Program Facilitators
Ku Mei Butler Kern
Ku Mei Butler Kern is a BIPOC Coda woman. She was born to deaf parents and is a heritage signer. Her father grew up in California attending the Riverside School for the Deaf while her mother came to America from Hong Kong and received her schooling in the mainstream. With over 25 years of interpreting experience including owning her own agency in a diverse multicultural place such as Hawaii, she brings multiple perspectives to any discussion regarding the deaf community and interpreting. Additionally, she was part of the curriculum development team for COMPASS, an interpreting preparation program specifically for Codas through Sorenson Communications. She holds degrees in Human Service Management and ASL Teaching (MA). Currently she works as a trainer and curriculum consultant to many ASL and Interpreting instructors in the United States and abroad through GoReact, an online video feedback and assessment platform. Her hobbies include backpacking, hiking, yoga, and anything in the outdoors. She is often found lost in an article or book, or else finding adventure with her goldendoodle and teenage daughter.
Marvin Miller
Marvin Miller is a white Deaf man who has facilitated Deafhood classes and workshops all over America for several years now. He is a founding board member of The Deafhood Foundation. He also led the effort to build the world's first signing town in Laurent, SD. Marvin believes that by understanding Deafhood, Deaf people will become liberated. Other than being involved with Deafhood, Marvin is an author and will publish an upcoming memoir, Our First Discovery in May 2022. He has a Masters in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. Last, but not least, Marvin is a father of four Deaf children.
Ivy Vélez
Ivy Vélez is a BIPOC Deaf woman who is a grassroot Latina Deaf Community Advocate and was born the oldest daughter of Deaf Parents who are both from Puerto Rico and works as a Statewide Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Supports at the Department of Developmental Services serving individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Master of Science degree in Organizational, Management and Leadership. She has worked in human services for over 35 years and developed specialized consultations, staff training and program/process evaluations focusing on intercultural competences and on issues related to valuing diversity within culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse school settings, workplaces, and organizations locally, statewide, and nationwide. She also conducted and chaired effective cultural sensitivity workshops, numerous presentations, seminars, and panels addressing issues affecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers. Ivy lives in Marlborough, Massachusetts with her partner, Kim Ewing, for 23 years and their 5 precious cats.