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B.A., CDI
Hello my name is Mikey Krajnak.
Born deaf to a hearing family in Staten Island, NY. Recently retired from Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Currently living outside of Savannah, GA with husband of 14 years and enjoying free time as a freelancing CDI and mentor. I have been CDI since 2010 and did a lot of interpreting prior to the certification. I graduated from Gallaudet University in 1993 majoring in Sign Communication (which later changed to ASL Teaching). I have taught several universities in the past— Gallaudet University, NTID at RIT, Brown University, Boston University.
During my spare time, I enjoy drawing on my iPad, tending my ever-expanding garden full of succulents, plants and flower especially in this Georgia weather. Strong advocate for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and marginalized community.
I offer mentorship focusing on English to ASL interpreting, ASL to English interpreting (focusing on your word choices and the rationale behind it). I have been mentoring for 20 years. I have worked as sign language screening evaluator for Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 15 years, did interview/ratings for SLPI/ASLPI, private tutoring on various areas that needs work on, ASL coach for several theatre productions. Subjects I cover: Almost everything except legal. I don’t do legal work. Have zero interest in that setting.
I’m known for being a straight shooter. I don’t beat around the bush when it comes to giving feedbacks. My goal for you, as a mentee, is to get authentic feedback from a real Deaf person. If you lack in specific area, I will jump right onto it and teach you to do it right. I don’t do it softly. I don’t have time for that. I’ve been around long time and believe me I’d like to get to the point and get right onto it. With me as your mentor you will learn more about being an interpreter with hearing privileges and how your role as an interpreter can enhance and harm your community. There is a very fine line between them. I will also make you work on your processing skills in order to interpret the spirit of message as accurate as possible. I’m also a fun person to chat with and I am very curious by nature and I’m known for probing such questions about you. Smiles.