Dana Usinger

Educational background and experience:  Pierce College 1979-1980, West Valley Occupational Center 1980-1981, Certified Sign Language Interpreter,  Extension classes in Legal & Medical Interpreting, Cal. State Northridge, California, El Camino College, California, 1981-1986

Why do you teach?  Though I worked for Los Angeles County School District and CSUN as a Sign Language Interpreter, it was not until my family moved to New Mexico that I was requested to teach Sign Language to students K-12 at Hope Christian School.  Little did I know that I would fall in love with sharing the language of Sign with children young and old.

Why do you teach at FRCS? My husband’s job required a transfer to CO from NM and God guided our family to FRCS.  It has been my privilege and pleasure to teach at FRCS since 1998.  Through the years, I have also been blessed by filling a variety of other positions, i.e. Teacher Aide (Kindergarten,  2^nd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades) and Office Assistant, Nurse Helper, etc.  

What is your passion in life?  I believe helping children learn and understand Sign Language while seeing them share it with others has brought me one of my greatest joys in life.

What are your hobbies and other interests?  Spending time with my family!  I love to cook (and eat!), especially Italian food!  Also, walking my dog and reading are some ways I like to unwind.