Our name, CorpsTHAT, came from the intersection of our two cultures:

The English term ‘corps’ means a group of persons acting together, or a body of people engaged in a common-interest activity. When we sign CorpsTHAT, the word corps becomes the ‘C’ handshape, which represents the crews, the groups, and the teamwork that is valued when working outdoors and in conservation corps.  In ASL, the expression, ‘that!‘ is an idiom for ‘you hit the nail on the head.’

Founded in 2016 and became a non profit in 2018, CorpsTHAT works to connect the Deaf Community and outdoors through recreation, education and job development.

Located in Baltimore, MD we work and partner with organizations and agencies across the country.

Our Team

Sam (Marlo) Bragg
she/they
Field and Logistics Director

Sam (Marlo) Bragg is a Deaf outdoor leader and educator from Maine’s Great Woods, now based in Maryland. As the Field and Logistics Director at CorpsTHAT, Marlo is dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive outdoor spaces for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. They graduated from Gallaudet University in 2013 and earned a Master’s degree from Saybrook University in 2019. Marlo joined CorpsTHAT in 2018 and has held multiple roles before stepping into their current position. They oversee program training, schedule conservation projects, manage gear, and provide on-the-ground support in the field.

Emma Bixler
she/her
Program Director

Emma Bixler has been with CorpsTHAT since 2016 and is our Program Director. She oversees day-to-day operations, builds and strengthens partnerships with agencies and organizations nationwide, and leads the charge on our annual fundraiser. Emma attended California State University, Northridge, earning a degree in Deaf Studies and Child and Adolescent Development. She has worked in Deaf education, conservation corps, and at Gallaudet University, combining her passions for youth development, Deaf education, and the outdoors to shape CorpsTHAT’s programs.

Shirley Ann Shannon Martínez
she/ella
Education Coordinator and ASL Instructor 

Shirley Ann grew up in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and graduated from Gallaudet University in 2017 with a degree in Communication Studies. She has been teaching ASL since Fall 2020 and became ASL Coordinator in 2024, strengthening connections between the ASL program and various organizations and parks. Shirley enjoys adventures, meeting new people, and promoting Sign Language for a more inclusive environment for the Deaf community.

CorpsTHAT in the spotlight:

  • Q&A with CorpsTHAT - Disability Pride Month

    A Corps Network interview of CorpsTHAT with Emma Fantuzzo to recognize Disability Pride month July 2025.

    “ .. What makes CorpsTHAT’s Corpsmembers unique?

    All CorpsTHAT’s Corpsmembers identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or late deafened. They have the opportunity to work with Deaf land managers, Deaf leaders and staff, creating a safe and supportive environment to explore their identities while exploring their career opportunities within the outdoor field. …”

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  • Sevenpair Studio Video Spotlight

    In 2023 Sevenpair Studio created a video that showcases the partnership between the US Forest Service's Green Mountain National Forest and CorpsTHAT through our Conservation Corps Crew, Stewardship program with Lexington School for the Deaf and recreational opportunities with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.

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  • Immersive Conservation Education

    A US Forest Service article spotlighting our stewardship program partnership with the Green Mountain National Forest, Lexington School for the Deaf and Velomont Trail Collective.

    “… During their one-week visit, students connected with timber sale prep forester Joanel Lopez, a Lexington School alumnus, who shared his career path story. They completed mountain bike trail maintenance in collaboration with Ridgeline Outdoor Collective, Velomont Trail Collective and Vermont Mountain Bike Association—led by Angus McCusker, Velomont’s executive director, who used his American Sign Language skills to provide instruction. Students also completed recreation maintenance tasks such as grill replacement and picnic table repairs. …”

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  • Adirondack Mountain Club – Leave No Trace in American Sign Language

    An article written by Mary Glynn, former ADK Education Programs Manager, for the Winter 2025 issue of Adirondac magazine.

    “… Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) held the first ever Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course offered in American Sign Language (ASL) in September 2024. This allowed Deaf participants to directly communicate with one of their instructors and their classmates in their primary language of ASL. Beyond that, it will have a major ripple effect in the Deaf Community in the years to come…”

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  • Opening the Outdoors: Journeying Through Disability

    An article by Olivia Hall with Color My Outdoors:


    “ …I recently connected with CorpsTHAT, a Deaf-centered nonprofit bridging the gap between disability and environmental careers. Its programs range from short-term stewardship projects to full-time internships, and offer Deaf, hard-of-hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and late deafened participants real-world conservation experience in an environment that centers disability…”

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