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.

profile photo of Kate Ervin, a white woman with long medium-brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark V-neck shirt

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.

Book a meeting with Kate

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

profile photo of Janet Fedorchuk, a white woman with medium-length, dark blonde hair, wearing a green top

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. 

Book a meeting with Janet

Connect with Janet on LinkedIn

profile photo of Betty Barnes, a white woman with short blonde hair, wearing glasses, tank top, and a scarf around her neck

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.

profile photo of Bit Blair, a white woman standing against a white background with blond hair pulled back

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.

Connect with Bit on LinkedIn

profile photo of Cath Wong, an Asian woman smiling outside with a blurred background of greenery and flowers

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.

Connect with Cath on LinkedIn

Steve Colwell profile photo

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 profile picture

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.