Terra Cole Benton

Terra Benton, a native of Tennessee, received her master’s degree in Interpreting from the University of North Florida in 2010. She received her bachelor’s degree in Interpreting from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1999. She began her professional career in eastern North Carolina. In 2000, she received her national certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. As an interpreter who keeps abreast of the changes in the field, Terra has professional experience in numerous arenas including mentoring, VRS, VRI, post-secondary education, K-12, mental health, substance abuse, medical, and much more. In addition to her interpreting work, she was honored to be an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University. Also while in North Carolina, she was active in Eastern NCRID serving in multiple roles; from Board of Directors positions to the Newsletter Editor. During her time with the organization, Terra received two awards: the Wilson Regional Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 2004 Interpreter of the Year and a NCRID Special Recognition Award for Service.

In 2006, Terra and her husband moved to the greater Tampa Bay area and dove right in to the Interpreting community.  In 2007, she received the Tampa Sorenson Interpreter of the Year award. She continues to  work in the classroom as an adjunct instructor for the University of South Florida, teaching ASL and Interpreting courses.  She currently works in private practice in central and western Florida.