Carlisa Gunter

    Carlisa Smith Gunter comes from a 2nd generation Deaf family and is originally from Kansas (“There is No Place Like Home.”)  She graduated from Kansas School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University.  She studied in psychology, communication arts and education.  Her job experiences include counseling, working as an outreach program specialist, and teaching ASL. These experiences have created who she is. Teaching in a variety of settings; recreation, community college, and high school classes, has provided her a wealth of experiences in teaching ASL and Deaf culture.  Currently, she teaches ASL at Maggie Walker Governor’s School.

   As a 5 years old girl, she met her first hearing person, a neighbor the same age. This is when her dream of being an ASL teacher began. Being a wife to Charles and mother to Chad who is a CODA and Courtney who has special needs have filled her with joy everyday. Acting and telling ASL stories makes her happy. Seeing Deaf and hearing people break down communication barriers makes her happier! Her strong desire is to see not only RVA but everywhere be more Deaf-friendly than Deaf-challenged.