Danielle Ferndale

Chairperson

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.

Secretary

Kylie Ward

General Committee Member

I grew up in Adelaide and moved to Queensland at the end of 2017. At the time, I had been working in administration roles for approximately 25 years. Seeking a career change, I decided to study Auslan. I instantly fell in love with the language, culture and community. In 2020 I began working as an Educational Interpreter and in 2024 gained my NAATI accreditation. I have since been working as a community interpreter on the Sunshine Coast and I am also a qualified Justice of the Peace.

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 licence 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 ASLIA committee member since 2022. I feel fortunate to be a part of ASLIA 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

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.

General Committee Member