Vitae



EDUCATION
2006 to
2007
University of Northern Colorado
Denver, CO

  • Legal Interpreting Training Program
  • Diagnostic Skills and Assessment Series for ASL Interpreters


May 2004
Weber State University
Ogden, UT


Master of Science, Criminal Justice     GPA: 4.0 (Top Graduate Award)


June to Aug. 1999
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR

  • Summer Interpreter Education Program
  • Mentor Training Program
  • ASL Teaching Program


Dec. 1998
Weber State University
Ogden, UT


Bachelor of Arts, Psychology     GPA: 3.17


May 1997 to
Feb. 1998
DSDHH Interpreter Training Program
Taylorsville, UT

Program funded by Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Instructors from Salt Lake Community College Interpreter Training Program.


Jan. 1996 to
June 1997
Davis County Sign Language Training Program
Clearfield, UT

Beginning to advanced Sign Language training; various instructors and Deaf language mentors. 



CERTIFICATION & CREDENTIALS

SC:L Candidate for Certification
Successfully completed knowledge requirements for Legal Specialized Certification April, 2009


National Interpreter Certification, Master
Endorsed by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and National Association of the Deaf, April 2007


Utah State Certification Board, Professional Interpreter Certification
Obtained Professional Certification, August 2005


Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Candidate for Certification
Successfully completed knowledge requirements of Certification, December 2005


Utah State Board of Education, Licensure Eligibility 
Based on Utah Code Ann. § 53A-6-104.5 “Licensing by Competency,” Utah Intermediate Interpreters are eligible to obtain Licensure for teaching ASL in the State Education System based on skills determined through the Intermediate Level State Certification process.


Utah State Certification Board, Novice Interpreter Certification
Obtained Novice Certification, 1996


Utah State Certification Board, Provisional Interpreter Certification
Obtained Provisional Certification, 1995



EMPLOYMENT
2009 to Present
Video Relay Service Interpreting Institute
SLC, UT

Faculty
Teach a broad spectrum of courses representing various American Sign Language and Interpreting disciplines; courses and course development demonstrate innovative practices in the American Sign Language/English Interpreting field and are developed in collaboration with faculty, focusing on commitment to quality and student centeredness.  Teaching occurs in conjunction with other academic support services, student recruitment, screening, and logistical/technical support.  As part of the lab operation, assume responsibility for the VRSII interpreting labs, including coordinating activities, maintenance, working with the IT department to ensure proper functioning of all equipment, training and assistance of mentors and instructors, schedule and supervision, and troubleshooting.  Manage multiple projects that incorporate global and multi-cultural, interdisciplinary perspectives.  Work with several corporate departments to complete projects with accelerated deadlines. 


2007 to Present
State of Utah
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
SLC, UT


Interpreter / Mentor / Trainer
Provide interpreting services for State of Utah agencies.  Coordinate the schedules of the full-time interpreting staff.  Mentor novice interpreters in the ICAN (Interpreter Certification Advancement Network) program, provide trainings, and coordinate weekend-long immersion events with other staff.  Aid in recruitment efforts for the ICAN Program.  Provide education and interpreting resources to Utah interpreting communities.  Manage the interpreter lab/library and coordinating the reorganization and implementation of a new system to improve the usability of the resource for the community.  Created and put into action an innovative employee recognition program, W.I.S.H.E.S. (We Inspire Staff by Honoring Everyone as Significant) aimed at boosting moral during tough economic times. 


2006 to Present
Salt Lake Community College
American Sign Language Interpreting Fast Track
SLC, UT


Instructor
Instruct students in both the American Sign Language Interpreting program (for those students seeking a two-year degree in interpreting) and in the American Sign Language Interpreting Fast Track program (for non-degree seeking students and those with prior language/interpreting exposure).  Worked with previously developed curriculum to incorporate new industry standards/research and adapted to address individual needs and allow for student-centered approach.  Developed new curriculum to expand course offerings; developed a series of classes that now make up a core courses in the Fast Track Program; incorporated online classes into the curriculum. Aided in the overall shift in Fast Track program philosophy from a theory-based approach to a practice-based approach that enables direct application outside of the classroom.  Developed classroom management strategies and activities for both small and large class sizes and that work well with the tasks associated with interpreting.  Work with state-of-the-art interpreter lab technology. Mentor Utah Interpreters.  Work with the department chair in student recruitment activities.  Coordinate opportunities for students to work in various settings to gain real-life work experience. 


2006-2007
Weber State University
Foreign Language Department
Ogden, UT


Adjunct Instructor
Taught second-year foreign language courses from the Vista Signing Naturally Curriculum.  Worked with the department to enhance the educational opportunities available to students by a review of alternate curriculum and exploration of innovative approaches to language learning.  Proposals included local and national ASL “study abroad” activities in conjunction with Continuing Education as well as a solution to the dilemma of hiring instructors that held the desired credentials from the higher educational perspective but lacked of language skill.  Introduced and advocated for the team teaching model where a credentialed instructor could work with a language skilled native language user, alleviating the concerns of the institution and enabling inexperienced teachers the opportunity to gain experience increasing future prospects in the field. 


2005 to Present
Sorenson Video Relay Service
SLC, UT


Video Relay Interpreter
Interpret in a call center setting, providing high quality sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign interpreting services for Video Relay consumers utilizing both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting techniques.  Assess consumer linguistic and cultural needs to ensure appropriate services are provided.  Developed a peer study group for the purpose of learning to apply ethical analysis to various interpreter scenarios in preparation for the National Interpreter Certification performance exam. 

1997 to 2007
Weber State University
Services for Students with Disabilities
Ogden, UT


Disability Specialist / Interpreter Coordinator
Coordinated accommodations for Deaf, hard of hearing, and other students with disabilities.  Supervised employees providing direct services in addition to personally providing interpreting, CART, and note-taking accommodations for students.  Provided disability awareness training to administration, faculty, staff, and students.  Worked on various committees to support the goals of the division and institution.  Provided academic support services for students.  Provided mentoring to interpreters and CART providers.   
Worked with Salt Lake Community College students in practicum placements and provided mentor opportunities for novice level interpreters in the community. 


1996 to Present
Community Interpreting
Freelance, Independent Contract/Sub-Contract, Volunteer
Utah


ASL Interpreter
Interpret for a wide range of community activities including appointments, meetings, groups, consultations, classes/workshops, etc.  Developed the skills and necessary knowledge to provide effective, specialized interpreting services in educational, legal, mental health, and medical settings.  Prepare invoices and business records, documentation for self-employment tax filing, fulfilling other business requirements such as liability insurance, business licensure, etc.



CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT 

Associate of Applied Science Degree:  ASL/English Interpreting

Courses Developed: 19 (70 Credit Program)
Developed for Salt Lake Community College

Developed based on the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) standards.  In addition to program coursework, development included computer lab design and purchase, faculty staffing model, recommended Program Advisory Board structure, and accreditation outline and plan. 


Associate of Arts Degree:  American Sign Language

Courses Developed: 13 (63 Credit Program
Developed for Salt Lake Community College

Developed to provide a strong foundation in American Sign Language and as a foundation to the ASL/English Interpreting program. 


Seminar I

STW 370 1 Credit
Developed for VRSII School-to-Work Program

This course provides students the opportunity to discuss Internship II experiences in a confidential environment.  Students will prepare and practice for the ethical decision making portion of the national interpreter certification exam.

Seminar II

STW 371 1 Credit
Developed for VRSII School-to-Work Program

This course provides students with the opportunity to discuss Internship III experiences in a confidential environment.  Students will prepare and practice for the ethical decision making portion as well as the performance portion of the national interpreter certification exam.

Comparative Language Use: ASL and English

STW 320 1 Credit
Developed for VRSII School-to-Work Program

This course provides an in-depth analysis of language use in ASL and English, including the consideration of specific linguistic structures which require the interpretation of secondary information.  Specific interpreting tactics for maintaining message fidelity will be explored.  Comprehension of these tactics will increase communicative competence and provide a strong basis for ASL/English interpretations.  Lab work required.

VRS Curriculum Infusion

Developed for VRSII/Sorenson Professional Development Collaboration

This course is a 3-day training exploring the ways to infuse VRS curricular content into existing Interpreter Education Programs. Participants identify current curricular gaps and brainstorm possibilities for future curricular development, in addition to networking with other IEP faculty.  Throughout the training, participants are given existing VRS curricular resources and lesson plans that can be implement and evaluated for effectiveness, as well as providing extensive opportunities to share resources and ideas with colleagues.  Training is offered as a collaborative effort to adapt IEP curricula to better meet the rapidly growing demand for interpreters who are ready to meet the current challenges of the profession.

Video Interpreter-Preparation Program 2B:  Contextualization

Developed for VRSII/Sorenson Professional Development Collaboration

This course provides an in depth analysis of specific linguistic features of ASL.  Participants will explore comprehension and production of constructed action, constructed dialogue, noun categories, physical descriptions, role shifting, and emphasis in ASL. Deeper comprehension of these factors will increase communicative competence and provide a strong basis for ASL to English interpretations. 

Mentor Training

Developed for VRSII

During this course, participants discuss the necessary dynamics of a successful mentor relationship, the logistics of mentoring, as well as the challenges mentors may face. Participants have the opportunity to analyze a variety interpreting work samples to appropriately identify patterns of strengths and weaknesses to help determine which patterns to incorporate into feedback and skill enhancement activities. Mentors practice techniques on how to most effectively provide feedback about the mentee’s work. The training provides ideas for skill enhancement activities which will help the mentee improve work toward their goal. 

Beginning Interpreting: Consecutive to Simultaneous

SLCC CEAS 0150 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Students learn the necessary skills related with interpreting sign to voice and voice to sign. Students will learn to manage processing, mood, intent, semantic choice, register, cohesion, expansion, compression and equivalency as it relates to discourse. Course will include stimulus for varying skill levels to cater to the needs of students seeking Utah Novice.

Fundamentals of Interpreting

SLCC CEAS 0100 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Students learn basic skills related to interpreting and engage in activities to successfully incorporate skills into their work. Including: cognitive processing, discourse analysis, memory, concentration, visualization, etc.

The Art of Interpreting

SLCC CEAS 0210 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Students learn the process of interpreting bridging the gap between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, ethical issue discussions will be held as preparation for the NIC interview. Skills relating to working with a mentor will be discussed.

NIC Written Test Prep

SLCC CEAS 0210 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Students examine interpreting philosophies. Focus is on the intercultural and interlingual challenges which may arise during the interpreting process. Students learn and apply the Code of Professional Conduct. Students will be involved with weekly online postings and assignments. Students must have frequent and reliable access to the internet. (One in class orientation required).


The Practice of Interpreting

SLCC CEAS 0300 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Students engage in hands-on interpreting skill building via interactions with mentors, peers and colleagues. Various interpreting specialties will be addressed including legal, medical, mental health, etc. Students will participate in activities both inside and outside of the classroom; online technologies will also be utilized to maximize learning.

Interactive Skills: Role Play

SLCC 0320 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Students learn the necessary skills related to interactive interpreting and role-play scenarios in testing. Students will learn to manage processing, mood, intent, semantic choice, register, cohesion, culture mediation, language assessment, turn-taking and equivalency as it relates to discourse.

Specialized Skills: Visualization

SLCC CEAS 0920 3 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Fast Track Program

Course Description:  Interpreters often admit they struggle with visualization. However, visualization is simply a product of our memory. It draws upon our experiences and knowledge of any given topic and allows us to create a mental image of the information. Visualization allows interpreters to transfer mental processes into clear representations of the source language messages. During this eight-week course, all sub-processes of the interpreting process will be explored, but the focus will be on visualization and imagery and building these skills so they can be put to work in the daily task of interpreting. This is a fun class full of enjoyable activities that will have a direct impact on interpreting skill.

Lifelong Interpreting: Going the Distance!

SLCC ASLI 2900 2 Credit Hours
Developed for Salt Lake Community College Interpreting Program

Course Description:  You have your certification… now what?  Students will learn how to make the most of their interpreting careers, including how to plan for self-employment, finding work, being involved in professional organizations, mentoring, advancing certifications and giving back to the community.   

PRESENTATIONS  & TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2012
UTRID Conference
National Interpreter Certification:  Let’s F.A.C.E. It!

SLC, UT
2012
VRS Interpreting Institute
School-to-Work: Ethical Decision Making
Interpreting Internship Topics with Mock Interpreting and VRS Sandbox

SLC, UT
2011
VRS Interpreting Institute
School-to-Work: Ethical Decision Making
VRS Curriculum Infusion for ITP Faculty

SLC, UT
2010
Conference of Interpreter Trainers
Infusing your Curriculum

San Antonio, TX
2010
VRS Interpreting Institute
School-to-Work: Comparative Language Use: English & ASL
Video Interpreting-Preparation 2B Course: Expansion and Compression
Community Partnerships & Stakeholders Meeting
Lab Equipment Demonstration and Test Day with Student Volunteers  
Mentor Training (assisted Cindy Farnham)

SLC, UT
2009
VRS Interpreting Institute
Video Interpreting-Preparation 2B Course: Expansion and Compression
VRS Curriculum Infusion for ITP Faculty
Mentor Training (assisted Cindy Farnham)

SLC, UT
2009
NIC Interview Preparation Workshop
Two-Day Workshop/Preparation Course Taught with Bonnie Bass Marsh

SLC, UT
2009
ICAN
Developed and presented The Amazing Race, Interpreter Workshop with Jenn Storrer

SLC, UT
2009
Salt Lake Community College – Interpreting / Fast Track 
Spring Semester Courses: 
Art of Interpreting (CEAS 0200)
NIC Written Test Prep-Online (CEAS 0210)
Practice of Interpreting (CEAS 0300)
Specialized Skills:  Visualization (CEAS 0920)
Theory of Interpreting (CEAS 0100)

Planned Courses for Summer Semester, 2009: 
Fundamentals of Interpreting (CEAS 0100)
NIC Written Test Prep (CEAS 0210)
Practice of Interpreting (CEAS 0300)

Planned Courses for Fall Semester, 2009:
ASLI Special Topics:  Lifelong Interpreting: Going the Distance! (ASLI 2900)


2008
ICAN Program Workshops/Presentations
Developed and presented two workshops:  Team Communication; Reflections on Our Interpreting Journey
SLC, UT
2008
SLCC Fast Track/ UTRID Summer Workshop Series
Developed and presented five workshops:  Making the Most of Your Interpreting Career; How to De-Stress On and Off the Job; Reflections on Our Interpreting Journey; Being a Part of Your Professional Community; Interpreter Toolbox

SLC, UT
2008
How to Use an Interpreter
Presentation to the State of Utah Agency Directors on how to use and secure an interpreter for their consumers

Moab, UT
2008
Salt Lake Community College – Interpreting / Fast Track 
Spring Semester, 2008:
Conversation I (ASLI 1300)
Fundamentals of Interpreting (CEAS 0100)
Interpreting Skills:  ASL/English (CEAS 0120)
NIC Written Test-Online (0210)
Practice of Interpreting (0300)

Summer Semester, 2008:
Art of Interpreting (0200)
NIC Written Test Preparation (CEAS 0210)
Practice of Interpreting (CEAS 0300)

Fall Semester, 2008:
Interactive Skills: Role Play (CEAS 0320)
Introduction to Interpreting (ASLI 1200)
NIC Written Test Prep-Online (CEAS 0210)
Practice of Interpreting (CEAS 0300)
Theory of Interpreting (CEAS 0100)


2007
ICAN Program Workshops/Presentations
Developed and presented three workshops:  Interpreter Circuit Training-Exercising all the Right Skills; Cultural Awareness; Visualization

SLC, UT
2007
Preparing for the NIC
Multi-Week Workshop/Preparation Course Taught with Bonnie Bass

SLC, UT
2007
SLCC Fast Track/ UTRID Summer Workshop Series
Developed and presented five workshops:  The Visualization Workout; Processing-Preserving Meaning in Our Work; Mental and Physical Health of Interpreters; Interpreter Toolbox; How to Develop and Present a Workshop

SLC, UT
2007
SLCC Interpreter Training Program Classes
Spring Semester, 2007:
Consecutive Interpreting (ASLI 1420)
Signing, Voicing, Roleplay (CEAS 0410-1)
Signing, Voicing, Roleplay (CEAS 0410-2)

Summer Semester, 2007:
Art of Interpreting (CEAS 0200)
Interpreting Lecture Series (CEAS 0900-1)
Interpreting Lecture Series (CEAS 0900-2)
Introduction to Interpreting (CEAS 0120)
NIC Written Test Preparation (CEAS 0210)

SLC, UT
2006-2008
Mentoring
Best Practices for Mentors and Mentees (occasionally taught with Emily Beech)

Various, UT
2006
Our Changing Roles: The Code of Professional Conduct
Taught workshop for Utah and Nevada Interpreters (assisted by UTRID Board). 

St. George, UT
2005
Progressing Professionally: Eating Our Way through the New CPC
Taught workshop to Utah Interpreters (assisted by UTRID Board).

SLC, UT
2004-2007
Team Building Meetings
Present to office staff of Services for Students with Disabilities.

WSU
2003-2007
How to Tutor a Student with a Disability
Tutor training and coaching techniques.

WSU
2002-2007
Students with Disabilities:  College Success Strategies
Skills for improving note and test taking, reading, time management, and study habits.
 
WSU
2001-2007
WSU Interpreter Training
Present ASL Interpreting & Linguistic training for WSU Interpreters (monthly).

WSU
2000-2007
Faculty & Staff Training:  Serving Students with Disabilities
Understanding the ADA and providing academic accommodations (quarterly).

WSU
2000-2007
What it Means to Have a Disability
Presented to  various WSU classes in two hour sessions.

WSU
1997-2001
Community ASL Courses
Taught beginning ASL courses to members of the local community.

Ogden, UT & SLC, UT



LEADERSHIP ROLES
2008-2010
Co-Chair, 2010 RID Region V Conference (hosted by UTRID in SLC, Utah)
2008-2010
President: Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
2006-2008
Vice President: Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
2004-2006
Volunteer Interpreter Mentor: Salt Lake Community College, Interpreter Training Program
2003-2010
Certification Maintenance Program Sponsor:  Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
2003-2007
Advisor:  WSU Association for Mental Health
2002-Present
Area Representative:  Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
2001-Present
Advisor:  WSU Senator for Students with Disabilities
1997-1998
Secretary:  Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology
1996-1998
Vice President:  WSU Sign Language Association


RESEARCH
2007
Demand Control in Mental Health Settings
Participated in study examining exposing interpreters to settings where they can observe without the pressures of interpreting; Results indicated this type of exposure increases competency during the interpreting task.  (Partial participation)
2006
The Utah Interpreter
Research project aimed at bringing awareness to the interpreting community regarding standard practices of interpreters in the state, including education, business practices, and professional development.  Currently developing survey tool. 
 
2004-2006
Techniques Employed by Police Officers Communicating with Deaf Individuals
Completed IRB process; Compiled background research; Built survey tool; Gathered data.

2002-2006
Yearly WSU SSD Student Satisfaction Survey
Built the survey tool; Analyzed data; Presented findings to faculty and staff.

1998
Religious Implications of Higher Education
Built the survey tool; Analyzed data; Sought publication.


COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT
2010
Pride Festival, Volunteer Interpreter Coordinator
2009
UAD Conference Committee, CMP Sponsor, Interpreter Coordinator, Program Book
2009-2010
2010 RID Region V Conference Planning Committee (Conference Co-Chair)
2008-2009
Chestnut Place Home Owners Association Board Member
2008
2008 RID Region V Conference Planning Committee (Registration Chair)
2008
UTRID Conference Planning Committee (Webmaster, Registration Chair, Program Book)
2006
UTRID Conference Planning Committee (Webmaster, Registration Chair)
2007
UAD Conference Planning Committee, CMP Sponsor
2006-2007
Utah State Interpreter Certification Advisory Board
2005-2010
Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Webmaster
2003-2006
WSU President’s Merit Scholarship Award, Selection Committee Member
2002-2010
Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Board Member
2001-2006
Lamar C. Kapp Scholarship Selection Committee

COMPUTER SYSTEMS/TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE & PROFICIENCY

Interpreter Lab Technology:  General Communications software interface for interpreter preparation and practice (including picture-in-picture, working with multiple workstations, working from teacher station to student stations, etc.) 

Video Conferencing:  Polycom, Tandberg, web-based conferencing technology

Operating Systems:  Windows; Mac OS

Applications:  MS Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat)
Macromedia Studio MX (Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, FreeHand)

Programming Languages:  HTML; CFM (ColdFusion)

Web Based Learning Tools:  WebCT, Yahoo Groups, Survey Monkey
        
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Conference of Interpreter Trainers
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Member from 2006-Present

Member from 2000 to Present
Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf


Member from 1996-Present