Meet the sisters/siblings of Alpha Sigma Theta!
Mayte Ceballos
Major: Liberal Studies and Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
New Member Class: Beta Rho - Fall, 2022
Biography: My favorite part of hiking is taking in the scenic views that inspire me and make me feel loved. I joined ΑΣΘ to gain experience and make new friends to build a strong community. It is my goal to develop my confidence and ability to thrive.like to go hiking, exploring new places, and chilling with diverse folks from walks of life.
Priscilla Chavarin
Major: Deaf Studies
New Member Class: Beta Rho - Fall, 2022
Biography: I joined AΣΘ to build lifelong friendships and to be able to connect with people through the use of ASL. I was born and raised in San Diego so ΑΣΘ makes me feel welcome to the Northridge area. I can’t wait to continue to bond and grow with my sisters!!
Nancee Steiger
Major: Deaf Studies: Interpreting
New Member Class: Beta Rho - Fall, 2022
Biography: I joined AST to involve myself further with the Deaf community and create long lasting friendships that would support, challenge, and raise each other up. My long-term goals are to work in areas that connect people through the arts, my favorite way being theatre. In my spare time, you will find me doing theatre, drinking obscene amounts of tea, going for walks and bike rides, and probably petting someone's cat. I love food, volleyball, camping, learning, getting creative, making friends, and big laughs.
Skye Vanderlinden
Major: Deaf Studies
New Member Class: Beta Pi - Spring, 2022
Biography: I love surfing, going to the beach, and doing anything outdoors! I joined ΑΣΘ to build close friendships with those who are Deaf/HoH or hearing allies. I love ΑΣΘ because I have made amazing friends and been able become more involved with the Deaf Community!
Jessica Gibson
Major: Deaf Studies with a concentration in ASL/ASL Literature
New Member Class: Beta Rho - Fall, 2022
Biography: I joined Alpha Sigma Theta because I want to be more involved with the Deaf community while making strong connections with my sisters/siblings and enjoying my time here at CSUN. I love meeting new people and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. I'm so excited to be a part of this sorority and can't wait to see what the next couple of years will bring.
Raelene Sichmeller
Major: Deaf Studies
New Member Class: Beta Rho - Fall, 2022
Biography: I joined AΣθ not only to improve my signing abilities, but also for a place to belong with friends who have similar interest and are fun company. In my free time you can find me doing water sports, being outside, or sculpting.
Alumnae Advisors
Andrea Apodaca
A.A.: Communications
B.A. : Deaf Studies: Community Service
New Member Class: Beta Kappa - Fall, 2018
Biography: I joined ΑΣΘ to find a family and support system away from home due to me being a transfer student. I am so happy to have found my home here in my sister and siblings, they have given me all the support and encouragement I could ever ask for. I treasure the memories I have made and continue to make in this sorority.
Erin Smith-Soeten
B.A. : Deaf Studies & Recreation and Tourism Management
Master of Arts (in progress): Hospitality Tourism & Management
New Member Class: Beta Mu- Fall 2019
Biography: I joined AΣΘ to find like minded strong individuals who were passionate in creating a safe Deaf space with which we connect. I love my sisters and siblings and truly cherish the lifelong friendships and memories I have from my time in the sorority. More than grateful to be an AA this year.Jack of all trades
Cultural Advisor
Faculty Advisor
Melissa Mladenik
B.A.: Deaf ASL/English Interpreting
New Member Class: Beta Iota - Spring, 2018
Biography:2022 CSUN Graduate. I joined Alpha Sigma Theta to gain a group of strong sisters and siblings for life and to have the opportunity to discover more about my identity as a Hard of Hearing women. My favorite color is pink.
Lisa Hermatz
CSUN Email: Lisa.hermatz@csun.edu
Lisa Hermatz, a member of the American Sign Language Teachers, has taught college level ASL for over 20 years for Pierce College & Glendale Community College. She is delighted to be joining the Deaf Studies family as an Assistant Professor here at California State University, Northridge after teaching as an adjunct for two years. Outside of the education system, Lisa has translated ASL work for several projects including DawmSignPress Once Upon a Sign video-series and for Deaf West Theatre, where she has also done thespian work. Lisa's passion lies within translating lyrical works into the beauty of ASL, what she likes to call "creating visual music" and she enjoys working a consultant for those who venture into this genre of entertainment. Lisa served on the board of the national Deaf Women United organization and is a co-founder and executive director of KODAWest, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves children with Deaf parents. Lisa earned her bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies/ASL Literature from CSUN and her master's from Gallaudet University's Sign Language Education Program (MASLED). She is thrilled to become the faculty advisor to CSUN’s Alpha Sigma Theta sorority, the very one she witnessed being established in her own home back in 1987. Life does come full circle!