OFFICERS

Patricia K. Graves is president, CEO and lead writer of Caption First, which was established in 1989. She currently serves on state and national boards and committees working in the areas of court reporting, certification, Deaf and hard-of-hearing legislation, and speech-to-text services. Pat is certified as an IL-CSR, CRR, RDR and CCP. She has taught both on the local and national levels for CART and captioning for Court Reporters and consumers. In 2000 Pat was listed in Today's Chicago Woman as one of the 100 Women Making a Difference. Pat loves to spend time with her family, read and sing in her spare time.

Roy K. Graves is the vice president of Caption First. His responsibilities include all budget and accounting functions as well as the development and implementation of current and new technologies. He has a BSEE degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to moving from part-time to full-time employment with Caption First, Roy was an Engineering Supervisor at Commonwealth Edison and served with honor in both the US Navy and US Air Force Reserves.  When not riding his motorcycle, Roy spends his free time testing couches and recliners for durability and wear-resistance.

REALTIME WRITERS

Francisco A. Philibert was born in Venezuela and raised in Mexico, and is a realtime voice writer for Caption First.  He provides bilingual (English and Spanish) realtime voice writing services for CART and captioning clients and also provides translation support to the company.  His educational background includes: Associate of Arts degree, Southwester College, Chula Vista, CA; Bachelor’s degree, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX; voice writing studies at Verbatim Careers Institute, Dallas, TX.  Francisco’s broad professional experience includes simultaneous interpretation in a medical setting, marketing, advertising, teaching and television production skills.  His personal interests are many and include writing, music and acting.

George R. Schaumburg is a staff voice writer for Caption First. He provides remote CART services for business teleconferences, lectures, educational classes, as well as captioning for television broadcasts. George holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music. He has training as a stenotype machine writer and is the first graduate of Verbatim Careers Institute where he received his voice writing training. He has co-presented voice writing seminars and demonstrations for NCRA and NVRA. George continues to advance the efficacy of voice writing technology as well as promoting the voice writing profession.

Heather Theriaque is a realtime captioner and CART provider for Caption First, working both remotely and on-site when needed.  Heather has a degree in Court Reporting from Springfield Technical Community College in Massachusetts.  She received further training from the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Heather’s experience includes CART reporting in the classroom and legal settings, as well as for conferences.  She also has extensive experience in captioning for local governments.  Heather is married and loves spending time with her husband and three beautiful children.

STAFF

Bryan Cummings is a scheduler with Caption First.  He is responsible for acknowledging client request for meetings, securing coverage for those meetings, as well as creating information documents for the writers.  Bryan comes to Caption First with a background in Call Center Management and Telecommunications Project Management.  In his spare time, Bryan is a sports enthusiast who enjoys participating as well as being a spectator.

Joe Delulio is the sales manager for Caption First.  He assists with the coordination of new clients, as well as taking care of current client needs.  Joe also assists in providing dynamic demonstrations for Caption First.  He is a graduate of Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Communications.   Joe loves to scuba dive, and has a true passion for stand-up and improv comedy.   Joe is a proud child of deaf adults, and he brings another component of caring and understanding that is echoed all throughout Caption First.

Michelle McCannon is a Caption First scheduler. She helps support clients and writers by coordinating the execution of meetings and events. Michelle is a 2006 Graduate of Columbia College Chicago, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Art, Entertainment, and Media Management. Her work experience thus far includes account management, marketing, sales, and HR. Michelle also works part-time as a test preparation tutor. She enjoys reading, music, and travel.

Ray Pecora is the Scheduling/Office Manager for the Chicago-area office of Caption First.  Ray graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northern Illinois University.  His primary tasks are to set up and maintain a long-term schedule, as well as to build relationships with clients and writers.  Ray is also in charge of making sure the necessary prep information is received and forwarded to the writers.  When not in the office, Ray is either at home with his wife and dogs, playing hockey, or rooting for his beloved Cubbies.

Nic Wolfe is the technical specialist for Caption First. He acts as the network/systems administrator, help desk, telecommunications technician, and various other roles that require technical expertise. Nic has technical training from Wes Watkins Technology Center, Wetumka, Oklahoma.  He graduated at the top of his class and was ranked 5th in the state. He comes to Caption First from one of the world’s largest hard drive manufacturers. He also has experience in theater/acting and musical performance.  Nic spends his free time working on and racing his car.