We proudly announce the 2012 South Dakota ASL Immersion presenters.

Trudy Suggs, born Deaf to Deaf parents, has worked as an educator, administrator and editor. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University, and a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Chicago. She has been involved with many organizations, including serving as chair of the Illinois RID Deaf Caucus, the Minnesota RID Deaf Interpreting Group, RID’s national DCI task force, and the Illinois State Police Communication Issues committee. She has also served on numerous boards including the National Association of the Deaf and the National Deaf Business Institute, and is a RID-certified deaf interpreter.

In 2008, Trudy received the Gallaudet University Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award and the National Association of the Deaf CEO’s Award. In 2009, she was selected by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie as one of two recipients for a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award.

Trudy operates T.S. Writing Services (www.tswriting.com) and makes her home with her family in Faribault, MN.

Roger Kraft participated in the Deaf President Now protest as Vice President of Gallaudet’s Student Body Government, and was present for part of the Unity for Gallaudet protest in 2006. He has also self-advocated on a multitude of issues that involve his Deaf identity. Besides teaching Deaf Culture and History in the Interpreter Training Program at IUPUI, Roger also operates Sharp Eyed Group, which provides interpreting services in the Indianapolis area.

He lives in Fishers, Ind., with his wife Christine Multra Kraft, who — together, engage in ongoing adventures with their four KODA children.

Christine Multra Kraft, a Certified Deaf Interpreter, ASL teacher, and Interpreter Language mentor has had ASL and interpreting as her passion for the past 19 years. She is now pursuing her doctorate in Applied Linguistics at Ball State University.

Christine lives in Fishers, Ind., and has a continuing series of family adventures with her husband, Roger, and their four KODA children.

Mark Koterwski was born deaf and grew up in Chicago, Ill. He graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. in 1989 with a B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Program and has since been working in the Human Service field — including various disabilities with agencies in Illinois, Maryland, Washington, D.C., California, and South Dakota since 1983. Currently, Mark works for Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) as Community Support Specialist, which includes Community Support, Employment Service, ASL Certificated Instructor, Interpreting Mentor Program, and private contracts.

Mark has been married to his wife, Angela, for 20 years and they have a daughter, Kayla.

Teresa Nold was raised within a Deaf family in which parents and siblings were all immersed within the Deaf culture — with hearing culture added in the mix. ASL was her primary language while growing up. Teresa was mainstreamed throughout her school years, with a short stint in the School for the Deaf. Teresa works at CSD in Sioux Falls, S.D. — providing a variety of services to people who are deaf and/or hard of hearing and their family members, agencies, and service coordinators. She also has extensive knowledge on working with kids and adults who are deaf-blind and how to navigate the system if there are other services needed.

Teresa is married to Tim, who is Deaf and together, they have 2 boys. She now calls Harrisburg, S.D., her home, after living in Sioux Falls for a few years.

Questions can be directed to Christa Gunderson at cgunderson@augie.edu.