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 Bragg obtained her BA degree in International Studies from Gallaudet University, and then went on to get her Master’s in Outdoor Leadership from Saybrook University and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Sam has always been passionate about the outdoors since a young age, especially coming from a family with strong roots in agriculture and the outdoors in the great woods of Maine. Sam has discovered many ways to continue her passion and love for the outdoors by working at different local farms, Green Mountain Lions Camp, Aspen Camp, Camp Mark Seven, and the Conservation Corps. Sam is eager to continue participating in the current dialogue on how to create a diverse and inclusive environment for outdoor and environmental education and conservation programs throughout the nation.
Emma Bixler
she/her
Program Director
Emma Bixler attended California State University Northridge earning her degree in Deaf Studies and Child and Adolescent Development. Emma has worked in Deaf Education, Conservation Corps and at Gallaudet University. Combining all of her passions: Deaf education, youth development and conserving the outdoors has lead her to set up CorpsTHAT.
Shirley Ann Shannon Martínez
she/ella
Education Coordinator and ASL Instructor
Shirley Ann raised and resides in a tropical island of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Graduated at Gallaudet University in 2017 in Communication Studies. Enjoy the adventures, meeting new people and love teaching Sign Language for a more inclusive environment in any field for the deaf community.
Renae Thigpen
she/her
Media Relations and Communications, AmeriCorps VISTA Member
Renae was born in Columbus, GA, raised in South Atlanta, GA and attended a deaf school for middle school and high school. Renae graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Graphic Design and Studio Art in 2024. She enjoys adventures, meeting new people, and going camping and always is looking forward to learning something new!
