Melissa Kate Adams-Silva

Melissa Kate Adams-Silva is a Lecturer of American Sign Language (ASL) at the University of Vermont (UVM), affiliated with the Department of Education within the College of Education and Social Services. She holds an MS in Secondary Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) from Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID) and a BFA in Interior Design from RIT. Her expertise spans ASL instruction, Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and Art Education, with a focus on fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments.

Education:

• MS in Secondary Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing), RIT/NTID, Rochester, NY
• BFA in Interior Design (minor in Art History), RIT, Rochester, NY

Research and Teaching: MK emphasizes connection-building through humor, creativity, and experiential learning. She teaches ASL, Deaf Culture, and related courses online and at UVM, while advocating for social justice and equity. Her innovative methods include integrating art, games, and body language into instruction.

Community and Leadership: MK has served on a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ) committee and presented at the 2023 DEISJ conference in Albany, NY. She co-authored interviews in the bestselling book *Success Wisdom: By Deaf and Hard of Hearing People* (August 2024), sharing insights from her lived experience as a Deaf educator.

Teaching Roles:

• ASL 1100: American Sign Language I (multiple sections at UVM)
• Online courses in ASL, Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and Deaf Art

Professional Experience: With 12+ years teaching ASL and 20 years as a Teacher of the Deaf, MK prioritizes accessibility and collaboration, mentoring students across disciplines and advocating for marginalized communities.