Staff
'Public Service is a Public Trust'
We are here to serve you!
|
|
Anita Dowd – Executive Director Anita has held a variety of positions since being hired in 1998. Regardless of the position, advocacy was at the forefront of her duties. She is passionate about advocating for effective communication and working with families with deaf and hard of hearing children. She is also a certified ADA coordinator and loves public speaking. Anita attended Gallaudet University and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. She has two awesome daughters that also have hearing loss. When not working she keeps busy collecting crafting supplies in hopes that someday she will have time to actually make something with them. |
|
|
Rachel Morgan Kincaid – Executive Staff Advisor Rachel has worked as an interpreter in several states, and holds National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Level IV and National Interpreter Certification (NIC). In her experiences interpreting, she has developed an appreciation of the changes in the profession and the strengthening of the partnership between the deaf community and interpreting profession. Rachel, a daughter of deaf parents, joined KCDHH in 2002, she loves the arts and spends any extra time she has with her children. |
|
|
Executive Administrative Secretary Vacant |
|
|
Justin Stanley - Policy Specialist Justin joined KCDHH as a Policy Specialist in 2022. Among other positions, he previously served as Executive Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Northwest Florida in Pensacola, Florida. He lives in Lexington with his wife Christine and their three dogs. He is currently re-learning ASL after several years and enjoys traveling, reading about history, and learning about technology. He is a 2020 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law and a 2005 graduate of the University of Richmond (B.A., Classics). |
|
|
Interpreter Referral Specialist Vacant |
|
|
Mikayla Qualls - Interpreter II Mikayla is a dedicated ASL interpreter whose passion for inclusivity and equal access drives her work. Since earning her Bachelor of Science in ASL/English Interpretation from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 and obtaining her National Interpreter Certification (NIC) in 2019, she has worked to provide honest and effective communication in diverse settings. Originally from New England, Mikayla moved to Kentucky in 2014 and has embraced her community in Lexington, where she enjoys playing on a local kickball team. Outside of work, she shares her home with two beloved rescue dogs, Poncho and Delores. |
|
|
Jessica Endler Smith – TAP Program Coordinator Jessica joined KCDHH in July 2013 and works as the Program Coordinator for the Telecommunications Access Program. Deaf herself, she has a passion for providing telecommunication access to deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians. Jessica's hometown is Louisville, where she graduated from Butler Traditional High School. She earned her billing/coding certificate from Jefferson Community & Technical College. Jessica's background includes working in her family's restaurant and medical coding at Robley Rex Veterans Hospital. Jessica lives in Shelbyville with her husband Jeremy, and is mother to Morgan and bonus mom to Mykayla, Mykenzie, and Mason. Jessica is a fan of game nights and always on the lookout for new exciting games to try with her family and friends. |
|
|
O.J. Disney II - Document Processing Specialist II O.J. joined KCDHH in March, 2022, as the Document Processing Specialist II and will be part of the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) team in processing applications, as well as researching and reviewing equipment to make sure KCDHH is providing the most cutting edge for consumers. O.J. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1993. He lives in Shelbyville with his wife, Tracy. They have two children: Luke and Katie. O.J. also enjoys watching horror and science fiction movies. |
|
|
Administrative Specialist II Vacant |
|
|
Information Office Supervisor Vacant |
|
|
Emily Kimbell – Information Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emily joined KCDHH as an Information Program Coordinator in June 2012 after working two years as a special education teacher aide in the Hickman County school system. In her day-to-day job duties, Emily helps empower deaf and hard of hearing individuals, directing them to resources to help improve their access to effective communication in a variety of settings. Since graduating from Gallaudet University in 2007, the Paducah native has worked with deaf and hard of hearing students in a deaf school as well as a public school setting. In her spare time, Emily loves coaching and attending basketball games. |
|
|
Blake Campbell – Information Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Blake began working at KCDHH in July 2012, and is a proud 2011 graduate of Gallaudet University, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, with a minor in Photography. He enjoys his position as Information Coordinator; being an advocate, to educate public businesses about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and equal communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community! Blake lives in his hometown, Louisville, where he stays active with his Australian Shepherd named Zora, and exploring life in Kentucky’s largest city. |
|
|
Jim Rivard – Network Technician II Jim joined KCDHH in February 2008. Originally from New York, he attended and graduated from Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C. He then attended Gallaudet University, Eastern Kentucky University and Wichita State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. After working in the social services field for several years, he fell into information technology and never looked back. Jim obtained various certifications in computing and started working exclusively in information technology. |
