CRID was founded in 1971, and is one of more than 60 local chapters of the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Provide professional development, guidance, and support to interpreters who can thereby render accurate, appropriate, and equal communication access to Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in the state of Connecticut.

 
Philosophy
 

The Connecticut Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (CRID) is a community based professional membership organization with a goal of promoting equal communication access.

CRID is composed of certified and non-certified sign language interpreters, Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens and vested individuals and groups working together to promote the appropriate utilization of sign language interpreters in the community.

Through advocacy and networking from grassroots to legislative levels and by providing opportunities for professional development. CRID promotes excellence in interpreting standards in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

CRID is an Affiliate Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), the national professional organization of sign language interpreters.

CRID is a voluntary membership organization recognized as a non-profit 501 C (3) entity.

CONNECTICUT RID

BOARD OF OFFICERS

2024 - 2025
President- Nick Dionne

Nick has managed the CRID Membership Roster, email communications and CRID Facebook account for the last 6+ years before moving into the role of CRID President. He is a nationally certified ASL-English Interpreter (NIC) who is also screened on the Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment (EIPA)(4.1). Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, concentrated in ASL-English Interpreting from The University of Southern Maine in Portland, and an Associate’s degree in ASL-English Interpreter Preparation from Northwestern Connecticut Community College. He has served on several boards and committees within the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (locally and nationally) for several years. Nick enjoys sharing his knowledge, expertise and what he has learned with new Interpreter Practitioners as a means to giveback for those who have taught him. He lives in Connecticut, where he enjoys traveling and the company of friends, family & colleagues.

Vice President - Marsha L. Wetzel

Marsha is a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) since 2011 and works in community, legal, medical & Deaf-Blind settings within Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. She is a Connecticut native and an alumni of the American School for the Deaf and the Mystic Oral School, Gallaudet University, Springfield College, and McDaniel College. She holds a Masters Degree in Athletic Administration & Deaf Education. Her accomplishments include NCAA Divisions I, II & III and 30-Year Women’s Basketball Referee, Cycling across the Country from Oregon to Virginia & Vancouver to San Diego & Two-Time Deaflympic Gold Medalist in Basketball. She is the daughter of Deaf parents; Donald & Jean Wetzel, and the sister of Joy Wetzel. Her interests are sports, photography, traveling, henna art, and her Jeep Wrangler. Her goal on the CRID Board is to reignite the spirit of CRID for professional development, networking and social connection with the Interpreters to Connecticut Deaf Community & Interpreters.

Treasurer - Paul Atkinson

Paul Atkinson (CSC / NIC) has been interpreting professionally for 53 years. He received his initial training at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He also holds an Associate of Science in ASL/English Interpreting from Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC). After completing a Masters in Deaf Education at California State University at Northridge, he worked as an instructional specialist for the Deaf at Alberta College in Edmonton and at NCCC for thirty-six years. In 2019, he retired from his full-time position but continues to provide freelance interpreting services mostly in medical settings in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. He currently chairs the Advisory Board for the Collegiate Education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Persons Program, the Deaf Studies Certificate Program, and the Interpreter Training Program at NCCC and represents CRID on that board. He and Katie have been married for over thirty-four years and have two grown sons. He enjoys running in long-distance road races, gardening, listening to music and video production. As treasurer, Paul aims to provide the same level of management, organization, and attention to detail that he inherited from his predecessors.

Recording Secretary - Jana Ferraro

Jana Ferraro works as an ASL Interpreter, both in Educational and Community settings. Her introduction to ASL and the Deaf Community started with a peer in elementary school and has flourished ever since. She received her Bachelor's Degree in ASL and Deaf Studies from McDaniel College in 2017 and continued on to William Woods University where she earned her second Bachelor's Degree in ASL-English Interpreting. She continues to work with various Interpreting communities online to expand her knowledge and is working towards becoming nationally certified. She is always looking for more connections in the Deaf and Interpreting Communities, and looks forward to her role on the CRID Board!

Member-At-Large - Marina Epstein

Marina “Maryna” Epstein is a third-generation signer from the Ukraine. She comes from a Deaf family and has a deeply rooted passion for communication and accessibility. Marina holds a BA Degree in Interpreting from Gallaudet University and works as a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). She is currently pursuing the BEI Legal Certification. Marina is fluent in ASL, Ukrainian/Russian Sign Language, Idiosyncratic signs/gestures, and international signs. She is a vegan who loves Yoga/Pilates and traveling.

Member-At-Large - Robin Crispino

Robin became interested in American Sign Language through Tunxis Community College - And thus, found her passion while attending a night class for extra curricular activity. She enrolled in the ASL/ENG Interpreting Preparation Program at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. She obtained her BA degree through RID’s Alternative Pathway Program. She continued on for 15 years at the American School for the Deaf providing tutelage for students (ages 3-21). Originating from a theatrical family, in her free time Robin supports CRIDDERS by performing in productions, a group whose performances benefit our community as a whole.

Member-At-Large - Kyle Leonidas-Nye

Kyle is a life-long ASL user who has been working professionally as an ASL-English Interpreter in Connecticut and New York City since August of 2021. He is currently finishing his Bachelor’s Degree at Charter Oak State Collect and will be seeking national certification upon graduation. Growing up in a Connecticut family with quite a few Deaf and Hard of Hearing family members; including grandparents, aunts, and cousins, he has been involved with the Deaf community his entire life. This upbringing made apparent to Kyle not just the importance of access to language for Deaf and HoH individuals but also the cultural competence and commitment to linguistic understanding required of those providing interpreting services. Kyle believes that being as passionate about the community as a person is about the craft is what truly makes a great interpreter. Since stepping into the realm of professional interpreting Kyle has found his niches in educational, theatrical, musical and platform interpreting. Kyle continues to commit himself to bringing everyone to the table to ensure equitable access for all Deaf and HoH people.

CMP Sponsors

Leslie Warren

cridcmp@gmail.com

Elizabeth LaFlamme-Baker

cridcmp@gmail.com