ASL and Interpreting Faculty

Our faculty are highly-credentialed professionals in their respective fields. They serve in various leadership roles in their professional organizations and the community. Multiple, national, certifications are held through the American Sign Language Teachers Association and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Robert R. Paul, Professor

bpaul@harpercollege.edu

Educational Background

  • Master of Science, Applied Linguistics; Teaching ASL as a Second Language, Western Maryland (McDaniel) College, Westminster, MD 
  • Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC 
  • Graduate Certificate, Education with a Concentration on E-Learning, University of Illinois Global Campus

Credentials

  • Professional Certificate, American Sign Language Teachers Association
  • Certified Deaf Interpreter, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Elke M. Weinbrenner, Associate Professor

eweinbre@harpercollege.edu

  • American Sign Language Studies Department Chair 

Educational Background

  • Master of Science, Deaf Education, McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College), 
    Westminster, MD 
  • Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC

Adjunct Faculty and Staff

Thomas Bruhn, Adjunct

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC
Terry A. Kohut, Adjunct

Educational Background

  • Master of Arts, Special Education, California State University, Northridge, CA
  • Bachelor of Arts, Drama, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC
Diane McDonnell, Bilingual Secretary

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Applied Science, Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI
  • Certificate of Completion, Sign Language Interpreting Program, Harper College
Cathie Sestak, Adjunct

Educational Background

  • Master of Arts, Interpretation, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC
  • Bachelor of Science, Deaf Studies: Teacher Education, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL
Michael Stark, Adjunct

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Arts, Art, California State University, Northridge, CA
Anne Orozco, Adjunct

 Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree, Organizational Leadership, Dominican University, River Forest, IL
  • Certificate of Completion, Sign Language Interpreting Program, Harper College, Palatine, IL

Credentials

  • Certificate of Interpretation, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
  • Certificate of Transliteration, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
  • Illinois Interpreter License: Master Level
Michelle Nye, Adjunct

Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree, Speech Pathology, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL
  • Master’s in Special Education: Deaf and hard of Hearing, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR

Credentials

  • Illinois Interpreter License: Advanced Level
  • National Interpreter Certification, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf