Julie Stockton, M.Ed., Special Education Coordinator: Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Kindergarten Prep, Advantage Preschool

Julie.Stockton@gilbertschools.net

This summer, I completed my 17th year with GPS, and my 7th year as the coordinator of this fabulous department, as well as partial day preschool programs throughout our district. Starting as a teacher in the classroom, I share the love that we all do for children and their success, not just in education, but in life. When I am not working, I enjoy my family, which consists of my husband of 32 years, my two children, son-in-law, and two fur babies. 

Katie Venti, M.S., Lead Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Katie.Venti@gilbertschools.net

Hello GPS families! My name is Mrs. Katie Venti.  I have a Master of Science degree in Deaf/Hard of Hearing from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. I completed my student teaching for my master’s degree at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf; then, taught there from 1998-2000. I moved to Arizona in the summer of 2000, after accepting a middle school teaching position at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. I worked at PDSD from 2000-2003. (It was at PDSD that I met my husband!)  I began working at GPS in August of 2003 as an itinerant teacher. When not at work/school, I enjoy hiking, yoga, and traveling with my family. I look forward to working with you!

Colleen Lynch, M.A., Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Preschool Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Colleen.Lynch@gilbertschools.net

I have been teaching students with hearing loss for over 25 years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a Master’s in Deaf Education from the University of Arizona. I am also a certified sign language interpreter. My experience in Gilbert has included teaching in a self contained classroom with students with hearing loss as well as multiple disabilities, providing itinerant services for students in PS-12th grade, teaching resource K-6, and teaching preschool. I love language and marvel at how children learn language - regardless if it is spoken language, sign language, or total communication (including pictures, writing, etc.) I believe every child is unique and deserves a creative team to help them reach their full potential. When I am not teaching, I love spending time and learning with my son, Beau, my family, and friends! 

Sarah Kamenicky, M.A., Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Sarah.Kamenicky@gilbertschools.net

I have been a teacher for 21 years and have worked for the Gilbert District for the last 14 as a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing. I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas in Elementary Education and Cross-categorical Special Education.  After teaching in a small school in Texas for students with language and learning disabilities, I moved to Tucson to earn my Master's degree for Deaf/Hard of Hearing. I love Star Trek, doing puzzles, playing word games, and spending time with my friends and family when I'm not teaching.

Amy Mulkey, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Amy.Mulkey@gilbertschools.net

My name is Amy Mulkey and I am incredibly excited to join the Gilbert Public Schools Deaf and Hard of Hearing team. I moved to Arizona from Texas in 2019. I spent my early childhood in San Antonio, Texas, and then moved to Tyler, Texas during my teenage years and stayed there until college. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2016 where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Communication, Sciences, and Disorders with a concentration in Deaf Education. I graduated from Boston University in 2019 where I earned my Master’s degree in Deaf Education. I worked at Sequoia Deaf School from 2019-2022. I taught secondary English for two years, and taught lower elementary for one year. When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my two fur babies, Lily and Nala. I love to play pickleball and kickball on the weekends. During the football season you’ll catch me rooting for the UT Longhorns (Hook ‘em horns!), Dallas Cowboys, and Arizona Cardinals!

Ellen Baird, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department Equipment Specialist

Ellen.Baird@gilbertschools.net

My name is Ellen Baird. I’ve lived in Arizona for 24 years and have been with Gilbert Schools Deaf and Hard of Hearing department for nearly 20. I have the privilege of working with students who have varying degrees of hearing loss, and assisting D/HH teachers with finding assistive listening technologies to address individual student needs.  In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with my family.

Jordanna Smith, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Jordanna.Smith@gilbertschools.net

Hi All!  My name is Jordanna Smith and I am thrilled to be working for the DHH department at Gilbert Public Schools.  I grew up in Southern California, then moved to Sydney, Australia for 10 years. Upon returning to the USA from Australia, I started working at Sequoia Deaf School as the Cross Categorical Teacher.  In May 2023, I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Special Education- Emphasis on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Bear Down!  I have a deaf daughter who attends a school within the GPS district.

Chelsea Weber, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Chelsea.Weber@gilbertschools.net

My name is Chelsea Weber. I graduated from the Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Program in 2015 and I have been an Educational Sign Language Interpreter since 2017 for the Scottsdale Unified School District. In 2023 I took an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing position for the Gilbert School District.  My Bachelors is in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University and my Masters is in Special Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from The University of Arizona. In my free time I am playing softball, off-roading, trying to lift heavy things at the gym, reading mystery thrillers or finding fun places to eat with my husband and sister.

Cassi McCord, Lead Sign Language Interpreter

Cassandra.McCord@gilbertschools.net

*For questions regarding interpreters and/or requests for GPS-related interpreting needs, please contact Cassandra McCord at her gilbertschools.net email address or (480) 862-3854 (voice, text, FaceTime).*

I have been an American Sign Language interpreter here in Arizona for 30 years.  I love working in the educational setting and have been with Gilbert Public Schools for the last 25 years. I have two wonderful, adult children and a farm with chickens.  When I am not interpreting, I love spending time with my family, kayaking, hiking, traveling going to concerts and watching baseball or softball. 

Wesley Goodman, Sign Language Interpreter

My name is Wesley Goodman. I have been signing for the past 9 years. I graduated from the Interpreter Preparation Program at Phoenix College. I have always longed to be in a school setting. Starting this career I knew K-12 interpreting was just the place for me. I was born and raised in the small town of Show Low, AZ. In my free time I enjoy spending it outdoors with my wife and our two kids. I love exploring new places and taking my little family along the way. 

Missy Gregory, Sign Language Interpreter

Let me introduce myself. I have been interpreting since 1995. I attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University where I studied Speech Language Pathology and eventually earned my degree in Sign Language Interpreting. I am a nationally certified and state licensed interpreter. I love my job and the diverse group of people I am able to work with every day. I have interpreted in a variety of settings including K-12, post secondary, video relay and freelance work. I am married and have three children and three dogs. 

Kerry Kelly, Sign Language Interpreter

I have been an American Sign Language interpreter for 17 years. I love working in the educational setting and have done so for the past 17 years. When I am not interpreting, I love spending time with my two kids and husband. 

Ashlie McLaran, Sign Language Interpreter

Hello! I graduated from Phoenix College Interpreting Program in 2020. This will be my third year with the district and I am enjoying it here. When I am not interpreting I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as traveling, hiking, boating, or anything adventurous! 

Mary Bastow, Sign Language Interpreter

Hello! My name is Mary Bastow and I am a 2020 graduate of the Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Program.  During my almost 14 year position at a local photography studio, I decided to go back to college to become an interpreter.  I received my Associates in Psychology in 2003 and in 2020 I received my Associates and Certificate in Interpreting.  I am a state licensed interpreter as well.  I grew up in Mesa and lived in Gilbert for 10 years before moving to Chandler last year..  I have always loved being in a classroom and knew that wherever life took me, that is where I would end up.  My fiance and I are recently engaged and plan on getting married soon. I love traveling as well as spending time with family, friends, and our cats.   

Monica Salas, Sign Language Interpreter

Hello! My name is Monica Salas and I began my ASL journey over 20 years ago and I have been working in an educational setting since 2006. I enjoy working in the classroom because I have the unique opportunity to see kids flourish both in and out of the classroom. Over the years I have grown as an individual, both professionally and academically , by teaching ASL to young children, interpreting at church, as well as earning my RYT 200 certification. Outside of the classroom and yoga studio I enjoy spending time with my four daughters and husband along with my five grandchildren. American Sign Language has been an integrative aspect of my life that I have been eternally grateful to pass down to my daughters and grandchildren. 

Colleen Schnepf, Sign Language Interpreter

Hello!  My name is Colleen Schnepf. I've been a Sign Language Interpreter in Gilbert Public Schools for 8 years.  I love working with children and being in the classroom!  I attended Phoenix College's Interpreter program and then transferred to Arizona State University and received my BA degree in Family Studies, both with honors!  I'm always seeking out workshops and professional development to help me continue to grow professionally and personally.  I have been married for over 22 years and we have 3 amazing teenagers that keep us busy.  My family enjoys traveling and seeking out new experiences.  We live each day to the fullest with a grateful heart!    

Debbie Strauss, Sign Language Interpreter 

I have been with Gilbert Public Schools for 24 years as an Educational Sign Language Interpreter.  I enjoy working in the K-12 setting. I have been married for 37 years and I love every minute I can spend with my 6 grandchildren. 

Halleigh Hansen, Sign Language Interpreter

This is my first year working as an American Sign Language Interpreter. I love working with children; I’ve been a swim teacher for two summers now and had the opportunity to be a swim team coach this past summer. My mom is deaf and my dad has been an interpreter for about 25 years now. My first language is ASL, and I grew up in a home that primarily used sign language. In my spare time, I love to have movie nights with my siblings and boyfriend.