Meredith

"Deaf Initiatives and Keepsake Theme Quilts is the perfect place for me — I love working here."

Meredith is the Director of Deaf Initiatives. Her background as a small business owner for 17 years gives her the experience needed to successfully oversee the nonprofit organization and its social purpose business. Meredith has bachelor degree in communication from the Ohio University and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Interpreting/ASL Education from Columbus State Community College.

Meredith is the parent of two Deaf adults. In her quest for information and a better understanding of deafness, she has sought involvement with organizations that serve the deaf and hard of hearing populations.

Shonna

"I like working here because I like the mission goals of helping deaf and hard-of hearing youth."

Shonna grew up in McKee, Kentucky, and moved to Columbus 5 years ago. She lives with her husband, two sons and stepdaughter. Shonna is the Production Manager at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Julia

“I love working for Deaf Initiatives because I can utilize my business administration background while enhancing my sign language skills. This is been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”

Julia is a graduate of Ohio Dominican University and the ASL Interpreting program at Columbus State Community College. She is the Financial Manager for Deaf Initiatives.  Julia is a certified interpreter and is married with two young children.

Judy

"One of my friends had asked me to come here to work because I was skilled in sewing. Also because Keepsake Theme Quilts has Deaf employees, I have fun with them."

Judy grew up in Painesville, OH and graduated from Ohio School for the Deaf in 1972. She is currently married and lives in New Albany, Ohio. Judy is the supervisor at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Kathy

"I was exposed to quilting all my life by my grandma and have always been interested in making quilts. Everybody that works at Keepsake Theme Quilts knows Sign Language. The communication is important to me because we can understand each other easily."

Kathy grew up in Washington Courthouse, Ohio and currently lives in Columbus. She is the assistant supervisor at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Jessica

“I love working for Keepsake Theme Quilts, this job is a good fit for what I have been interested in my career. It offers a nice combination of short and long term activities.”

Jessica lives in Columbus, Ohio and is a graduate of Upper Arlington High School and Gallaudet University, where she received a Bachelor degree in Communication Studies.  She is the Work Experience Coordinator at Keepsake Theme Quilts. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping and rooting for the Ohio State University football team.

Bonita

“I like to work at Keepsake Theme Quilts because there is no language barrier.”

Bonita loves to read and watch classic movies. She also spends time with her eight grandchildren. Bonita was born and raised in New Jersey, then married and raised two children in New York. She has lived in Ohio for 16 years near her children and their families. Bonita is a Support Seamstress at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Karen

"I enjoy working with my friends because they are all deaf and it makes communication easy."

Karen grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and is a Production Assistant at Keepsake Theme Quilts. She lives with her daughter in Grove City and their three dogs.

Kathleen

“My friend had talked to me about Keepsake Theme Quilts. It is really very interesting to work here. I really love it.”

Kathleen was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her family then moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa and she graduated from Iowa School for the Deaf. Kathleen has a son and daughter and eight grandchildren. She is now a resident of Columbus, Ohio and is a Seamstress at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Kimberly

“Sewing is one of my hobbies since middle school. I want to expand my sewing skills, especially with pillows.  At Keepsake Theme Quilts, a quilt is unique because it blends in a variety of pattern, color and size. As a result, the finished quilt looks spectacular! Communication in ASL is a key to keep our “say-say” clear and be able to understand one another.”

Kimberly is a graduate of Columbus State Community College and has two teenagers. Purple is her favorite color.  Kimberly is a Production Assistant at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Lynette

Lynette is a Customer Service Representative and Production Assistant at Keepsake Theme Quilts. Lynette is a busy mom and wife who also works part-time as a sign language interpreter.

Rhonda

“I like to work at Keepsake Theme Quilts because sewing is my hobby. I love the culture and working with other Deaf people.”

Rhonda has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. She grew up in Newark, Ohio and comes from a Deaf family – her parents, sister and three brothers are Deaf and one sister is hearing.  Rhonda enjoys making crafts and sewing. Rhonda is a Seamstress at Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Shelley

"I am studying American Sign Language (ASL) at Columbus State Community College and working here allows me to practice my ASL. I love working where ASL is total communication!"

Shelley grew up in Columbus, Ohio and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin University. She is married and has two children.

Terri

"I enjoy working here because I developed a sisterhood with my deaf co-workers. I have never felt discomfort working here because I can communicate freely with others using sign language."

Terri grew up in Reynoldsburg, OH and has 2 children. She began working at Keepsake Theme Quilts in 2001 and is a Support Seamstress.

Christine

"I thought that Keepsake Theme Quilts made by their special hands of Deaf Team employees are Awesome! I received this part-time job as a Production Assistant I this month of February 2012. I am so thrilled about working with deaf team at Keepsake Theme Quilts!"

Christine graduated from the University of Akron and earned a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Applied Arts) in Graphic Art and Design degree in 1993. I learned American Sign Language (ASL) at this university when I was about at age of 20! I was hosting Art and Crafts booths at Ohio DEAFair 2000, 2003 and 2005. A homemaker for my husband of almost twelve years and two boys who adore KODA camp! Volunteering at DSC-Deaf Services Center's KODA SuperGames and KODA Camp and Activities Assistant in 2011 and present. They have a house pet cat 'Princess'.

Caitlyn

"I really enjoy the working environment here at Keepsake Theme Quilts!"

I found out that American Sign Language was offered at the Ohio State University and felt intrigued to sign up for the classes. I enjoyed the exposure to the language and the culture so much that I am now currently in the interpreting program at Columbus State Community College. I love to learn about different Cultures and hope to one day travel abound the world and expose myself to various sign languages.

Tina

"I enjoy working at Keepsake Theme Quilts. It is fun to learn to make quilts and work with Deaf people. I grew up in Indiana and went to the Indiana School for the Deaf. I just moved to Ohio from Indiana in Nov, 2011. I have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren"

Tiffanie

“I love working at Keepsake Theme Quilts because I love using Sign Language! And here signing is how we communicate! It’s great!”

Tiffanie started learning sign language in the 4th grade to communicate with her neighbor. She has lived in Columbus most of her adult life and will attend Columbus State Community College soon to complete her degree in Sign Language and Interpreting. Tiffanie lives just a few minutes away from Keepsake Theme Quilts with her husband and two dogs: Pancake and Waffles. They also understand sign language commands (good, bad, sit, up, roll over and stay). Tiffanie is the Customer Service Representative at Keepsake Theme Quilts.