Curriculum Vitae

Education


Doctor of Philosophy in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee

2015 – 2019

Dissertation: Effects of ASL Rhyme and Rhythm on Deaf Children’s Engagement Behavior and Accuracy in Recitation


Master of Science in Deaf Education

National University, La Jolla, California

2011 – 2013


Bachelor of Arts in International Education and Development

Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.

2005 – 2009


Employment


Postdoctoral Research Associate - 2019 - current

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

A research team member in a 4-year research project funded by the Institute of Education Sciences. Collect, analyze, and disseminate data on the efficacy of Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction professional development to improve teacher knowledge and practices, and their impact on writing and language outcomes in Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.


Adjunct Faculty - 2020 - 2021

Gallaudet University

Taught two courses in the Education department to college students. Developed syllabi. Created online content using BlackBoard. Provided pre-recorded and live lectures and facilitated class discussions. 


Family Education Specialist - 2019 - 2020

California School for the Deaf, Fremont

Worked in the Curriculum, Outreach, Resource, and Education (CORE) department to support all families and teachers in northern California. Hosted events for families and professionals such as Deaf Education Symposium, Family Fun Weekend, and Early Start Teacher Conferences. Conducted descriptive analysis on LEAD-K data for the CA Department of Education. Participated in IEP meetings as an advocate. Provided free weekly Deaf education workshops to families and professionals.


Deaf Education Lecturer - 2015 - 2017

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Developed syllabus, prepared lectures, provided supervision and mentorship, created flipped classroom content, and delivered instruction both in-person and online (hybrid). Taught college courses: (1) language development, (2) student practicum, and (3) American Sign Language.


Co-Founder and Director - 2014 – Current

Hands Land, USA

Founder and director of a non-profit organization that creates educational media using ASL rhymes for young children, works closely with Deaf and Disabled artists, performers, animators, editors, and camera people nationwide, and provides workshops to teachers of the deaf, educational interpreters, and families.


International Education Consultant and Trainer - 2014 – 2018

Intergenerational Deaf Education Outreach, Hanoi, Viet Nam

Served as a professional consultant and trainer on numerous occasions for the non-governmental organization to improve the quality of education in Viet Nam, including several onsite training on language assessments, bilingual best practices, bilingual corpus development, and language, cognitive, and social-emotional development in Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.


Research Instructor - 2014 – 2015

Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies - Chinese University of Hong Kong

Developed syllabus, prepared lectures, and taught college courses on: (1) signed bilingual education, (2) social and cognitive development in young children, and (3) Deaf cultures and identities. Provided professional consultations on the development of baby signs programs.


Research Assistant - 2013 – 2014

Endangered Languages Documentation Programme, Honolulu, Hawai'i

Assisted world-renowned linguist Dr. James Woodward, with filming native users of Hawai'i Sign Language and developing a Hawai'i Sign Language dictionary.


Deaf Education Lecturer - Fall, 2013

Deaf Education and Deaf Studies Program - Kapiloiani Community College, Honolulu, Hawai'i

Taught an introductory college course on Deaf education, Deaf studies, and Deaf culture.


Early Childhood Education Teacher - 2011 – 2013

California School for the Deaf, Fremont, CA

Worked with 40 deaf students between 18 months and 6 years old in the classroom, wrote IFSP and IEP goals, hosted weekly workshops on language play for families, provided trainings to teachers of the deaf in mainstream settings, and served on the school-wide committee to develop national ASL standards for the Clerc Center.


Peer-Reviewed Articles


Wolbers, K., Dostal, H., & Holcomb, L. (Undergoing a peer-review process). Teacher reports of secondary writing instruction with deaf students.

Holcomb, L.. (2023). Writing development and translanguaging in signing bilingual deaf children of deaf parents. Languages. https://doi.org/10.3390/languages8010037

Wolbers, W., Holcomb, L., & Hamman-Ortiz. (2023). Translanguaging framework of deaf education. Languages. 

Holcomb, L., Dostal, H., & Wolbers, K. (2023). Characteristics of deaf emergent writers who experience language deprivation. Bilingual Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/15235882.2023.2169412

Wolbers, K., Dostal, H., & Holcomb, L. (in press). Teacher reports of secondary writing instruction with deaf students. Journal of Literacy Research.

Wolbers, K., Dostal, H., Graham, S., Barnum-Martin, L., & Holcomb, L. (2021). Specialized writing instruction for deaf students: A randomized controlled trial. Exceptional Children. https://doi.org/10.1177/00144029211050849

Holcomb, L., Golos, D., Moses, A., & Broadrick, A. (2021). Enriching deaf children’s American Sign Language phonological awareness: A quasi-experimental study. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enab028

Graham, S., Wolbers, K., Dostal, H., & Holcomb, L. (2021). Does teacher efficacy predict writing practices of teachers of DHH students. Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. 26(3), 438-450. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enab012

Holcomb, L. (2021). ASL rhyme, rhythm, and phonological awareness for deaf children. Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education, 5(2). 

Holcomb, L., & Wolbers, K. (2020). Effects of ASL rhyme and rhythm on deaf children’s engagement behavior and accuracy in recitation: Evidence from a single case design. Children, 7(12), 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/children7120256

Wolbers, K. A., Dostal, H. M., Cihak, D., & Holcomb, L. (2020). Written language outcomes of deaf elementary students engaged in authentic writing. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 25(2), 224-238. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enz047

Holcomb, L. & Lawyer, G. (2019). Assessments to evaluate bilinguals: The overdue discussion of the deaf and hard of hearing student population in the United States. Psychology in the Schools. 1. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22290

Moses, A. M., Golos, D. B., & Holcomb, L. (2018). Creating and using educational media with a cultural perspective of deaf people. Language Arts, 96(1), 67.

Holcomb, L., Golos, D. B., & Moses, A. M. (2018). Issues related to literacy as it applies to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Michigan Reading Journal, 1. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol51/iss1/8

Holcomb, L. (2016). Disabling pedagogy: Power, politics, and deaf education [Book review]. American Annals of the Deaf, 161(3).


Book Chapters


Holcomb, L., Golos, D., Hipskind, C., & Brunsvik, A. (In press). Early childhood instruction. In Kuntz, L., Golos, D., Kurz, C., & Wolbers, K.A. (Eds.). Multilingual Deaf Education. Washington DC: Gallaudet University Press.

Holcomb, L., Horejes, T., Ocuto, O., & Santini, J. (2018). Sociological perspectives on deaf identities. In Leigh, I. W. & O’Brien, C. (Eds.) A Lens on Deaf Identities. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Holcomb, L. (2017). Harnessing social media as a tool of empowerment and change. In Holcomb, T. & Smith, D. (Eds.), Deaf Eyes on Interpreting. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.


Practitioner Magazines & Websites


Lawyer, G., Shahan, C., Holcomb, L., & Smith, D. (2021). First comes a look at the self: Integrating the principles of social justice into a teacher preparation program. Odyssey: New Directions in Deaf Education, 21, 66-70 Gallaudet University.

Wolbers, K., Holcomb, L. & Bernhardt, K. (2020). Why sign language is vital for all deaf babies, regardless of cochlear implant plans. Conversation. https://theconversation.com/why-142956

Holcomb, L. & Timm, D. (2019). Guiding principles of hearing allyship. www.hearingallyship.org


Invited Professional Webinars


Holcomb, L. & Dostal, H. (2022). Language and literacy in deaf children. Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-sos-with-experts/deaf-children-reading-and-writing

Holcomb, L., Golos, D., & Roemen, B. (2020). Building a foundation of language. Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing. https://mn.gov/deaf-commission/advocacy-issues/education/early-hearing-detection-and-intervention/foundation-of-language/

Holcomb, L., Osborne, L., & Baer, J. (2020). Deaf education distance learning. California Department of Education Distance Learning Series.


Peer-Reviewed Presentations


Wolbers, K., Holcomb, L., & Dostal, H. (2022). Secondary writing instruction for deaf and hard of hearing students. Presentation at the American Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA.

Wolbers, K., Dostal, H., Graham, S., Barnum-Martin, L., & Holcomb, L. (2022). Specialized writing instruction for deaf students: A randomized controlled trial. Presentation at the Association of College Educators - Deaf & Hard of Hearing conference. Omaha, NE.

Holcomb, L. & Golos, D. (2020). Exploring culturally and linguistically responsive approaches to phonological awareness instruction. Presentation at the Association of College Educators - Deaf & Hard of Hearing conference. Atlanta, GA.

Holcomb, L. & Wilson, T. (2020). Navigating the grey areas of hearing-deaf relationships. Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention. Kansas City, KC.

Holcomb, L. & Wilson, T. (2020). Guiding principles of hearing allyship. Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention. Kansas City, KC.

Wilson, T. & Holcomb, L. (2020). Language deprivation & deaf mental health. Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention. Kansas City, KC. 

Holcomb, L. & Timm, D. (2018). Navigating the grey areas of hearing-deaf dynamics. Presentation at the National Association of the Deaf, Hartford, CT.

Holcomb, L., Golos, D., Moses, A., & Broadrick, A. (2018). The effects of rhythm and rhyme on phonological awareness and language development in early childhood classrooms. Presentation at the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading Society. Brighton, United Kingdom.

Holcomb, L., Golos, D., Moses, A., & Broadrick, A. (2018). Investigating the promise of rhythm and rhyme in early childhood education. Presentation at the Association of College Educators - Deaf & Hard of Hearing conference. Tucson, AZ.

Holcomb, L., & Lawyer, G. (2017). Exploring power and privilege in the deaf education system. Presentation at the National Deaf Education Conference. Indianapolis, IN.

Lawyer, G., & Holcomb, L. (2017). Multilingualism/multiculturalism in early childhood education. Presentation at the National Deaf Education Conference. Indianapolis, IN.

Lawyer, G. & Holcomb, L. (2017). From the center to the margins: Exploring power and privilege in the early hearing detection and intervention (ehdi) system. Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Holcomb, L. (2017). ASL rhymes and rhythms for young children. Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Lawyer, G., & Holcomb, L. (2017). Resisting the dominant narratives, Moving beyond counter-narratives through intersectional lens. Presentation at the Journal of Language and Literacy Education Winter Conference, Athens, GA.

Holcomb, L. & Lawyer, G. (2017). A collaborative approach: Exploring subjectivity as researchers and educators using the social justice framework. Poster session at the Association of College Educators in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Conference. San Antonio, TX.

Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2016). How can children benefit from rhymes and rhythms? Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference. San Diego, CA.

Lawyer, G. & Holcomb, L. (2016). Why multiculturalism and multilingualism in early intervention? Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference. San Diego, CA.

Dallman, J., Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2016). Deconstructing bias: The impact of privilege on EHDI services & outcomes. Poster session at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference. San Diego, CA.

Horejes, T., Holcomb, L., & Ramirez, M. (2013). To sign or to speak? Exploring diverse pedagogies of language in education. Presentation at the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference. Glendale, AZ

Berke, M. & Holcomb, L. (2013). Bilingual strategies deaf mothers and teachers use. Presentation at the International Conference on Sign Linguistics and Deaf Education. Hong Kong.


Invited Presentations

Holcomb, L. & Higgins, M. (2022). Playing with ASL rhyme and rhythm. Workshop given at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Rocky Mountain Deaf School.

Holcomb, L. & Higgins, M. (2022). Playing with ASL rhyme and rhythm. Workshop given at Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. & Higgins, M. (2022). Playing with ASL rhyme and rhythm. Workshop given at Ohio School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. (2022). Language strategies with deaf children. Workshop given at Willie Ross School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. (2022). Gender identities. Workshop given at Willie Ross School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. & Higgins, M. (2022). Playing with ASL rhyme and rhythm. Workshop given at Willie Ross School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. & Higgins, M. (2021). Playing with ASL rhyme and rhythm. Workshop given at the Language First.

Holcomb, L. & Timm, T. (2021). Metainclusion: Proactively creating an equitable space. Keynote presentation given at the Michigan Deaf Education Conference.

Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2017). ASL rhymes and rhythms for parents of deaf children. Workshop given at the Iowa School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. & Lawyer, G. (2016). Disability justice and abled privilege. Workshop given at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Holcomb, L. (2016). Accessibility and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. Workshop given at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Holcomb, L., Grabelsky, S., & Timm, R.L. (2016). Corpus development and application. Workshop given at the Early Childhood Education Summit. Fremont, CA.

Holcomb, L. (2016). Gender identity and fairness in early childhood education. Workshop given at the Early Childhood Education Summit. Fremont, CA.

Holcomb, L. (2016). Educational interpreting for young deaf children. Workshop given at the Ohlone College. Fremont, CA.

Holcomb, L. (2014). Exploring poetry with young children. Workshop given at the Eye Music Panel. University of California in Santa Cruz.


Invited Trainings


Holcomb, L. (2018). ASL rhymes and rhythms and ASL phonological awareness. 1-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. California School for the Deaf, Fremont.

Holcomb, L. (2017). Literacy development and bilingual methodologies. 4-Day Professional Development for Deaf Mentors and Teachers of the Deaf. US AID grant. Rabat, Morocco.

Holcomb, L .& McMillan, J. (2017). ASL rhymes and rhythms and ASL phonological awareness. 2-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Kendall Demonstration Elementary School.

Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2017). ASL rhymes and rhythms and ASL phonological awareness. 1-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Texas School for the Deaf.

Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2017). ASL rhymes and rhythms and ASL phonological awareness. 1-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Minnesota State Academy of the Deaf. 

Holcomb, L. (2017). ASL rhymes and rhythms and ASL phonological awareness. 1-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Indiana. Deaf Educators and Educational Interpreters Conference. Indianapolis, IN. 

Holcomb, L. & Lawyer, G. (2016-2017). Social justice in education. Bi-weekly Training for the Faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Lawyer, G. & Holcomb, L. (2016-2017). Bilingual methodologies and best practices in deaf education. Bi-weekly Training for the Faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Holcomb, L. (2016). Bilingual education. 7-day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Intergenerational Deaf Education Outreach. Dalat, Viet Nam.

Holcomb, L. (2016). Bilingual education. 3-day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Intergenerational Deaf Education Outreach. Da Nang, Viet Nam. 

Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2016). ASL rhymes and rhythms and ASL phonological awareness. 1-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Holcomb, L. & McMillan, J. (2016). Translating sound-based rhymes and rhythms to visual-based rhymes and rhythms, 1-Day Professional Development for Educational Interpreters. Iowa School for the Deaf. 

Holcomb, L. (2016). Best practices in deaf education. 4-Day Professional Development for Teachers of the Deaf. Intergenerational Deaf Education Outreach. Hanoi, Viet Nam. 

Holcomb, L. (2014). ASL rhymes and rhythms, phonological awareness, and bilingualism. 3-Day Professional Development Training for Teachers of the Deaf. Rochester School for the Deaf, NY. 

Holcomb, L. (2014). Language assessments and individualized education plan. 7-Day Training for Deaf Mentors. Intergenerational Deaf Education Outreach. Da Nang, Viet Nam.


Awards



Courses Taught


Services