ABOUT US

KCD Staff

Mission Statement for KCD

Knoxville Center of the Deaf promotes an inclusive society by offering community events, advocacy, education, and opportunities that embrace diversity.

Our mission is to foster a connected and inclusive society by providing an array of services. Through our dedication to promoting diverse community values, we strive to enhance awareness by offering community events, advocacy, and education to embolden all individuals to embrace diversity and create a world of equitable opportunities. Knoxville Center of the Deaf promotes an inclusive society by offering community events, advocacy, education, and opportunities that embrace diversity.

Vision Statement

We will conquer all barriers.

Our vision is to create a world where communication barriers are eliminated (or removed), and all individuals, regardless of their hearing ability, can participate fully in every aspect of life. We envision a society where Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Hearing individuals collaborate seamlessly, celebrating their unique cultures and perspectives. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, we aim to be a driving force in transforming perceptions, fostering empathy, and promoting equal opportunities for all, building a brighter, more connected future for generations to come. We will conquer all barriers.

Christina “ Chrissy” Vorreyer-Davis, M.S.
Executive Director (August 2022 - Present)

A message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Knoxville Center of the Deaf,

I want to begin this message with deep gratitude for the amazing journey during my first year here at Knoxville Center for the Deaf. As many of you know, I aim for a positive and growth mindset even when conversations are challenging. 

Each day we open our doors and greet our communities with love and respect. We recommit to open-mind learning, constant improvement and intentional evolution as individuals and as an organization.

Come and get involved! Bring your energy and resources to enrich Knoxville Center for the Deaf.

Warm Regards,

Christina Vorreyer-Davis

Abigail Barker, M.S.
Case Management & Outreach Referral Specialist and DeafBlind Program Coordinator

My name is Abigail “Abby” Barker.

Graduated from Gallaudet University

Bachelor of Social work ‘22

Master of social work ‘23

Fun Fact:  I am a cross country runner

Christiane “Kit” Frith
Interpreting Services Scheduler

My name is Christiane, but I go by Kit, and I am the Interpreter Scheduler here at KCD!
I am Hard of Hearing but come from a culturally hearing background, and I love being able to work with the Deaf Community every day.
I moved to East Tennessee from Memphis and graduated from the University of Tennessee's Interpreter Training Program in 2023. Aside from my ITP, I also minored in Theatre which is one of my passions. My hobbies include anything in the Great Smoky Mountains, like hiking, white water rafting, flat water kayaking, and camping. I also enjoy swing dancing, and playing with my 13-year-old standard poodle, Lindy.

Gabrielle Leonard
Accounting Clerk & Receptionist

Hello! My name is Gabrielle, I am the Accounting Clerk and Receptionist here at KCD. I have worked at KCD for four years. I graduated from Maryville College with majors in Interpreting and Deaf Studies as well as minors in Business and Psychology.

Rebecca “Becky” Wood
Staff Interpreter

My name is Becky wood and I am a south Knoxville native, attended Maryville College and completed her internship at KCD.  Upon graduation in May 1993, I started out working as a contract interpreter for KCD.  I held several job positions at KCD over the years and continue today as a staff interpreter. 

Lara W Headshot
Community Engagement and DeafBlind Program Coordinator.

Traveling around the world in style with the fam bi-yearly. I am mother of 3, and a coffee/cheese connoisseur, go to Kona Island for their coffee and go to Zaanse Schans, Holland for their cheese. I found my own 23andMe DNA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Looking for best pizza- it's not New York, go to Rome, Italy and to witness the most breathtaking bubblegum sunset, book a flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Huge believer of supporting Deaf-owned businesses first and foremost, perfect example- us, Knoxville Center of the Deaf.

My mission with Knoxville Center of the Deaf is to make the difference in transparency with our Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-hearing and DeafBlind to bring the community into one and to assure that our clients will get the services that they deserve.

Christina “ Chrissy” Vorreyer-Davis, M.S.

Executive Director (August 2022 - Present)

Abigail Barker, M.S. Case Management & Outreach Referral

Specialist and DeafBlind Program Coordinator

Christiane “Kit” Frith

Interpreting Services Scheduler

Gabrielle Leonard

Accounting Clerk & Receptionist

Lara Whitfield-Garfinkel

Community Engagement and DeafBlind Program Coordinator.