Candas I. Barnes is a native Washingtonian and has been at Gallaudet University in a variety of roles since 1987. She began professionally interpreting in 1990 and received her Certificate of Interpretation from RID in 1991 and her Certificate of Transliteration from RID in 2001. Candas is currently studying for her doctorate at Capella University and holds a Master's degree from Gallaudet ('07), a Bachelor's degree from Goddard College and an Associate's degree in Interpreting from NTID/RIT. She especially enjoys ASL to English interpreting. Her preferred settings are social science and educational environments. Candas happily shares her life with her spouse, Juniper Sussman ('82), their daughter Mariasha Sussman Hall and their three cats. She enjoys all things spiritual and has a passion for life-long learning. Candas is an ordained minister, a nationally certified counselor, a spiritual life coach and a lover of life. In her down time she loves to travel, spend time with family and friends, read, write and discover new ways to have fun with her many Apple products. Candas considers herself very fortunate to be a member of the outstanding team of colleagues at GIS and is grateful for the wonderful opportunities she has to grow as a professional ASL/English interpreter.