About the Instructor

Michelle Walsh, MA

Michelle Walsh was introduced to ASL in 1997 while attending UC Davis as an undergraduate.  She fell in love with the language and began to pursue further classes after receiving a BA in psychology and communications.  In 2003 she received her AA degree in ASL Interpreting at Pierce College in Woodland Hills.  She worked as an interpreter and also with young children from birth to 5 years old who were Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.  In 2005, she earned her MA degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University.  After graduation, she began teaching American Sign Language at Santa Barbara City College and has continued to teach there until 2020.   She started teaching additional ASL classes at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo in 2020 and continues to teach there currently.  Additionally, she works providing Early Start services to infants/toddlers in Santa Barbara County who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing. 

She also taught sign language classes through SBCC Adult Education program and taught Baby Sign Language workshops for new parents.  Lastly, she has volunteered in her own children's classes since they were 2 years old teaching sign language at their preschool and now their elementary school.  She holds two teaching credentials in California; Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing from birth-age 22 and Early Childhood Special Education.  

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Additionally, Michelle has taught after school classes at Hope Elementary and Adams Elementary.  Her first summer camp for children was held in 2022 and was a huge success!