Board

Meaghan Gessner /President / 2021-2023
I have been an interpreter for 16 years, graduating from the 4 year ASL-English Interpretation Program through Red River College and the University of Manitoba. I have been in this position for 1 year, but prior to that I was the Vice-President for 6 years. I also served as the secretary shortly after my graduation. I currently work as the Educational Interpreting Consultant for Manitoba Education but I also do other contract interpreting, primarily in the religious setting.
I have been married for 14 years and we have four kids who keep me very busy!

I am looking forward to being a part of this new board for the next couple of years. I think we have board members with a variety of different backgrounds and skills. I am excited to see how this board can better improve MAVLI.

president@mavli.com

Erica Trethart /Vice President / 2022-2024
I graduated from the 4-year ASL-English Interpretation Program (University of Manitoba/Red River College) in 2010. I have worked primarily as a staff interpreter for the Manitoba School for the Deaf and Manitoba Education but have also done some freelance and post-secondary work.

I am originally from Thompson, MB, but moved to Winnipeg to get my Music Degree in Percussion. I am married and have two young sons and a dog. I love travelling, music and baking.

I am enjoying my current role as Vice President of MAVLI, but have also been Treasurer, Secretary and MEC Chair. MAVLI is here to support interpreters, so please be in touch with any questions or concerns.

vp@mavli.com

Monica Furer / Treasurer / 2017 - 2023
I am currently in my third term as Treasurer of MAVLI and have enjoyed working on the board. I hope to mentor a replacement next year so they feel comfortable taking over in March 2023.
I graduated from the combined RRC/UofM AEIP in 2005. I work primarily in the post-secondary setting, but also do some free-lance and pro-bono interpretation in the general community.

treasurer@mavli.com

Sarah Szalai / Secretary / 2016 - 2024
My name is Sarah Szalai and I am enjoying contributing to the MAVLI board in the Secretary position. I have been on the board since 2016, first spending two terms as co-chair in the PR portfolio and also as Acting Secretary for one year. My goal while in this portfolio is to execute my duties efficiently and timely, maintaining clear communication between the MAVLI board and MAVLI membership. Since graduating from the AEIP in 2017 I have primarily been working in the Video Relay Service setting and I enjoy the challenge that each day brings.

secretary@mavli.com

Emma Drury /Membership / 2020 - 2024
Hi there! I have been an interpreter for four years now and I am loving learning new things and meeting new people all the time. The life of an interpreter is never boring and that's what I love about it! I am married and have two children. I was born and raised here in Winnipeg and I love our city. This is my first term on the MAVLI board.

membership@mavli.com

Vacant / Fundraising
This position is currently vacant.

Sheryl LaVallee / Professional Development / 2020 - 2024

I am entering into my 20th year of interpreting and I graduated from the first 4 year ASL-English Interpretation Program offered at Red River College. I currently work in post-secondary full time, but I also work part-time doing some VRS work, as well as community and other contract interpreting.

I have been married for almost 20 years and have two daughters ages 18 and 13. I am really excited to be on the board and work with my talented co-chairs Dawn-Marie and Meg Toews to bring some really exciting professional development opportunities to our members. I am passionate about our profession and I love talking about the work we do while learning from the amazing interpreters we have in our province.

When I am not interpreting, I love playing and volleyball, doing jigsaw puzzles, and I have a passion for cooking. I am looking forward another great year on this amazing board!

Dawn-Marie Wilson / Professional Development / 2020 - 2024
I’ve been an interpreter for 14 years and I still love it! Of those 14 years, I have previously been on the board in the positions of PR and President, I was also involved in the AVLIC conference planning committee. It’s been a few years, so I’m glad to be back with the board co-chairing with my friend and colleague Sheryl LaVallee.

I’m married with two little girls, a three year old and 6 month old who keep me on my toes! Balancing work, family and other personal and professional endeavors will be a challenge, but I’m ready for it! Looking forward to a great year ahead with lots of learning and growth for all of us.

pd@mavli.com

Mariette Koop / Public Relations / 2022-2024

pr@mavli.com

Miranda Murphy / Public Relations / 2022-2024

Hello everyone! I graduated in 2021 from the final four-year joint program between RRC and U of M. It has been a pleasure working in K-12, faith based, and in the community. I love being able to connect with the Deaf and Interpreting community at different events hosted throughout the year! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the lake, and travelling to new destinations.

I am excited to be co-chairing the PR position of MAVLI alongside my colleague and friend Mariette as we make a great team. Our goal is to connect students with experienced interpreters as well as create fun and welcoming ASL events. We hope to see you around!

pr@mavli.com

Jenn Horvath / Member at Large / 2022-2024

I graduated in 2003 from the first four year AEIP at Red River College/University of Manitoba. I have always enjoyed my time on the MAVLI board as a few different positions over the years. I primarily work in post secondary and freelance in the community.

I have been married for 15 years and have two daughters, ages 8 and 12 who keep us very busy!

It’s been almost 20 years, and I still love interpreting thanks to our amazing colleagues and Deaf community.

Shannon Graham & Kristen Hunt / MAVLI Education Committee / 2023
In the fall of 2019 we were asked to come on board as co-chairs in the MEC position with Meaghan Gessner. We have worked in the K-12 setting for 15 and 20 years respectively. Since 2006 we have faithfully attended MAVLI SAGE PD days. We have seen a variety of topics presented as well as actively participated in discussions surrounding the problems as well as the successes that happen in the classroom.

Our goal as co-chair members is to use our experiences to help streamline topics that are most beneficial to Signing EA’s/Interpreters working in the mainstreamed setting. We are looking forward to working with the new board members.

Amar Schiwietz / Digital Media Coordinator / 2023
Hi there! I am a recent graduate, graduating from the final 4-year program at RRC in 2021. The majority of my work is in the virtual relay interpreting setting. I'm extremely thankful to able to do work on this, the MAVLI Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors for Camp Kakepitay.

In my free time I enjoy photography, hiking, biking, and playing music in a band from time to time. I live with my partner of three years, as well as three little pet rats!

During my time on this board, I hope to help maintain and improve the technological side of MAVLI, with its website and social media presence. Coming from a family of computer wizards, I hope I can be of good service to this board and its members. Cheers!

digitalmedia@mavli.com