Hessdorfer, Lorie Gaye

Born deaf and with cerebral palsy at Saskatoon, SK; R.J.D. Williams School for the Deaf, graduating 1985; during the last 2 years she also attended a mainstreamed Catholic school. After some delays, she entered Gallaudet University, but had to leave in her third year when she contracted mononucleosis. Returned to Gallaudet, finally graduating 1994. Unable to find a job at home for 3 years, she took courses in business and entrepreneurship, opening her own Oak Tree Bookkeeping Services business in 1998 and was successful at it.