Maria Gross, Portland Oregon
Maria’s exposure to Sign Language began at an early age when her mother, after meeting several deaf adults, took interest in becoming fluent and eventually became an ASL interpreter. With this connection to the deaf community, Maria learned some Signing basics which she then later improved on in college with some formal training.
Maria has her Associate’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Science from Napa Valley Community College in California and her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Washington State University. She had focused her work with young children by teaching preschool and in working as a case manager for children with special needs. In both positions she found her knowledge of Sign to be helpful and enriching for the children and their families.
More recently Maria began to see the direct benefits of using Sign with young children when she and her husband, Richard, were blessed with their daughter in February 2007. This first-hand experience with using Sign with her baby motivated her to explore the subject further finding “My Smart Hands” and sparking the idea that she has something valuable to share with other families.
Maria’s experience in early childhood education and her work with families provides her with the knowledge necessary to share Sign Language with your family. Her hope is to give you one more way to increase the vital and positive parental bond that unlocks the potential all children have.
For more info e-mail: Maria@mysmarthands.com or download our class inquiry form to be placed on a mailing list for upcoming classes. Remember to email the form back to Maria once completed.
