Meet Kimberleh
(she, her, hers)
Kim is a second-year Master of Social Work student at Gallaudet University. As a hearing intern, she is dedicated to serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals with cultural and linguistic respect.
Before pursuing social work, Kim worked for over a decade as a professional ASL interpreter and now serves as Interpreter Coordinator at a Southern California community college. In these roles, she has been deeply involved in advocacy efforts to promote equity, accessibility, and inclusivity within campus and broader communities.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art from California State University, Northridge, and an associate’s degree in ASL/Interpreting from Los Angeles Pierce College. This varied background allows her to bring both insider and outside perspectives to her clinical practice, along with a broad range of community and institutional resources.
Kim’s therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, patience, and respect for each person’s story. As a single parent with personal experiences of grief and loss, she values honoring resilience while creating space for healing and growth.
EXPERIENCE
Marissa's career started as an intern at the Alabama State Department of Mental Health providing individual and group therapy to deaf and hard of hearing teenagers, adults, and seniors. She has experience working in various settings: schools, clinics, in-patient programs and residential programs. Marissa worked as a residential child care worker at The Learning Center for the Deaf: Walden School. In this role, she worked as an In-Home Therapist Clinician and Intensive Care Coordinator. There, Marissa utilized a family-centered therapy approach in support of child behavioral health needs. Marissa currently works as a Mental Health Counselor within Gallaudet University’s Counseling and Psychological Services providing therapy to college students.
SPECIALTIES
Marissa's approach to therapy is person-centered with a strong emphasis on the incorporation of CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). Overall, she takes an eclectic stance to the treatment process, readily incorporating various treatment methods based on the specific needs and goals of her clients. In her trauma-focused work, she values mindfulness and implements grounding techniques.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Washington, D.C.
- National Certified Counselor
