Our name & mission: Bearing the Light
Proficiency with integrity.
30+
Years of Experience
Bearing the Light LLC is the service business of Chris and Missy Grinnell of Bozeman, Montana. Our four areas of service — web design and development, graphic design, sign language interpreting, and life coaching — are done with the highest professionalism and integrity.
Bearing the Light as a way of life means striving to make a difference in this life and beyond. We are all called to bear the Light in a world that is often dark and hurting. Let's all do our part in making this world a little brighter by being bearers of Light.
Creating Access Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreting
Missy Grinnell, M.Ed, NIC-Advanced, has been a community and educational sign language interpreter since 1994. She has worked in the Bozeman School District and at Montana State University (MSU), has interpreted for President Barack Obama and Montana Governors Brian Schweitzer, Steve Bullock, and Greg Gianforte. She keeps busy interpreting in government, healthcare, education, churches, and the community. Missy is nationally certified (NIC-Advanced) with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and former president of Montana Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (2007-2011).
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Bearing the Light formed
With a recent B.A. in Graphic Design, Chris began offering graphic design services to Bozeman and surrounding area under the name Bearing the Light.
Missy's College Graduation
In early May, Missy earned her B.A. in Communications from Montana State University, specializing in American Sign Language (ASL).
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September 1996
Beginning of Contract Interpreting
Chris & Missy married
In a beautiful and meaningful wedding, Chris and Missy combined forces.
Beginning of Contract Interpreting
Recently married, Missy began contract interpreting, focusing initially on educational interpreting.
July 1999
EICP Graduation
Finishing the inaugural Educational Interpreting Certification Program from Frontrange College after three years of intense study, Missy graduates with a certificate in educational interpreting.
May 2005
Missy earns her master's
Missy earns her M.Ed. in Adult & Higher Education with a special emphasis on Leadership.
May 2007
Women of Faith
Missy interprets the Women of Faith conference for the first time (of several), providing access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to the likes of Sheila Walsh, Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Chrstine Caine, Nicole C. Mullen, and Sandi Patty.
August 2009
U.S. President Barak Obama
On his stop at Bozeman to promote his Affordable Care Act, the White House asks for Missy again to interpret the then-President Obama.
April 2010
RID National Certification
At the end of April, Missy earns her National Interpretating Certification (NIC) (Advanced Level)from the Registry of Intepreters for the Deaf (RID).
September 2011
Aron Ralston
Missy interprets for Aron Ralston at Montana State University Convocation. Ralston is a mountaineer who shot to fame as the subject of the movie 127 Hours.
September 2012
Condoleeza Rice
At Montana State University's Convocation, Missy interprets for former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice (and enjoys her piano playing, too!).
January & September 2013
Government & Literature
Governor Steve Bullock's Inauguration
Missy interprets the inauguration ceremony on the steps of the Montana Capitol for incoming Governor Steve Bullock, as well as outgoing Governor Brian Schweitzer in January.
Yann Martel
Missy interprets for Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi at Montana State University.
September 2017
Bryan Stevenson
Missy interprets for Bryan Stevenson, social justice advocate and author of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption (and is greatly moved by it).
April & August 2024
Life Coaching
Life Coaching Certification
After an lengthy process, Missy is certified to be a life coach in April.
Polished Stones Coaching
Polished Stones Coaching, a DBA of Bearing the Light LLC is registerd with the state of Montana and Missy begins taking clients.
April 2025
Governor Greg Gianforte
Missy interprets for Governor Greg Gianforte in Helena.