MEET THE TEAM:

Laura Blum: Founder/Chairperson is a Nationally Certified ASL interpreter with a degree in Family Science and an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University. Despite the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reporting that 1 in 5 children will have a language delay, all four of Laura’s children experienced language delays, necessitating early intervention services. Her passion for ASL and background in early childhood education inspires her to develop resources for families with children at risk for language delays.

Gina Freelove: Vice-Chair, is an organized self-starter and proactive Deaf Mentor. Growing up in a small town in Southern Utah, Gina faced challenges due to limited access to language and the absence of early intervention services. She believes these factors have adversely affected her family relationships, education, and career opportunities.

Gina is deeply committed to ensure a brighter future for the next generation of deaf children. Her professional background includes working as a paraeducator and teaching American Sign Language (ASL) classes for families. She finds joy in supporting families in their journey to develop language.

Brian Blum Treasurer for About Love and Language. He has a Bachelor’s degree from BYU in Accounting with a Master’s degree from the University of Utah and is a CPA. He is a (retired) hockey coach and enthusiast who enjoys time with family.

Bettie T. Petersen, PhD: Board Member

Bettie got her M.Ed in Deaf Education Early Intervention from Utah State University in 2006. She has been working as an early intervention provider for the New Mexico School for the Deaf for over 17 years. She completed her PhD in Educational Linguistics at the University of New Mexico in 2022. Her passion is supporting parents and their children to realize their potential. She hopes to use her new-found knowledge to do research that gives voice to more families and improves early intervention programming. She finished a Post Doc at the University of Connecticut - working on the Family ASL Project. She is also a wife and mother of two. She believes strongly in the power of family.

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