One of the most significant chapters of her life began with a simple conversation with the man who would become her husband. Before they were married, they dreamed about living somewhere beyond the United States. On a whim, they settled on a destination neither of them knew much about. “We just looked at each other, I said, ‘New Zealand?’ He’s like, ‘New Zealand.’” Years later, that dream became reality when her husband accepted a position in New Zealand, and the family made the move.
While a stay-at-home mom raising children overseas, Wilken became passionate about mental health and founded a nonprofit focused on creativity as a tool for healing. The organization encouraged people to express themselves through activities such as yo-yoing, dance, and art. Reflecting on its mission, she explained, “If you do something creative, it helps you to let go of some of the things, maybe depression or anxiety or stress.” Her work brought joy and connection to shelters and community spaces, where sometimes the goal was simply “to laugh and smile.”
Upon returning to the United States, she found work as a teacher's aide and later as a co-teacher. Yet another unexpected turn came when she felt compelled to learn American Sign Language (ASL). As she described it, “One night God was like, ‘Hey, go learn sign language at San Antonio College.’” Trusting that prompting, she enrolled and began what would become a transformative journey.
Wilken immersed herself in the Deaf community, attending events and learning directly from native signers. Her dedication paid off when she passed the basic Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification exam in Texas, allowing her to work professionally as a sign language interpreter. “God has given me the skill that I need,” she said.
Her search for opportunities to practice ASL led her to Family Deaf Church. At the time, she knew very little sign language, joking that she could barely sign her own name. Yet the congregation welcomed her with patience and encouragement. “It was really their warm and welcoming demeanor and attitudes that made me keep going back,” she remembered. Through those relationships, she developed both her language skills and her connection to the community. She eventually became an interpreter for the church. Sometimes she signs vocalization and other times vocalizing ASL.
Underlying all these experiences is Wilken’s faith. Raised by parents who were ministers, she has long viewed her life through a spiritual lens. One childhood memory remains especially vivid. After being baptized at age seven, she emerged from the water feeling transformed. “I felt lighter,” she recalled. “I feel like I could float away.” Later in life, she intentionally tested the beliefs she had inherited, seeking proof through experience. Time and again, she felt that God was present and guiding her path.
Today, Wilken works as a sign language interpreter, serving clients across a variety of settings. Looking ahead, she envisions a bright future for Family Deaf Church. She hopes to see the church grow and expand its outreach through services such as counseling, food assistance, and resource support specifically designed for the Deaf community. “I see them continuing to grow and expanding their reach,” she said.
From a young girl moving from place to place, to a nonprofit founder in New Zealand, to an interpreter serving the Deaf community, Wilken’s story demonstrates how faith, service, and a willingness to follow unexpected opportunities can shape a remarkable life journey.
