About Us
TypeWell is committed to accessibility, inclusion, and equity in education and beyond.
Read our full statement on Our Commitment to Accessibility & Inclusion.
Meet The TypeWell Team
Founded in 1999, TypeWell has been a leader in real-time transcription for accessibility, providing inclusive communication access through human transcribers trained to deliver meaning-for-meaning speech-to-text services. We develop advanced software, offer professional training, and support institutions committed to equitable learning environments.
Kate Ervin
Executive Director
Kate began transcribing with TypeWell in 2004 and quickly found purpose in the work—supporting access to learning through real-time communication. After gaining experience in cities across the U.S., she returned to her home region of southern Arizona. In 2011, she assumed leadership of TypeWell, guiding its development with a focus on accessibility, thoughtful innovation, and community impact.
Janet Fedorchuk
Training Program Administrator
Janet has worked as a TypeWell transcriber since 2003, primarily serving post-secondary institutions in the Pacific Northwest. She joined the teaching team in 2011 and currently leads the Basic Skills Course and Refresher Course. A longtime advocate for communication access, Janet helped introduce TypeWell to Canada and continues to shape the next generation of transcribers.
Betty Barnes
Administrative Operations Coordinator
Betty joined TypeWell in 2015, bringing decades of experience in administrative support and medical transcription. She handles licensing, finance, and behind-the-scenes logistics with precision and care. A two-time cancer survivor, Betty brings a spirit of generosity and resilience to everything she does.
Bit Blair
Digital Content & Support Specialist
Bit completed her TypeWell training in 2013 and joined the team in 2022. She brings a background in library and information science, along with a passion for lifelong learning. Bit manages digital content, documentation, and customer support to help users get the most out of their TypeWell tools.
Cath Wong
Operations / QA Specialist
Cath trained as a TypeWell transcriber in 2021 and now supports operations and quality assurance. She holds a degree in environmental science and enjoys applying her planning skills to systems that support equitable communication. Based in British Columbia, Cath embraces the flexibility of remote work and contributes from wherever her travels take her.
Steve Colwell
Co-Founder & Software Architect
Steve co-founded TypeWell in 1999 and developed the proprietary software that powers real-time transcription. Trained as a computer engineer, he blends technical expertise with a deep commitment to accessibility. Steve continues to refine the software and support its evolution in partnership with the TypeWell team.
Ken Deutsch
Examiner
Ken joined TypeWell in 2007 after being recruited for his typing speed and linguistic precision. A professional writer with a love of language, he contributes to transcriber evaluation and curriculum quality. Ken also writes regularly for Byword, the TypeWell blog.