The Team
Exceptional interpreters.
One elevated experience.
Founded by Chelsea Hull, Elevate brings exceptional interpreters together under one standard of preparation, professionalism, integrity and respect for the audience.
Founder
Chelsea Hull, MA
Founder + Lead Interpreter
More than 30 years across Deaf education, interpreting and live performance. Chelsea founded Elevate to bring a higher standard of accessibility to concerts, festivals and events.
Chelsea still interprets — and she also builds the teams, sets the standard and plans the access for every Elevate engagement.
Accessibility Consulting
"Accessibility starts with listening to the people who experience it."
Leslie Martinez, BSW
DeafPlus Advocate + Accessibility Consultant
Leslie brings professional experience, lived perspective and a deep commitment to the DeafPlus community to her work with Elevate.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Leslie has taught ASL at St. Louis Community College and currently works with the New Mexico School for the Deaf. She is pursuing her master's degree in social work and has earned a mental health certification.
As a wheelchair user with spina bifida, Leslie brings an important lived perspective to conversations about accessibility and inclusion. She is passionate about supporting DeafPlus individuals and interpreters as they build skills, confidence and cultural awareness.
Consulting with Leslie
- Entertainment + Events
- Education
- Healthcare Accessibility
- Organizational Accessibility
The Elevate Team
Francis Key
Deaf Interpreter
Francis Key is a gifted Deaf Interpreter known for her magnetic stage presence and ability to bring music and meaning to life. Her deep commitment to the Deaf community is reflected in the way she supports, advocates for, and elevates those around her.
Francis brings a soulful, engaging energy to every performance and is experienced interpreting music on stage and in church settings, as well as supporting backstage filming and production. At Elevate, Francis helps create opportunities for more Deaf Interpreters to be represented on stage and behind the scenes, bringing authenticity, artistry, and connection to every experience.
Erika Van Gerpen
Professional Hearing Interpreter
Erika Van Gerpen has worked with, not simply for, Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities for more than 20 years. An experienced concert interpreter, Erika brings a calm, confident presence to the stage and a deep respect for the people and communities she serves.
Her experience includes interpreting music, supporting Deaf Interpreters on stage and behind the scenes, and working within the music and entertainment sectors. Erika is committed to honoring individual preferences and communication needs, and she brings warmth, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit to every Elevate engagement.
Torri Ryder
Professional Interpreter
Torri has been providing exceptional sign language interpreting services for over 30 years. Her expertise in performance, conference, theological and deaf blind arenas sets her apart. Torri's dedication to the profession and to the d/Deaf Community is evident in her mentorship, trainings, and nationwide presentations, which makes her a true powerhouse. If you have encountered her high energy and encouraging spirit, you know!
Growing the Roster
Building the Elevate Team.
Elevate is growing a network of highly skilled professionals who bring different expertise, perspectives and lived experiences to accessibility work.
Interpreting. Accessibility. Advocacy. Communication.
The Standard
You're hiring a team, not a single name.
Prepared
Material reviewed, setlists studied, logistics confirmed before load-in.
Professional
Skilled interpreters who know how to work transparently and collaboratively in a production environment.
Community-connected
Grounded in genuine relationships with and respect for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Join Our Team
Want to Join the Elevate Team?
We're building a team of highly skilled interpreters and accessibility professionals who share our commitment to professional, authentic access.
Let's work together
Let's make it accessible.
Planning a concert, conference, meeting or live event in San Diego or beyond? Tell us what you need and we'll put together ASL interpreting and accessibility support that fits.