Becky Bush
Owner, President/CEO
NIC
Kentucky License 127830
(Prior to July 1, 2016) #0359
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf #51659
Becky grew up in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia (just over the mountain from Harlan, Kentucky). She earned a degree in accounting in 1993 and began her career in the business world. Upon discovering that both their daughters were deaf, Becky and her husband Mike made major changes to their lives to meet the needs of their girls. Becky returned to college, was accepted into Eastern Kentucky University’s Interpreter Training Program, and graduated with that degree in 2010. Her intern semester was shared with Tina McFarland in her work in the mountains and when she graduated, Becky joined Tina in meeting the ever-growing interpreting needs in eastern Kentucky. In 2014, Becky and Tina combined their efforts of meeting the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community and established ISC which officially began business operations in January 2015. Becky became sole owner in 2022 and continues the mission and vision she and Tina set out to accomplish.
Becky holds the National Interpreter Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and completed the Mental Health Interpreting Training program in Alabama in 2012. Several Deaf organizations have recognized Becky for her extensive volunteer work to improve the lives of the marginalized Deaf in Appalachia. Becky continues to volunteer for various organizations to give back to the community who gave so much to her.
Amy Byington
Vice President/CFO
Amy was born and reared in Jonesville, Virginia. She started college with the goal of becoming a special education teacher but soon discovered she wasn’t cut out for teaching. She turned to her love of math and completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee in 1998.
After many years working in the accounting offices of several organizations, Amy joined the ISC team in March 2017. She handles accounts receivable, accounts payable, human resource management, taxes, and the other administrative functions necessary to run ISC’s virtual office. Amy attended and completed the University of Tennessee Human Resource Management training. She also serves as the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance Officer.
ISC is fortunate to have Amy’s attention to detail and efficient management skills to keep our staff and contractors on track. Amy lives with her husband and daughters in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Amanda Bush Sharp
Administrative Assistant/Scheduling Coordinator
Amanda grew up in Somerset, Kentucky, and began work for ISC in its infancy doing clerical type work during high school. After graduating high school, Amanda attended college and worked in various positions within different types of industries. In 2023, Amanda came back to ISC in the role of Administrative Assistant and Scheduling Coordinator. Amanda, deaf since around age 2, brings the unique perspective of individuals who are deaf to her work by assisting customers in meeting the access needs of their deaf and hard of hearing clients. Having used interpreters her whole life, Amanda is able to use her skills and knowledge to determine which practitioner is the best fit for the requests ISC receives.
Amanda lives in Nancy, Kentucky on a farm with her husband Alan, four dogs, and two cats. They will welcome their first child in October 2023.
Dawn Calbert
Staff Interpreter
Meet Dawn Calbert, ISC’s newest Staff Interpreter! Originally from Michigan but proudly claiming Kentucky as home, Dawn brings a distinctive background—fluent in American Sign Language since birth as the child of Deaf parents (CODA). Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interpreting from Eastern Kentucky University in 2006 – Go Colonels! – Dawn has held the national certification of NIC Advanced since 2007, bringing a wealth of experience to our team. Off the clock, Dawn’s all about family time, cheering her girls on at volleyball games (even if she’s not the athletic type), and letting Netflix surprise her.
Kate Clevenger
Staff Interpreter
Meet Kate Clevenger, Staff Interpreter at ISC. A proud graduate of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2005. NIC certified, Kate brings nine years of dedicated service to the Deaf community at Kentucky School For The Deaf. Beyond interpreting, she enjoys family time on the ball field/court or boating on Lake Cumberland.
Kathy Dyke
Staff Interpreter
Kathy Dyke. I have an associates degree from Cincinnati Bible College in 1995 for Deaf Ministry with an emphasis in Interpreting for the Deaf. 2015 I received a Bachelors of Science in Interpreting for the Deaf from William Woods University. Interpreting is a passion of mine, particularly advanced mathematics and engineering on the college level. In my free time you will find me gaming, crafting, or playing with my shih tzu puppies. I find relaxation by creating items with my hands thru quilting, crochet and knitting. My hands stay busy through my communication with the Deaf and hard of hearing community as well as my crafting endeavors. Cannot wait to meet you all in this wonderful community.
Lauren Kirk
Staff Interpreter
Lauren grew up in Inez, KY, surrounded by a family of educators. She first attended the University of Kentucky, where a friend introduced her to American Sign Language. Thanks to these influences, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Education of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing from Eastern Kentucky University. After graduating, Lauren began teaching middle school at Kentucky School for the Deaf. After 6 fulfilling years as an educator, Lauren wanted to serve the Deaf community beyond her classroom walls. She earned her Kentucky Temporary Interpreter License in August 2023. She is excited and grateful for her new opportunity with ISC. Lauren now lives in Dyersburg, Tennessee with her boyfriend Tyler, one dog, and one cat.