Jonathan is a strong advocate for children who are deaf and tirelessly displays his passion for empowering all individuals with hearing loss. He consistently shows that giving back to the community is a priority in his life and his desire to help youth who are deaf or hard of hearing is evident in the many activities he regularly supports.
Jonathan attended a mainstream school for nine years growing up before eventually attending the Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD). After graduating, he went on to receive his B.A. degree in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University. In 2007, he joined the staff of the University of Nebraska in Omaha where he continues to teach ASL and Interpreting Courses.
Outside of work, Jonathan devotes much of his free time and considerable talent to the Iowa School for the Deaf. He serves as board member of the ISD Foundation representing ISD alumni, and is the Assistant Coach for the ISD Academic team. During the Great Plains School for the Deaf Academic Bowl tournament, Jonathan's team placed second out of nine schools. They look forward to competing in the National Academic Bowl at Gallaudet University in April – a first in ISD history.
Jonathan also volunteers teaching Deaf Studies at ISD about topics related to Deaf art, culture and language. Within the Elementary department at ISD, he volunteers helping create lesson plans for ASL storytelling. Last December, Jonathan performed "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in ASL.
Jonathan is well known outside of Iowa as well, particularly within the deaf community in Nebraska. He is involved in several organizations including the Nebraska Association of the Deaf, Junior Nebraska Association of the Deaf, Nebraska Deaf Heritage Museum and Cultural Center and others. Furthermore, Jonathan traveled to Nicaragua in June of 2012 to help teach games and give lessons to the children residing there who are deaf.
Jonathan's peers describe him as passionate, dedicated, and willing to go the extra mile to assist and advocate for others on both personal and professional levels. He rises to any occasion, is quick to volunteer his time and energy, and continues to be a positive role model to many.
This leadership recognition has been brought to you by Hamilton Relay.
About Hamilton Relay
Hamilton Relay offers a variety of services including Telecommunications Relay Services, Captioned Telephone and Internet Relay services. Hamilton provides Telecommunications Relay and/or Captioned Telephone services to 16 states, the Island of Saipan and the Virgin Islands. More information is available at hamiltonrelay.com.