Hi! My name is Brittany Drake. I was born and raised in Southern California. I have a husband, four kids, nine chickens, two dogs, and a bunny. I love them all and needless to say, our home is a busy one!

I was introduced to American Sign Language at a very young age. I knew a young Deaf girl who was a competitive gymnast. From her example, I learned that people do not have to be limited by what other people label as a disability. During that same period, my grandfather was taking ASL classes at his local community college so that he could communicate with his new Deaf employee. I grew up with him teaching me the signs he was learning. This inspired me to take ASL classes at my junior high school and then high school. I made many Deaf friends at my high school. Through my grandfather's example, I learned the importance of inclusion and equal communication access. 

I attended Brigham Young University Idaho and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and a minor in Child Development. But I knew I would one day circle back to ASL. 

After college graduation, I started my family and was a stay-at-home mom for ten years. Then, a few years ago, when we moved to Utah, I felt prompted to go to school again. I found the ASL/English Interpreting Program at SLCC and I knew that was where I needed to be. I needed to be a part of the Deaf community. 

I enjoy being out in nature, walking, hiking, and biking. Taking care of my animals makes me happy. I enjoy Yoga and walking my dogs. Reading is my favorite hobby. And vacationing with my family is my favorite activity. My happy place is on the porch swing at our family cabin in Teasdale, UT. 

My college education and work experience have helped me develop soft skills that will help me as an interpreter. I am compassionate. I am curious. I work well in a team. I am adaptable. I am a mom so I have had to learn patience and how to problem-solve. I know I can do hard things. Remembering this is what helps me to be successful when working to improve a skill. I understand that mistakes happen and learning takes time. But when I learn something, I can be unstoppable.