Richard W. Santmyer III
Charleston
Summary
American Sign Language interpreter with extensive experience in educational settings since 2021, providing essential support for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Collaborates effectively with educators to enhance comprehension and language development, participating in IEP meetings and tutoring sessions. Often substitutes for the teacher of the deaf due to scheduled meetings, illness, etc. Actively engages with the deaf community through attendance at events and workshops, ensuring continuous professional growth. Committed to delivering equal access and support in all situations, prioritizing the needs of the deaf individuals served.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Volunteer Interpreter
United Pentecostal Church International
Charleston
12 0 - Current
- Interpreted meetings, camps, and nationwide conferences by breaking down songs, messages, and teachings into comprehensible equivalencies.
- Guided development of daily and emotional behaviors
- Ensured communication needs were met across the organization by interpreting social and personal situations among leadership.
- Mentored and taught interpreters focused on religious interpreting skills.
- Facilitated cultural mediation to improve understanding among diverse groups.
- Coordinated interpretation service schedules for multiple events.
- Shared best practices in interpretation techniques to support team members.
- Adapted quickly to diverse environments and client requirements during assignments.
Educational Interpreter
Kanawha County Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Provided interpretation and tutoring for deaf and hard of hearing students in Kanawha County School System.
- Ensured full access to communication needs in classroom and school settings.
- contributed to IEP meetings focused on student educational benefits
- Developed lesson plans and teaching materials across all subjects for various situations.
- Collaborated with staff and administration to address diverse educational needs.
- Facilitated extracurricular activities to boost student engagement and enjoyment.
- Substituted for teacher of the deaf during absences, maintaining instructional continuity.
- Supported inclusive practices by promoting understanding of DHH student requirements among peers.
Substitute Educational Interpreter
Kanawha County Schools
<ul>
<li>Delivered real-time interpretation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students during classroom sessions.</li>
<li>Collaborated with staff to foster inclusive environments for students with disabilities.</li>
<li>Interpreted educational content to enhance accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in various settings.</li>
</ul>
2021 - 2021
- Delivered real-time interpretation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students during classroom sessions.
- Collaborated with staff to foster inclusive environments for students with disabilities.
- Interpreted educational content to enhance accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in various settings.
Director of Training
Chick-fil-A
Charleston
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Trained and mentored new team members on service protocols to enhance performance.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for effective employee onboarding.
- Coordinated schedules for training sessions across Front Counter to maximize participation.
- Collaborated with department heads to assess training needs and set objectives.
- Maintained accurate records of employee training progress and certifications.
- Conducted assessments to identify gaps in employee skills and knowledge.
- Evaluated training programs for effectiveness and identified areas for improvement.
- Analyzed training effectiveness through feedback and performance assessments.
Education
ASL II - Professional Development
Marshal University
Huntington, WV06.2025
Some College (No Degree) - Reagents Bachelor of Arts
West Virginia State University
Charleston, WVSkills
- Educational interpreting and communication access
- Team collaboration and mentoring
- Cultural mediation and inclusion strategies
- Event coordination and student engagement
- Emotional intelligence and relationship building
- Educational collaboration in IEP meetings
- Communication facilitation and lesson planning
- Special education and behavior management
- Conflict resolution and collaborative learning
- Literacy development and verbal communication
- Student evaluations and parent-teacher communication
- Speech and language support
Volunteer Experience
Religious, Interpreting meetings, conferences, and camps which includes breaking down songs, messages, and teachings in a comprehensible equivalency. Many situations have involved interpreting social and personal situations among the organization and its leadership, ensuring communication needs are met across the board. I am also involved with teaching and mentoring other interpreters who dedicate their skills to the field of religious interpreting.
Languages
American Sign Language
Full Professional
Certification
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, 3.4
Timeline
Educational Interpreter
Kanawha County Schools
01.2024 - Current
Director of Training
Chick-fil-A
08.2021 - 08.2024
Volunteer Interpreter
United Pentecostal Church International
12 0 - Current
Substitute Educational Interpreter
Kanawha County Schools
2021 - 2021
ASL II - Professional Development
Marshal University
Some College (No Degree) - Reagents Bachelor of Arts
West Virginia State University