ABOUT ME
I consider myself to be a competent all-round interpreter, with strong interpersonal skills and proven experience working with deaf professionals in designated interpreter roles. My interpreter training began in 2009 and ever since, I have worked to develop a varied skill-set which allows me to comfortably work in the majority of domains.
​
Before pursuing a career as an interpreter, I studied for my undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology at the University of Wales, Lampeter. Upon completion, I spent a year in Wales, working in various contractor roles, supporting widening participation initiatives. I returned to my home town of London in 2004, and after a successful interview, I was offered a learning support position working with deaf children in a secondary school; which is where my interpreting journey began. I still consider having worked there a privilege; I was immersed in the language and culture of the deaf community and encouraged to become fluent in British Sign Language. When my time there came to a natural end, I went on to acquire an in-house position working in further and higher educational settings at City Lit. I enjoyed five years working as a Communication Support Worker before making the decision to become self employed.
​
Over the years, I have successfully built my business on the founding principles of equity and integrity. I believe that everyone has a right to access information in their first or preferred language, and that interpreting services should be delivered by qualified, skilled professionals, who respect their clients right to privacy and self determination.
Alongside interpreting, I also provide regular training and CPD opportunities for myself and colleagues. And more recently, I have qualified as a STILL Method anxiety and resilience coach, able to work with adults and children using English or British Sign Language.
​
My office is based in Southend and I work locally, as well as in London and further afield. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the majority of my work now takes place remotely and I have invested substantially in ensuring that I have the necessary equipment and video platforms to support my work. As a result, my interpreting remains just as smooth online as it would face to face.
​
I am held accountable for my interpreting practice through registration and regulation by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) and I'm also a full member of ASLI, the Association of Sign Language Interpreters. I hold professional indemnity & public liability insurance for my work, and I am able to provide an up to date enhanced DBS check, which is stored on a centralised database and can be checked on request.
​
Within ASLI, I have previously held a trustee role on their Board of Directors, as well as undertaking voluntary work for ASLI as part of the conference organising committee; and I have been the main contact for my regional ASLI network. I am still an active member of the association. In my free time, I currently sit on the steering committee of a local charity supporting SEND children and their families.
​
In line with the expectations of my regulator, I am committed to continuing professional development and training, and my current personal and professional interest lean towards the intersecting research related to interpreting, neurodiversity, anxiety & resilience and gender.