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.

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.

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.     

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Amber DeVine-Stinson, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who has worked in the field for 20 years in various settings including the public schools, adult day programs, and in homes through her private practice. She has presented at the Kentucky Speech-Language Hearing Association state conference and at the national level as part of AAC in the Cloud conferences. She has also guest lectured at the University of Louisville on the topic of augmentative and alternative communication. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Eastern Kentucky University in 2003 and her Master of Science in speech-language pathology from Nova Southeastern University in 2012. Amber completed coursework in American Sign Language during her undergraduate studies; however, her proficiency has been further enriched through her lived experience, as her husband of 17 years is Deaf. Amber holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and is licensed to practice in the state of Kentucky and Indiana. When not caring for her patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She is very active in the Deaf Ministry at her church and also enjoys being outdoors.