Melissa Westlake
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
American Sign Language (ASL) Specialist with extensive experience across Pre-K through 12th grade, including early childhood and kindergarten learners. Expertise in ASL assessment, language development, and IEP goal design for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Strong background supporting students with diverse needs, including autism and language deprivation. Skilled in early language acquisition, visual communication strategies, and family-centered approaches. Presenter and collaborator dedicated to improving equitable access and language outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ASL Specialist (Pre-K–12)
Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD)
Phoenix, AZ
07.2022 - Current
- Provide ASL instruction and language development support for students from Pre-K through 12th grade, including early childhood (Pre-K) and kindergarten learners
- Conduct ASL language assessments using tools such as VCSL, SLPI, P-Level, ASL-CIA, ASL-RST, ASL-EST, and more
- Develop and write ASL-aligned IEP report, and write goals focused on language acquisition, narrative development, pragmatic, and grammar
- Collaborate with teachers, interpreters, and multidisciplinary teams
- Provide consultation on language deprivation, visual learning strategies, and accessibility
- Support students with complex needs, including autism and additional disabilities
K–12 ASL Teacher
Sequoia Deaf School
Mesa, AZ
07.2017 - 05.2022
- Taught ASL across K–12 grade levels, including kindergarten, as well as adult learners
- Designed and implemented BGC (Bilingual Grammar Curriculum) and ASL curriculum aligned with language development stages and visual learning principles
- Supported develop delayed and early language learners in developing foundational ASL skills
- Integrated classifiers, role shift, and non-manual markers into instruction
- Incorporated Deaf culture and identity into teaching practices
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Weaving & Textiles Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY05.1999
Skills
- ASL Assessment (VCSL, SLPI, ASL-RST, ASL-EST, P-Level)
- IEP Development (ASL-focused goals & progress tracking)
- Early Language Development (Birth–5)
- Serving Students Pre-K through 12
- Deaf Education & Visual Learning Strategies
- Autism & Language Development in Deaf Students
- Narrative Development (role shift, classifiers, NMMs)
- Collaboration & Consultation
- Family & Community Engagement
Accomplishments
Assessment and IEP
- Developed and implemented ASL-based assessment practices that informed data-driven IEP goals and improved student language outcomes
- Designed structured ASL evaluation reports used to guide educational placement, instruction, and service delivery
- Increased clarity and consistency in ASL progress monitoring through the use of data tracking systems.
Early Childhood
- Applied VCSL framework to assess and support early language development in Deaf children (birth through 8)
- Supported early learners in developing foundational ASL skills, including vocabulary, pragmatic, visual attention, basic sentence structure.
Teaching and Student Growth
- Improved student ASL expressive and receptive skills through targeted instruction and individualized language intervention
- Supported students with diverse learning needs, including autism, in developing functional communication skills
- Designed engaging ASL-based lessons incorporating narrative skills, classifiers, and role shift
Collaboration and Leadership
- Collaborated and interdisciplinary team to improve language access and student outcomes
- Provided consultation to teachers and staff on ASL strategies, language deprivation, and visual learning supports
- Supported school teams in aligning ASL instruction with IEP goals and academic expectations
Training and Presenting
- Presented professional development at ASLRT on ASL Specialist roles, assessment practices, and report writing
- Trained educators on interpreting ASL assessment data and developing measurable IEP goals
- Developed and implemented frameworks for ASL evaluation and instructional planning used by colleagues
Mentorship
- Mentored new staff across ASL teachers and ASL specialist roles, strengthening their skills in instruction, assessment practices, and IEP implementation to ensure high-quality services
Affiliations
NASLECE Member (2025–2027)
Certification
- VCSL Evaluator Certification (Birth–5), NASLECE, 2024
- VCSL & MacArthur Assessment Training, NASLECE / Gallaudet University, 2019
- SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Certification, SKI-HI Institute, 2025
- Introduction to Signed Language Intervention (ISL), 70 hours, 2024
- ASL Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) Training, 2022
- SLPI: ASL Rating – Superior Plus/Superior Range, 2023
- SLPI Rater Training & Refresher, 2023–2024
- Arizona Department of Education Certification – ASL (6–12)
Languages
America Sign Language
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Active involvement in Deaf community events an social spaces
- Host Deaf Day and ASL Day events at school
- Cosplay design and fabrication including 3D printing, sewing, and leatherwork
- Creative media (video editing, visual storytelling)
- Support families in ASL learning and early language development
Timeline
ASL Specialist (Pre-K–12)
Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD)
07.2022 - Current
K–12 ASL Teacher
Sequoia Deaf School
07.2017 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Weaving & Textiles Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
- Deafhood 101 Training (20 hours), 2024
- Deaf Autism Training, 2024
- Language of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students with Autism (RID CEU), 2025
- Visual Communication & ASL Training I & II (16 hours), 2024
- FBA/BIP Training, 2025
- FAPE Training, 2025
- IEP Overview Training, 2024
- LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) Training, 2025
- Multi-Discipline Collaboration Training, 2026
- Student Behavior Profile Training (Grades 3–4), 2024
Teacher of the Year, 2018 & 2021
Teacher of the Year (ASL Teacher), Sequoia Deaf School, 2018 and 2021