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📷 by Razi Zarchy
About me
About me
My name is Leah Geer (Zarchy). My English pronouns are she/her/hers, my Spanish pronoun is ella, and in ASL, pronouns are ungendered. For personal pronouns in ASL, use this 👉handshape, and for possessive pronouns, use this ✋handshape.
I am an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at California State University, Sacramento. I earned my PhD in Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I proudly identify as Latina. My academic journey began at New Mexico State University, where I majored in Kinesiology. My growing interest in motor learning and development led me to Gallaudet University, where I completed a Master's degree in Linguistics, combining my passions for motor skill acquisition and signed language acquisition.
In 2020, I co-authored ASL at Home, a routine-based ASL curriculum for families with young deaf children, along with supplemental materials available on our website. Thanks to our Kickstarter supporters, we released the second edition in June 2023. Our offerings include virtual classes, professional development training for organizations using ASL at Home, and consultative services. Learn more and connect with us through our website!
Inspired by my work in early intervention, I pursued further education to better support deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, toddlers, and their families. I earned a Graduate Certificate from Gallaudet University in June 2023 and an MA in Early Intervention Studies in December 2024.
I also serve as a Commissioner for the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE), beginning my term in January 2025. Additionally, I am a Content Expert for Language First and a Board Member of the American Board of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ABDHHS).
In case you're wondering, "What's with the two last names?" Here's a brief explanation.
For publications and presentations I go by "Geer" because that's the name I'd already published under before I got married. At Sacramento State, I went by "Zarchy" from the time I got married until my husband completed his doctoral degree, at which point he became "Dr. Zarchy" also. To prevent confusion, I've now gone back to "Geer." There are still some students and colleagues who know me as "Zarchy." So, if you want to find my presentations or publications, search under "Geer." If you hear about a class taught by "Dr. Zarchy," there's a good chance that's me, but it's best to double check! Going forward, students should look for courses I'm teaching under "Geer."
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
AY 2024-2025 -- Outstanding Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching
Summer 2024 -- Federal Award No: 1R01DC021188-01A1 to Dr. Jena McDaniel (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)
Project title: American Sign Language and Spoken English Development of Young Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Subaward No: VUMC124812
Spring 2023, 2024 -- Peer Academic Resource Center Outstanding Wisdom and Leadership (OWL) Award
Fall 2023 -- Research Enhanced Support Grant: Project title Promoting Rich Accessible Language At Home: An ASL Class for Families of Deaf Children (Grant period: Fall 2024)
Summer 2022 -- Early Career Award for Teaching Hearing Parents ASL to Enrich Language at Home at ICSLA 4 (International Conference on Sign Language Acquisition)
Spring 2022 -- Women of Influence Award In Recognition Of Outstanding Contributions To The Quality Of Life For Students At California State University, Sacramento
Contact
Contact
Email
Email
leah [dot] geer [at] csus [dot] edu
Student hours: Spring 2025
Student hours: Spring 2025
Mondays & Wednesdays from 1:30-2:50pm
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