Danielle Ferndale
Chairperson
I started learning Auslan in 2011 after meeting a Deaf colleague at work and wanting to be able to chat to them at work. I took a break to do a PhD in Psychology and after completing that in 2016, I went back to studying Auslan. I completed my Diploma of Interpreting in 2019 and qualified as a Certified Provisional Interpreter in 2020 and Certified Interpreter in 2024.
I have worked mostly in the academic and public health sector as a researcher (I am not a qualified psychologist). I also worked as an Educational Interpreter for a short time. I’ve been involved in the community in various ways over the years and been an Associate Member of ASLITA for a few years now. I have been an ASLITAQ committee member since 2020.
I currently work as a freelance interpreter in Brisbane.
Pauline Hansen
Vice Chairperson
Pauline grew up in the Deaf community and has worked in various logistic roles. Ever since a passing conversation happened during a hospital visit, her interest in studying Auslan and becoming an interpreter was piqued!
Pauline loves to catch up with friends and meet new people and she is excited to bring her past experience to the committee.
Hannah Nixon
Secretary
Danni Walker
General Committee Member
Camilla Smith
General Committee Member
Hi! My name is Camilla and here’s a little bit about my sign language journey. I was born in the U.K. and I started learning British Sign Language (BSL) in 2012. I worked as a Communication Support Worker (CSW) in two colleges up until I moved to Australia in 2018. I transitioned over to Auslan and worked as an Educational Interpreter (EI) with a wonderful supportive team. After completing the Diploma of Interpreting course in 2020 I achieved my CPI license thanks to many wonderful Deaf role models, teachers and friends. Since then I have been working in a variety of settings as a freelance interpreter and I have been an ASLITA committee member since 2022. I feel fortunate to be a part of ASLITA as I am able to support and give back to the interpreting and Deaf community!
Emily Christofferson
General Committee Member
After graduating high school in Mackay, I immersed myself in the Deaf Community and started studying Auslan. I gained work as an educational interpreter in 2020 and have loved working with and advocating for students in the education space. In September 2023, I passed my NAATI certification and have begun community interpreting work. The amazing Deaf community and interpreters have supported me every step of the way. I’m looking forward to being on the ASLITAQ committee and giving back to the community – especially in regional areas.
Tiana Watene
General Committee Member
I grew up in Aotearoa Zealand heavily surrounded by and involved in multicultural communities which include the Deaf and Māori/Pacific Islander Communities, using a mixture of NZSL, English and Māori as my main forms of communication.
Having Deaf family members ignited my passion to become an Auslan interpreter in 2016 and becoming accredited in 2021, which has lead me down a pathway in to spotlighting and supporting First Nations Deaf/HoH communities as a First Nations identifying interpreter.
Frances Pujolas
General Committee Member
I’m a North Queenslander born and bred, which is where I first learned to sign, through the Deaf Society in Townsville. I worked as an Educational Interpreter for many years throughout most of the state of Queensland, both remote and within the metropolitan areas. My goal was always to achieve my NAATI certification, and I was successful in 2023. There was a lot of jumping and screaming (with joy) the day I received the text!! I am excited to see what the future brings, and I believe I bring a unique perspective to the ASLITA team.
Tracy Mouy
General Committee Member
Upcoming Events
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ASLITAQ 2025 P-Platers September
10/09/2025 to 10/09/2025 -
ASLITAQ 2025 September General Meeting
25/09/2025 to 25/09/2025 -
ASLITAQ – 2025 Townsville Workshop Weekend
27/09/2025 to 28/09/2025 -
ASLITAQ 2025 P-Platers October
08/10/2025 to 08/10/2025 -
ASLITAQ 2025 October General Meeting
23/10/2025 to 23/10/2025
Contacts
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ASLIAQ Instagram