|
 NOMINEES
|
PRESIDENT Katie MacVittie, NIC, Ed:K-12
Katie MacVittie is a native of Michigan but calls South Carolina home. She learned ASL as a teenager and has been a certified interpreter for almost 20 years. Katie she holds an EIPA and NIC certification. When not working, Katie enjoys weight lifting and spending time with her family. |
VICE PRESIDENT Courtney Workman, NIC, MA
Courtney has her BA in ASL & Psychology from the University of Rochester and MA in Deaf Education from BU. After teaching at TLC & Governor Baxter School, she tried her hand at interpreting and never looked back! She has worked as an educational, VRS, and community interpreter and run an agency in the Lowcountry since 2015. Courtney is passionate about supporting new interpreters into the profession and enjoys cooking, theater, and family time!
|
.JPG)
SECRETARY Kamili Belton, MA
Kamili is a Regional Therapist with S.C. DMH Deaf Services and former Adjunct ASL Professor at Midlands Technical College. With a background in advocacy and education at Beginnings SC and the SC School for the Deaf and Blind, she now leads the community group "Live, Love and Sign with the Midlands." Kamili holds an MA from Liberty University and is currently continuing her studies in Educational Psychology. She is a committed member of NBDA and SCRID, balancing her professional life with a passion for wellness and family.
|
TREASURER Abbie Reach, NIC
Patricia A. Reach ("Abbey") graduated from Maryville College in 2014. She currently works full-time for Prisma Health as an RID certified interpreter in Upstate SC.
|
MEMBER AT LARGE Sonya Benson, NIC, NAD III
|
Sonya Benson is a community interpreter in private practice with both RID and NAD certifications. Having 20 plus years in the profession and previous board service under her belt, Sonya is honored to be nominated and excited about the possibility of serving on the board. Sonya shared, "It is always a privilege and an honor to work with those who desire to help lift up our consumers, colleagues and our profession."
MEMBER AT LARGE Josie McDaniel-Burkett, NIC Master  Josie McDaniel-Burkett is a native of Lexington, South Carolina, and has been a professional Sign Language Interpreter for nearly 30 years. She has held national certification since 1999, earning a NAD V and currently holding an NIC: Master certification. As a CODA, Josie was raised within the Deaf community, giving her a lifelong understanding of Deaf culture, language access, and the importance of ethical interpreting practice.
|
MEMBER AT LARGE - BIPOC Pheona Kelly, M.Ed. Pheona Kelly has been a part of the South Carolina Interpreting and Deaf communities for many years. She serves on the Board of Beginnings SC and has previously and currently serves on the SCRID. Pheona is passionate about serving and offering support where possible. Pheona holds an Associate and Bachelor degrees in Interpreting, a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and a Masters degree in Education. She continues to work towards interpreter certification as she serves the community on a part-time basis, and volunteers her service whenever possible. In her free time, she follows the Lady Gamecocks Basketball team and enjoys the oceanfront.
|
MEMBER AT LARGE - DEAF INTERPRETER Stephen Emerson Stephen Emerson is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, where he attended traditional schools within Richland School District One. Stephen graduated from AC Flora High School in 1993. He has been married to his husband, Bobby, for two years, and they have been together for nearly 16 years. Stephen's mother, sister, and brother reside in Columbia, SC. Stephen earned an Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College in 2017 and a Bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies from Gallaudet University in 2023. He is passionate about working as a Deaf Interpreter. He currently serves as a Behavior Specialist at a middle school within the North Carolina School for the Deaf. Stephen enjoys traveling internationally, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking.
|
MEMBER AT LARGE - STUDENT Faith Cupka Faith Cupka is a senior Interpreting student at Valdosta State University, graduating in May 2026. She became interested in American Sign Language when her son was born and she came across the book called Baby Sign. After discovering this beautiful language and seeing the amazing results of communicating with her infant son, Faith knew she wanted to learn more. She couldn't pursue this passion until recently when she transferred the credits from her Elementary Education degree to VSU and began studying in their interpreting program. It has been with tremendous joy that she has learned this language. For the last four years Faith has been involved in a Deaf Church where the members have accepted, supported, and encouraged her. They have corrected her mistakes and helped her to learn their culture. Faith wrote, "I am blessed to be a part of their community and fellowship." Fatih looks forward to serving a wider range of both Deaf and hearing members of her community, especially connecting interpreting students with RID so they can benefit from all that RID has to offer and the communities that RID supports. |
.jpg)
MEMBER AT LARGE - STUDENT Katie Wyble Katie Wyble moved to SC in 2024. She works in K-12 settings and around the community. Katie is a graduate student at the University of North Florida obtaining her Master of Science in ASL/English Interpreting (General Practitioner) degree, graduating in summer 2026. She is passionate about supporting new interpreters in the field, fostering a community focused on lifelong learning and collaborative service. |
Thank you for all of the nominations, and to our nominees. |
|