MEET

Michele (pictured above) was born partially deaf and became completely Deaf after speech acquisition. She communicates using either American Sign Language (ASL) or Pidgin Sign English (PSE, also known as Contact Sign), depending on with whom she is chatting. She is also fluent in all forms of English (reading, writing, speaking, etc.). Michele can voice for herself, but tries to have an interpreter with her to help knock down any communication barriers that might arise. She is certified by Sign2Me to teach Sign With Your Baby workshops. Michele is Christian who desires to live her life to glorify the Lord.

A freelance artist, Michele enjoys painting and drawing children's art and, in fact, we have some here on this site for you to view and possibly buy. The money goes toward helping those who can't afford a class or workshop. She paints on canvas with acrylic paint as well as having done several wall murals.

Kenny Bornert, husband and partner of Michele, attends the workshops, presentations and classes to help facilitate effective communication. Although not a certified interpreter, Kenny is able to help relay information through Sign. In this way, the communication barriers are broken down and Michele and her audience can understand each other with relative ease. Besides hanging out with his wife and three children, in his spare time, Kenny enjoys making homemade jerky, archery, and sharing his love of Christ.

Although email is our preferred method of contact, you can also reach us by phone.....

Call Kenny and leave a voice mail at (616) 856-9885 or call Michele by first dialing 1-866-3278877 (FAST VRS) and asking for (616) 856-9885. You will reach her by video phone and the relay operator will help you communicate. It's really easier than you may think.

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn whatever state I am in, therin to be content. ~Helen Keller