This week I talk with Deb Cates from the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE) about:

• CEUs, professional development & community

• EIPA limitations & push for higher standards

• Pay equity & school-based advocacy

• Tools to support interpreter roles in schools

• Shifting how people view educational interpreting

If you work in K–12—or care about the future of this niche—tune in! 🏫✨

Deaf Spotlight: - Diversity Academy for Interpreters - https://www.thediversityacademy.com/

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/naie

CEU's for all episode: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Interpreters do more than convey language—they navigate ethical challenges, boundaries, and biases daily. In this episode, we explore when stepping outside the interpreter role helps or harms, how trust and advocacy shape our work, and the biases we bring to assignments. From tough on-the-job moments to teaming dynamics and maintaining neutrality, this conversation offers valuable insights for all interpreters.

Deaf Spotlight:

• Deaf Action Center: https://dactexas.org/

• Jooux: https://jooux.com/

  
  

  CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/tiffanyandjonathan

  
  

  👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

This week, Tiffany and I dive into the realities of the interpreting field—what’s missing, what needs to change, and why tough conversations matter. As an agency owner, she shares insights on working with interpreters, the gaps in our profession, and how we can bridge them. From training and self-reflection to skill-building and professionalism, we cover it all.

Deaf Spotlight: www.aslpinnacle.com

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/tiffany

- CEU's: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica, Ivy, and Jieli—three emerging interpreters navigating their first few years in the field. We talk about navigating their first jobs, impostor syndrome, and proving themselves in a field where experience rules. We dive into age bias, agency struggles, feedback challenges, and their hopes for themselves and the future of interpreting.

An inspiring convo that will leave you hopeful for the next generation!

Deaf Spotlight:

• For the Deaf Girl  (SimplyRyien) - https://www.deafgirldisco.com/

• Sweet Sign Shine (Janet Moreno) https://sweetsignshine.com/pages/about

58 Creativity - https://58creativity.com/

👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

CEU’s available: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com 

Contact: [email protected]

[email protected]

This week, I’m honored to welcome Michelle Mansfield-Hom, a Deaf clinical herbalist 🌿✨, for a conversation that dives deep into the world of herbal healing, interpreting, and the Deaf experience.We explore how tinctures, teas, and flower essences can help interpreters stay grounded and resilient, even in the face of stress, anxiety, and vicarious trauma. Michelle shares insights on the importance of nervous system regulation, the challenges of releasing our work at the end of the day, and how our overall health impacts our ability to interpret effectively.We also have a candid discussion about Michelle’s experiences as a Deaf consumer of interpreting services. From boundaries and trust to navigating technical settings like herbalism school, Michelle offers a perspective that every interpreter needs to tune in for.

Michelle’s Info:

- Bouquet of Basil Herbals: https://www.bouquetofbasilherbals.com/

- Instagram: Bouquetofbasil.herbals

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/michellemh

CEU’s available: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Contact: [email protected]

Episode Info:

In this episode, I chat with Amanda Smith about her podcast, Amanda’s Musings, and its first season, The Connected Interpreter. We explore the “why” behind it, who it’s for, and what’s ahead.

We also dive into her journey as an interpreter educator—how the field has evolved, where we’re excelling, and where there’s room to grow. From working with students and fostering critical thinking to exciting future projects for professional interpreters, this episode is packed with insights for interpreters at any stage of their career.

Deaf Spotlight: Bridges Oregon: https://bridgesoregon.org/

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/amandasmith

CEUs? www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Contact? [email protected]

Episode Info:

This week, I’m joined by Sarah Blattberg and Kirk Neuroth for an insightful conversation on interpreting into English for Deaf professionals. We dive into trust, transparency, and content knowledge—exploring how we prepare, refine our English register, and ensure the Deaf presenter remains the focus. From specialized terminology to mimicking professional dialogue styles, we discuss the skills that elevate our work. Plus, we share coping strategies for stress and teaming dynamics. Whether you’re new to this work or a seasoned interpreter, this episode is packed with practical takeaways!

Deaf Spotlight:

• Deaf DAWN: https://deafdawn.org/

• Deaf DOVE: https://deafdove.org/

  
  

  ASL/English Version: YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/@parkinglotdebrief 

  
  

  CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/kirkandsarah

  
  

  CEU’s available: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

  Contact: [email protected]

  [email protected]

This week we chat about how the yoga lifestyle can benefit sign language interpreters. We discuss how the physical, mental and emotional load of this career can wear on our bodies.  Jen shares the array of services she provides and advice for interpreters to help them with aches and pains that come along with our work.

Contact info:

• Website: www.jenkaganyoga.com 

• Facebook group: ‘Yoga for Sign language Interpreters’

Deaf Spotlight: ‘Yoga with Beatrice’ - Deaf Yoga instructor https://yogawithbeatrice.mailchimpsites.com/

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/jenk

ASL/English Version: YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/@parkinglotdebrief 

CEU’s available: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Contact: [email protected]

[email protected]

In this episode, Chazz and I dive into the fast-paced world of sports interpreting! From K-12 settings to working with coaches, Deaf players, and technical jargon. We explore the unique challenges of interpreting on the field, in the locker room, and beyond. We discuss dynamics at play, like being a female interpreter for a male football team.  Plus the joys, struggles, and sports signs that we learn on the job.

ASL/English Version: YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/@parkinglotdebrief 

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/chazz

CEU’s available: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Contact: [email protected]

[email protected]