- Tara Kendrick is the owner and instructor for My
Smart Hands Austin. Tara's passion for signing
began when she started teaching her first born ASL when he
was five months old. When he began signing back, Tara was
inspired by the meaningfulness of sign language as a
communication tool with her son. Sign language gave Tara the
ability to understand the world through her sons eyes as he
signed the things he saw and heard throughout the day.
Sign language also enriched their everyday routines. At the dinner table her son was able to let his parents
know when he wanted "more," when he'd had "enough," or when he wanted milk rather than water. ASL has
become an invaluable communication tool between parents and child. By the time he was 18 months, he
knew more than 60 signs and his verbal vocabulary was significantly ahead of his peers. Now at nearly three
years old, he continues to increase his communication skills. Not only does he use ASL with his mom and
dad but, by example, he is teaching his baby brother to sign. What a wonderful experience this has been for
their family!
Tara looks forward to sharing her knowledge of ASL and life experiences with other parents.
info@mysmarthands-austin.com
512.850.0013
- Tina Wilkins has joined My Smart Hands Austin as an
Instructor for the Cedar Park area. Tina was inspired to teach her
son sign language while she was studying to be an interpreter for the
deaf, in Nashville TN.. She thought it would be a great experiment
and was amazed at how much Luke retained and communicated
through sign. His first sign was "milk" at 9 months old. He then went
on to learn over 70 signs. Today, at 7 years old, Luke can still
communicate through ASL.
"I thought it would be fun for my son to learn another language. I had no idea that it would lead to a way to
redirect the frustration that one can have, when trying to communicate with one's baby/toddler. It was a
happy accident!"
Tina is a professional singer/songwriter with degrees in Speech Communication and Sign Language
Interpretation. She has been combining song and sign for nearly 20 years, for special performances. She is
honored to be a guest instructor for My Smart Hands, Austin and believes strongly in the power and gifts of
learning ASL.
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| Contact My Smart Hands Austin: info@mysmarthands-austin.com, 512.850.0013 |
- Kathryn Singletary has joined My Smart Hands - Austin as an
instructor for Round Rock and the surrounding areas. Kathryn's passion for ASL
came at the early age of 12 due to a best friend in middle school who was Deaf. In
college at Texas State University, Kathryn continued to study ASL as her foreign
language while obtaining her degree in Communication Studies.
- Currently, Kathryn is continuing her education at Austin Community College to
become a certified interpreter. Through working with the deaf, Kathryn realized
the power of sign and how it can help the communication between a hearing parent
and child. " I find it truly amazing how ASL can give a sense of relief to the parent,
reduce frustration of the unknown, and of course, build the baby's vocabulary at
such a young age," Kathryn says.
fingers moving, and find out what's moving in your child's minds!"
Maritza Sanclemente has joined My Smart Hands-Austin as an
instructor for south Austin ans surrounding areas. She been signing for 7
years. Maritza got inspired to learn in High School when they offered ASL as a
second language. After graduating she knew she wanted to become an
Interpreter and moved from Miami, FL to Austin, TX to study at ACC. She is
currently in her last semester at ACC and will obtain an AA Degree in
American Sign Language Interpreting.
Her passion for ASL is growing and she has a drive for everyone to know the
power of this language and the culture behind it. "I love being around kids and
watching they're little hands learn all these signs! It's so amazing to me how
quickly their little minds can absorb any language, especially such a visually
stimulating one like ASL."
what kind of new bonds will be created between parent and child once a communication bridge is built!"