Arellano, Gabriel

Born and raised in Santa Fe, NM to immigrant Mexican deaf parents; first language was Mexican Sign Language. New Mexico School for the Deaf 1974-1985, then graduated the Texas School for the Deaf (1986-1990). Attended Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, but graduated the California Culinary Academy in 1999. Worked as a chef in several upscale San Francisco restaurants, then taught sign language in several Southwestern colleges and the NM School for the Deaf. Entered the University of New Mexico about 2001 to study linguistics and nutrition and diet.