I've been working with JCCD for 6 months now after graduating in May '00 from Auburn University in Montgomery with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts.  I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life at first. In 1992, I noticed my hearing starting to decline.  I was diagnosed with hereditary nerve deafness.

Working in jobs where criticism and frustration were everyday occurances, I knew I wanted to bring about deaf awareness, but didn't know how.  I became a client of JCCD in 1996 and at that point I knew I wanted to be a part of the professional staff.  So, I worked hard to finish my undergraduate degree.

This certificate program at AU is a great opportunity for me to learn how to place my clients in the competitive job market in a more professional manner since I am new to our field.  I am thankful for the efforts of Suzanne Tew-Washburn and others for making this happen. I hope to start my Master's Degree in the fall after completion of the certificate.

A suprise phone call last year offered me the opportunity to be on the Governor's Board of Directors for the Council on Independant Living for the State of Alabama for 2000 - 2002.  Because of this, I am coming to know many people involved in Rehabilitation in our state.  Hopefully, one day, I will be a strong advocate and lobbyist for the deaf and hearing impaired statewide and perhaps, nationally.

Kristopher, age 17, Heath, age 12, and Wesley, age 4 are my 3 sons. Kristopher will be going to college in Troy next year.  I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and Star Trek.