ABOUT US
DCYIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Deaf Catholic youth across the Americas. We work to strengthen youth communities through education, accompaniment, and active participation, promoting a more accessible and inclusive Church.
OUR IMPACT
Through training, support, and community, DCYIA makes a real impact on Deaf young people's lives in different countries. We provide opportunities, for faith, leadership, development to build a more representative Society and Church.
Mission
DCYIA recognizes the unique needs; pastoral, cultural and linguistic of the Deaf young people throughout the Americas therefore DCYIA’s Goal is to develop leadership skills for this population from a value system and traditions that are catholic.
Vision
Based on gospel values DCYIA envisions a world where Deaf young people can develop their unique God given gifts. DCYIA strives to transform a world where Deaf young people often experience discrimination and exclusion into a place where they can fully participate in life.
MEET DCIYA BOARD
Our Board is more than a leadership body; it is the anchor of our vision. Composed of dedicated individuals who model faith, integrity, and healthy boundaries, they provide the strategic guidance and heart necessary to ensure our mission flourishes across the Americas.
Laureen Lynch-Ryan is the Coordinator of the Deaf Ministry at the Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministries of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, a position she has held since 2009. She is an accomplished Deaf social worker with nearly 35 years of experience serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in a wide range of settings.
Early in her career, Laureen worked as an advocate counselor for Seattle Rape Relief and later founded the Abused Deaf Women’s Network in Washington, DC, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to advocacy and support within the Deaf community. Since 2021, she has also been an instructor for an online course of the Deaf Ministry Formation Program. Currently, Laureen serves on the Board of Directors of two non-profit organizations: the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas and the Deaf Ministry Formation Program.
Dr. Ian Robertson was born in Liverpool, England, grew up in Wales and Scotland. He worked within Deaf community in North West of England as a pastoral worker. He was involved with ICF (International Catholic Foundation) for over 14 years. Co-founder of MA degree in Pastoral Ministries with the Deaf at St. Thomas University, Miami.
Has doctoral degree in Theology and Ministry with a concentration in Deaf Ministry. Is very happily married in South Florida and has two sons. Ian has a great intelligence and charisma to work with Deaf Communities.
Director Ministry Formation program for the Deaf (MFP). He is Co-Founder of DCYIA
Father Joe Mulcrone is a fundamental figure in pastoral care for Deaf people worldwide. Born in Chicago, he grew up in a service-oriented family: the son of a police officer and an interpreter, and the grandson of Deaf grandparents. This personal connection led him to master American Sign Language (ASL) and dedicate his life to inclusion within the Church.
As Director of the Catholic Office of the Deaf in Chicago for over 40 years, his impact has transcended borders. He was key in organizing the historic “EFPHATHA” conference at the Vatican (2009) and in creating the DCYIA. However, his most courageous work has been the fight against sexual abuse. Upon detecting an alarming vulnerability in Deaf youth, Father Joe became a pioneer in the prevention and healing of survivors with disabilities. He has promoted specialized services to break the silence on abuse in this community, ensuring victims have a voice and justice.
Dr. Consuelo Manero Soto, “Chelo,” has a career spanning more than 30 years that merges high-specialty clinical psychology with pioneering leadership in inclusion. A graduate in Psychology from Anáhuac University, with a Master’s in Mental Health and Psychotherapy from Gallaudet University and a Doctorate in Permanent Education, she holds international certifications in positive psychology, crisis intervention, and psychological first aid.
Her career is highlighted by innovation and project creation, having dedicated 22 years to Marista University as Director of the School of Psychology and the Inclusion Center, as well as being a key piece in implementing resilience programs at “Hearing Loss Link” in the United States. Since 1999, she has maintained a private clinical practice, providing individual and couples’ psychotherapy, at ABC Hospital She has participated in accompanying survivors of sexual abuse for several years as a therapist . She has also been an American Sign Language interpreter since 1992 and, since 2020, collaborates with Vatican News Media. Her social vocation is also reflected in the founding of Deaf Catholic Youth Initiatives of the Americas (DCYIA)
Maryann Barth is a highly accomplished Deaf professional and educator with over 25 years of experience specializing in curriculum design, literacy, and mental health. A versatile leader, she has held diverse roles ranging from K-12 administrator and literacy coordinator to university instructor. Her academic contributions include designing Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs and teaching courses in ASL Linguistics, Deaf Studies, Interpreter Training, and the intersection of Mental Health and the Deaf community. Beyond the classroom, Maryann is a recognized expert in specialized assessments for Deaf, Deaf-Disabled, and Deaf-Blind individuals.
Her clinical background as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Reality Therapy Certified (RTC) practitioner informs her holistic approach to education and advocacy. Since 2001, she has been a cornerstone of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas, serving as a Board Member and a dedicated leader for the “Encuentros” youth meetings. An internationally sought-after speaker, Maryann has presented workshops across various modalities in both high school and university settings. Her career is defined by a deep commitment to linguistic accessibility, program innovation, and empowering the next generation of the Deaf community on a global scale.
Gerardo is a Certified TRI lingual interpreter, whose working languages include American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, and English. He is based in Washington, DC, and owns an interpreting agency serving El Paso, Texas.
His specialization includes working with Deaf communities and sign language interpreters throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and Panama.
His work with DCYIA began in 2001 at the Encuentro in Rancho Viejo. His most recent project includes the establishment of intensive interpreter training in La Antigua, Guatemala. He is the president of InterEdu Org
John Joseph Kennedy was born in Dublin, Ireland on July 15, 1968. On July 13, 1993 he was ordained a Catholic Priest in Dublin, Ireland, in July 1993 . Monsignor Kennedy was appointed as a curate in the sprawling parish of Crumlin for three years before he took up an appointment in the inner city parish of St Nicholas of Myra on Francis Street for two years. Former parishioners still continue to visit him in Rome, and he is known as a welcoming host, with interests which vary from sports to cooking .
Fr. Kennedy studied Licentiate in Canon Law and a Specialization in Jurisprudence at the Pontifical Gregorian University from 1998- 2002. In January 2003 Fr. Kennedy was assigned to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2006 Fr. Kennedy was named Protocol Officer in the Congregation. Fr. Kennedy was made a Monsignor on December 17, 2007. He completed his Doctorate in Canon Law and Jurisprudence degree in 2010.
In 2014 Monsignor Kennedy was appointed Financial Administrator in the Vatican. In this position, Monsignor Kennedy had responsibility for the overall budget for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2015 Monsignor Kennedy was appointed head of the Matrimonial Section, a position he held simultaneously with that of Financial Administrator.
Pope Francis then appointed Monsignor Kennedy as head of the disciplinary section of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 2017. Since April 2022, Monsignor is the new secretary of the disciplinary section at the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, which has responsibility for dealing with credible allegations against clergy. In 2018 he became a Board member of DCYIA. In September 2024 he was ordained Archbishop at St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City
Monsignor José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A. serves as Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama and President of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference. He has been chaplain and member of DCYIA board since 2023. Born on December 24, 1956, in Chitré, Panama, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 and to the episcopacy in 2004. In 2010, he was appointed Archbishop of Panama by Pope Benedict XVI.
He holds advanced degrees in Spiritual Theology, Theology of Religious Life, and Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Comillas and the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain. His academic background has supported his pastoral mission, particularly in the areas of religious life and family ministry.
Before becoming Archbishop, he served as Auxiliary Bishop of Panama (2004–2010). Within the Panamanian Episcopal Conference, he has held several leadership roles, including President from 2012 to 2022, and has been reelected for the 2025–2027 term. At the continental level, he currently serves as Second Vice President of CELAM (2023–2027), contributing to the Church’s mission across Latin America and the Caribbean.
He is widely recognized for his leadership during World Youth Day – Panama 2019, for promoting evangelization through digital platforms, and for his strong advocacy in areas of social justice, migration, and the defense of human dignity. Through his ministry, Archbishop Ulloa continues to accompany the Church with a deep commitment to youth, pastoral formation, and the missionary mission of the Gospel.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine since 1987, he professed his solemn vows in 1991. Throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, he has served as formator, parish priest, spiritual director, and ecclesial leader in both Panama and Spain, with a strong commitment to formation and pastoral accompaniment.
Pako Lojim, as he is known among us, has a master’s degree in Education from the Marist University CDMX campus, in addition to a Bachelor of Philosophy from the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala. His thesis for his master’s degree program was “The Mystical Thought of San Juan de la Cruz and the Philosophy of Education of Octavi Fullat.”
In the labor field, he is a teacher of deaf children in Tlaxcala, Mexico. He also works as a pastoral agent in the José María Morelos Institute in Chiautempan, Tlaxcala; a school belonging to the Order of Pious Schools, better known as the Piarist Fathers, where he actively works within the pastoral processes leading the Calasanz Movement in Mexico and is part of the formation team of the Volunteers of Itaka Escolapios México.
In the same way, in 2008 he promoted the creation of the Pastoral of the Deaf in the Diocese of Tlaxcala and since then he has been working as an interpreter in this community. Finally, he has participated in several National Meetings of the National Promotion Committee of the Pastoral of the Deaf sharing his experience and enthusiasm with other Catholic interpreters.
He is a member of the DCYIA Board since 2025. He has collaborated with DCYIA since 2015 and since then has shown the immense affection he has for the deaf Catholic community and his desire to achieve that more and more deaf people improve their relationship with God through a pastoral more appropriate to the age and situation of the deaf youth community.
Alejandra Granados Peña was born in Mexico City. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling and Integral Accompaniment, and a specialization in Human Development. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. Her doctoral research focuses on the development and validation of psychometric assessments designed for the Deaf community in Mexico, contributing to more inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive psychological evaluation.
Professionally, she serves as a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) interpreter in educational settings, integrating her psychological training with academic and personal support for Deaf students. She also maintains a private practice, where she provides comprehensive psychological counseling, and currently works as a psychologist at a high school institution.
She is a member of the DCYIA Board of Directors since 2025. Since 2014, she has been actively involved in the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas (DCYIA), serving both as a Mexican Sign Language interpreter and as a psychologist during Encuentros. She has collaborated in gatherings held in Guatemala, Mexico City, San Luis Potosí, Oaxaca, Morelos, Rome (Italy), Panama, and in virtual formats, contributing to the pastoral, human, and community formation of Deaf youth across diverse cultural contexts.
Her vocation integrates psychology, human development, inclusion, and pastoral service, promoting accessible spaces and accompaniment processes that foster the holistic growth of the Deaf community.
Luis Jesus Segoviano Valdivia is an instructor and interpreter of Mexican Sign Language (LSM), committed to pastoral service and the strengthening of the deaf community at the national level. He was born in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico. He has been deaf since birth and is the youngest child in his family; he has five sisters, three of whom are also deaf.
He began his studies in Chicago in 1998 and returned to Mexico in 2001, where he continued his academic education through high school in hearing schools, without an interpreter. Since then, he has dedicated his life to community service in Mexico, promoting Mexican Sign Language and the participation of deaf individuals in various educational and pastoral settings.
In 2010, he began his work as an LSM instructor and organized a Catholic camp for deaf individuals, in addition to coordinating and participating in pastoral activities in sign language. In 2015, he participated for the first time in the gatherings of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas and later began collaborating as an instructor and translator; he currently serves as a member of its board of directors, contributing to the development of deaf youth leadership across the American continent. He has participated in international gatherings in Rome, Italy, including educational and testimonial activities in 2018 and 2025.
At the international level, he served as Mexico’s deaf youth representative to the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS), participating in the congress held in South Korea in 2023. In the sports field, he has represented Mexico in international competitions, including the U21 World Basketball Championship in 2014 and the Deaflympics in beach volleyball (2017) and indoor volleyball (2022).
He is the founder and general coordinator of the SODX Festival (Deaf of Mexico), a gathering that strengthens unity and social participation within the deaf community through recreational and cultural activities.
Professionally, since 2017 he has worked at Nissan Aguascalientes in the paint department, where he is responsible for releasing vehicles for shipment to assembly as part of the quality control process, a role for which he has received recognition from the company.
Laureen Lynch-Ryan is the Coordinator of the Deaf Ministry at the Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministries of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, a position she has held since 2009. She is an accomplished Deaf social worker with nearly 35 years of experience serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in a wide range of settings.
Early in her career, Laureen worked as an advocate counselor for Seattle Rape Relief and later founded the Abused Deaf Women’s Network in Washington, DC, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to advocacy and support within the Deaf community. Since 2021, she has also been an instructor for an online course of the Deaf Ministry Formation Program. Currently, Laureen serves on the Board of Directors of two non-profit organizations: the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas and the Deaf Ministry Formation Program.
Dr. Ian Robertson was born in Liverpool, England, grew up in Wales and Scotland. He worked within Deaf community in North West of England as a pastoral worker. He was involved with ICF (International Catholic Foundation) for over 14 years. Co-founder of MA degree in Pastoral Ministries with the Deaf at St. Thomas University, Miami.
Has doctoral degree in Theology and Ministry with a concentration in Deaf Ministry. Is very happily married in South Florida and has two sons. Ian has a great intelligence and charisma to work with Deaf Communities.
Director Ministry Formation program for the Deaf (MFP). He is Co-Founder of DCYIA.
Father Joe Mulcrone is a fundamental figure in pastoral care for Deaf people worldwide. Born in Chicago, he grew up in a service-oriented family: the son of a police officer and an interpreter, and the grandson of Deaf grandparents. This personal connection led him to master American Sign Language (ASL) and dedicate his life to inclusion within the Church.
As Director of the Catholic Office of the Deaf in Chicago for over 40 years, his impact has transcended borders. He was key in organizing the historic “EFPHATHA” conference at the Vatican (2009) and in creating the DCYIA. However, his most courageous work has been the fight against sexual abuse. Upon detecting an alarming vulnerability in Deaf youth, Father Joe became a pioneer in the prevention and healing of survivors with disabilities. He has promoted specialized services to break the silence on abuse in this community, ensuring victims have a voice and justice.
Dr. Consuelo Manero Soto, “Chelo,” has a career spanning more than 30 years that merges high-specialty clinical psychology with pioneering leadership in inclusion. A graduate in Psychology from Anáhuac University, with a Master’s in Mental Health and Psychotherapy from Gallaudet University and a Doctorate in Permanent Education, she holds international certifications in positive psychology, crisis intervention, and psychological first aid.
Her career is highlighted by innovation and project creation, having dedicated 22 years to Marista University as Director of the School of Psychology and the Inclusion Center, as well as being a key piece in implementing resilience programs at “Hearing Loss Link” in the United States. Since 1999, she has maintained a private clinical practice, providing individual and couples’ psychotherapy, at ABC Hospital She has participated in accompanying survivors of sexual abuse for several years as a therapist . She has also been an American Sign Language interpreter since 1992 and, since 2020, collaborates with Vatican News Media. Her social vocation is also reflected in the founding of Deaf Catholic Youth Initiatives of the Americas (DCYIA).
Maryann Barth is a highly accomplished Deaf professional and educator with over 25 years of experience specializing in curriculum design, literacy, and mental health. A versatile leader, she has held diverse roles ranging from K-12 administrator and literacy coordinator to university instructor. Her academic contributions include designing Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs and teaching courses in ASL Linguistics, Deaf Studies, Interpreter Training, and the intersection of Mental Health and the Deaf community. Beyond the classroom, Maryann is a recognized expert in specialized assessments for Deaf, Deaf-Disabled, and Deaf-Blind individuals.
Her clinical background as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Reality Therapy Certified (RTC) practitioner informs her holistic approach to education and advocacy. Since 2001, she has been a cornerstone of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas, serving as a Board Member and a dedicated leader for the “Encuentros” youth meetings. An internationally sought-after speaker, Maryann has presented workshops across various modalities in both high school and university settings. Her career is defined by a deep commitment to linguistic accessibility, program innovation, and empowering the next generation of the Deaf community on a global scale.
Gerardo is a Certified TRI lingual interpreter, whose working languages include American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, and English. He is based in Washington, DC, and owns an interpreting agency serving El Paso, Texas.
His specialization includes working with Deaf communities and sign language interpreters throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and Panama.
His work with DCYIA began in 2001 at the Encuentro in Rancho Viejo. His most recent project includes the establishment of intensive interpreter training in La Antigua, Guatemala. He is the president of InterEdu Org.
John Joseph Kennedy was born in Dublin, Ireland on July 15, 1968. On July 13, 1993 he was ordained a Catholic Priest in Dublin, Ireland, in July 1993 . Monsignor Kennedy was appointed as a curate in the sprawling parish of Crumlin for three years before he took up an appointment in the inner city parish of St Nicholas of Myra on Francis Street for two years. Former parishioners still continue to visit him in Rome, and he is known as a welcoming host, with interests which vary from sports to cooking .
Fr. Kennedy studied Licentiate in Canon Law and a Specialization in Jurisprudence at the Pontifical Gregorian University from 1998- 2002. In January 2003 Fr. Kennedy was assigned to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2006 Fr. Kennedy was named Protocol Officer in the Congregation. Fr. Kennedy was made a Monsignor on December 17, 2007. He completed his Doctorate in Canon Law and Jurisprudence degree in 2010.
In 2014 Monsignor Kennedy was appointed Financial Administrator in the Vatican. In this position, Monsignor Kennedy had responsibility for the overall budget for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2015 Monsignor Kennedy was appointed head of the Matrimonial Section, a position he held simultaneously with that of Financial Administrator.
Pope Francis then appointed Monsignor Kennedy as head of the disciplinary section of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 2017. Since April 2022, Monsignor is the new secretary of the disciplinary section at the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, which has responsibility for dealing with credible allegations against clergy. In 2018 he became a Board member of DCYIA. In September 2024 he was ordained Archbishop at St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City.
Monsignor José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A. serves as Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama and President of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference. He has been chaplain and member of DCYIA board since 2023. Born on December 24, 1956, in Chitré, Panama, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 and to the episcopacy in 2004. In 2010, he was appointed Archbishop of Panama by Pope Benedict XVI.
He holds advanced degrees in Spiritual Theology, Theology of Religious Life, and Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Comillas and the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain. His academic background has supported his pastoral mission, particularly in the areas of religious life and family ministry.
Before becoming Archbishop, he served as Auxiliary Bishop of Panama (2004–2010). Within the Panamanian Episcopal Conference, he has held several leadership roles, including President from 2012 to 2022, and has been reelected for the 2025–2027 term. At the continental level, he currently serves as Second Vice President of CELAM (2023–2027), contributing to the Church’s mission across Latin America and the Caribbean.
He is widely recognized for his leadership during World Youth Day – Panama 2019, for promoting evangelization through digital platforms, and for his strong advocacy in areas of social justice, migration, and the defense of human dignity. Through his ministry, Archbishop Ulloa continues to accompany the Church with a deep commitment to youth, pastoral formation, and the missionary mission of the Gospel.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine since 1987, he professed his solemn vows in 1991. Throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, he has served as formator, parish priest, spiritual director, and ecclesial leader in both Panama and Spain, with a strong commitment to formation and pastoral accompaniment.
Pako Lojim, as he is known among us, has a master’s degree in Education from the Marist University CDMX campus, in addition to a Bachelor of Philosophy from the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala. His thesis for his master’s degree program was “The Mystical Thought of San Juan de la Cruz and the Philosophy of Education of Octavi Fullat.”
In the labor field, he is a teacher of deaf children in Tlaxcala, Mexico. He also works as a pastoral agent in the José María Morelos Institute in Chiautempan, Tlaxcala; a school belonging to the Order of Pious Schools, better known as the Piarist Fathers, where he actively works within the pastoral processes leading the Calasanz Movement in Mexico and is part of the formation team of the Volunteers of Itaka Escolapios México.
In the same way, in 2008 he promoted the creation of the Pastoral of the Deaf in the Diocese of Tlaxcala and since then he has been working as an interpreter in this community. Finally, he has participated in several National Meetings of the National Promotion Committee of the Pastoral of the Deaf sharing his experience and enthusiasm with other Catholic interpreters.
He is a member of the DCYIA Board since 2025. He has collaborated with DCYIA since 2015 and since then has shown the immense affection he has for the deaf Catholic community and his desire to achieve that more and more deaf people improve their relationship with God through a pastoral more appropriate to the age and situation of the deaf youth community.
Alejandra Granados Peña was born in Mexico City. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling and Integral Accompaniment, and a specialization in Human Development. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. Her doctoral research focuses on the development and validation of psychometric assessments designed for the Deaf community in Mexico, contributing to more inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive psychological evaluation.
Professionally, she serves as a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) interpreter in educational settings, integrating her psychological training with academic and personal support for Deaf students. She also maintains a private practice, where she provides comprehensive psychological counseling, and currently works as a psychologist at a high school institution.
She is a member of the DCYIA Board of Directors since 2025. Since 2014, she has been actively involved in the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas (DCYIA), serving both as a Mexican Sign Language interpreter and as a psychologist during Encuentros. She has collaborated in gatherings held in Guatemala, Mexico City, San Luis Potosí, Oaxaca, Morelos, Rome (Italy), Panama, and in virtual formats, contributing to the pastoral, human, and community formation of Deaf youth across diverse cultural contexts.
Her vocation integrates psychology, human development, inclusion, and pastoral service, promoting accessible spaces and accompaniment processes that foster the holistic growth of the Deaf community.
Luis Jesus Segoviano Valdivia is an instructor and interpreter of Mexican Sign Language (LSM), committed to pastoral service and the strengthening of the deaf community at the national level. He was born in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico. He has been deaf since birth and is the youngest child in his family; he has five sisters, three of whom are also deaf.
He began his studies in Chicago in 1998 and returned to Mexico in 2001, where he continued his academic education through high school in hearing schools, without an interpreter. Since then, he has dedicated his life to community service in Mexico, promoting Mexican Sign Language and the participation of deaf individuals in various educational and pastoral settings.
In 2010, he began his work as an LSM instructor and organized a Catholic camp for deaf individuals, in addition to coordinating and participating in pastoral activities in sign language. In 2015, he participated for the first time in the gatherings of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas and later began collaborating as an instructor and translator; he currently serves as a member of its board of directors, contributing to the development of deaf youth leadership across the American continent. He has participated in international gatherings in Rome, Italy, including educational and testimonial activities in 2018 and 2025.
At the international level, he served as Mexico’s deaf youth representative to the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS), participating in the congress held in South Korea in 2023. In the sports field, he has represented Mexico in international competitions, including the U21 World Basketball Championship in 2014 and the Deaflympics in beach volleyball (2017) and indoor volleyball (2022).
He is the founder and general coordinator of the SODX Festival (Deaf of Mexico), a gathering that strengthens unity and social participation within the deaf community through recreational and cultural activities.
Professionally, since 2017 he has worked at Nissan Aguascalientes in the paint department, where he is responsible for releasing vehicles for shipment to assembly as part of the quality control process, a role for which he has received recognition from the company.
Meet Our Team!
The DCYIA Team is the heart and hands of our model. They are a diverse group of passionate professionals committed to living what we say and do. Through collaboration, mutual respect, and a team mentality, they work daily to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and service.
Paula Georgina Ibáñez González is a dedicated psychologist who blends human warmth with extensive clinical and educational expertise. Driven by a deep commitment to inclusion and social justice, she uses Mexican Sign Language (LSM) as a vital bridge to ensure that mental health services and human formation are accessible to everyone.
Paula holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad Marista (UMA), a Specialization in Human Development from the Instituto Humanista de Psicoterapia Gestalt (IHPG), and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Universidad Iberoamericana (IBERO). Additionally, she is pursuing a Diploma in Psychotraumatology at the Newman Institute, allowing her to integrate cutting-edge, trauma-informed approaches into her holistic mental health practice.
In the educational sector, Paula serves as the Wellbeing Coordinator (overseeing Psychology and Nursing) at Colegio México Roma. In this leadership role, she advocates for and supports neurodiversity and neurodivergence by creating and strengthening safe, healthy learning environments. She provides emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial guidance to students from preschool through middle school, working integrally with both teachers and families. Her management is highlighted by the implementation of NOM-035 for organizational wellbeing and the coordination of preventive programs against violence and child sexual abuse, while also serving on the school’s child protection committee. Aligned with this mission, she holds a Diploma in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention from Instituto EFESA and has trained educators on the Marist Comprehensive Sexual Education Program.
In her private practice, Paula works with adolescents and adults under an integrative approach. Throughout her master’s training, she provided individual therapy across diverse settings: medical residents at the Star Médica Private Children’s Hospital (“HIP”), adolescents and adults at Vinculación Social “Community Clinic,” migrants at “Sin Fronteras A.C.,” and hemodialysis patients at Hospital Dalinde. This clinical background builds upon her previous experience supporting patients with psychotic disorders at Developpé and completing her social service at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
As an LSM interpreter, Paula has extended her advocacy to cultural and artistic spaces, translating theatrical plays and participating in panel discussions regarding disability in the arts. She also maintains a strong connection to pastoral work, collaborating with DCYIA and the Deaf Community of San José del Altillo. Furthermore, she is fully certified as a Mental Health Facilitator by NBCC International, a credential that enabled her to provide crisis intervention following natural disasters with Cadena A.C. and CINDA, as well as train other health professionals in crisis response. Finally, driven by her educational vocation, she has taught Human Development within the Youth Ministry diploma program for the Marists of Central Mexico.
Álvaro Cordova Mendoza is a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Hermosillo and a leading figure in the protection of vulnerable populations within the Church in Mexico. Holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education, he has successfully merged his pastoral vocation with a solid academic foundation to deeply impact human and spiritual formation.
Currently, Deacon Álvaro serves in critical roles within the Diocesan Commission for the Protection of Minors and works as an investigator in cases regarding offenses against the sixth commandment under Code of Canon Law (CIC 1717). His dedication to justice and social harmony has also led him to be an active member of the Red de Diálogos por la Paz (Network of Dialogues for Peace).
A specialist in serving people with disabilities, Álvaro coordinates the Catholic Interpreters of Mexican Sign Language (LSM) at a national level and collaborates closely with DCYIA. His mission extends to the core of the faith community as a trainer of catechists, where he actively promotes an inclusive, accessible, and safe evangelization for all.
Began her journey with American Sign Language in 2012 after having Deaf classmates in high school. She then went on to earn her associates degree in American Sign Language interpreting from El Paso community college in 2015. Shortly after she began working with Inter American Interpreting Services (IAIS) where she has now dedicated 11 years to the field.
In 2019 Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas (DCYIA) gave her a life-changing opportunity to become part of the Interpreter team for an encuentro in Mexico and also serves as part of the interpreting team for the Vatican‘s events for the late Pope Francis, and now for Pope Leo XIV. In 2024 she obtained a certificate in Trilingual Interpreting from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and in 2025 became a certified interpreter through the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI).
Her international work experience consists of interpreting in Ecuador, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Rome and southern Italy.
Father Martín Eberardo Peralta Perez was born in Hermosillo Sonora in 1968. Since his childhood, his mother instilled in him a love for God and the sacraments, and in his youth he was characterized by his activity in Catholic youth groups.
He was ordained a priest on June 21, 1999, and during the course of 20 years of priestly ministry, he has held several diocesan positions, among them advisor to: the Vacation Pastoral, the Movement of Cursillos in Christianity, Movement of Christian Life Journeys, among others; he has also served in several parishes of the Archdiocese of Hermosillo and is currently a formator in the Major Seminary of Hermosillo Juan Navarrete y Guerrero.
In 2005 he was named diocesan advisor of the Pastoral de Sordos, he was president of the CPN (National Promoter Committee for the Pastoral de Sordos), he participated as a member of the DCYIA (Deaf Catholic Youth Initiatives for the Americas) team; participating in camps, positions in which he has shown great interest for Deaf people always concerned about their Christian, professional, human and family development; carrying out various activities and participating in different national and international events.
Andrea Yocontzi García Gallegos is a clinical psychologist graduated from the School of Psychology of the Marist University. She has a master’s degree in Psychological Counseling and Integral Accompaniment from the Marist University of Guadalajara.
Interpreter of Mexican Sign Language since 2014, she gives Sign classes to theater actors with whom she has also collaborated in the interpretation of special functions for the Deaf community. Activist and defender of the rights of people with disabilities and the LGBT+ community.
He is part of the DCYIA team and has collaborated in the logistics and interpreting of meetings and trainings for pastoral agents and Catholic interpreters (IITC1 – IITC2) in Mexico City and Cuernava, Morelos. As well as in the 2018 pilgrimage to Vatican City, where he interpreted the general audience of Pope Francis.
Alfredo Olavarria Fernández is an Intermediate level Emergency Medical Technician. He began his career as a paramedic in 1993, at the age of 15 as first responder, thus continuing with his preparation to arrive today as tum II.
During 26 years of service, he has collaborated as an instructor in the hospital Gea González in the course of tum, has collaborated as an instructor in first aid courses for different companies.
Among his skills also has training in techniques of extraction vehicles level II, fire prevention and firefighting, life saver AHA, mechanical ventilation by the national institute of cardiology.
In 2006 is his first intervention in camps for Deaf people and also founded in the same year First Contact Medical Care, a company that provides pre-hospital medical care services and the first ambulance company to have staff in LSM.
In 2015 he begins his preparation by taking LSM courses, and in 2016 he founds Primer Contacto LSM, in which he focuses on giving Mexican Sign Language courses focused on the health sector mainly by giving LSM courses at Merlos Hospital.
Currently, he continues his preparation at LSM and with it has participated along with First Contact, Medical Care in the DCYIA camp in San Luis Potosi, in 2016 in the DCYIA camp in Oaxaca, in 2017 in DCYIA CITI CDMX, and in 2019 DCYIA CITI 2 PWTI Cuernavaca, Morelos.
Dr. Rafael Treviño is a trilingual interpreter (ASL, English, and Spanish), certified translator, and academic with over twenty years of professional experience. He holds a Doctor of Interpretation degree from Gallaudet University and maintains elite credentials, including the NIC Advanced certification, BEI Trilingual Master certification, and ATA certification for English translation.
In addition to his extensive work in international affairs, Dr. Treviño has provided top-tier interpreting services across Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Spain, and Italy. He has been commissioned by DCYIA to design specialized curriculum for interpreters working between LSM (Mexican Sign Language) and Spanish. Furthermore, he has served as a lead workshop instructor for various interpreter training programs organized by DCYIA. Throughout his career, his focus has been deeply dedicated to multilingual interpretation and to empowering and strengthening the professional interpreter community across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Belem Rivas Corona IS A Respiratory Therapy Technician (Inhalotherapist) Paramedic.
Belem is a Technician in Medical Emergencies basic level and a technician in respiratory therapy by the Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, with Honorable Mention.
She began her career as a paramedic in 2007, at the age of 18 as a Basic TUM, thus continuing with her preparation til today as a Technician in respiratory therapy, has collaborated as an inhaler therapist in the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez, and as TUM B in First Contact, Medical Care, as a speaker in the area of inhalation therapy and mechanical ventilation by the National Institute of Cardiology.
In 2015 is her first intervention in camps for Deaf people, in that same year begins her preparation by taking LSM courses, and continues her preparation to date by taking LSM courses.
In 2015 she participates with First Contact in the DCYIA camp in San Luis Potosí and in 2019 DCYIA CITI 2 PWTI, Cuernavaca, Morelos.
Rev. Shawn Carey was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston on May 23, 2009 at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, Massachusetts. After being ordained, his first priestly position was part-time as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish of Hopkinton MA.
He was assistant director at the Deaf Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Boston for three years. Since June 5, 2012 he is the full-time director of Deaf Apostolate.
He has been actively involved in various marriage preparation programs. He is currently one of the leaders of the “Transformed in love” team which is the marriage preparation program of the Archdiocese of Boston developed on the initiative of Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
He also directed and coordinated the World Youth Day pilgrimage since 2008.
Sister Veronica Amata Donatello belongs to the “Congregación delle Franciscanas Alcantarine”.
She made her perpetual profession on May 23, 2009. She resides at the General Curia in Rome.
She has a degree in religious studies from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, in addition to studying at the Faculty of Theology in Assisi. She has a specialization in Missionary Catechesis and Youth Catechesis Ministry from the Pontifical Faculty of Sciences of Salesian Education. She began her doctoral studies in Educational Sciences through the Salesian Pontifical University in November 2015.
She is the National Councillor and Responsible for the Catechesis Sector for Persons with Disabilities, in the Office of the National Episcopal Conference CEI since 2011.
She is a certified Italian Sign Language Interpreter, teaches catechesis to the Deaf community, has been a consultant and presenter in various archdioceses and dioceses in Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, USA and Malta.
She is the founder and vice-president of the Faith Project ENS (medical, ethical, biblical and psychological).
She is involved in: teaching, lecturing and provides direct services as a certified Italian Sign Language interpreter. She is a member of the Sign Language Bible Translation Commission and conducts research on biblical and liturgical issues.
ontzi García Gallegos is a clinical psychologist graduated from the School of Psychology of the Marist University. She has a master’s degree in Psychological Counseling and Integral Accompaniment from the Marist University of Guadalajara.
Interpreter of Mexican Sign Language since 2014, she gives Sign classes to theater actors with whom she has also collaborated in the interpretation of special functions for the Deaf community. Activist and defender of the rights of people with disabilities and the LGBT+ community.
He is part of the DCYIA team and has collaborated in the logistics and interpreting of meetings and trainings for pastoral agents and Catholic interpreters (IITC1 – IITC2) in Mexico City and Cuernava, Morelos. As well as in the 2018 pilgrimage to Vatican City, where he interpreted the general audience of Pope Francis.
Rodrigo Rivera Román has a degree in Psychology from the Marist University CDMX and Master in Counseling from the Universidad Iberoamericana.
Has certifications in laughter therapy and animal-assisted therapy.
Interpreter, therapist and teacher for the Deaf community for more than 7 years.
Has interpreted for the UN, for the University of Gallaudet, for the Government of the CDMX, for the SEP and Universidad Autónoma de México.
Co-founder of Seña Kadabra.
Co-founder of the Centre for Inclusion and Disability of the Marist University.
Has collaborated with DCYIA since 2012.
Bonnie McMenamin is a Sister of St. Joseph in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For 30 years she has worked with members of the Deaf Community as a teacher, pastor, director, and friend.
She has collaborated with DCYIA in Guatemala, San Luis Potosi, Oaxaca and Mexico.
She currently serves as director of the SSJ Community Center in Camden, NJ, accompanying the poor, vulnerable and marginalized.
Daniela Vite Hernández is a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) interpreter with over 12 years of dedicated experience working closely with the Deaf community. Throughout her extensive career, she has excelled as an interpreter in educational and conference settings, facilitating communication and ensuring access to information for Deaf individuals across various academic and professional spaces.
She has also served as an academic advisor for Deaf university students, supporting their educational development and promoting inclusive conditions within higher education. Beyond the classroom, Daniela’s work extends to the cultural sphere, where she serves as an interpreter for inclusive theater performances, ensuring the Deaf community can fully experience and enjoy the performing arts. With a profound commitment to accessibility, Daniela continues to champion spaces where open communication is a reality for everyone.
Rosemarie Carsello is a high school teacher of Spanish and American Sign Language at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, a Chicago suburb.
She has taught Deaf and Hearing students at Holy Trinity High School and Children of Peace School in Chicago.
She was introduced to the Chicago Deaf community when she worked at the Catholic Office of the Deaf as an interpreter with Deaf teens and senior citizens.
She has interpreted in different Catholic settings and has been involved with the Deaf community in various roles for over 30 years.
All of these experiences along with working with the amazing and inspiring DCYIA team has been instrumental in her faith formation.
Eileen Finn has a degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Bloomsburg University in PA and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from St. Thomas University in Miami.
She served in Deaf ministry for 18 years for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Eileen also served on the board of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD) and collaborated with the Archdiocese of Washington on several video resources for liturgical interpreters and parents preparing Deaf children for sacraments.
Presently she works for a small software company that focuses on strategic planning for non-profits and government agencies. She has 5 children and one ornery cat named Olive.
Stephanie Brenda Yáñez Galvan is a Clinical Psychologist and Paramedic, trained at Universidad Marista (Tláhuac). She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies and expanding her linguistic skills with American Sign Language (ASL). As a dedicated educator, she serves as a professor of Mexican Sign Language (LSM) and instructor at prestigious institutions such as Universidad La Salle, Universidad del Valle de Chalco, Casa Marista, and DCYIA.
Her extensive professional background includes collaborations with the National Association for Neurodevelopment and Psychomotricity (A.C.), Morelos Hospital, and the National Institute of Neurology, where she has specialized in first-contact programs in LSM. Additionally, she has contributed to numerous educational projects like Señita, Seña Kadabra, and the HOPS Foundation, while also leading independent courses and social programs.
Currently, Stephanie provides psychological therapy tailored to Deaf patients, focusing on emotional health, codependency, diversity (LGBTI+), and family dynamics through both in-person and online consultations. Her multifaceted career also includes work as a speaker, facilitator, and Deaf interpreter, as well as ongoing updates as an LSM instructor within the paramedical field.
Born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Elizabeth Hurtado migrated to the United States after high school to pursue her higher education. As an immigrant, she first studied English as a Second Language at El Paso Community College (EPCC) in Texas, where she earned an Associate degree in Accounting after four years. She continued her academic journey at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), graduating in the summer of 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration. Years later, seeking a new direction for her professional life, she discovered her true vocation within the Deaf community. In 2010, she entered the Interpreter Training Program at EPCC, and two years later, she received her diploma as an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter. In March 2011, she began working for Inter-American Interpreting under the mentorship of Gerardo Castillo, who provided her with opportunities to refine her signing skills, expand her knowledge, and proudly introduced her to the DCYIA (Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas) community.
Elizabeth’s first journey with DCYIA began at an Encuentro in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in 2015. Over the next two years, she was invited to interpret in Coyoacán, Mexico. In 2018, she was recruited as part of the interpreting team for a landmark trip to Rome, where she connected with interpreters and Deaf individuals from Mexico, the United States, and around the globe. During that same trip, she experienced a defining moment in her life: interpreting Pope Francis’s Wednesday General Audience. In 2019, she was called upon by DCYIA once again for an interpreter training session in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and in 2021, she served on the interpreting team for a group of young Deaf Catholics in Panama. Since then, she has remained an active collaborator, interpreting the Vatican’s Wednesday General Audiences and Sunday Angelus.
Thanks to her exceptional skills as a trilingual interpreter, Elizabeth has traveled, explored, and built deep connections with extraordinary people. She treasures how every member of DCYIA welcomed her with open arms, making her feel that this initiative is far more than just a place to work—it is a community where one can recharge, gain positive energy, expand knowledge, and, above all, celebrate a profound love for God and neighbor.
Viridiana Villegas Ramirez is a specialist in Educational Psychology with a distinguished career dedicated to inclusion and accessible communication. Her professional profile is highlighted by her deep mastery of Mexican Sign Language (LSM), where she has excelled both as an interpreter and an educator in Mexico City and Uruapan, Michoacán.
Throughout her professional journey, Viridiana has collaborated on impactful educational projects such as “Aprendiendo LSM” (Learning LSM) and has demonstrated her versatility in high-level corporate environments, including Banco Santander. Fluent in Spanish and possessing knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and basic English, she skillfully combines psychological principles with linguistic tools to dismantle communication barriers and foster more equitable educational environments for the Deaf community.
Kiria is a highly accomplished Professional Sign Language Interpreter and Translator with a decade of experience championing inclusion at SENADIS in her native Panama. As a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), she possesses a unique and profound understanding of Deaf culture, seamlessly blending her academic expertise with her lived experience to serve as a vital bridge for accessibility and communication.
Driven by a deep sense of spiritual mission, Kiria defines herself as a faithful servant of God and an instrument of the Universe. Her work is guided by the conviction that communication is a tool for justice; she is dedicated to being the voice and the signs that mediate between silence and equity. Her participation in this Congress is fueled by a courageous commitment to serve the Deaf community and a determination to transform social structures.
Beyond her professional life, Kiria finds inspiration in the beauty of creation, sharing a deep love for flora and fauna. Her life’s work is a testament to her devotion to God and her unwavering belief in the power of service to create a more just and accessible world for all.
David Guzmán Gaspar holds a Degree in Marketing from Universidad La Salle Morelia and is currently completing his specialization in Marketing and Advertising. His academic background is focused on communication strategies, brand positioning, and consumer analysis, providing him with a solid foundation for innovative outreach.
In the public sector, David has served as a Liaison for the Ministry of Welfare (Secretaría de Bienestar), where he developed key skills in community engagement, empathy, and public service. He is deeply committed to social causes, particularly initiatives focused on the inclusion of the Deaf community, advocating for accessibility, equal opportunity, and the promotion of Mexican Sign Language (LSM).
At the international level, David is a vital member of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas (DCYIA) team. Based in Chicago, he collaborates on social media strategies and participates in initiatives directed toward Deaf youth throughout the Americas, strengthening his expertise in community work and global communication.
David has also been an active voice in legislative spaces, such as the Congress of the State of Michoacán, where he has proposed initiatives aimed at recognizing the rights of people with disabilities. With additional training in neuromarketing and digital tools, David is a professional driven by a vision of social impact, dedicated to creating positive change through inclusive marketing and collaborative innovation.
María Fernanda Ramírez Sánchez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad Marista CDMX, where she completed her studies from 2012 to 2016. With over eleven years of experience as a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) interpreter, she holds the official EC-1319 certification by CONOCER. Her extensive professional practice spans across the educational, healthcare, and political sectors, working with both public and private institutions.
She is an active member of the EN Traducción e Interpretación y Accesibilidad team, where she specializes in translation and interpreting for videos and webinars focused on topics of high interest to the Deaf community. Additionally, María Fernanda has significant experience designing and teaching LSM courses tailored for private corporations and government agencies. Her instructional focus centers on developing basic communication skills, raising awareness about Deaf culture, and fostering accessible and inclusive environments.
María Fernanda has consistently advanced her professional expertise through specialized LSM training. In 2021, she completed the Induction and Conference Interpreting program with the Asociación de Intérpretes y Traductores. In 2022, she graduated with a Diploma in Interpreting from the Instituto Superior de Estudios en Traducción e Interpretación. Currently, she is pursuing a Diploma in Interpretation and Translation Techniques at ENALLT-UNAM, reaffirming her deep commitment to professionalization, accessibility, and the linguistic rights of the Deaf community.
María José Juárez Juárez was born in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, María José Juárez Juárez holds a degree in Psychology (candidate). For the past 18 years, she has been warmly embraced by the Deaf Catholic community of Oaxaca. She began her journey within the Deaf ministry learning LSM directly from Deaf Master Abraham Carcova González. In 2010, she officially started her training as an interpreter through national workshops provided by the Comité Promotor Nacional de la Pastoral de Sordos Católicos de México. In 2015, she joined the DCYIA team at the camp for Young Deaf Catholics held in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Since then, she has been an active member of the DCYIA family, serving as an LSM interpreter in youth camps and webinars starting in 2017, and completing her formation as a Catholic LSM Interpreter through DCYIA’s CITI 1 program in Mexico City.
María José continued advancing her skills in simultaneous interpretation through the Sección Diocesana de Evangelización y Catequesis (SEDEC). In 2024, she earned her official certificate of labor competence in LSM-to-Spanish (and vice versa) Conference Interpreting from CONOCER. Later, in 2025, she obtained a diploma in Liturgical Translation from the Centro Incluyente Fray Ponce de León.
Currently, she continues her pastoral collaboration at the San Bartolomé Apóstol Parish in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, within the Pastoral de Inclusión (Inclusion Ministry). This ministry aims to foster dignified, inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities or neurodivergences within the Catholic Church, enabling them to experience their faith, deepen their Catholic knowledge, and participate actively in church life. Filled with profound gratitude for being embraced by the Deaf community, the DCYIA family, and the broader disability community, María José and her family remain deeply committed allies to this mission, serving faithfully in God’s grace.
Deacon Patrick Graybill was ordained as a permanent deacon on April 17, 1982, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, New York.
He is an active member of Emmanuel Church of the Deaf and a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Creative and Cultural Studies in National Technical Institute of the Deaf, one of the colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology.
He used to be an acting member of the National Theatre of the Deaf and to be a co-professor of Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies in Pastoral Ministries with the Deaf at St. Thomas University, Miami, Florida, from which he received a honorary doctorate degree in 2004.
His avocations are acting, storytelling, creating original poems in American Sign Language, translating texts from English into American Sign Language, and giving retreats.
Noemi is an Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpreter with a vocation rooted in faith and family. Originally from a small town near Rome and raised in a vibrant Catholic household, her journey into the world of signs began unexpectedly during the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney. It was there, inspired by the work of an interpreter, that a “spark” was ignited, leading her to formalize her studies and fall in love with the language.
Since becoming a qualified LIS interpreter in 2013, Noemi has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between the Church and the Deaf community. Her career is marked by profound service, including translating papal audiences, religious events at St. Peter’s, and international pilgrimages. A pivotal moment in her training was her collaboration with Elisabetta Gambardella and Sister Veronica, where she mastered liturgical techniques and specialized vocabulary that are often absent from traditional training.
Beyond her work within Italy, Noemi has participated in translation projects for the Gospel and served during the Jubilee of Mercy alongside international sign language teams. She joined the DCYIA team following a Deaf pilgrimage from the Americas to Rome, and since 2020, she has adapted her service to digital platforms. Noemi continues to embrace each new experience as an opportunity to grow and serve God through her professional expertise.
L.E.E. Roxana Odette Hernández Laredo (Hearing and Language Specialty)
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Her knowledge, learning, interest, and use of Mexican Sign Language (LSM) originated through interaction with her cousin Berenice, enabling them to communicate as children. Odette graduated from the Escuela Normal de Educación Especial of the State of Oaxaca in 2015. Throughout her four years of undergraduate studies and up to the present day, she continues learning and engaging within the Deaf community of the San Bartolo Coyotepec Parish in Oaxaca, where she offers her interpreting services for parish events and had her first contact with DCYIA.
She has participated in various courses and diplomas related to her field regarding disabilities and other conditions, Mexican Sign Language, and LSM interpreter training with DCYIA. During the 2017–2018 period, she worked with Deaf youth in the open high school model (CAED), and subsequently through 2025 in teaching LSM courses alongside Deaf instructors at the Facultad de Idiomas in Puerto Escondido. Since 2021, she serves as a USAER teacher in the community of El Venado in Santa María Tonameca, while also working with Deaf children from nearby communities under the bilingual-bicultural educational model, as well as at Mar de Aventura, where she engages children and youth in learning sign language through reading.
Falta info
Falta info
Falta info
Falta info
Paula Georgina Ibáñez González is a dedicated psychologist who blends human warmth with extensive clinical and educational expertise. Driven by a deep commitment to inclusion and social justice, she uses Mexican Sign Language (LSM) as a vital bridge to ensure that mental health services and human formation are accessible to everyone.
Paula holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad Marista (UMA), a Specialization in Human Development from the Instituto Humanista de Psicoterapia Gestalt (IHPG), and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Universidad Iberoamericana (IBERO). Additionally, she is pursuing a Diploma in Psychotraumatology at the Newman Institute, allowing her to integrate cutting-edge, trauma-informed approaches into her holistic mental health practice.
In the educational sector, Paula serves as the Wellbeing Coordinator (overseeing Psychology and Nursing) at Colegio México Roma. In this leadership role, she advocates for and supports neurodiversity and neurodivergence by creating and strengthening safe, healthy learning environments. She provides emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial guidance to students from preschool through middle school, working integrally with both teachers and families. Her management is highlighted by the implementation of NOM-035 for organizational wellbeing and the coordination of preventive programs against violence and child sexual abuse, while also serving on the school’s child protection committee. Aligned with this mission, she holds a Diploma in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention from Instituto EFESA and has trained educators on the Marist Comprehensive Sexual Education Program.
In her private practice, Paula works with adolescents and adults under an integrative approach. Throughout her master’s training, she provided individual therapy across diverse settings: medical residents at the Star Médica Private Children’s Hospital (“HIP”), adolescents and adults at Vinculación Social “Community Clinic,” migrants at “Sin Fronteras A.C.,” and hemodialysis patients at Hospital Dalinde. This clinical background builds upon her previous experience supporting patients with psychotic disorders at Developpé and completing her social service at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
As an LSM interpreter, Paula has extended her advocacy to cultural and artistic spaces, translating theatrical plays and participating in panel discussions regarding disability in the arts. She also maintains a strong connection to pastoral work, collaborating with DCYIA and the Deaf Community of San José del Altillo. Furthermore, she is fully certified as a Mental Health Facilitator by NBCC International, a credential that enabled her to provide crisis intervention following natural disasters with Cadena A.C. and CINDA, as well as train other health professionals in crisis response. Finally, driven by her educational vocation, she has taught Human Development within the Youth Ministry diploma program for the Marists of Central Mexico.
Álvaro Cordova Mendoza is a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Hermosillo and a leading figure in the protection of vulnerable populations within the Church in Mexico. Holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education, he has successfully merged his pastoral vocation with a solid academic foundation to deeply impact human and spiritual formation.
Currently, Deacon Álvaro serves in critical roles within the Diocesan Commission for the Protection of Minors and works as an investigator in cases regarding offenses against the sixth commandment under Code of Canon Law (CIC 1717). His dedication to justice and social harmony has also led him to be an active member of the Red de Diálogos por la Paz (Network of Dialogues for Peace).
A specialist in serving people with disabilities, Álvaro coordinates the Catholic Interpreters of Mexican Sign Language (LSM) at a national level and collaborates closely with DCYIA. His mission extends to the core of the faith community as a trainer of catechists, where he actively promotes an inclusive, accessible, and safe evangelization for all.
Began her journey with American Sign Language in 2012 after having Deaf classmates in high school. She then went on to earn her associates degree in American Sign Language interpreting from El Paso community college in 2015. Shortly after she began working with Inter American Interpreting Services (IAIS) where she has now dedicated 11 years to the field.
In 2019 Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas (DCYIA) gave her a life-changing opportunity to become part of the Interpreter team for an encuentro in Mexico and also serves as part of the interpreting team for the Vatican‘s events for the late Pope Francis, and now for Pope Leo XIV. In 2024 she obtained a certificate in Trilingual Interpreting from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and in 2025 became a certified interpreter through the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI).
Her international work experience consists of interpreting in Ecuador, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Rome and southern Italy.
Father Martín Eberardo Peralta Perez was born in Hermosillo Sonora in 1968. Since his childhood, his mother instilled in him a love for God and the sacraments, and in his youth he was characterized by his activity in Catholic youth groups.
He was ordained a priest on June 21, 1999, and during the course of 20 years of priestly ministry, he has held several diocesan positions, among them advisor to: the Vacation Pastoral, the Movement of Cursillos in Christianity, Movement of Christian Life Journeys, among others; he has also served in several parishes of the Archdiocese of Hermosillo and is currently a formator in the Major Seminary of Hermosillo Juan Navarrete y Guerrero.
In 2005 he was named diocesan advisor of the Pastoral de Sordos, he was president of the CPN (National Promoter Committee for the Pastoral de Sordos), he participated as a member of the DCYIA (Deaf Catholic Youth Initiatives for the Americas) team; participating in camps, positions in which he has shown great interest for Deaf people always concerned about their Christian, professional, human and family development; carrying out various activities and participating in different national and international events.
She is a clinical psychologist graduated from the School of Psychology of the Marist University. She has a master’s degree in Psychological Counseling and Integral Accompaniment from the Marist University of Guadalajara.
Interpreter of Mexican Sign Language since 2014, she gives Sign classes to theater actors with whom she has also collaborated in the interpretation of special functions for the Deaf community. Activist and defender of the rights of people with disabilities and the LGBT+ community.
He is part of the DCYIA team and has collaborated in the logistics and interpreting of meetings and trainings for pastoral agents and Catholic interpreters (IITC1 – IITC2) in Mexico City and Cuernava, Morelos. As well as in the 2018 pilgrimage to Vatican City, where he interpreted the general audience of Pope Francis.
Alfredo is an Intermediate level Emergency Medical Technician. He began his career as a paramedic in 1993, at the age of 15 as first responder, thus continuing with his preparation to arrive today as tum II.
During 26 years of service, he has collaborated as an instructor in the hospital Gea González in the course of tum, has collaborated as an instructor in first aid courses for different companies.
Among his skills also has training in techniques of extraction vehicles level II, fire prevention and firefighting, life saver AHA, mechanical ventilation by the national institute of cardiology.
In 2006 is his first intervention in camps for Deaf people and also founded in the same year First Contact Medical Care, a company that provides pre-hospital medical care services and the first ambulance company to have staff in LSM.
In 2015 he begins his preparation by taking LSM courses, and in 2016 he founds Primer Contacto LSM, in which he focuses on giving Mexican Sign Language courses focused on the health sector mainly by giving LSM courses at Merlos Hospital.
Currently, he continues his preparation at LSM and with it has participated along with First Contact, Medical Care in the DCYIA camp in San Luis Potosi, in 2016 in the DCYIA camp in Oaxaca, in 2017 in DCYIA CITI CDMX, and in 2019 DCYIA CITI 2 PWTI Cuernavaca, Morelos.
Dr. Rafael Treviño is a trilingual interpreter (ASL, English, and Spanish), certified translator, and academic with over twenty years of professional experience. He holds a Doctor of Interpretation degree from Gallaudet University and maintains elite credentials, including the NIC Advanced certification, BEI Trilingual Master certification, and ATA certification for English translation.
In addition to his extensive work in international affairs, Dr. Treviño has provided top-tier interpreting services across Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Spain, and Italy. He has been commissioned by DCYIA to design specialized curriculum for interpreters working between LSM (Mexican Sign Language) and Spanish. Furthermore, he has served as a lead workshop instructor for various interpreter training programs organized by DCYIA. Throughout his career, his focus has been deeply dedicated to multilingual interpretation and to empowering and strengthening the professional interpreter community across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Respiratory Therapy Technician (Inhalotherapist) Paramedic.
Belem is a Technician in Medical Emergencies basic level and a technician in respiratory therapy by the Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, with Honorable Mention.
She began her career as a paramedic in 2007, at the age of 18 as a Basic TUM, thus continuing with her preparation til today as a Technician in respiratory therapy, has collaborated as an inhaler therapist in the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez, and as TUM B in First Contact, Medical Care, as a speaker in the area of inhalation therapy and mechanical ventilation by the National Institute of Cardiology.
In 2015 is her first intervention in camps for Deaf people, in that same year begins her preparation by taking LSM courses, and continues her preparation to date by taking LSM courses.
In 2015 she participates with First Contact in the DCYIA camp in San Luis Potosí and in 2019 DCYIA CITI 2 PWTI, Cuernavaca, Morelos.
Shawn was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston on May 23, 2009 at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, Massachusetts. After being ordained, his first priestly position was part-time as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish of Hopkinton MA.
He was assistant director at the Deaf Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Boston for three years. Since June 5, 2012 he is the full-time director of Deaf Apostolate.
He has been actively involved in various marriage preparation programs. He is currently one of the leaders of the “Transformed in love” team which is the marriage preparation program of the Archdiocese of Boston developed on the initiative of Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
He also directed and coordinated the World Youth Day pilgrimage since 2008.
Sister Veronica belongs to the “Congregación delle Franciscanas Alcantarine”.
She made her perpetual profession on May 23, 2009. She resides at the General Curia in Rome.
She has a degree in religious studies from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, in addition to studying at the Faculty of Theology in Assisi. She has a specialization in Missionary Catechesis and Youth Catechesis Ministry from the Pontifical Faculty of Sciences of Salesian Education. She began her doctoral studies in Educational Sciences through the Salesian Pontifical University in November 2015.
She is the National Councillor and Responsible for the Catechesis Sector for Persons with Disabilities, in the Office of the National Episcopal Conference CEI since 2011.
She is a certified Italian Sign Language Interpreter, teaches catechesis to the Deaf community, has been a consultant and presenter in various archdioceses and dioceses in Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, USA and Malta.
She is the founder and vice-president of the Faith Project ENS (medical, ethical, biblical and psychological).
She is involved in: teaching, lecturing and provides direct services as a certified Italian Sign Language interpreter. She is a member of the Sign Language Bible Translation Commission and conducts research on biblical and liturgical issues.
Degree in Psychology from the Marist University CDMX and Master in Counseling from the Universidad Iberoamericana.
Has certifications in laughter therapy and animal-assisted therapy.
Interpreter, therapist and teacher for the Deaf community for more than 7 years.
Has interpreted for the UN, for the University of Gallaudet, for the Government of the CDMX, for the SEP and Universidad Autónoma de México.
Co-founder of Seña Kadabra.
Co-founder of the Centre for Inclusion and Disability of the Marist University.
Has collaborated with DCYIA since 2012.
Bonnie McMenamin is a Sister of St. Joseph in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For 30 years she has worked with members of the Deaf Community as a teacher, pastor, director, and friend.
She has collaborated with DCYIA in Guatemala, San Luis Potosi, Oaxaca and Mexico.
She currently serves as director of the SSJ Community Center in Camden, NJ, accompanying the poor, vulnerable and marginalized.
Daniela is a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) interpreter with over 12 years of dedicated experience working closely with the Deaf community. Throughout her extensive career, she has excelled as an interpreter in educational and conference settings, facilitating communication and ensuring access to information for Deaf individuals across various academic and professional spaces.
She has also served as an academic advisor for Deaf university students, supporting their educational development and promoting inclusive conditions within higher education. Beyond the classroom, Daniela’s work extends to the cultural sphere, where she serves as an interpreter for inclusive theater performances, ensuring the Deaf community can fully experience and enjoy the performing arts. With a profound commitment to accessibility, Daniela continues to champion spaces where open communication is a reality for everyone.
Rosemarie is a high school teacher of Spanish and American Sign Language at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, a Chicago suburb.
She has taught Deaf and Hearing students at Holy Trinity High School and Children of Peace School in Chicago.
She was introduced to the Chicago Deaf community when she worked at the Catholic Office of the Deaf as an interpreter with Deaf teens and senior citizens.
She has interpreted in different Catholic settings and has been involved with the Deaf community in various roles for over 30 years.
All of these experiences along with working with the amazing and inspiring DCYIA team has been instrumental in her faith formation.
Eileen Finn has a degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Bloomsburg University in PA and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from St. Thomas University in Miami.
She served in Deaf ministry for 18 years for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Eileen also served on the board of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD) and collaborated with the Archdiocese of Washington on several video resources for liturgical interpreters and parents preparing Deaf children for sacraments.
Presently she works for a small software company that focuses on strategic planning for non-profits and government agencies. She has 5 children and one ornery cat named Olive.
Stephanie is a Clinical Psychologist and Paramedic, trained at Universidad Marista (Tláhuac). She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies and expanding her linguistic skills with American Sign Language (ASL). As a dedicated educator, she serves as a professor of Mexican Sign Language (LSM) and instructor at prestigious institutions such as Universidad La Salle, Universidad del Valle de Chalco, Casa Marista, and DCYIA.
Her extensive professional background includes collaborations with the National Association for Neurodevelopment and Psychomotricity (A.C.), Morelos Hospital, and the National Institute of Neurology, where she has specialized in first-contact programs in LSM. Additionally, she has contributed to numerous educational projects like Señita, Seña Kadabra, and the HOPS Foundation, while also leading independent courses and social programs.
Currently, Stephanie provides psychological therapy tailored to Deaf patients, focusing on emotional health, codependency, diversity (LGBTI+), and family dynamics through both in-person and online consultations. Her multifaceted career also includes work as a speaker, facilitator, and Deaf interpreter, as well as ongoing updates as an LSM instructor within the paramedical field.
Born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Elizabeth Hurtado migrated to the United States after high school to pursue her higher education. As an immigrant, she first studied English as a Second Language at El Paso Community College (EPCC) in Texas, where she earned an Associate degree in Accounting after four years. She continued her academic journey at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), graduating in the summer of 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration. Years later, seeking a new direction for her professional life, she discovered her true vocation within the Deaf community. In 2010, she entered the Interpreter Training Program at EPCC, and two years later, she received her diploma as an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter. In March 2011, she began working for Inter-American Interpreting under the mentorship of Gerardo Castillo, who provided her with opportunities to refine her signing skills, expand her knowledge, and proudly introduced her to the DCYIA (Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas) community.
Elizabeth’s first journey with DCYIA began at an Encuentro in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in 2015. Over the next two years, she was invited to interpret in Coyoacán, Mexico. In 2018, she was recruited as part of the interpreting team for a landmark trip to Rome, where she connected with interpreters and Deaf individuals from Mexico, the United States, and around the globe. During that same trip, she experienced a defining moment in her life: interpreting Pope Francis’s Wednesday General Audience. In 2019, she was called upon by DCYIA once again for an interpreter training session in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and in 2021, she served on the interpreting team for a group of young Deaf Catholics in Panama. Since then, she has remained an active collaborator, interpreting the Vatican’s Wednesday General Audiences and Sunday Angelus.
Thanks to her exceptional skills as a trilingual interpreter, Elizabeth has traveled, explored, and built deep connections with extraordinary people. She treasures how every member of DCYIA welcomed her with open arms, making her feel that this initiative is far more than just a place to work—it is a community where one can recharge, gain positive energy, expand knowledge, and, above all, celebrate a profound love for God and neighbor.
Viridiana is a specialist in Educational Psychology with a distinguished career dedicated to inclusion and accessible communication. Her professional profile is highlighted by her deep mastery of Mexican Sign Language (LSM), where she has excelled both as an interpreter and an educator in Mexico City and Uruapan, Michoacán.
Throughout her professional journey, Viridiana has collaborated on impactful educational projects such as “Aprendiendo LSM” (Learning LSM) and has demonstrated her versatility in high-level corporate environments, including Banco Santander. Fluent in Spanish and possessing knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and basic English, she skillfully combines psychological principles with linguistic tools to dismantle communication barriers and foster more equitable educational environments for the Deaf community.
Kiria is a highly accomplished Professional Sign Language Interpreter and Translator with a decade of experience championing inclusion at SENADIS in her native Panama. As a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), she possesses a unique and profound understanding of Deaf culture, seamlessly blending her academic expertise with her lived experience to serve as a vital bridge for accessibility and communication.
Driven by a deep sense of spiritual mission, Kiria defines herself as a faithful servant of God and an instrument of the Universe. Her work is guided by the conviction that communication is a tool for justice; she is dedicated to being the voice and the signs that mediate between silence and equity. Her participation in this Congress is fueled by a courageous commitment to serve the Deaf community and a determination to transform social structures.
Beyond her professional life, Kiria finds inspiration in the beauty of creation, sharing a deep love for flora and fauna. Her life’s work is a testament to her devotion to God and her unwavering belief in the power of service to create a more just and accessible world for all.
David Guzmán holds a Degree in Marketing from Universidad La Salle Morelia and is currently completing his specialization in Marketing and Advertising. His academic background is focused on communication strategies, brand positioning, and consumer analysis, providing him with a solid foundation for innovative outreach.
In the public sector, David has served as a Liaison for the Ministry of Welfare (Secretaría de Bienestar), where he developed key skills in community engagement, empathy, and public service. He is deeply committed to social causes, particularly initiatives focused on the inclusion of the Deaf community, advocating for accessibility, equal opportunity, and the promotion of Mexican Sign Language (LSM).
At the international level, David is a vital member of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative for the Americas (DCYIA) team. Based in Chicago, he collaborates on social media strategies and participates in initiatives directed toward Deaf youth throughout the Americas, strengthening his expertise in community work and global communication.
David has also been an active voice in legislative spaces, such as the Congress of the State of Michoacán, where he has proposed initiatives aimed at recognizing the rights of people with disabilities. With additional training in neuromarketing and digital tools, David is a professional driven by a vision of social impact, dedicated to creating positive change through inclusive marketing and collaborative innovation.
María Fernanda Ramírez Sánchez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad Marista CDMX, where she completed her studies from 2012 to 2016. With over eleven years of experience as a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) interpreter, she holds the official EC-1319 certification by CONOCER. Her extensive professional practice spans across the educational, healthcare, and political sectors, working with both public and private institutions.
She is an active member of the EN Traducción e Interpretación y Accesibilidad team, where she specializes in translation and interpreting for videos and webinars focused on topics of high interest to the Deaf community. Additionally, María Fernanda has significant experience designing and teaching LSM courses tailored for private corporations and government agencies. Her instructional focus centers on developing basic communication skills, raising awareness about Deaf culture, and fostering accessible and inclusive environments.
María Fernanda has consistently advanced her professional expertise through specialized LSM training. In 2021, she completed the Induction and Conference Interpreting program with the Asociación de Intérpretes y Traductores. In 2022, she graduated with a Diploma in Interpreting from the Instituto Superior de Estudios en Traducción e Interpretación. Currently, she is pursuing a Diploma in Interpretation and Translation Techniques at ENALLT-UNAM, reaffirming her deep commitment to professionalization, accessibility, and the linguistic rights of the Deaf community.
Born in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, María José Juárez Juárez holds a degree in Psychology (candidate). For the past 18 years, she has been warmly embraced by the Deaf Catholic community of Oaxaca. She began her journey within the Deaf ministry learning LSM directly from Deaf Master Abraham Carcova González. In 2010, she officially started her training as an interpreter through national workshops provided by the Comité Promotor Nacional de la Pastoral de Sordos Católicos de México. In 2015, she joined the DCYIA team at the camp for Young Deaf Catholics held in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Since then, she has been an active member of the DCYIA family, serving as an LSM interpreter in youth camps and webinars starting in 2017, and completing her formation as a Catholic LSM Interpreter through DCYIA’s CITI 1 program in Mexico City.
María José continued advancing her skills in simultaneous interpretation through the Sección Diocesana de Evangelización y Catequesis (SEDEC). In 2024, she earned her official certificate of labor competence in LSM-to-Spanish (and vice versa) Conference Interpreting from CONOCER. Later, in 2025, she obtained a diploma in Liturgical Translation from the Centro Incluyente Fray Ponce de León.
Currently, she continues her pastoral collaboration at the San Bartolomé Apóstol Parish in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, within the Pastoral de Inclusión (Inclusion Ministry). This ministry aims to foster dignified, inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities or neurodivergences within the Catholic Church, enabling them to experience their faith, deepen their Catholic knowledge, and participate actively in church life. Filled with profound gratitude for being embraced by the Deaf community, the DCYIA family, and the broader disability community, María José and her family remain deeply committed allies to this mission, serving faithfully in God’s grace.
Patrick Graybill was ordained as a permanent deacon on April 17, 1982, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, New York.
He is an active member of Emmanuel Church of the Deaf and a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Creative and Cultural Studies in National Technical Institute of the Deaf, one of the colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology.
He used to be an acting member of the National Theatre of the Deaf and to be a co-professor of Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies in Pastoral Ministries with the Deaf at St. Thomas University, Miami, Florida, from which he received a honorary doctorate degree in 2004.
His avocations are acting, storytelling, creating original poems in American Sign Language, translating texts from English into American Sign Language, and giving retreats.
Noemi is an Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpreter with a vocation rooted in faith and family. Originally from a small town near Rome and raised in a vibrant Catholic household, her journey into the world of signs began unexpectedly during the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney. It was there, inspired by the work of an interpreter, that a “spark” was ignited, leading her to formalize her studies and fall in love with the language.
Since becoming a qualified LIS interpreter in 2013, Noemi has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between the Church and the Deaf community. Her career is marked by profound service, including translating papal audiences, religious events at St. Peter’s, and international pilgrimages. A pivotal moment in her training was her collaboration with Elisabetta Gambardella and Sister Veronica, where she mastered liturgical techniques and specialized vocabulary that are often absent from traditional training.
Beyond her work within Italy, Noemi has participated in translation projects for the Gospel and served during the Jubilee of Mercy alongside international sign language teams. She joined the DCYIA team following a Deaf pilgrimage from the Americas to Rome, and since 2020, she has adapted her service to digital platforms. Noemi continues to embrace each new experience as an opportunity to grow and serve God through her professional expertise.
L.E.E. Roxana Odette Hernández Laredo (Hearing and Language Specialty)
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Her knowledge, learning, interest, and use of Mexican Sign Language (LSM) originated through interaction with her cousin Berenice, enabling them to communicate as children. Odette graduated from the Escuela Normal de Educación Especial of the State of Oaxaca in 2015. Throughout her four years of undergraduate studies and up to the present day, she continues learning and engaging within the Deaf community of the San Bartolo Coyotepec Parish in Oaxaca, where she offers her interpreting services for parish events and had her first contact with DCYIA.
She has participated in various courses and diplomas related to her field regarding disabilities and other conditions, Mexican Sign Language, and LSM interpreter training with DCYIA. During the 2017–2018 period, she worked with Deaf youth in the open high school model (CAED), and subsequently through 2025 in teaching LSM courses alongside Deaf instructors at the Facultad de Idiomas in Puerto Escondido. Since 2021, she serves as a USAER teacher in the community of El Venado in Santa María Tonameca, while also working with Deaf children from nearby communities under the bilingual-bicultural educational model, as well as at Mar de Aventura, where she engages children and youth in learning sign language through reading.
Falta info
Falta info
Falta info
Falta info
