2009-2010 Fellows: Judi Emerson

judi_emerson.jpgMy name is Judi Emerson. I am a proud mother of four accomplished young adults, three sons and a daughter.  All three boys live in New Orleans.  My daughter recently began her new life in Huntsville, AL after graduating from college.  When I am not fulfilling my own responsibilities, you will find me on the highway en route to visit them.  The New Orleans highway has been calling my name a lot more lately with the births of my first two grandchildren. 

Professionally, I have been a classroom teacher in the field of Deaf Education for many years.  I taught both middle school and high school aged students.  Throughout my teaching career, all of my students have used sign language as their mode of communication.  This prompted me to work on my manual communication skills.  I completed an A.A. degree in Interpreting for the Deaf.  In the process, I became a qualified interpreter for the deaf for the state of Mississippi.  I, also, spent 5 years as an adjunct instructor in our community college Interpreter Training Program.   I have my master’s degree in Severe Disabilities with an emphasis in Deafblindness at The University of Southern Mississippi.  

In the fall of 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced me to take a new career path.  I found myself in a community which did not offer programs for the Deaf or for the Interpreter preparation.  From 2005 to 2009, I taught in a variety of capacities including special education self-contained, resource, and inclusion positions as well as a short term as a general education teacher.  This time afforded me the opportunity to broaden my background, but left a void in my professional heart.   In the spring of 2009, I made the tough decision to mend that hole and return to my roots at The University of Southern Mississippi.   I am currently pursuing my PhD in Severe Disabilities with an emphasis in Deafblindness.  It feels good to be closer to home.