following link to do so!
Feedback