The Willow Tree Project was born out of accessibility, or lack of it. As Xane started out in the profession, they noticed that quality, financially accessible professional development opportunities was hard to come by. Wonderful organizations offered free workshops however they tended to be the same types of workshops year after year due to grant requirements or other factors. As time went on, Xane grew not only in the profession, but also personally. Accepting their neurodivergence meant accepting that the traditional way of learning wasn’t working and didn’t work for a lot of other folks – and that was okay.
Through brainstorming with students, new interpreters, folks in the Deaf community, experienced interpreters, and friends outside of the profession, The Willow Tree Project (TWTP) was born. TWTP’s professional development, trainings, and gatherings all aim to fit a need these community members didn’t feel they had received or would like to see more of. From things like non-verbal ice breakers, affordability, not having to disclose hearing status to receive interpreters, cameras being on/off, and so much more – the goal became clear – be a safe place for colleagues and community members to show up authentically.
All of that explains the why behind it, but we also get the question, why a weeping willow tree? As a kid, Xane found weeping willows to represent shelter from the elements, to be wrapped up in the branches and comforted by nature, a place to show up as yourself and truly take a breath. The branches represent flexibility as our vision is to constantly grow and change as the community needs or requests different things. The various colors of the leaves represent the different organizations and communities.
Everything about this project is intentional and needs community involvement. Without community involvement, we are just another organization – and that isn’t our goal.
Mission
Our mission is to provide new and outside the box educational opportunities for all students and professional interpreters (non-certified or certified), to grow and become a safe place for their colleagues and themselves to live authentically; to empower the Deaf community with education and professional experiences.
Vision
Education, advocacy, and interpreting services with the understanding that this project is ever changing. The more growth that occurs, the more adjusting TWTP will do. The more community we create, the more advocacy and support we can foster.
Values
We believe that you can’t have Authenticity without Safety and Growth without Unlearning.
About the Board
Xane
(they/them)
Hello! I am the President and founder of The Willow Tree Project.
I graduated from Southwestern Illinois College in 2012 with my Associates in Sign Language. Since then, I have been interpreting in primarily in the St. Louis Metro East area but also interpreting in different states, countries, and virtually. I hold the National Interpreter Certification and am working towards getting the BEI Master. I have interpreted in various settings from pre-school classes to the court room, but my favorite is on a stage (music) or platform (graduations). When I was younger, music interpreting is what got me into learning sign language and now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have mentored students working their way through their interpreting programs and love teaming with students as I am able to learn and re-learn things I’ve forgotten over the years.
One goal of The Willow Tree Project is to offer a little shade (or comfort if you will) to the Deaf and interpreting communities; to support them where they are; to give back to a community that built who I am today. Another goal of The Willow Tree Project is to create a place that I didn’t have “growing up” in the profession. A place that was accessible financially, inclusive, authentic, and accepted folks as they were. I understand that I will make mistakes, The Willow Tree Project will make mistakes, but we will learn and continue to adjust to make sure it is a place for anyone.
Alyssa
(she/her)
Hi!! I am the Vice President of The Willow Tree Project.
I am the Payroll Manager at Delta Center for Independent Living in St. Peter’s, MO. I have a bachelors in Social Work from MacMurray College where I also minored in Deaf Studies.
Most of my free time is devoted to my family! My partner, Zach, and I have one kiddo, Liam, who keeps us very busy! We have 3 fur children (all of the feline variety) named Noah, Abby, and Galahad. We are big fans of St. Louis City Soccer Club and enjoy catching matches when we can. I also love to read and can almost always be found with a book in my hand.
I have been signing since I was in preschool where I picked up the language by watching the interpreter in my class while listening to the teacher and interacting with my Deaf classmates who became very dear friends as we grew up. I am excited to be a part of The Willow Tree project because I love giving back to the community that I was so fortunate to be involved with from such a young age!
Dominique
(she/her)
Hii! I’m the Secretary with The Willow Tree Project.
I am a sign language interpreter in St. Louis, MO. I graduated from San Antonio College in 2022 and earned my BEI certification in 2023. I began my interpreting career in the K–12 setting, where I worked for two years before transitioning into community interpreting, which I love! My current goal is to continue growing in both educational and community interpreting while continuing my education and advancing my certification to BEI Advanced.
Most of my free time is spent with my wife, Janika, either trying new food or diving into new activities to see what else I can add to my long list of hobbies. My top hobby is anything nail-related – which is a perfect match to my sign name! 💅🏿
I am excited to work with The Willow Tree Project knowing that it is a safe space for the Deaf community and individuals within the interpreting profession.