About Us
Heather Cole
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.
Heather can be reached at: HC@DEAFiniteConnections.com
Natasha Knechtel
I believe language access and communication must be practical, relational, and multi-modal. Whether someone communicates through ASL, spoken or written language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), gestures, or visuals, our responsibility is to meet people where they are so they can be understood, included, and successful. I also work from the principle that behaviour is a form of communication; when communication becomes accessible, frustration decreases and confidence and independence grow.
At DEAFinite Connections Inc., we bring this philosophy into the community through 2:1 programming, parent partnerships, and collaboration. By creating real-world learning opportunities, we help children and youth develop the communication, social, and life skills needed to build independence and become active participants in their communities.
With a degree in Disability Studies, a minor in Thanatology, and a Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement, my work recognizes both the practical and emotional realities families face while advocating for a barrier-free future for their loved ones. Through my professional experience supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing students and individuals with complex communication needs, I have helped support functional communication using ASL, AAC, picture exchange systems, and written supports, leading to meaningful increases in participation, confidence, and self-advocacy.
At the heart of this work is a simple belief: language access matters and when people are understood, they thrive. By building genuine human connections and creating environments where communication is accessible, we help children and youth discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and find their place in the world. When we invest in understanding one another, we move closer to building communities where everyone belongs.
Natasha can be reached at: DC@DEAFiniteConnections.com