Bios

• Everett first learned sign language in graduate school working with deaf-blind children.
• He’s been involved in the growth of three companies from infancy to adulthood.
• Opinionated at best, he’s clear in his convictions.
• “CAAG Red” is Everett’s favorite color; and his glass is always half full.

Fun Fact: Everett is CAAG’s “poster child” for taking vacations; he loves to travel!

• Rita learned sign language by growing up across the street from her deaf grandparents.
• She earned a BS degree in Interior Design (absolutely nothing to do with deafness.)
• Rita is happily married with 2 beautiful girls and one big burly beast named Jude.
• She has previously served in the state professional organization as Secretary, President-Elect and President.

Fun Fact: Although graceful, Rita’s a little clumsy at times.

• Dave is the founding partner of CAAG.
• He is the proud father of daughter, Melodye, and doting “Papa” to grandson Cooper.
• Dave firmly believes that what we ask for, we receive; be it in our prayers, meditations or daily thoughts.
• Family and friends know him as the “quotemeister” quoting such favorites as Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.

Fun Fact: Happiest enjoying a Sunday Funday out with friends, wearing faded jeans, scuffed boots and decrepit old cowboy hat, with an ice cold beverage in hand.

• He is the Finance and Technology guy for CAAG, with over 35 years of practice in the combined fields.
• He can be stern and single-mindedly committed, keeping everyone else on track and on budget.
• His motto is pretty much “Do the right things…. do those things right…. the first time.”
• He has a passion for rescue dogs (and other animals, too) and their savior organizations.

Fun fact: Jerry loves to cook and entertain, but his favorite apron is black – with skull and crossbones of a fork and spoon – that says, “Don’t make me poison your food!”

• Chris has been interpreting over 20 years.
• He has been partnered for 19 years, and has 1 dog, 3 cats, a frog and many fish.
• He loves to read and travel and has BA in Sociology.
• Chris previously served as President of TSID, and currently serves as Treasurer of RID.

Fun Fact: Chris has been to 27 states and 9 countries.

• Amy has been happily married to her husband Clyde for over 28 years. She has two children, Christian and Clyde, two grandchildren, Vanessa and Shane, and one nosey little dog, Birdie.
• Amy has had an interest in Sign Language since childhood. She has been a certified interpreter for over 20 years.
• Amy’s favorite hobbies are antiquing, painting, writing, and family outings.
• Amy’s philosphy on life: Every day is a gift!

Fun Fact: Amy likes NHRA Drag racing, digging for fossils, and kayaking.

• She started Interpreting at 18 years of age.
• Kate is married with 3 children, 1 dog, 1 cat, and a 4.5 ft boa named Barbie.
• She’s a transplant to Texas from Delaware.
• Kate loves to sail and ride motorcycles.

Fun Fact: Kate thanks her lucky stars for Dionna, since Kate is technologically challenged.

• Dionna started learning sign language in high school for fun.
• She has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UH.
• She’s happily married with 2 daughters, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.
• She loves to read – “Never without my Kindle!”

Fun Fact: Dionna’s a news junkie – She gets all the alerts/news you’ll ever (or never) want to know.