Learn a Little About

Visual Language Professionals

The leadership at VLP is committed to doing things differently

like providing exclusively Certified and Qualified interpreters. We aim to draw from our experience in the field and ties to the community to provide the top notch services. Here’s a little bit about us:

About Visual Language Pro

We take pride in how carefully we evaluate each of our client’s needs to provide the perfect interpreter. Started in 2010 solely offering sign language interpreting, we next grew to medical interpreting when our founder started practicing medicine. Our president is both a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant and a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter. Since then, our clients have been so satisfied that we’ve added 200 other languages in the last several years to become a full-service language company.

Our clients keep coming back not only for our quality interpreters but also because they are kind and culturally competent. Our interpreters love working with us because of our personal service. We pride ourselves in being available whenever needed via phone, email, fax and online, making access and support easy for our clients.

We know there’s a difference between being bilingual and being an interpreter. It’s why it’s so important to us that our interpreters are able to move both linguistically and culturally between two languages.

We’re passionate about creating linguistic access for everyone, bringing peace of mind to each person we serve.

Resources Learn More

Interpreters

Kenny Niemietz, CI/CT, BEI IV, Court

Lead Staff Interpreter

Kenneth Niemietz, the Lead Interpreter, is Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter RID CI&CT. He also holds his Texas BEI IV and Court Interpreter Certification. Kenneth has extensive experience in post. secondary interpreting, Including the provision for Interpreting services to medical students through the completion of two MD programs. Kenneth's vast experience allows him to train and monitor interpreters to ensure delivery of the highest quality services to students. Recently named Interpreter Or the Year 2018 by the Greater Houston Interpreters for the Deaf (GHID)

Mark Riddle

Interpreters

Coming Soon

Antonio Hesabee Ramos, BEI Advanced

Interpreter (ASL, MLS, & Spanish)

Antonio joined the VLP team in 2018 bringing with him a plethora of experience and talent. He is a BEI-Advance certified interpreter in the state of Texas. He also speaks Spanish, making him a trilingual interpreter.

Being a child of deaf parents, Antonio started his interpreting career at a young age. He would help family and friends with their medical assignments and any other needs they may have. He has mastered ASL, LSE, Las Señas Mexicanas, and Spanish spoken language. He has a passion to learn the different types of Sign Language around the world.

Playing and coaching soccer is one of his hobbies, he spent a few years teaching the basic and advanced levels of soccer to deaf children. When he isn't working or out on the soccer field, he enjoys watching documentaries. Antonio has a work ethic that is strong and reliable. His compassion is just as strong and reliable. He volunteers at a Spanish shelter in the Houston area, providing services for the deaf and Spanish-speaking residents.

In May of 2022, Antonio will be an instructor for Bridging the Gap and has plans to complete his degree in psychology.

Sherri Frost, BEI III

ASL Interpreter

Sherri joined Visual Language Professionals 2 years ago as a Staff Interpreter. She loves working with VLP. The staff value her work and show their appreciation often. She is part of team that works hard to provide access for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. She helps provide an array of services in Education, Community, Medical and many other areas. Besides her work family, she is a mother of two grown children, Hunter, 27 and Niki, 22. They are everything to her! Growing up she had "Game night" on Friday nights. She cherishish those memories! Her family sees each other often even though they are living in the Austin/San Marcos area.

In addition, she have an elderly dog named Oreo. He loves his daily walks. Walking, Pickleball, traveling and getting together with friends are things she likes to do. Her goal is to living a balanced life with her family, work, friends and time for self care is vital. Finally, she recently got engaged and is planning to get married in August.

Her goal is to become a Master level interpreter and to be Medical Certified.

Dionna Griffin, CI/CT, BEI IV, Court

ASL Interpreter

Dionna is a native Houstonian with a broad range of experience that comes from interpreting for over 25 years. Her path to interpreting grew organically with an interest in learning ASL, leading to her learning everything she could about the Deaf community and becoming a professional interpreter. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Houston and is nationally certified with RID CI & CT and holds her Texas BEI IV and Court Interpreter Certification. Dionna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and Zydeco dancing.

Christian Escalera

Interpreter/ Employment Services Lead

Christian graduated from the Lone Star College Interpreter Training Program in 2022. He joins VLP providing interpreting services while working toward certification.
Christian is also Trilingual

Project Management Team

Heather Morrow

Manager - Project Management

Heather has a heart of compassion and is focused on equal access for all, especially language access. Having been born and raised in Central Illinois, Heather completed her degree in ASL, she went to New Mexico to start a deaf education program from the ground up. This program program brought the ability for many under privledge children to have communication for the first time. During this time she was also a freelance interpreter. She brings her language access and project management experience. When Heather is not working she spends her time with her four wonderful children. She also spends her time in a car going from practices and games. Heather loves spending time with her friends and extended family as well. She has set her goals to become nationally certified and also to get CART certified. Within VLP, Heather's speciality is helping connect our top notch interpreters to our valuable clients in the Houston area.

Mauri Autrey

Project Coordinator

Mauri comes to VLP with a high level experience in customer service and natural ability for detail and organization. Her former occupations helped her nurture these skills and bring them to the table to be put into full use at VLP. Working as a patient registrar in the Emergency Department at a local hospital in North Carolina, she is able to work under pressure and keep her quality of work to the high standards she has set for herself. Rolling all her experience and knowledge together, Mauri is an excellent Project Coordinator, helping our workman's compensation clients receive the highest care possible.
Mauri is the proud mother of three children and has the honor of being a military mom. When she isn't at her desk, she enjoys time with her children riding horses, hiking, and being out on the water. Using her barbering skills of 25 years, she also still helps her family and friends to look beautiful. She currently lives in South Carolina where she works on achieving her goals of getting her BS in accounting/business management.

Katelyn Flores

Project Coordinator

Oklahoma has always been home to her and where she lives with her 2 boys, Katelyn comes to vlp bringing years of experience in customer service and assisted living. Her mission in VLP is to provide great positive service to the community. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, traveling, gardening and trying new things. She also owns a small performing business doing Aerial, Dancing and anything else she can learn to bring joy and smiles to others.

Angie Jontz

Project Coordinator

The state of TN is home to the Great Smoky Mountian, high quality whiskey, country music, and also to one of VLP's project coordinators, Angie! Angie has a strong backgound in being able to resolve conflict. In her past she has done legal collections and customer service. Her soft skills are excellent, she is able to find a compromise so both sides are happy.

Angie has 3 children and Gigi to 5 precious heathens or grandkids depending on the day. She loves traveling, shopping, and Tennessee Volunteers football. Although her love language is country music she truly enjoys all music. Angie has crossed two things off her bucket list, saw Elvis and went whale watching.

Karla Magaña

Project Coordinator

Karla was born in Dallas but raised internationally, which has given her a love for learning about other cultures and languages. Karla graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing and Finance. She has served in a variety of positions, including marketing and content creation, and is excited to now be a part of VLP. In her spare time, Karla enjoys filmmaking, photography, and traveling.

Hannah Uhlman

Project Coordinator

Hannah was born and raised in Central Illinois. She has travelled quite a bit across the country and internationally. She is currently pursuing her BA in Business Management and holds a Project Management certificate. She plans on furthering her education to include Lean Six Sigma training. Hannah has a passion for proving the best customer service available. She is also the person who will not forget a birthday or anniversary. She is the proud mother of two wonderful children and enjoys her time with them. She also has an "Old Man Dog" named Norman who is her favorite cuddle buddy. When she is not at work, she enjoys reading, knitting, and crafts.

Rachel Flores

Project Coordinator

Rachel joins the VLP team from the Sooner State, Oklahoma, known for its wild tornadoes and love of sports. She is an avid soccer player and was on her way to playing at the collegiate level, but instead she invested her time and resources into getting her nursing degree. Focusing on geriatrics, Rachel spent most of her career in assisted living and memory care settings as upper management in the great state of Tennessee.
Rachel brings to the table her skills in management and handling delicate situations with ease. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic shines through while dealing with clients, interpreters, and consumers. With a driven and determined personality, Rachel is a valuable asset to VLP.
Rachel is the proud pet owner of one fur baby, Duke. Laughing, hanging out with friends and family, going out and goofing around are some of her favorite past times.

Brittany "Bee" Crawford

Assistant Manager - Project Management

Michigan boasts of miles and miles of shoreline but a little known fact - it is home to Brittany "Bee" Crawford as well. Bee has joined the team with 10 years in the field of education. When the pandemic hit she opened up her own small business and tapped into her creative side and found joy in working with her hands.

Bee brings all her experience, creativity, and joy to the VLP team. She is part of the Workman's Comp. Department, where she will be assisting clients and consumer with their language access and transportation needs.

When not at work Bee's hobbies are fishing and golfing with her husband, crafting and spending time with their daughters.

Accounting

Cece Boven

Manager - Accounting

Cece was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. Before joining VLP, Cece was a stay at home mom, and a volunteer at St John the Evangelist Church. She has lots of motivation and loves the culture that come with working at VLP. Cece joins VLP in our accounting and compliance department. She brings hard work, organization and attention to detail to the team and back office. Her hobbies include crafting, painting and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Franchesca Lozoya

Accounting and Compliance

Franchesca was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Franchesca comes to VLP with an extensive background in Business Administration. She has worked as a Programs Business Manager for many years as well as an office manager for a School Bus Dealership for the last five years. Franchesca enjoys travelling with her husband , and dachshund Spanky, and is also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. She loves taking road trips to the Dallas area to spend time with her daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandpuppies.

Christan Cooper

Accounting and Compliance

Christan is from Northeast Kansas, born and raised. She is hard-working and persistent, focusing on the details of every account. She enjoys building relationships with customers and interpreters, striving for their satisfaction daily. Her professional experience includes managing operations of a dental clinic and auto repair shop. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Business. Christan spends her free time with family and friends, attending her son's sporting events and traveling.

Recruiting

Carlea West

Linguist Recruiter

Carlea is excited to be working as an assistant Recruiter for VLP! Before joining the VLP team she was a stay at home Mom. Prior to that she was counselor for 6 years in a school setting.

Carlea got her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Eastern Illinois University. She did post graduate work at Illinois State University in English and earned her Master’s degree at Bradley University in Counseling.

She currently resides in a small town in rural Illinois. She’s a Mom to two boys and two dogs. Her boys keep her very busy, but in her free time, she enjoys art, photography, reading and golf.

Jana Bielfeldt

Recruiter/Deaf Interpreter

Bio to follow

Strategic Partnerships

Bayleigh Leverenz

Manager - Strategic Partnerships

Bayleigh joins the VLP team in 2022 as a business development associate, where she is excited to connect with businesses all over the country and provide them with quality communication services.

Prior to working for VLP, Bayleigh graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Chemistry. Since college, she has taught high school science and worked as a chemist in two fluid analysis laboratories.

In her free time, Bayleigh enjoys spending time with her husband Seth, and two dogs, Arya and Ghost. She also enjoys baking, traveling, and snowboarding.

Feel free to reach out to Bayleigh to discuss the comprehensive communication services VLP can extend to your company!

Collin Jacobs

Strategic Partnerships

Collin joined the VLP team in 2021. He was orginally from Dallas TX and received his BA in Health Sciences and a minor in Kinesiology at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches TX. Collin brings with him, his experience in customer services and is a team player. He has found his niche with creating proposals and building relationships with new clients. When he is not in the office, he can be found at the gym. He is also a diehard fan of the Dallas Stars and if given the oportunity loves to get out on the ice and play hockey himself. He and his partner Ms. Haley enjoy watching T.V. series together. He is very passionate about helping others.

Admin

Brandon Morgan

President

Brandon J. Morgan, NIC Master, SC:L, NAD IV, BEI Master, began interpreting professionally in 2003 in Peoria, IL. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management & Human Resource at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, CO and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University.

A practicing Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, Brandon specializes in legal and medical interpreting. He has developed extensive professional development resources in an effort to advance the profession. He works to provide practical strategies that fellow interpreters can immediately put into practice.

Brandon is enthusiastic in all he does. He’s passionate about providing quality services and an outstanding customer experience. His aim is to empower the communities Visual Language Professionals serve via access to language. He sums this up in his mission statement: To help make those around me wildly successful.

Missy Uhlman

VP

Melissa brings a strong background in customer service and accounting acquired during her tenure with Peoria Travel. She prides herself in her ability to listen well and quickly address customer inquiries. She also worked part time for the Unity Point Health System as a Chaplain, providing spiritual and emotional care to patients and families. Currently, Melissa is pursuing her degree in Organization Management. Her hobbies include gardening and crafting.

Cathy Neuman

Director - Operations

Cathy serves as the Director of Operations where she is driven to grow and build new and lasting relationships with business partners across the country. Prior to joining VLP, Cathy worked for over 15 years at a fortune 500 company where she led multiple high level projects and process changes. Cathy is also an Army wife and mother of two boys, so organization and multi-tasking are among her many strengths. Please feel free to connect with Cathy to see how VLP can help your company provide top of the line service to all those seeking communication assistance.

On Site Interpreting

Our professional interpreters come to you!

Over the Phone Interpreting

Our most robust language offering, telephonic interpreting gives you access to 200+ languages with a single number.

Video Interpreting

Connect with an interpreter via video day or night with just the click of a button.

Document Translation

Our highly trained team of translators carefully and accurately translate your documents

Sign Language interpreters

Providing culturally competent interpreting services to the Deaf community both on-site and via video

We Promise to Match You with a Qualified Interpreter That Will Fit Your Needs