Kolhoff Named Continuing Education Coordinator at D&HHS

After years of expanding responsibilities and impact at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Jennifer Kolhoff has been given the official title of Continuing Education Coordinator. The new title reflects not only her long tenure—she has served D&HHS since 2016—but also the many ways she has helped interpreters and community members grow through education and training.

“Jen has truly elevated the work we do in professional development,” said D&HHS Executive Director Deb Atwood. “Her leadership has brought new opportunities for interpreters, students, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities across Michigan. This title recognizes the scope of her contributions and the trust we place in her to lead this important work.”

Kolhoff oversees professional development opportunities for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, who must earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain certification and licensure under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). She coordinates workshops that take place in person, online, and in hybrid formats—serving interpreters, Interpreter Training Program (ITP) students, and Deaf community members alike. In 2024, she also became an approved sponsor for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf’s Certification Maintenance Program and Associate Continuing Education Tracking System (RID-CMP/ACET).

One of the highlights of her year is chairing the committee for Silent Weekend, the ASL full-immersion event held each February at a local overnight camp. The event, which draws 75–120 participants annually, offers interpreters and students a unique opportunity to sharpen skills while building relationships in the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.

Kolhoff’s expertise also extends to K–12 education. A full-time educational interpreter since 2017, she became a test administrator in 2022 for the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). The Grand Rapids testing site at D&HHS remains the only location in Michigan offering both the performance assessment and the written exam.

Outside of her professional role, Kolhoff helps manage the D&HHS Facebook page and enjoys spending time with her husband, Lance, and their three grown children. She’s a Michigan native who loves reading, playing Euchre, gardening, cooking, and spending time at the family beach in “The Thumb.”

Her new title, Atwood said, simply makes official what those around her already know: “Jen has become a leader in continuing education for interpreters in Michigan, and D&HHS is proud to have her guiding this work.”