My name is Cassie H. I grew up in Colorado and was a Colorado native until I moved to a small town in Wyoming four years ago. I have been an ASL native signer since I was a little girl, along with receiving speech therapy for a few years. I studied athletic training and the medical field for five years to complete my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Northern Colorado. I was also in the process of completing my master’s degree in Deaf Education at UNC; however, I decided to transfer to RIT in Rochester, New York, where I completed my degree in Deaf Education with an emphasis in science fields.

My brother, who is also Deaf and has ADHD due to a lack of communication access at home, inspired me to teach ASL and help prevent language deprivation in Deaf early childhood education. I have been teaching ASL as a private instructor for more than 10 years, providing private sessions and tutoring for the community, employees, and families of Deaf children. I am passionate about teaching ASL and fostering interactions between the hearing and Deaf communities. One of my goals is to help students feel confident in approaching and communicating with Deaf individuals by learning ASL and Deaf culture.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, traveling, fishing, and swimming. My hobbies include painting, crafts, and photography. I also have a strong-willed daughter who is hearing and learning ASL with me. I have been involved in many Deaf events, including AHIHA (American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association Camp), Aspen Camp for the Deaf, Deaf Night Out, Deaf plays, Sertoma Field of Dreams Baseball Camp for children with hearing loss, and serving as President of the Sign Language Club at UNC from 2004 to 2008.