Monta Briant- Owner, author Baby Sign Language Basics Baby Sign Language Basics owner and instructor, Monta Z. Briant is the author of the best-selling Baby Sign Language Basics series, including books, CD's DVD's and flash cards - all from Hay House Publishing. I signed with both of my children from infancy, and signing enabled us to bond with each other on a level that never would have been possible otherwise. The experience was so amazing for my family that I have been compelled to share signing with other families ever since. My greatest joy is helping families to open a window into their baby's minds and personalities. I get the biggest thrill every time a baby in my class does their first sign-- it always seems like a miracle, even though I have seen it happen thousands of times now! Monta is a Signing Time Academy Advanced Instructor
Wendy Carruba
I began learning sign language during my high school years to communicate with my deaf grandfather, and in the process I developed a love for the language. I went to college in Northridge, CA where I became fluent in American Sign Language and earned a BA in Deaf Studies. When my daughter was born in 2000, I immediately started signing with her. It was amazing to be able to communicate with her and understand her needs before she could talk. Signing was a big help to her verbal development, as we were "talking" about things long before she could use the English words for them. She also appeared very polite to those outside our family, because I could promt her without others hearing me with those "pleases" and "thank yous." I currently teach American Sign Language classes to adults and children. Now I am exicted to be a part of Monta's team in helping to open the door to sign language for other parents and babies.
Linda Hernadez and her Boys
Linda Hernandez, BA Communicative Disorders, minor in audiology Se habla Espanol! I am very passionate in teaching baby sign language to parents because it's a wonderful experience to communicate with your baby before he or she says their first word. I have used baby sign language with my two boys and have been amazed on their ability to express their needs, wants and thoughts. My background with American Sign Language (ASL) is: Two years of schooling at both Cuyamaca College and San Diego State University. I have a BA in Communicative Disorders and a minor in Audiology. I have worked as a para educator in Special Education for three years through San Diego Unified School District. I have been teaching Baby Sign Language since 2007 and have tutored students in the past. I encourage parents to take a baby sign language class, to learn different strategies in how to use baby sign language through play, singing, and music.
Mary Jo Highland and Kiddos
Mary Jo Highland, MA Crosscultural Education
Se habla espanol
I have always been interested in language and culture. Throughout my school, I studied Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Upon completing my BA in Spanish and Education I was an elementary school teacher for 7 years. When I had my children, I was fortunate enough to be able to stay home with them. I spoke to them in English and Spanish and used signs almost right from the beginning. My first child took to sign language immediately and was using it as his primary way to communicate long into toddlerhood. It was such a wonderful way to be able to connect with both of my kids.
Now that my kids are school-age, I have decided to pursue my interest in becoming an ASL interpreter. So far I have taken 6 semesters of ASL/interpreting and will complete the program in another year. I appreciate ASL both for its beauty as a language and as a communication tool for parents and children.
Contact Us!
Please contact us if you have questions about our classes or about using sign language with your baby-- we would love to hear from you! Phone: 619-987-4834 monta@babysignlanguage.net
