Faculty/Staff Information

BS Interpreting Studies: Theory

MA Interpreting Studies

MA Interpreting Studies certificate programs

• Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
• M.A. in Linguistics, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC
• B.A. in Speech/Language Pathology, University of District of Columbia, Washington, D

• Certified Member Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
• Certified Member Oregon Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
• Certified Member American Sign Language Teacher’s Association
• Certified Member NW American Sign Language Teacher’s Association
• Member World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
• Member Conference of Interpreter Trainers
• Member National Association of the Deaf
• Member NW Editors Guild

Elisa has been a faculty member in the Division of Special Education since 1993. She teaches in the undergraduate ASL/English Interpreting and Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies programs. She is a Commissioner and the Past President for the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education. She has traveled to Ghana to work with signed language interpreters and interpreter educators since 2014.

In 2004, Elisa completed her PhD in Linguistics at the University of New Mexico. Her research was on aspect in American Sign Language. Her current research interests are in:

• examining the nature of the gap between graduation and certification
• ASL interpreting in Ghana.

Elisa lives in Monmouth with her husband, Frank.

• 2017-2018 T.H. Gentle Professorship
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association Outstanding Credit Program Award 2013
• Sorenson Video Relay Services Interpreter Education Program Award of Excellence 2008: $10,000
• American Association of University Women Dissertation Fellowship 2002-2003: $20,000
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (since 2010)

• 2012-Present  Professor, Interpreting Studies, Western Oregon University
• 2012-Present  Coordinator, Interpreting Studies, Western Oregon University
• 2011-2012  Co-Coordinator, Interpreting Studies, Western Oregon University
• 2009-2012  Chair, Division of Special Education, Western Oregon University
• 2007-2012  Associate Professor, ASL/English Interpreting, Western Oregon University
• 1985-Present  Freelance Interpreter/Consultant
• 2003-2007  Assistant Professor, ASL/English Interpreting, Western Oregon University
• 2003-2010  Coordinator, ASL/English Interpreting, Western Oregon University