MRID Board Members

It is an honor to serve with the excellent team on the MRID board. Twenty years ago, when ADA was in its infancy, I embarked on an amazing journey in the field of interpreting. I started in Southern California then Mid-Missouri for ten years, before settling in beautiful SW Montana in 2003. On this journey I have encountered many fascinating places, people and situations. I have learned much and continue to learn. It has been fascinating to watch the profession of interpreting grow over the years and look forward to what the future holds.

It's great to be on board! I grew up on the North Dakota prairie and have a deep love and respect for the place of my roots. My husband and I have re-rooted to Bozeman; Montana has always been our ideal residence. After completing an Interpreter Training Program, I've been interpreting in K-12 settings as well as independent contracting. I am excited about the remarkable people I've met in this profession here in MT and am enthusiastic about continuing to work with all of you!

It has been and continues to be a great experience working with our Board and Montana's interpreters! I've been married to JT since March 26, 1976. We have raised 4 children - 2 girls, 2 boys, plus many foster children, (our oldest daughter was adopted at age 5. She is deaf and multi-handicapped). We currently have 4 grandchildren with more on the way! (I always have lots of pictures to share! Smile!) We have lived in Great Falls since August of 1980. We are very active with our church family, we love the outdoors and nature. My husband and I graduated from Sunset School of Preaching's Deaf Missions Program in June of 1980 in Lubbock, TX. I completed the EICP (Educational Interpreters Certificate Program), Cohort 3, out of FRCC (Front Range Community College) in Denver, CO, in June 2005. I also attend interpreter workshops and trainings whenever possible. I currently interpret for MSDB (Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind). I also am co-directing MSDB's Visually Impaired Performers (VIP), a group of visually impaired students that perform in the community and at MSDB. I also sell Lia Sophia jewelry to earn 'Nana' money for visiting and spoiling my grand-babies!

Hello! I am back-on-the-board-again! I am excited to join the board and serve as Treasurer. I have been interpreting since I graduated from Interpreter Training in Oregon in 1984. One of the things I love about this profession is that it offers opportunities to work in many different genre and you bring the tools of the trade with you. For the past 27 years I have worked in OR, CA and MT in a variety of settings providing sign language interpretation to consumers. For the last 17 years I have worked at The University of Montana in Missoula. I love to travel and I look forward to networking and meeting you as we support and grow in our profession.

Hi, I'm Missy Grinnell. I have been working as a sign language interpreter for 16 years in beautiful Bozeman, MT. My experiences have included educational; K-12 and post secondary, graduations, medical, religious, community, and formal presentations. I enjoy spending time exploring the majestic mountains that surround us, as well as make many treks to Yellowstone with my family. I embrace life and am thankful to God for every moment He gives me.