Programs

ASL Department

Meet the Team

List of 3 members.

Heidi Catalan

Designated Interpreter for Executive Director/Manager of Bi-Lingual Services

Bio
Heidi is a Connecticut native and Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) with a lifelong connection to ASL and the Deaf community. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University and proudly served in the military. Heidi serves as the Executive Interpreter and ASL Department Manager at the American School for the Deaf. Outside of work, she is married to a Filipino military veteran and is a proud mom of two.
Melly Serrano

Bio
Melly is a Deaf Kansas City native who comes from a biracial hearing family. She earned her B.A. in Social Work and M.A. in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University and has more than 20 years of experience in education. Melly serves as an ASL Curriculum & Assessment Specialist at the American School for the Deaf. Outside of work, she is married to an ASD alumnus and is a proud mom of three.
Maximilian Stelzer

Bio
Maximilian is a Deaf New York City native who comes from a Deaf family. He earned his B.A. in Deaf Studies and M.A. in American Sign Language from Gallaudet University. Maximilian serves as an ASL Specialist at the American School for the Deaf. Outside of work, he is a foodie and world traveler who enjoys working out.

The ASL Department supports ASD’s commitment to creating a language-rich and accessible environment for every student.

Our team brings different backgrounds and experiences in ASL, Deaf education, interpreting, curriculum, and assessment. We work together to strengthen ASL across ASD and support language access, Deaf culture and identity, bilingual learning, and connections with students, staff, families, and the community.

Our goal is simple: to make ASL and accessible communication a natural part of everyday life at ASD and help build a community where everyone can connect, participate, and belong.

Tiger Ambassadors

Tiger Ambassadors are ASD students who take pride in representing their school and community. They welcome visitors and new students, help with school and community events, and share ASD’s history, culture, and student experience.

The program also gives students more opportunities to grow their ASL skills through real-life experiences, build confidence, and develop leadership and communication skills. Tiger Ambassadors lead by example by using ASL, including others, and showing what it means to be an active and positive member of the ASD community.

Through the program, students grow as leaders while helping make ASD a welcoming and connected place for everyone.

Language & Communication at ASD

At ASD, we want every student to have full access to language throughout their day. Our Language & Communication Policy helps guide how we make that happen.

ASL is the primary language at ASD, and English is an important part of literacy and learning. We also recognize the home languages and different communication needs our students and families bring to ASD.

The ASL Department helps put the policy into practice by working with staff, students, and families. We offer training, resources, ASL support, and practical ideas that can be used in classrooms, around campus, and at home.

We also check in on our progress—what’s working, what needs more attention, and where we can provide more support.

Language access takes all of us. Our goal is to make sure every student can communicate, participate, learn, and feel connected at ASD.

Family Learning & Resources

Families are an important part of a child’s language journey. The ASL Department offers opportunities for families and caregivers to learn ASL, build confidence in communication, and connect with their child through language.

Families can take part in ASL classes, family learning sessions, storytimes, hands-on activities, and community events throughout the year. We also provide resources and ideas that families can use at home to support ASL, English, home languages, and everyday communication.

Whether you are just beginning to learn ASL or continuing to grow your skills, we are here to support you along the way. Our goal is to help families learn, connect, and grow together while celebrating each child’s language, identity, and strengths.

- Sign and Connect: September 15th at 3:15pm
  
  SIGN & CONNECT

- Meet September Storyteller!

Staff Resources

The ASL Department is here to support ASD staff in building their ASL skills and creating accessible communication across campus.

Whether you are just beginning to learn ASL or want to continue strengthening your skills, you’ll find resources here to support everyday communication with students, colleagues, and families. Our resources also reflect ASD’s bilingual and multilingual community and recognize the different languages and communication approaches our students and families bring to ASD.

Staff resources include:

ASL classes and learning opportunities
ASL practice materials and videos
Department-specific vocabulary and signs
Language & Communication Policy resources
Bilingual and multilingual learning resources
Communication and accessibility strategies
Deaf culture, community, and identity resources
ASL assessments and skill development
Professional development and training materials
Opportunities for continued ASL practice

Our goal is to provide practical tools staff can use every day. Building ASL skills, respecting the languages our students and families bring to ASD, and creating accessible communication all help make our community stronger and more connected.

ASL Class for Staff

ASL Events

The ASL Department sponsors and supports events throughout the year that bring together ASD students, families, staff, and the wider community.

Our events create opportunities to use and learn ASL, celebrate Deaf culture and identity, connect with others, and enjoy shared experiences. From family activities and ASL storytimes to community gatherings and special events, there is something for all ages and signing levels.

Many of our events are open to families of Deaf and hard of hearing children and community members across Connecticut. Whether you are new to ASL or have been signing for years, we invite you to come learn, connect, and be part of the ASD community.