Overview
Born in Myanmar (Burma), Matilda Prestano was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University, and her master's degree from Gallaudet's Master in Sign Language Education (MASLED) program in 2022. After a year of teaching ASL in different settings, she developed an interest in the areas of ASL linguistics and De’VIA (Deaf View Image Art). Matilda holds a Professional Certification from the American Sign Language Teachers Association.
In 2021, Matilda joined the ASL faculty at Cornell University as a part-time teaching associate.
Matilda previously worked in the areas of Early Childhood Education and Student Life at the New Mexico School for the Deaf and at the Texas School for the Deaf. She was a teaching assistant with ASL immersion programs/weekend retreats for families with deaf children at both schools. She was also a student teacher and tutor at the University of Texas.
While studying Sign Language Planning and Advocacy, Matilda was inspired to reconnect with her Burmese roots. She hopes to work with deaf people related to Yangon Sign Language (YSL) and Mandalay Sign Language (MSL), the two primary versions of signed languages used in Myanmar, and to improve the quality of Deaf education there.
Matilda was featured in TRUE+WAY ASL digital textbook and curriculum in 2020. She counts hiking, photography and jewelry making among her favorite hobbies.
In the news
- ASL 1101 American Sign Language I to be Offered in Winter Session
- Visiting Storyteller to Perform Narrations in American Sign Language
- ASL at Cornell: It’s More Than a Language
- ASL Offered in Summer 2022