FOUNDER AND VISIONARY

Araya attended mainstream schools and learned ASL through Deaf peers. After meeting Jesus, her passion grew for her Deaf friends knowing Jesus. As a student leader with Young Life in high school, the Lord placed the call on Araya’s life to share Jesus with the Deaf community. This call helped steer her college choice to be near a Deaf school where she could continue to invest in Deaf youth through coaching, mentoring, and ministry. Over 20 years later, Araya’s deepest passions are still Jesus and Deaf people. In 2016, Araya started Sonshine Interpreting, an agency of gifted interpreters that love Jesus and have a heart for Deaf ministry. Araya advocates for accessibility to anything that equips Deaf people for life and ministry.

Fun Fact: Araya is competitive. She caries the competitive nature of her college soccer days into most competitions, even when they are intended to be fun and playful. She may even take a peak at your cards if you "show" her your hand unintentionally.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Becky Woodall is a wife and mother of four. As Executive Assistant, she works alongside organizations to provide the highest quality interpreters and coordinates Sonshine school. A seasoned and certified interpreter since 2009. Earning her NIC in 2012, she has gained experience in a wide range of settings, including Christian ministry, legal, Deaf-Blind, performing arts, video relay, and education.

With extensive experience in international mission work, Becky has gained invaluable insight into interpreting within the Christian sector. Alongside, her husband, Daniel, she co-founded The Woodall Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the Deaf community in Moldova and Ukraine. A Levite, worship leader and songwriter.

Fun Facts: A competitive Mancala player, jumped off a 40-ft cliff in Jamaica, conversational in Russian Sign Language, flat-earther.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Although Jules wasn't born in Texas, she got there as fast as she could! A resident of Dallas since 2020, she holds the BEI Basic and EIPA along with an A.A. and B.A. in Interpreting. Her time consists of serving at the local Deaf church, working at several local interpreting agencies in various venues, and taking salsa dance lessons. Her biggest passion point is giving Deaf teenagers full access in schools and how to best support them in their educational careers.

Jules has worked as an admin at Sonshine since 2021. She has led multiple interpreter teams at Christian conferences, manages Sonshine’s socials and communication platforms.

Fun Fact: She believes the only way to eat an Oreo is with peanut butter smeared on top. She speaks mostly in movie quotes, loves traveling to new places, and gets local coffee beans from every city she visits.

PROJECT MANAGER

Originally from Austin, Texas, Emma holds a B.S. in public relations from The University of Texas at Austin  and an international development M.A. from Gallaudet University. With over eight years of experience in communications and partnership marketing, she loves supporting Sonshine Interpreting as a Project Manager.

She maintains BEI Advanced and National Interpreter Certifications in American Sign Language-English interpretation. She loves Sonshine’s core values and providing excellent access for ministries and organizations looking to include Deaf people. She is passionate about disability-led development and Deaf inclusion across the Middle East, and more specifically, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Fun Fact: Emma has been to 32+ countries and plays the flute.

OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

She was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, Samantha is a proud CODA who moved to Texas in 2019 with her husband Jeremy—a Deaf worship leader and Field Coordinator to the Americas. Together, they’re passionate about creating spaces where the Deaf community can fully experience the love and joy of Jesus.Samantha has served as an Interpreter Workforce Specialist, coordinating interpreting teams for conferences across the U.S. and internationally. From American Sign Language to International Sign and Russian Sign Language, she’s led with excellence in diverse, multilingual environments—always with a heart for connection and access.

Fun Fact: She’s a big fan of gospel music, casually quotes song lyrics in conversation, and is forever on team pineapple belongs on pizza. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys hanging out with friends, playing games, soaking up puppy snuggles, and proudly supports the Kansas City Chiefs. And yes-- she's already planning for her next Disney adventure.

SHEPHERD

Kerie Ljunghammar (pronounced “Young-hammer”) is a wife, mother of four, grandma of three, scuba diver, hobby farmer, and talented crafter.

She has been a dedicated friend of the Deaf community for over 30 years and a professional interpreter for the past eight. Kerie holds a Bachelor of Science in ASL-English Interpreting, along with an Oklahoma QAST 4/5 certification, the BEI Basic certification and is Nationally Certified. She currently serves as a community interpreter in the greater Oklahoma City area.

Since moving to Oklahoma in 2015, Kerie has made interpreting for family and friends a priority. She joined the Sonshine team in early 2025 and is honored to call it home.

Fun Fact: She has scuba dived in 10 different countries.

MASTER VISIONARY

Jeremy was blessed enough to meet Araya at _____ and hasn’t been the same since. They do ___ together and their kids showcase their sillyness and heart for others…when they feel like it. We love Jeremy for his big heart and willingness to serve …..

Fun Fact:

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Becky Woodall is a wife and mother of four. As Executive Assistant, she works alongside organizations to provide the highest quality interpreters and coordinates Sonshine school. A seasoned and certified interpreter since 2009. Earning her NIC in 2012, she has gained experience in a wide range of settings, including Christian ministry, legal, Deaf-Blind, performing arts, video relay, and education.

With extensive experience in international mission work, Becky has gained invaluable insight into interpreting within the Christian sector. Alongside, her husband, Daniel, she co-founded The Woodall Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the Deaf community in Moldova and Ukraine. A Levite, worship leader and songwriter.

Fun Facts: A competitive Mancala player, jumped off a 40-ft cliff in Jamaica, conversational in Russian Sign Language, flat-earther.

DEACON OF KANSAS

Joel wasn’t born with ruby slippers, but he was born with a deep love for Kansas. When he met Jules during a virtual Heart of Dating event, he had no idea he was signing up for a long-distance rom-com filled with laughter, travel, and Nerf gun battles. Since then, he’s gone from bachelor status to a twitterpated, Disney-watching, haiku-writing boyfriend. Together they’ve been exploring new cities, sampling every cup of coffee they can find, and discovering that snuggling through each other’s favorite movies makes for the best date nights. A foodie, adventurer, and map nerd, Joel is a man who loves deeply and laughs loudly. As a Sonshine Deacon, he brings the steady heart of the Midwest to the team — grounded, loyal, and always the one bringing snacks to the next hang.

Fun fact: He’s an Eagle Scout, has lived in ten states, and will never turn down a sweet treat.

DEACON OF PRESENCE/PRESENTS

When Eli met Emma in graduate school, he was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. They have been partners in international development and shenanigans you wouldn't believe, ever since. As Sonshine's Deacon of Presence (+ Presents), when he is with you, he is totally with you. When he is not, he is fully present with someone else and may be hard to reach. However, he is not easily distracted; he has the most undivided listening skills and an empathetic heart. He is also skilled in thoughtful gifts and trinkets for those he loves.

Fun fact: He taught himself piano during COVID — and yes, he can now officially play more than just “Chopsticks.”

DEACON OF COFFEE

When Jeremy met Samantha, he was instantly mesmerized by her big, sparkly blue eyes and a smile that could probably power a small village. He's been electrically connected to her ever since. Partnering together in fun, worship, and crazy adventures, they live life on the edge and love every minute of it. As a Sonshine Deacon, Jeremy will keep the team energized with the Holy Spirit and ensure that your coffee cup is always full. He's always ready with a prayer, a refill, and a laugh. Whether it's  brewing community or actual coffee, he will make sure everyone is grounded in Jesus, and coffee (in that order).

Fun fact: He loves the song "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." In fact, you might want to ask his wife about it 

SHEPHERD

Kerie Ljunghammar (pronounced “Young-hammer”) is a wife, mother of four, grandma of three, scuba diver, hobby farmer, and talented crafter.

She has been a dedicated friend of the Deaf community for over 30 years and a professional interpreter for the past eight. Kerie holds a Bachelor of Science in ASL-English Interpreting, along with an Oklahoma QAST 4/5 certification, the BEI Basic certification and is Nationally Certified. She currently serves as a community interpreter in the greater Oklahoma City area.

Since moving to Oklahoma in 2015, Kerie has made interpreting for family and friends a priority. She joined the Sonshine team in early 2025 and is honored to call it home.

Fun Fact: She has scuba dived in 10 different countries.