DIRECTOR

Kinya is a speech-language pathologist who received her Bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in American Sign Language in 2016 and her Masters in Speech- Language Pathology in 2018, both from Western Kentucky University. She received her PhD from the University of Kentucky in 2024. Kinya began her career at the Kentucky School for the Deaf and has since worked in outpatient pediatric clinics and in public schools. Her current role is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Disorders program at the University of Louisville. Kinya has presented on topics related to speech and language services for deaf and hard of hearing children and authored her own theoretical framework, The Fundamental Framework for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children.

TEACHER OF THE DEAF

Karen is a retired educator of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students and lives in Louisville, KY.  She earned her teaching degrees at Eastern Kentucky University in DHH and Elementary Education, and her Masters in Special Education from the University of Louisville.  Her teaching career of 36 years included working in the New Albany, IN public schools and 30 years at the Kentucky School for the Deaf in Danville, KY.  Her proudest years as an educator were her involvement in training through ASL/English Bilingual Professional Development/AEPBD (formerly known as Star Schools) at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe, NM.  As an AEPBD mentor, Karen trained KSD teachers, administrators and residential staff on how to more effectively manage the strategic use of two languages – ASL and English – to meet the needs of students.  Karen advocates for the use of bilingual/bicultural instruction to promote self-awareness and a positive self-image in Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students, as well as to reach their full potential.     

DEAF INTERVENTIONIST

Toni Jo Stinson is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a proud graduate of St. Rita School for the Deaf. She has a strong background in early childhood education, having worked as a lead teacher in a daycare setting for 13 years. She also spent several years working with the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Toni Jo is a mother of two daughters and a proud grandmother of three, with one more grandchild on the way. Her experiences with grandchildren on the autism spectrum have deepened her understanding, compassion, and commitment to supporting children and families.

DEAF INTERVENTIONIST

Ashley Puckett is an American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor at the University of Louisville. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University in 2020 and her Master’s degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in 2024.

Ashley is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for her students and helping them build confidence in ASL. She strongly advocates for Deaf children and their families, especially the importance of giving Deaf children access to language from the very beginning. Ashley believes Deaf children should have the opportunity to grow up with a language they can fully access and that families deserve support, understanding, and resources as they navigate their child’s language journey.

DEAF INTERVENTIONIST

Joanna New will be graduating with her Associate in Arts from Jefferson Community and Technical College in May 2026. She is Deaf and uses a cochlear implant in her right ear, and she is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Joanna brings three years of experience working with children at Baptist Health East Louisville, where she developed a strong passion for supporting and connecting with children and families. She is known for her warm, engaging personality and her love of working with people. In her free time, Joanna enjoys hiking, listening to music, photography, and creating art.