2026 Recipient: Lorrie Kosinski
A past president of CRID, Lorrie Kosinski is a powerhouse in our community, a nationally certified interpreter holding CI, CT, and SC:L certifications and her Colorado Legal Credential Authorization. As a legal interpreter, Lorrie has impacted countless lives, serving as a pillar of communication access across all phases of the Denver legal system, from arrest to probation.
An interpreter of immense talent and ethics, Lorrie has dedicated her career to advancing legal interpreting in Colorado. She exemplifies “Deaf Heart” as a tireless advocate for communication access and a master mentor who expertly demystifies the courtroom to reduce intimidation for both consumers and practitioners. Through her work, she has been influential in recruiting new talent and honing the skills of experienced colleagues.
Her leadership in the legal field is unparalleled. Lorrie chaired the CRID Legal Interpreter Committee (LIC) from its inception until 2025, providing vital guidance, training, and mentoring to the next generation of practitioners. She was instrumental in shaping the rules for legal credentialing through her years of service on the Legal Auxiliary Services Advisory Council.
Her commitment to raising the bar is visible in her direct contributions to the profession's infrastructure, most notably through the development of the Legal Communication Access Services Handbook in 2022 and the launch of the Supported Courtroom Overview and Observation Program (SCOOP). These initiatives have created a sustainable pathway for interpreters to specialize in high-stakes legal settings.
Lorrie's influence extends far beyond the courtroom. During her 25-plus year tenure as the Director of the Denver Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, she fought tirelessly for equity, ensuring equal access to government programs and events for the entire community.
When asked what words or descriptions come to mind when Lorrie’s name is mentioned, interpreters say, “Giving, Gracious, Graceful, Kind, Warm, Generous, and Dynamic Interpreter.”, “She can see the light in others and facilitate opportunities for them to shine brighter.”, and “A master mentor who models core values and best practices in the profession.” She has been a model of excellence to any interpreters lucky enough to work with her.
Lorrie has gracefully and diligently worked throughout her career to raise the bar for communication access standards for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind community in Colorado. She adheres to the highest standards of conduct, models core values, and holds herself and others accountable to the community she serves.
While we are impressed by all she has done and accomplished, we cannot forget that this comes from who she is, a person of great character and true Deaf Heart. Lorrie, you have given Colorado a legacy of improved access and higher standards. Your work is seen, honored, appreciated, and continues to have a lasting impact on both the profession and the community!
2025 Recipient: Susan Faltinson
For Colorado RID, she has worked tirelessly as a Member-at-Large, hotel negotiator, and pep talker when conference planning gets overwhelming. She has also provided us with the institutional knowledge of our organization. Susan has been with our community many years, and in that time, she has been invaluable to CRID, Interpreters, and Deaf People's lives. She has provided expert contract negotiating skills for our hotel, always with an eye for the tastiest food that the hotel can provide, while giving our members the lowest price and most bang for our buck. Witty, wise and wonderful can't capture all of the ways to describe her, but here are two voices that have shared their thoughts:
Lorrie Kosinski says:
"Susan has such a big heart that she doesn't stop reaching out once the interpreting work, class, or conference planning is done. She keeps on giving. On her own time, Susan has combined camp management and therapy skills to set up and run a retreat for Deaf women who are cancer survivors. Women from all over the US are hearing of this one-of-a-kind retreat and are flying in to be a part of it. For some, this retreat's success would be celebrated and done. But Susan's heart is, "How can we accommodate more women who so need this?" Over the years, Susan has offered her home to people who needed a temporary place to stay, she has volunteered to interpret for assignments for those who could not pay, and has been a thoughtful, giving friend to many. In everything she does, Susan shows up not only prepared and ready to bring her best, but she does it with heart. She is so deserving of this award!"
Becky Konjevod says: Susan is one of the most ethical people I know and always tries to "Do the right thing" by the Deaf Community, her friends, family and clients.
Thank you Susan for helping to make this profession as caring and thoughtful as you are. We are lucky to have Susan as a part of our organization and in our lives!
2024 Recipient: Shawn Goodwin - Miller
Shawn Goodwin Miller - Certified Interpreter, 1996: CI and CT
- Served as a freelance interpreter 1995-2024 in a variety of settings: mental health, medical, business, federal government, education K-12 and post-secondary
- Interpreter, Staff Interpreter, Interpreter Coordinator: USPS (United States Postal Service)
Denver, CO 1984-2001
- Established training, interpreter protocols, and community workshops for potential Deaf employees
- Winner of the USPS National Diversity Award 1999
Local, State and National RID/CRID Leadership: RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf)
- Served as Colorado RID (CRID) Mile High District President and served as a state boardmember 2000-2006
- Served as Local Test Administrator (LTA) 2010-2017
- Oversaw pilot site for digital delivery of RID certification tests
- Served on several CRID conference planning committees
- Fundraising Committee Chair (CRID) (raised $10,000 in 4 years)
Community Involvement
- DOVE (Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment)
- served on the board of DOVE for 4 years
- planned DOVE annual events
- fundraiser for DOVE
- served as the interpreter/performer for the cast for two productions of The
- Vagina Monologues (DOVE fundraiser)
- SAC (Silent Athletic Club)
- Organized volunteers for Colorado Rockies SAC fundraisers
Education/Mentoring Contributions
- FRCC (Front Range Community College)
- Served as a tutor with numerous IPP students from 1996-2018
- Developed skill building tutoring curriculum
- Mentored new interpreting tutors
- Internship supervisor from 1997-2018
- Workshop Presenter--developed and presented numerous workshops on local and statelevels
- Served as interpreting model for feedback skill workshops with internship supervisors
- Provided private mentoring with Deaf and hearing mentees
2023 Recipient: Lynda Remmel
Lynda Remmel MA, CSC, CI, CT, SC:L
Lifetime Legacy Achievements
Interpreting Instruction
- Teaching Assistant, “Foundations of ASL Court Interpreting” by Carla Mathers, CO, 2020.
- Skills Specialist, Legal Interpreting Program-DO IT (Distance Opportunities for Interpreter Training) Center, Internship, University of Northern Colorado: 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013.
- Faculty Member, DO IT Center, University of Northern Colorado, July 2010.
- Full-time Faculty and Program Director, Interpreter Preparation Program, Front Range Community College, 1986—2010.
- Faculty Member, Legal Interpreting Program-DO IT Center University of Northern Colorado, 2003.
- Faculty Member, American Judicature Society Workshops, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC 1996 and Woodland Hills, CA 1997.
Certified Interpreter
- Served as a pioneer in the emerging field of sign language Interpreting, becoming certified in 1975 originally with the CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certification). Later obtained further certifications: SC:L, CI, CT and NIC Advanced.
- Served as an interpreter in a variety of settings: legal, mental health, educational, platform, corporate, VRS (Video Relay Service), religious, workshop, and other community settings.
Local, State and National Leadership:
RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), CIT (Conference of Interpreter Trainers), NCIEC (National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers), CCDHHDB (Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind):
- Served as a board member of the CCDHHDB Legal Auxiliary Services Advisory Committee (LASAC), 2006-2013.
- Served as a member of the NCIEC: AA to BA Partnership Project Committee and Coordinator for Interpreting Services for the National Summit on AA to BA Partnership Conference, CO 2006-2007.
- Member of Colorado Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 1986-present.
- Past Chair of the Professional Development Committee.
- Served as a member of the Colorado RID Legal Interpreting Committee (LIC), 1986- present:
- Past Chair of LIC.
- Past Training Subcommittee Chair for LIC.
- Key contributor to the creation of the Bench Card, currently in use in Colorado courts.
- Developed and offered legal Interpreter training.
- Served as a board member for DOVE (Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment) 2004-2006.
- Served as Region 3 Representative for CIT 1999-2001.
- Served as member and Vice-chair for the RID SC:L Test Development Task Force for the most current SC:L Test, 1990-1998.
- The 1995 version of the SC:L was a significant shift from what the exam had been prior to that time—including court interpreting scenarios, police interviews and client-attorney meetings. The task force also developed the rater training for this certification exam, implemented the rater training, and monitored the effectiveness--reliability and validity--of the exam.
Professional Impact Projects and Contributions
- Key participation in the production of Interpreting in the American Legal System 12-part videotape series and workbook, published by Sign Media in 1996. Legal interpreter training material was the first of its kind produced for sign language interpreters and served as the legal training standard for many years.
- Developed an Interpreter Training Program of high rigor:
- Developed rigorous prerequisites and course competencies.
- Co-created challenging cutting-edge curriculum in keeping with increasing industry standards and growth.
- Co-designed annual Silent Weekend immersion experience connecting students, the Deaf community and college instructors to achieve skill-building and cultural competence in a weekend mountain retreat environment.
- Provided an in-depth integration of foundational models of interpreting, emphasizing among others, the work of S. Gish, D. Cokely and B. Colonomos, with a unique and transformational foundation of the Integrated Model of Interpreting (IMI) into a core coursework.
- Pursued collaborative work with the University of Northern Colorado to create a Colorado AA to BA transfer model, laying foundational groundwork for its use in Colorado.
- Instrumental in the establishment, with ongoing support, of RMDS (Rocky Mountain Deaf School), beginning in 1992.
- Provided five-plus years of pro-bono interpreting for all facets of conception, development, building and opening of Colorado’s bilingual/bicultural charter school in Jefferson County, CO.
- Key contributor in the writing and revising of Colorado’s legal interpreting law, Appointment of Interpreters for Persons Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
- Key contributor in writing and updating accompanying rules.
Workshop Presenter, Trainer and Mentor
- Presented “Train the Trainer” workshops, offered yearly to train attendees how to offer effective skill-building workshops.
- Worked in collaboration with interpreting and faculty colleague, Rachel Naiman, to develop and offer an in-depth legal interpreter training for interpreters interested in this arena. Offered in Colorado, Washington, South Dakota, and Florida 1983—2008.
- Collaborated in developing and offering Deaf/hearing Interpreter trainings.
- Strong advocate for Deaf/hearing interpreter teams.
- Workshop developer and presenter for numerous additional workshops: national, regional, and state, beginning in 1980.
- Career-long mentor of interpreting instructors, students and interpreters.
2022 Recipient: Rachel Naiman
Rachel Naiman, MA, MS, CDI
Lifetime Legacy Achievements
ASL/Interpreting Instruction
IPP Faculty, Front Range Community College (FRCC) 1981-2006
- One of the first Deaf faculty to teach interpreting skills within an Interpreter Training Program
- Developed an Interpreter Training Program of high rigor: (with Lynda Remmel)
- Developed rigorous prerequisites and course competencies.
- Co-created challenging cutting-edge curriculum in keeping with increasing industry standards and growth.
- Co-designed annual Silent Weekend immersion experience connecting students, the Deaf community and college instructors to achieve skill-building and cultural competence in a weekend mountain retreat environment.
- Teacher of Excellence Award (Colorado Statewide Community College System) (1980’s)
- Channel 4 A+ Teacher Award (1990’s)
- Master Teacher Award (Front Range Community College) 2003
University of Northern Colorado, Distance Opportunities for Interpreter Training Center (DO-IT Center)
- Distance Instructional Manager for year-long “Interpreting in the American Legal System” program 2002-2003
- Provided direct supervision and support for students and facilitators
- Developed a lecture/video component on Deaf/Hearing Teams
- Served as a Skills Specialist for the skills development class.
Certified Deaf Interpreter
- Served as a pioneer in the emerging field of Deaf Interpreting, including serving as one of the first Certified Deaf Interpreters in the State of Colorado.
- Promoted the use of Deaf-hearing teams, helping to initiate the use of two Deaf-hearing teams for legal and other challenging or lengthy assignments.
Local, State and National Leadership: RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf),
CIT (Conference of Interpreter Trainers) and ASLTA (American Sign Language Teachers Association)
- Colorado RID (CRID) Legal Interpreting Committee (LIC)
- Initial Chair of LIC Certified Deaf Interpreter Subcommittee with ongoing involvement with CDI legal interpreter matters, including contacting Colorado interpreting agencies and DVR to encourage the use of CDI’s.
- Participated in the original writing of the Colorado statute for legal interpreters.
- Assisted with development of law enforcement sensitivity training.
- Assisted with the development of legal interpreting intern guidelines.
- National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
- Served as task force member on developing/updating certification testing
- Participated in several committee workgroups
- Ethical Practices System Adjudicator on regional and national levels
- ASLTA and CIT
- Co-founder of ASLTAC (American Sign Language Teachers Association of Colorado)
- Served on CIT board as regional representative
- Served on ASLTA-CIT Task Force
Legal Training Development and Instruction
- Worked in collaboration with interpreting and faculty colleague, Lynda Remmel, to develop and offer an in-depth legal training for legal interpreters.
- Participated in creating a format for mentoring/supervised hours within legal interpreting training.
Workshop Presenter
- Developed and presented numerous ASL and interpreting workshops on local, state and national levels
Mentoring
- Worked as a mentor and coach with Deaf and hearing interpreters through the DO-IT Center, CCDHHDB, and on an individual basis.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
2022 Recipient: Ann Topliff
Ann Topliff MA, CSC
Lifetime Legacy Achievements
Interpreting Grant Writer and Coordinator
- Worked in collaboration with Berenice Weadick to establish the Center on Deafness (COD) in the early 1970’s by writing a Colorado DVR grant. This center provided interpreting services, advocacy, and programs advocating the hiring of Deaf individuals.
- RSA Grant Coordinator--Front Range Community College (FRCC) 1986-1999
- Traveled monthly to RSA Region 8 (ND, SD, WY, MT, CO, UT) to offer interpreting skills workshops to working ASL interpreters and students.
- Collaborated with a community college in Salt Lake City to establish an interpreter training program (1995).
Certified Interpreter
- Served as a pioneer in the emerging field of sign language Interpreting, becoming certified in the early 1970’s with the original RID certifications: IC, TC and RSC. Later obtained the CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certification).
- Served as an interpreter for 52 years in a variety of settings: legal, mental health, VRS (Video Relay), medical, business, conference and other community settings with a retirement at the age of 82 in 2020.
Local, State and National Leadership: RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) and CIT (Conference of Interpreter Trainers)
- Administered the RID national written and performance exams for twenty years, beginning in 1986 and continuing to 2006.
- Served as the CIT board member.
- Served as the conference co-chair for CIT national conference in Denver.
- Served on RID committee for establishing CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter) certification, a three-year process.
- Served as a CRID (Colorado Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) state board member (Mile High District Secretary).
- Served as a CRID conference planning committee member on a number of occasions.
- Member CODA International (Children of Deaf Adults International, established in 1983) 1986-present.
- Member of each of three Colorado CODA Conference Planning Committees in 1986, 1997, 2009.
Interpreting Skills Evaluator
- Served at Front Range Community College as an Exit Exam Examiner for over 30 years (1989-2020).
Workshop Presenter
- Developed and presented numerous interpreting workshops on local, state and regional levels.
Mentoring
- Worked as a mentor for interpreters throughout the years.
Awards
Educational Interpreter of the Year Award
2001-2002 William Douglas Geist from Pueblo District 60
2002-2003 Kathy Randolph from Cherry Creek School District
2009-2010 Robin Stepanek from Mesa County School District 51
2010-2011 Patricia Himes from Cherry Creek School District
2011-2012 Rebecca "Becky" Mares from Colorado Springs District 11
2012-2013 Christal Klinger from Douglas County School District
2013-2014 Mary Jane Tom from Weld County School District 6
2014-2015 Lisa Roche from Dolores School District
2023 - 2024 Amber Pawlik
2024-2025 Karla Giron
MaryLee Ragland Member of the Year Award
1996 - Lynda Remmel
1997 - Mary Lee Ragland
1998 - Ann Topliff
1999 - Tricia Gravelle
2000 - Kathy Adelman
2001 - Lindsey Antle
2002- Deanne Bonenberger
2003 - Catherine Hoepfer
2004 - LeWana Clark
2005 - Ilah Jackson
2006 - Shawn Goodwin-Miller
2007 - Amie Seiberlich
2008 - Dora Veith
2009 - Victoria Novoselski
2010 - Jenny Miller
2011 - Nancy L. Dobbs
2012 - Lorae Merritt
2014 - Jenny Ballew
2016 - Christine Pendley
2017 - Carmela Roybal
2018-Haley Hegeman
2019- Lorrie Kosinski
2022-Susan Faltinson
2023 - Amber Ross
2024 - Penny Green
2026- Liz Chittenden