Our Story
Founded in 2008, DEAF, Inc. is a deaf-centric, community-based nonprofit organization located in St. Louis, Missouri. Dedicated to promoting communication access, DEAF, Inc. serves the deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing community. We are committed to empowering individuals through a range of programs and services tailored to your needs. We believe in creating a supportive, accessible and inclusive environment for all. Whether you're seeking resources, support, or simply a sense of community, this is YOUR place.

Our Team

De Linda Brite
Director,
Community Programs

Leslie Brown
Lead Scheduling Coordinator

Kirsten Collier
Scheduling Coordinator

Daymion June
Community Advocate

Marena Kaminsky
Manager,
Interpreting Department

Debbie Kendall
Community Educator

Lydia Kline
Scheduling Coordinator

Rachel Koch
Staff Interpreter

Rebecca Lackey
Staff Interpreter

Matthew Lieberman
Administraive Assistant

Tony Nitko
Director, Marketing

Anna Paul
SSP Coordinator

Sarah Prechtel
Executive Director

Hope Shrake
Media Specialist

Roberta Thompson
Scheduling Coordinator

Misty West-Castillo
Scheduling Coordinator

Devon Whitmore
Community Advocate

Stephanie Wilcox
Community Advocate
Inclusion and Belonging
At DEAF, Inc., diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just values — they are foundational to who we are and how we serve. Rooted in the lived experiences of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities, our mission is to foster communication access, empowerment, and social equity across all aspects of our work.
We recognize that systemic barriers have long excluded individuals based on language, identity, ability, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and more. We are committed to dismantling those barriers within our organization and through the services we provide.
Our commitments:
-
Center lived experience. We honor the unique perspectives of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals and integrate their leadership, feedback, and identities in shaping our programs and decisions.
-
Ensure language and communication access. We champion access in all forms — including but not limited to ASL, tactile communication, captioning, and spoken and written communication — to ensure no one is excluded.
-
Build inclusive spaces. Our workplace, events, and services are intentionally inclusive, trauma-informed, and welcoming for people of all identities and abilities.
-
Invest in equity. We continuously evaluate and improve our policies, hiring practices, training, and outreach to advance equity within our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.
-
Educate and engage. We provide opportunities for growth in cultural humility, social justice, and anti-oppression to ensure our team and partners reflect the inclusive future we envision.
We believe that diversity strengthens our impact, equity drives systemic change, inclusion ensures dignity, and belonging empowers all of us to thrive.
Board of Directors

Forrest Booth Jr.
President
Director since 2021

Ante Colić
Vice President
Director since 2021

David Wasserman
Secretary
Director since 2021

Valerie Mondesir
Treasurer
Director since 2023

Linda Baker
Director since 2023

Michael Boyd
Director since 2023

Robert Crowell
Director since 2023

Laura Shapiro
Director since 2023

William Sheldon
Director since 2020

Art Silverman
Director since 2023
Career Opportunities
Joining DEAF, Inc. means being part of a team with a singular opportunity to uplift the deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind community in the St. Louis Metro area. Our workforce, driven by our mission and values, is committed to empowerment, awareness, and building a sustainable framework for communication and equitable access as well as inclusion.
NO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
If interested, please submit your resume, cover letter and a completed DEAF, Inc. application. Send contents to careers(at)deafinc.org for consideration.
Independent Contract Opportunities
Join our team as an Independent Contractor! DEAF, Inc. is looking for certified and qualified ASL interpreters and ASL Instructors to collaborate with us. If you're interested in partnering with DEAF, Inc., please reach out to us at careers(at)deafinc.org.
Annual Reports
At DEAF, Inc., we prioritize transparency and accountability in all our operations, ensuring that grants and donations directly support our programs and services. We invite you to explore our annual reports for more information.
Annual Reports
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2024 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2023 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2022 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2021 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2020 [pdf]
• DEAF, Inc. Annual Report 2019 [pdf]
IRS Form 990
• 2024 [pdf]
• 2023 [pdf]
• 2022 [pdf]
• 2021 [pdf]
• 2020 [pdf]
• 2019 [pdf]
Support Our Mission
Your contribution goes beyond breaking communication barriers for deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind individuals; it empowers them to thrive in mainstream society.
DEAF, Inc. is dedicated to offering diverse and affordable educational and supportive services, addressing communication challenges faced by children and adults in the deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind communities. Your gift makes a meaningful impact.
Donate securely today to help us continue our vital work.
In advance, we express our gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution enables DEAF, Inc. to positively impact the lives of countless individuals in the deaf. hard of hearing and DeafBlind community and their families.
About DEAF, Inc.
Mission
The mission of Deaf Empowerment Awareness Foundation, Inc. is to Empower, raise Awareness, and bridge a sustainable Foundation of communication and equal access for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and the Hearing communities.
Vision
The organization’s primary vision is to provide services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Hearing individuals, and the community as a whole to ensure effective communication and cultural awareness. This purpose is accomplished through a meaningful unity of community outreach, training, education, advocacy, media, visual arts, and interpreting. The vision reflects a strong sense of community where the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Hearing communities are empowered and aware of the importance of equal access to all.
Of, By, For and With the Deaf
DEAF, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by deaf individuals. DEAF, Inc. provides high-quality interpreting services at low cost in an effort to bridge the communication gap between the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Hearing society. Any net income generated from our services is reinvested into programs promoting awareness of issues related to Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind communities.