Elisa M. Velez

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I am a Connecticut native and American School for the Deaf (ASD) alumnus. I currently resides in North Brookfield, Massachusetts and I work as a Teaching Assistant at College of the Holy Cross under the ASL/Deaf Studies program at Department of Modern Languages and Literatures in Worcester, Massachusetts. I come from a Deaf Puerto-Rican family. I hold a bachelor degree in Social Work from Gallaudet University.

I had worked in the field of human services for over 15 years in Connecticut and Massachusetts at several agencies, such as D.E.A.F., Inc., Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), ASD – Adult Vocational Services, Family Services Woodfield, Community Enterprises, Inc., to name a few. Also, I have been involved in the Deaf diverse communities on and off over the years. I am known for her talent entertainment, “The Velez Sisters Show” with her sister Ivy.

I am very honored to be part of the Zoppi Deaf Camp team for the first time ever! The Zoppi Deaf Camp is a radical destination because it benefits deaf youth of color by enrich personal growth, gain better self-understanding, great respect for the diverse culture among the youth and acknowledge the depth of Deaf culture and ASL.