Our ASL Interpreting Directors & Staff | Meet the Team

Michael Rizzolo learned sign language from several Deaf neighbors and became an interpreter while attending college at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). After graduation, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf hired Michael as a manager of Interpreting Services. This endeavor has been his profession and vocation ever since, and he openly expresses his love for it. But, after 12 years of managing and teaching, Michael was ready to welcome a new challenge.

Michael started Interpretek over 25 years ago with the goal of improving the quality of interpreting services for all stakeholders. The company focused on upgrading the services experienced by their Deaf and hearing consumers, the professional interpreters, and the employees of the company.

“I am proud to say we have successfully accomplished all three of these objectives. We are very proud of what we have built and continue to accomplish together,” says Michael. “We called ourselves Interpretek because we could see the impact that technology was going to play in the delivery of access services. We could not have predicted just how significant that would be.”

With every passing year the impact continues to grow and now Interpretek provides services all over the country and sometimes around the world. Michael is fortunate to have created a wonderful team of true professionals. Each colleague is committed to service excellence and enjoys the creativity required to bring quality services to the communities and customers served.

“I have the best job in the world!”

Michelle Brewer is a nationally certified interpreter who has been with Interpretek since 2002. Originally from Rome, NY, she came to Rochester with the goal of becoming an Interpreter after obtaining AAS degrees in Chemical Dependency Counseling and Human Services. After graduating from National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) with her AAS degree in ASL-English Interpretation, she immediately began her career at Interpretek as a Coordinator.

Throughout her career in the Rochester, NY community, Michelle has been fortunate to take advantage of the opportunities presented to her by interpreting in a variety of settings. Also, she has proudly served on the board of the Genesee Valley Region of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (GVRRID), the Local Partner Advisory Board for The National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR), and the Advisory Board for the American Sign Language and Interpreting Education (ASLIE) department at NTID.

Michelle is committed to Interpretek’s values and works to inspire and support others in doing the same. She has a passion for the Deaf community and interpreting community, as well as Interpretek’s consumers, customers, employees, and Interpretek as a whole. After serving various roles at Interpretek through the years, Michelle is currently a Director of Interpreting Services and leading three of the long-standing service areas.

Learn more about Michelle’s Teams!

Rochester, NY

Rome, NY

Kansas City, MO

Lauren Lewis graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2008 with a BS in American Sign Language/English Interpreting, followed by a Masters of Education in Counseling and Student Affairs in 2010. One year later, Lauren became nationally certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and moved to Rochester, New York to experience the rich Deaf culture and wide array of interpreting opportunities available through Interpretek. Several years later, a unique opportunity arose in her home state of Pennsylvania and Lauren became the Regional Director of a brand new Interpretek office in Bloomsburg, PA.

For the past six years, Lauren has cultivated a great team while improving access to high quality interpreting services throughout the state. The growth and success of the office is a result of Lauren’s commitment to fostering relationships with the up-and-coming students from Bloomsburg University’s Interpreter Training Program and providing them with mentorship opportunities during their senior year. Many of the interns have grown to become staff interpreters and valued colleagues of Interpretek. Lauren’s goal is to continue expanding the number of qualified and professional interpreters in northeastern and central Pennsylvania in order to meet the needs of the diverse Deaf community.

In addition to her role with Interpretek, Lauren also serves as the Secretary of the Clifton R. Lewis Good Life Foundation. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization strives to improve the lives of individuals with muscular dystrophy by providing accessible equipment to families and funding research for a cure.

Learn more about the Bloomsburg team!

Libby Weingartner holds a B.S. in ASL-English Interpretation from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). As a nationally certified and multi-state licensed interpreter, Libby brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role.

Originally from Binghamton, NY, she began her career as a community interpreter with Interpretek in 2012. After moving out of state, Libby rejoined the team as a video interpreter in the Medical VRI department in 2019. Her dedication and leadership skills led to her transition to Interpreting Services Manager in 2021, where she continues to lead and innovate within the department.

Libby’s passion for service and community engagement is evident both in and out of her professional role. In her free time, Libby volunteers and serves on the board for Kali’s Klubhouse, a non-profit organization that partners with horses to provide equine-assisted learning and riding opportunities for children, teens, and adults with social, emotional, and physical challenges.