Meet AZ
A PROFESSIONAL WITH A DIVERSE BACKGROUND
About Az
I believe that communication is a remarkable tool for being our best selves. As a child living in Iran, and then ultimately emigrating to the US, I was surrounded by adults who spoke different languages and this fascinated me. Language soon became a big part of who I was — and I began to confide in the written word for solace. Through writing, I contended with the reality that plagued me, spontaneously, as life often does. I dreamed I would become a writer but soon discovered that my many passions begged a turn in my meticulously calculated life plan.
ASL Communication
I began working with the Deaf Community in NYC, which gave me great satisfaction. It was then that my career in education blossomed. Teaching, to me, felt like I was honoring my mission — to help others communicate and learn the beautiful linguistic treasure that is ASL. I worked with high school students and adults and implemented fun, varying exercises into my classroom so my students could feel relaxed, focused, and energized. This inspired me to do private teaching and collaborate with organizations that have Deaf employees. My heart is full but I want to do more.
Spoken Communication
I then used my empathic abilities to become a Certified Life Coach. Through this medium, and arduous training, I help people to become better, happier and more fulfilled in their lives. I focus on improving their communication skills, instilling confidence in expressing what they want and how they could get there through explicit action. As a former orator in my Speech and Debate club, I was able to help folks navigate the travails of public speaking and speaking their truth.
Written communication
Simultaneously, I would edit and help friends and family with resumes, cover letters, compose emails, fixing grants and proposals or even essays. Because of my Linguistics background and love for language, this was not a mundane task but an exciting adventure. I also write quickly which is important for folks who have pressing assignments.
These three pillars combined: ASL, Spoken, and Written Communication lent to the inspiration and ultimately the creation of Lingua- Guru. An all encompassing Language support.
Az’s Inspiration
Lastly, I must concede that for my whole life I have grappled with Social Anxiety. Yet, you would never know it upon meeting me as I am highly sociable. In thanks to this struggle, I have learned the importance of communication and how running from it or retreating into solitude is not the answer. I learned how to operate in a world that was highly stimulated and my struggle became motivation for me to become better. I use my anxiety as a fuel to challenge my limits. I do the same with my clients — and honor language as the catalyst for all desired self-improvement.
This is the main reason that I am the lingua-guru: because it is not easy for me to do these things, but it is important and necessary to leave our comfort zones. I share this so you know my sincerity, and that we all have our barriers to communication. But, as I believe strongly, limits are just concepts created in the mind. And, when we are authentic to our truth, to our soul’s calling, and to our wants and needs in all aspects of our lives, we manifest that very thing. What we conceive, we can achieve.
I feel privileged to be on this journey with you. I look forward to supporting you on your mission to improve your communication skills. I look forward to serving as your Lingua Guru.
Az’s Experience
Education
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics, Hunter College 2009 NYC
Master of Arts in Teaching ASL as a Foreign Language, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2012
Certified Life Coach Practitioner, The Coach Training Academy, 2015, NYC
Certified Brain Educator Practitioner — promoting exercises for wellness in the classroom
Mindfulness Practitioner
American Sign Language Proficiency Interview, (SLPI) Rating of Superior
NYS Certified to Teach Grades 7 – 12
College/Universities Serving as an ASL Professor
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY
LaGuardia Community College Queens, NY
High School Teaching Experience
The Dwight School — teaching ASL to special education students
Forest Hills High School — Student Teacher of ASL
Middle College High School — Student Teacher of ASL
Organizations I Collaborate With:
Mill Neck School for the Deaf, Long Island, NY — serving developmentally – disabled Deaf adults
Queens Services for the Autistic Community (QSAC) — conducting staff trainings in ASL to better communicate with Deaf individuals within the organization
Private Tutoring
Provide one-on-one tutoring to students from ages 6 to 79, tailoring ASL lessons to their specific needs
Group ASL Classes
Provide intermediate and advanced group classes to students in the NYC and Long Island areas — promoting camaraderie amongst learners as well as a space for advanced students to be challenged and thrive
Professional Experience:
Art Gallery Coordinator for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Artists
Program Manager for Technology services for the Deaf/deaf Community including phone captions and Video Relay Services (VRS)
Interpreter Coordinator at VRS Company
Department of Education Interpreter Coordinator
Office Manager for Holistic Chiropractor
Note taker for Deaf individuals at Columbia University
Writing Assistant for Students at Boston University and Hunter College
Life Coach servicing adolescents with behavioral challenges
Waitress excelling in customer service skills for over 10 years
Life Enthusiast
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