Honor Society® member
Katie Sayles
ASL Interpreter at Sorenson Global Communications
- ASL Interpreting Pedagogy
- Class of 2023
- Hanford, CA
Member since June 2023
About
I have been a professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for over 20 years. I was the first person in my family to graduate from community college with my associate degree and then, two years later, my Bachelor of Arts degree in ASL/English Interpreting. I hold two national certifications through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
I have been married for 15 years and have four children. Two years ago, my youngest daughter entered kindergarten. I discovered I had time to pursue advancement in my career. I increased my presence in the field by accepting more interpreting work, and I enrolled in the Interpreting Pedagogy Master of Science degree program through the University of North Florida. I began the program in August 2021 and graduated in May 2023 with a GPA of 4.0. I have enrolled in Grand Canyon University and will be working to earn my Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and Instruction beginning in August of 2023.
Education
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University of North Florida
ASL/English Interpreting Concentration: Interpreting Pedagogy
2021 – 2023
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Bethel University
ASL/English Interpreting
2001 – 2003
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Bakersfield College
American Sign Language
1999 – 2001
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Currently, I am still working as an interpreter. I completed an internship in the spring and am now preparing to teach university-level interpreter programs at California State University, Fresno. I desire to earn a doctoral degree so that I can be a contributing member of a faculty in a bachelor’s level Interpreter Education Program (IEP).
- Graduate school interests
I have enrolled in Grand Canyon University and will be working to earn my Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and Instruction beginning in August of 2023.
- Outside the classroom
Reading, gardening, cross-stitch
Experience
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ASL Interpreter
Sorenson Global Communications
May 2008 – Jun 2023
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ASL Interpreter
I have worked as a professional interpreter for over 20 years. I have interpreted in a variety of settings including, but not limited to: medical, legal, social work, educational, government, professional, retail, virtual, etc.
May 2003 – Jun 2023
Volunteering
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Secretary
Central California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Jun 2023 – Jul 2023
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Project leader. Parent volunteer. Club Leader.
4H
Sep 2021 – Jul 2023
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Children's choir director. Wrote scripts. Directed plays and children's choir.
First Baptist Church Hanford
Aug 2018 – Jan 2020
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Led weekly Bible study and support group to women in a residential recovery program. Planned events and outings.
Hannah's House (Champions Recovery)
Mar 2012 – Aug 2021
Additional information
Organizations
