Meredith

"Deaf Initiatives and Keepsake Theme Quilts is the perfect place for me — I love working here."

Meredith oversees the planning of the initiatives. Her background as a small business owner for 17 years gives her the experience needed to successfully coordinate the initiatives. Meredith has been involved in all Deaf Initiatives' programming since its inception in 1998. Meredith has bachelor degree in communication from the Ohio University and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Interpreting/ASL Education from Columbus State Community College.

Meredith is the parent of two Deaf adults. In her quest for information and a better understanding of deafness, she has sought involvement with organizations that serve the deaf and hard of hearing populations.

Paige - Executive director of Deaf Initiatives

"As the parent of a deaf child, my passion is to see each deaf student reach their full potential. I love the concept that proceeds from the quilt business go toward educational programming for deaf students. I am proud to know the ladies at KTQ and happy to be part of such a unique and talented team"

Paige began attending Deaf Initiatives' workshops in 2003, joined the board of directors in 2005, and was recently honored with a request from the founder to become director of Deaf Initiatives. Prior to increasing her involvement at Deaf Initiatives, Paige found great pleasure as a stay-at-home mom, a wonderful time that was preceded by a vibrant twelve-year corporate career in engineering design, construction, and marketing. A native of Houston, she has a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas. Paige and her husband happily live in New Albany, Ohio with their three children and a dog.

Anna

"I choose to work at KTQ because their values are inline with my own. It's a place I can be proud to a part of and excited about the initiatives we support.  After years of searching, I've found a place to call HOME!"

Anna grew up in Ashtabula, OH and moved to Columbus when she married in 1977. She attended KSU and Ohio State University (OSU) for business and computers before receiving her interpreting degree from Columbus State Community College (CSCC). She lives with her husband in Westerville and has 3 children and 5 grandsons. She is the program manager for Deaf Initiatives and Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Judy

"One of my friends had asked me to come here to work because I was skilled in sewing. Also because Keepsake Theme Quilts has Deaf employees, I have fun with them."

Judy grew up in Painesville, OH and graduated from Ohio School for the Deaf in 1972. She is currently married and lives in New Albany, Ohio. She is the lead seamstresses for Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Kathy

"I was exposed to quilting all my life by my grandma and have always been interested in making quilts. Everybody that works at Keepsake Theme Quilts knows Sign Language. The communication is important to me because we can understand each other easily."

Kathy grew up in Washington Courthouse, Ohio and currently lives in Columbus. She is the trainer for Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Terri

"I enjoy working here because I developed a sisterhood with my deaf co-workers. I have never felt discomfort working here because I can communicate freely with others using sign language."

Terri grew up in Reynoldsburg, OH and has 2 young children. She began working at Keepsake Theme Quilts in 2001.

Bonita

"What inspired me to come to Keepsake Theme Quilts is the communication among other Deaf employees. This environment gives me a chance to share my ideas on quilting and enjoy being part of "the team" at Keepsake Theme Quilts."

Bonita grew up in New Jersey, raised a family in New York, and moved to Columbus, Ohio after her husband's retirement. She is a seamstress for Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Christy

"I like that my job makes me feel professional. I like the ability to communicate with my co-workers."

Christy grew up in Washington Courthouse, Ohio and currently lives in Columbus. She is a graduate of the Ohio School for the Deaf in 1985. She is a production assistant for assistant for Keepsake Theme Quilts.

Shelley

"I am studying American Sign Language (ASL) at Columbus State Community College and working here allows me to practice my ASL. I love working where ASL is total communication!"

Shelley grew up in Columbus, Ohio and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin University. She is married and has two children.

Karen

"I enjoy working with my friends because they are all deaf and it makes communication easy."

Karen grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and recently started at Keepsake Theme Quilts last summer. She lives with her daughter in Grove City and their three dogs.

Shonna

"I like working here because I like the mission goals of helping deaf and hard-of hearing youth."

Shonna grew up in McKee, Kentucky, and moved to Columbus almost 5 years ago. She started working at Keepsake Theme Quilts in August of last year, and lives with her husband of two years, two sons, and stepson.

Renee

"I love working at Keepsake Them Quilts because of the creative environment where ideas can be discussed freely. It also helps me as an interpreting student to better myself in the language I am passionate about."

Renee grew up and currently lives near Lancaster, Ohio. She went to school at Spring Arbor University for two years as a business major. She then transferred back to Columbus State Community College where she is currently pursuing a career as an ASL interpreter. She is an office assistant for Keepsake THem Quilts.

Aonia & Jessika - Student Interns

Keepsake Theme Quilts utilizes a Work Experience Model to provide a first time job experience (internship) for high school juniors and seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing.  This internship builds self esteem and self confidence giving the young adults the tools to work towards self sufficiency with the goal of building a job history.

These two young women, Aonia DePriest and Jessika Curry, are learning how to be responsible, take credit for their work, and become productive citizens with a bright future!