Meet the Founder

Christopher Tester, Ph.D., is the founder and visionary behind With Direction, LLC. As a Deaf individual with decades of experience in interpreting and consulting, Christopher brings a unique perspective that bridges cultural and linguistic gaps. His work spans various fields, including legal, academic, and corporate settings, where he ensures precise and impactful communication. An accredited International Sign Interpreter with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and a member of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), Christopher’s expertise is globally recognized.

Throughout his career, Christopher has worked with high-profile organizations, including the United Nations and UNICEF, delivering interpretation and consulting services that are both technically accurate and culturally sensitive. He has a passion for enhancing the practice of sign language interpreting and works tirelessly to improve accessibility and inclusivity for the Deaf community. As an educator and consultant, he has shaped conversations about disability rights, interpreting practices, and cross-cultural communication through his workshops and presentations worldwide. His leadership at With Direction, LLC reflects his commitment to elevating communication standards and ensuring that every interaction is clear and meaningful.

Christopher is also deeply involved in the theatre community. A professional actor and proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), he has worked both on stage and as a Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL) — bringing firsthand production knowledge and Deaf cultural fluency to his work in the performing arts.

For peer-reviewed research, dissertations, and book chapters, see Publications.