About Me

Hello and welcome to my journey with American Sign Language (ASL)! I'm Angie Brown, and my story with ASL began in the heart of North Carolina, where I was born and raised in Roxboro before moving to Greensboro over twenty years ago. It was here, in Greensboro, where my life took an unexpected turn that would forever change my path.

My introduction to ASL was serendipitous. While teaching a youth bible study class, I met my first Deaf person—a vibrant 7-year-old girl who tried to communicate with me using ASL. I sat there, clueless and heartbroken that I couldn't understand her or respond in kind. That moment was a pivotal one; it ignited a fire within me and sparked a lifelong passion for ASL.

Determined to bridge the communication gap, I embarked on a quest to learn ASL. I discovered Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CSDHH) and enrolled in their beginners' class, bringing my then 12-year-old daughter along with me. From the outset, I was captivated by the expressive beauty of ASL and eagerly progressed through levels two and three.

My involvement with ASL deepened when the owner of CSDHH approached me with an opportunity to become an ASL interpreter. Although I knew little about interpreting at the time, I was intrigued and accepted the challenge. This led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in interpreting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I graduated with honors.

My career began as an education interpreter, a role I cherished for eight fulfilling years. However, my journey took another exciting turn when the director of world languages invited me to teach ASL. I seized this opportunity during a challenging time—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—and developed a curriculum for beginners and ASL level 1 students.

I had the honor of being one of the first ASL teachers in Guilford County, initially teaching at Kiser Middle School and Grimsley High School. The interest in ASL grew rapidly, and within a year, the class size doubled. Due to this overwhelming interest, I transitioned to teaching exclusively at Grimsley High School, where I have since developed curricula for ASL levels one, two, and three. The class size has now tripled, reflecting a growing eagerness among students to learn and engage with the Deaf community.

I am proud to hold my NC teaching license and am excited to further my education at Gallaudet University, where I will pursue a Master of Arts in Sign Language Education. My active involvement in the Deaf community keeps me connected to the latest signs and insights into Deaf culture, ensuring that my teaching remains relevant and authentic.

ASL and its unique culture have become my life's passion, and I am eager to share this beautiful language with you. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about ASL, I invite you to join me on this enriching journey of communication, understanding, and connection.

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Angie Brown

ASL Coach