about terri
Hi! I'm Terri, born and raised in Rochester NY and the Adirondack Mountains, I became fascinated with the performing arts and Deaf culture at a young age. I learned sign language at the age of seven in Old Forge NY, while involved in a theatre program for many years where both sign language and voice were used in the productions. I was always enthralled with musicals and loved going to Broadway shows as a young girl. I fell in love with the magic of seeing live music at the age of fourteen after seeing the rock and roll band Phish . Having a love for music and sign language it was always a dream to combine these two passions. I graduated from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, in Rochester NY, with an AAS in American Sign Language/English Interpretation.
My beautiful son Toren Oak was born in 2014 and he has been the pure inspiration and motivation for me to follow my bliss. He has taught me that our wildest dreams can and do come true! The honor of providing equal access during concert experiences for the Deaf and hard of hearing fans and bringing music to visual life is my true passion. Music is for everyone!
“Hiring Terri to interpret Rochester’s largest music festival was a no-brainer. We recognize that the deaf community in our area has an intense passion for music and this service not only satisfied this need but educated others as well. Terri’s entire persona lit up the stage, from her knowledge of the material to her wardrobe! She is the utmost professional, from the detailed prep work to the relationship with our performing artists.”
“Terri and I have worked as sign language interpreters together in various settings for over 14 years. She has always been loving, inclusive, and dedicated to her career and the people around her. Watching her growth and development as an interpreter has been a true pleasure to witness. In our personal lives, we have attended many concerts and festivals together. It has always been a dream to regularly interpret within those venues. Now that dream has been realized. Her presence on the stage as an interpreter is electrifying. Her innate ability to provide access for the deaf community through music is unparalleled. I am humbled and honored to stand beside her as she is the epitome of greatness within this niche of our field. Thank you, Terri, for sharing this magical journey with me. Peace and love to all!!”
All photos ©2017 Jess Kamens Photography www.jessrk.com