Patrick Hinson

Patrick was born hearing but lost it suddenly at the age of 15 so he understands what it is like to learn ASL later in life.  As an instructor, Patrick tries to make the learning experience as fun and enjoyable as possible, recognizing that whatever aptitude someone might bring to the initial learning experience, they can still walk away with some level of proficiency and comfort with it.  Then they can decide whether they’d like to move forward and learn more. Patrick holds a master’s degree in English, Counseling and an Ed.S in Educational Counseling and twenty years of experience working as a therapist for deaf children, adolescents and adults.  He has  worked as a therapist in out-patient, in-patient psychiatric, and in-patient addiction rehab settings in NC, FL, and SC, all with deaf and hard of hearing clients and their families. Patrick also taught elementary and high school Science and English for four years at the Florida School for the Deaf in St Augustine and four years of college English literature and composition for Pitt College in Greenville, NC.  Patrick currently works as a regional out-patient mental health counselor for the SC Department of Mental Health with children, adolescents and adults and their families conducting individual, family and group therapy. He also teaches ASL through Continuing Education programs at both Trident Technical College and the University of South Carolina.