About Us
Heather Cole
Hello, my name is Heather Cole. I am a proud co-founder of DEAFinite Connections Inc. As a deaf individual in a hearing world, my life experience is one of growing up completely dependent on the technology of hearing aids. There are countless times in my life that I have felt left out and missed conversations with my family, friends, teachers or peers. I believe that every deaf and hard of hearing child should have access to language in a mode that is easy and natural for them.
My background consists of a degree in Kinesiology (Psychology Minor), a degree in Education, a Specialist in Special Education and a Specialist in Deaf Education. I have over 20 years of teaching experience ranging from physical education, kindergarten-grade 2 and Reading Specialist. My current teaching assignment is Teacher of the Deaf. I work with deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms ranging from JK to grade 12. It is within this assignment that I noticed that many deaf and hard of hearing students experience gaps in language development.
At DEAFinite Connections Inc, our goal is to close the gap in language development by providing fun and interactive learning experiences for deaf and hard of hearing children and young adults. Our unique and personalised approach of working closely with the family and providing high interest activities has yielded excellent results in increasing vocabulary and conversational skills in our clients. We look forward to creating a tailored program for your child.
Natasha Knechtel
Hi, I’m Natasha Knechtel, co-founder of DEAFinite Connections Inc. I believe language access is a human right and it has to be practical, relational, and multi-modal. Whether someone communicates through ASL, spoken or written language, augmentative and alternate communication (AAC), or visuals, our job is to meet them where they are so they can be understood, included, and successful. I work from the principle that behaviour is a form of communication; when we provide practical, accessible communication everyone understands, it reduces frustration, increases safety, and unlocks real learning and independence.
With a degree in Disability Studies (Thanatology minor) and a Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement, my practice honours both skill-building and the emotions families carry for concern in ensuring their loved one attains a successful future that is barrier free. As a Communication Access Specialist, I’ve bridged language access in classrooms for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students that has reduced frustration by using strategies and routines that actually work. As an Educational Assistant, I’ve supported learners labelled “non-verbal,” helping them develop functional language across ASL, AAC, picture exchange, and written supports and have seen measurable gains in participation and self-advocacy.
At DEAFinite Connections we turn this into 2:1 community programming by providing outside of the classroom education, parent partnership, and educator professional development. If you want a business who will work together to co-design goals, remove language barriers, and deliver everyday wins that last, then let’s build a plan that fits your people and their dreams.