Staff
Phoenix Cook (They/Them)
Lead Mentor
Phoenix Cook is a current Ph.D. student in Educational Neuroscience at Gallaudet University. Their work focuses on the cognitive neuroscience of ASL and language acquisition in deaf children.
They graduated from Gallaudet with a MA in Linguistics and BA in International Studies. In addition to linguistics training and traveling, Phoenix has over 10 years of teaching experience in diverse settings from elementary age deaf kids all the way up to college interpreting and linguistics students both in-person and virtually.
For mentoring, Phoenix takes on a casual, conversational approach. They are a strong believer in consistent language exposure in a safe learning environment where natural language occurs, and strives to develop a connection with all of their students.
Phoenix is a tireless advocate, teacher, mentor and forever student. They also are a proud plant and fur parent.
Kaitlin Wells (She/Her)
My name is Kaitlin Wells, I am Deaf, and I am from Georgia. I work from home and have two wonderful kids with my husband to whom I have been married to since May of 2011. I also have a sweet little Shih Tzu who I consider as one of my babies. If you’re lucky, you might see her during a mentoring session with me.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and my Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. I work in the mental health field where I serve the Deaf community of Georgia and advocate for them and their needs. On the side, during my free time, I have been teaching ASL online and in the community since 2018.
For mentoring, I strive to provide a safe learning environment where you can practice your skills, ask questions, and feel at ease. While mentoring is for your benefit, it can also be a fun and enjoyable experience!
I look forward to meeting you and working with you!
Rebekah Minson (She/Her)
Hello! My name is Rebekah Minson, I am deaf and from Utah. I graduated from Gallaudet University and got my Bachelors in Social Work. I will be working on my Masters in the upcoming fall in Social Work at Catholic University of America. I am super friendly and love trying to make new friends. I also love being able to communicate in ASL. My hobbies include Figure Skating and dancing, I love being able to express myself on ice and on stage. I want to be able to help educate people on the deaf community and don’t be afraid to ask me any questions!
I led group practices and they are my favorite things to do, it is so fun to chat with others and be able to help out :)
I hope to meet all of you and just have fun!
Tirzah Farley (They/Them)
I'm Tirzah Farley, and you can call me Tiz! I am currently studying Art and Media Design & Theatre Arts at Gallaudet University. Though, I have an associate degree in ASL Studies. I'm excited to be an ASL mentor for the ASL Spring program. I have experience working with individuals who want to practice their ASL skills, and I'm passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. I believe in the power of communication and I'm looking forward to helping my students develop their ASL skills as they thrive on their ASL journey. Plus, I like to give good vibes to others who surround me and you would have no problem getting along with me.
Jaison Anderson (He/Him)
Jaison is a Deaf ASL teacher who has been teaching full-time for the past 4 years. His approach values interaction and engagement with his students, all while making learning an enjoyable and fun experience. In his free time, he enjoys making videos, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends.
Office Staff
Jon Urquhart (He/Him, They/Them)
Jon founded ASL Spring (formerly Drunkhands ASL) in 2020. He is a heritage signer (ASL is his first language) and proceeded to earn his Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language from Gardner-Webb University in 2016.
He is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), educator, content creator, public speaker, and comedian. Jon gained his following on the popular app TikTok, where he advocates for the Deaf community and shares his experiences while interpreting and growing up with a DeafBlind parent.