Ms. Vandegrift joined the Mental Health Center in 1999.  She became interested in working at Gallaudet University through a family friend. Once employed, she began learning sign language and learned to love signing and working in the Gallaudet community. Before coming to Gallaudet, she served as a Medical Records Specialist for 12 years. In her capacity as a Medical Records Specialist, she worked for agencies serving migrant workers, prisoners, and other underserved populations. She also worked as a pharmacy technician for three years. Ms. Vandegrift has a master's degree in business administration and oversees all administrative support functions at the Mental Health Center.