TypeWell is a small company with a big purpose: to support high-quality communication access for consumers through training, software development, technical support, and quality assurance. The TypeWell team employs a guiding passion for fairness and equality is our mission, and has been since our founding in 1999.
The TypeWell team not only provides transcribing services directly, but also delivers the specialized training and guidance for transcribers who work for other companies and schools. It is our commitment to provide the highest quality training for speech-to-text providers using the “meaning for meaning” approach.
Our advanced abbreviation software is extremely well regarded, and we make refinements and improvements regularly to meet new challenges. We’re proud of our technical support and have systems in place to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of a natural disaster.
Since 1999, the TypeWell team has grown in scope and staff. But TypeWell is more than an org chart. Behind TypeWell is a closely-knit community of deaf and hard of hearing consumers, institutional administrators, parents, and transcribers who believe in TypeWell and who share our vision of equal access for everyone.
Kate Ervin
Executive Director
Kate became a TypeWell transcriber in 2004, while her career pursuits took her from Chicago, to Baltimore, to New York City. Wherever she went, one thing remained constant: she loved being a TypeWell transcriber because it satisfied her desire to help others and to learn.
In 2009, Kate became a TypeWell teacher. Two years later, she took over the company’s operations from founders Steve and Judy Colwell. Now, she’s guiding TypeWell’s growth and development with a team of dedicated professionals.
Janet Fedorchuk
Assistant Director of Education
A TypeWell transcriber since September 2003, Janet works primarily at post-secondary institutions in Vancouver, BC and in Bellingham, WA. She joined the TypeWell teaching team in 2011 and currently teaches the Basic Skills Course and Refresher Course.
As the TypeWell Pre-Training Coordinator for Judy Colwell (before the training was conducted online) many years ago, Janet had the fortunate opportunity to introduce TypeWell to Canada.
Connect with Janet on LinkedIn
Betty Barnes
Executive Assistant
Betty joined TypeWell in 2015, bringing decades of experience as an administrative assistant and medical transcriptionist. She enjoys walking, reading, photography, and intense chess matches with her husband.
A two-time cancer survivor, Betty shares the spirit of “giving back” common among survivors. In this regard, she hopes to enrich the lives of others through her contributions as a member of the TypeWell team.
Christine Flood
Client Services Coordinator
Christine completed her TypeWell transcriber training 2013, after graduating from Maryville College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Communication. She has been working as a qualified TypeWell transcriber ever since. This work has fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an editor in an unexpected and delightful way. Christine joined the scheduling team in 2021.
Connect with Christine on LinkedIn
Bit Blair
Scheduling & Marketing Assistant
Bit Blair has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. She completed her Typewell training in 2013, and loves the way transcribing allows her to learn new things every day. Bit joined the Scheduling team in 2022.
Cath Wong
Operations/QA Specialist
Catherine (Cath) Wong has recently completed TypeWell’s Training in 2021. Her enjoyment for transcribing and logistical planning have progressed her into her current role as Operations/QA Specialist at TypeWell. Cath has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, and currently resides in Vancouver, BC. She loves exploring the islands and mountains of the West Coast, as well as being able to transcribe wherever she may travel!
Steve Colwell
Co-Founder & Software Architect
Steve has a head for software development and a heart for its applications. He trained as a computer engineer, but quickly found his real aptitude was in helping people solve problems through technology.
Steve is one of the masterminds behind TypeWell’s proprietary transcribing software, along with Dr. Judy Colwell (Co-Founder and Research Director). Their dedication to responsiveness, support, and technical innovation endure as the basic principles of the company.
Ken Deutsch
Examiner
Ken came to TypeWell by chance in 2007 when a transcribing agency staff member saw his keyboard speed/accuracy and recruited him. His skills as a professional writer and his love of language also make him a natural fit for TypeWell.
Ken has become a valuable member of the TypeWell team, and he regularly contributes to Byword, the TypeWell blog.