Javin Kimbrough has been a RISE Signing Aide since August 2023. As a CODA ), he was drawn to RISE out of a desire to stay connected to the Deaf community. Passionate about language access and cultural connection, Javin aspires to become a full-time interpreter and hopes to expand his skills by learning other signed languages from around the world.

Outside of his professional goals, Javin has a wide range of hobbies and creative interests, including circus arts, writing, movies, cooking, and painting. A fun fact about him: he has traveled to 40 states across the United States!

Jeric Jones is a quadruple minority in the interpreting profession—he’s not White, not Female, not a CODA, and not a Gay Male. He affectionately refers to himself as a “Unicorn CODA Dad,” as his wife is Deaf and together they are raising CODAs.

Jeric’s journey with American Sign Language began in high school, where he studied ASL while also attempting to learn Spanish. He humorously describes himself as a “Mexican’t”—having stopped Spanish after two years and avoiding spicy foods. His natural speed in both speech and signing led him to focus more on ASL, especially since his childhood stutter tends to return whenever he tries to roll his R’s.

Initially, Jeric had no plans to become an interpreter. He majored in Deaf Studies and Teaching ASL, but was eventually recruited into an Interpreter Training Program. Understanding the critical need for more BIPOC interpreters in the field, he embraced the opportunity—determined to be the change he wanted to see in the profession.

A self-described jock who learned sign language, Jeric finds rest and joy in what he calls his “S’s”: Sleeping in, watching Sports, and Spending time with his Sweet daughter, son, and wife, Stephanie. He’s also an avid hat collector, proudly owning over 500 hats. As he puts it, “Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt… nope—Hat!”

Critter Corner

Charles (Charlie)

Charles, or Charlie, is a St. Berdoodle born in 2020 with the loving nature of a St. Bernard and the intelligence of a poodle. He’s an excellent listener who seems to understand full conversations and isn’t shy about jumping into the tub if he thinks it’s time for a shower. Charlie loves water, tug of war, rom-coms, and naps, but strongly dislikes scary movies and horses on TV. After spending most of his life as an only dog, he recently became a big brother to a Cavapoo named Tucker. He’s also allergic to many things, including grass. – Chelsea Logan (Signing Aide Coordinator)

June Birthday Club!

Christina Alton
Kobe Barajas
Angela Lundy

Rosalie Garro
Hannah Mattix
Jasmine Cogswell

Christiana Leyvas
Sabrina Hermosillo
Rebecca McAllister

Noelle Cavazos
Zackery Zigler
Angeles Camacho

May Statistics

2221

Deaf Consumers Served

60

Professional Development Meetings

1

RID & EIPA
Tests Proctored

Peer Props

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