We teach American Sign Language
the Most Beautiful Language in the World!
Who We Are
Company Snapshot
Founded
In 2010, Theresa King held the first ASL tutoring and training session in Boston, MA. Just two years later, SIGNING Basics was born.
Headquarters
We are still in Massachusetts but further West. You can find us all over the map rolling out new programs in:
Springfield, MA 01109
413/241-7992
Locations
Our virtual programs are provided by our contractors worldwide.
Our purpose is to bridge our communities one sign and course at a time.
Founder Story
About 10 years ago I was approached by a busy foster care mom asking me to teach her ASL. I was delighted to learn that she desired to communicate with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children placed in her home. With a busy schedule, she was unable to attend formal classes and so she reach out for help.
Word about the personal touch, focused attention, clear explanation about ASL and the correct signing structure to use, spread quickly. Soon I began tutoring and training businesses, and organizations all over the state and around the county! It is amazing to meet so many people that want to communicate in the beautiful language of ASL, and I am committed to our mission to bridge our communities one sign and course at a time.
I certainly cannot do it alone! To help with the growing demand for sign language tutoring and training, I hire the most friendly, fun and experienced tutors and trainers available.
Meet the SIGNING Basics Team below.
Our Team of Contractors
Always Ready to Sign With YOU!
Jamie Lakota
Deaf
I am from Western Massachusetts. I was born hearing until I turned one year old when I became deaf. I attended several Deaf schools, including Governor Baxter School for the Deaf in Maine, where I graduated with a high school diploma. I am attending an online university for a BA in English and Creative Writing.
I think ASL is Beautiful, and I want to share my beautiful language with others. It is one of the reasons I started teaching ASL classes with SIGNING Basics. I truly enjoy teaching group classes and supporting beginners with private coaching.
My goal is to help people understand the uniqueness of Deaf Culture, our language, and our community.
Krystina
Deaf
I was born in South Korea and was adopted by my Deaf parents at the age of 4. I attended American School for the Deaf (ASD) and graduated in 2000. I went to Manchester Community College in Connecticut. There, I received an A.S. degree in General Studies. At Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., I received a B.A. degree in Social Work. I've always had an interest in teaching and helping people in the Information Technology (IT) field. I have plans to get my Master's degree in Instructional Technology.
Since 2018, I've been working at ASD, and in 2023, I was voted the Teacher Aide of the Year. When I'm not a Teacher’s Aide, I teach ASL to the general community and families.
I believe the best way for people learning ASL is to fully immerse themselves into the Deaf community and culture, which means interacting with diverse groups of the Deaf population. It is vital to keep the ASL and Deaf culture thriving.
Yvonne
Hearing
As a member of the Deaf Community and the Sign Language Instructors Pool, I taught sign language privately and in Adult Education programs.
After passing the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification for ASL interpreting, I spent thirteen years working for the Connecticut Commission on the Deaf as well as five years teaching ASL at the college Level.
Sandra
Deaf
I am originally from St. Kitts in the West Indies and I am Deaf. I have experience working with deaf people from various countries who use gestures to communicate like I once did, or they speak a signed language from their origin country and not ASL. For them ASL would be a second language. I want to teach these people ASL because I cherish and love the deaf community.
Michelle
Hearing
I took my first ASL class in Fall 2016. Since then, I've immersed myself fully in the Deaf community and culture. Since 2016, I've been fascinated with ASL interpreting, facilitating communication, & inclusivity. I've been working at the American School for The Deaf (ASD) as a Teacher Aide. I tutor people privately and sometimes will assist in ASL classes. I enjoy watching the learning process for individuals learning ASL, and I lean towards a positive, encouraging approach with them. I'm always looking to bridge the gap between both the Hearing & the Deaf world.
Our STAFF
Donna
Deaf
I am from Connecticut and have been teaching ASL for over 30 years now. I have taught ASL at various different levels ranging from infants to adults. I enjoy teaching ASL, as I am very passionate about the deaf community, and like to inspire others to learn and use ASL.
Kelly
Jessica
Caleb
Hearing
Hearing
Hearing
Coming Soon!
I discovered a strong connection with ASL while taking consecutive courses at Holyoke Community College and working with the vibrant Deaf faculty and students on campus. Since then, ASL and Deaf culture studies have become an ongoing investment in my life. I’ve been leading classes, hosting events, and creating video and other media content with SIGNING Basics. Before that, I was hired as a Supplemental Instructor at HCC, working with Deaf professors to implement class plans and study groups to support students in their ASL courses. My passion is to help people of all ages (from infants to 80-year-olds and beyond!) learn this beautiful language and have fun as they do! To help bridge the Hearing and Deaf communities, facilitate understanding, and connect people in supportive ways are things I’m grateful to be a part of!
Coming Soon
Olivia
Hearing
Social Media Support
I first learned about American Sign Language and Deaf culture my senior year of college and have been studying and signing ever since! I received my first Bachelor's of Arts in Linguistics, and am presently an online student pursuing a second Bachelor's in ASL/English interpretation with future career goals of becoming an interpreter. As a Marketing Representative for SIGNING Basics, LLC, I reach out to various organizations, offering them our wonderful ASL programs and updating our contact database.
Johanny
Hearing
Social Media Support
I'm from Connecticut, and I fell in love with ASL about ten years ago. I have two associate’s degrees from the Interpreting Training Program (ITP) and Deaf Studies; I work in Bridgeport Public Schools as a Language Facilitator for Deaf students. I enjoy learning new languages; I'm fluent in Spanish, English, and ASL, and I hope to learn Israeli sign language!
Some of our many Clients
