Rhonda Amicone took interest in American Sign Language at the age of 6. She learned a few more signs in 5th grade and then the ABC manual alphabet. In high school, they offered a foreign language credit for ASL and she enrolled in the class. It was there that she knew she wanted a career in ASL and with the Deaf Community. She attended Salt Lake Community College, and enrolled into the ITP (Interpreter Training Program), which she graduated from in 2002. Rhonda works at SLCC, where she interprets classes and mentors students. She is also employed by Sorenson Communications. Outside of interpreting, her passions are with her family, beautiful daughter and husband, video-games, 4-wheeling, and boating at the lake.
Category Archives: Executive Board
Greg See | Member at Large
My name is Greg See, I am originally from Calgary, Canada and I have lived in Utah since 2005. I attended the University of Utah as a Biochemistry major, but after getting involved in the Deaf community here in Utah I decided that what I really wanted to do was interpret, so I changed my major. I completed the interpreting program at Salt Lake Community College and I also have a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State. When I’m not interpreting I enjoy camping with my husband, playing with our dog, watching movies, and all sorts of crafty things.
Dawn Duran | Certification Maintenance Program
Dawn Duran is a RID NIC Advanced, SC:L and Utah State Professionally Certified Interpreter. She hails from Ga, but came to Utah and earned her B.S. in Human Development focusing on Language Development from Brigham Young University. There she met Deaf friends and found out that if you are the only hearing person in a group of friends, you better learn to interpret! She has been interpreting since Jan. 1990 and in those 26+ years has interpreted in almost every setting she can think of but specializes in interpreting for legal situations as well as for victims or abuse. She currently works full-time as the Vice President of Marketing & Relationships for ASL Communications, and absolutely loves it! She is also a member of the RID Professional Development Committee (PDC).
Sherylee Stout | Member at Large
Sherylee Stout has the Utah Professional Certification and loves her career as an Interpreter and has felt it to be a calling in life. Community interpreting is her “jam”, but has a lot of fun working in the VRS setting as well. She loves all things art, and lives to create.
Mike Drees | Member at Large
My name is Mike Drees – I am a CODA, born and raised in Rochester, NY. Having 6 Deaf Family members and growing up in a large, active Deaf Community, when I turned 18 years of age it only made sense to start interpreting professionally. I worked both interpreting and for the YMCA until I found Sorenson VRS. Working at Sorenson led me to SLC, Utah where I now work as the Assistant Director of the VRS Center. I am looking forward to the great things UTRID will be doing over the next couple of years.
Jodi Gonzales | Secretary
Hello, my name is Jodi Gonzales. My husband and I relocated from southern California to Ogden Utah in 2010. I graduated from SLCC’s ITP in 2012 and I’m working on finishing up my degree at USU. When I’m not working or studying I am out and about with family exploring all the beauty that is Utah.
Deborah McHenry | Membership
Hi, I’m Deborah McHenry! I am originally from Southern California but have made Utah my home since 2005, and have interpreted just as long. I have enjoyed interpreting in K-12 settings, higher ed, church and a touch of freelance, but my bread and butter right now is VRS. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and both Utah Professional and NIC certifications. When I’m not interpreting I am with my wonderful husband and two young kiddos (a boy and a girl), a puppy and a cat (also a boy and a girl), and when there happens to be a free moment I like doing crafts.
Marcela Lopez | Treasurer
Marcela S. Lopez is a native English and Spanish speaker who has been an ASL interpreter since 2008. She she earned a B.S. in Philosophy from the University of Utah at the end of 2012, is certified at the Utah Professional and NIC levels, and passed the Berlitz for Spanish with flying colors. Her favorite places to interpret include higher ed, VRS and the community but loves just about any challenge. Her favorite titles are “Mommy” and “wife” and she loves a little bit of everything: learning, reading, bicycle rides, making music, cooking and….. you get the point. She loves a bit of everything including the chance to giggle.
Kimm McConnachie | President
My name Kimm Mcconnachie, formerly and still widely known as Kimm Crosby. I have been interpreting since 1994. I’ve always been fascinated with sign language, and being around people!
When I was about seven years old, I watched Catholic church on TV. There was a woman wearing blue, in a small box in the corner of the screen waving her arms around and making funny faces. I didn’t know at the time what she was doing but I knew I wanted to be her when I grew up!
So I guess you can say, I’m living my dream! Outside of interpreting my favorite thing to do is sing annoying made up songs to and with my just- as-crazy-as-me (they had no choice really) children!
Amber Sidwell | Professional Development
My name is Amber Sidwell. I’m a SLC native, although I spent 5 years in Columbus, Ohio where I completed my associate degree in the interpreting program. I’ve since received a BA in Deaf Studies and ASL Education a well as a Master of Education from UVU. I currently interpret for Sorenson Communications and SLCC as well as teach for SLCC and UVU. I love spending time with friends in intimate groups, as I am truly an introvert in hiding. My lifetime goal is to be present, something that seems to evade me more often than I like to admit. I’m excited to be the PD chair and bring what I can to the table.