Summary
Laura taught American Sign Language (ASL) at T.M.C.C. from 2005-2014 prior to coming to UNR. She has been involved with the Deaf since 1974 after teaching Deaf children to snow ski. This experience captured her heart and she returned to UNR with a new passion to learn ASL. Realizing the lack of summer activities for these children, Laura wrote a grant for a pilot program focused on education for the Deaf in a summer camp environment while in her Master's program at UNR. The grant was funded in 1976 and Camp SignShine became a reality. Many Deaf, Hard-of Hearing, siblings of Deaf, and children of Deaf adults came together each year for a week. Deaf professionals contributed their time to teach the young Deaf children that their dreams were possible and cherished friendships were made that continue today. Laura has many Deaf friends and loves to kayak. It's a bit challenging to hold a paddle and sign, but certainly fun.
Education
- 1980: Master of Education in Special Education, UNR
- 1977: Bachelor of Science in Health Education, UNR