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. In English phrasing, CorpsTHAT is also a corps that values inclusivity.

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.’

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.