Hello! My name is Rachael Cook. I am the founder of CODA Culture Interpreting Service, LLC. I started this interpreting business with the passion and determination to provide equal access and high quality service to the Deaf community using American Sign Language for communication purposes. 

In the Deaf Community, I am labeled as a "CODA" meaning (Child(ren) Of Deaf Adults) A "CODA" means a hearing child that was born/raised by at least 1 (or 2 ) parents who are Deaf. Lucky for me, BOTH of my parents are Deaf. As the oldest child, ASL was my first language. I was immersed into Deaf Culture and ASL since the day I was born. This is where the name "CODA Culture" originated from.

In 2011, I applied for my very first position as an ASL Interpreter for The Virginia School For The Deaf And Blind where I was hired part-time to work in public schools with (mainstream) Deaf students. Later on, I expanded out of the K-12 setting and was hired as an ASL Interpreter in the Mental Health And Rehabilitation Services setting; at Western State Hospital and eventually at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. In 2015, I went back to the K-12 setting and worked as a full time Educational Interpreter for Staunton City Schools. In 2017, I relocated to Norfolk, VA and worked full time for Norfolk Public Schools, where I interpreted for 5 years. In 2017, I also started Freelance Interpreting all across the Hampton Roads Area providing services in a variety of settings. In March of 2022, I started CODA Culture Interpreting, as well as working as a VRS Interpreter for Sorenson Communications .I also host 1:1 sessions to teach basic ASL to those interested in learning.  I have years of experience as an ASL Interpreter in a variety of settings. (K-12, Medical, Conference, Community, Educational, Entertainment ;  to name a few) During my career, I have attended numerous workshops, webinars, and classes to gain professional knowledge/development as well as receiving credentials such as EIPA, VQAS and the standard Code Of Ethics. One of my near future goals is to become NIC certified. 

Being a CODA, as well as an Interpreter gives me the advantage to connect to my clients on a personal and professional level. I am a strong advocate for the Deaf Community and it is my mission at CODA Culture to provide clear, accurate information when providing services. I want your experience with CODA Culture to be a positive, memorable one!