Rhiannon Sykes Chavez
Sykes Interpreting
Albuquerque,NM
1
Certification
20
years of professional experience
Passionate Disability Consultant, Trainer and Interpreter offering superior language experience to bridge communication gaps for better understanding and productivity. Employs empathic, mindful approach to avoid potential conflicts caused by lack of cultural knowledge. Operates well in both online and in-person scenarios, facilitating conversations between stakeholders and providing tailored training to ensure compliance with disability law. Utilizes various tools to engage service providers, clients, and organizations during trainings. Offers ongoing support and training for mentors ans mentees alike.
Work History
Staff Interpreter
3 Years 7 Months- Provides Signed Language Interpreting Services across the United States (on site and remote)
- Work includes a variety of consumers in State and National Government (NIH, EPA, FDA, DOE, DOS, SS, FBI, etc), Gallaudet University, Mental Health, and Medical Settings.
- Developed mentoring program for new interpreters
- Mentored junior interpreters to enhance skills and ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Facilitated effective communication between clients and service providers through expert interpretation services.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and ethical guidelines in all interpreting assignments.
Mentoring Program Coordinator
15 Years 6 Months- Developed and implemented mentoring programs to enhance participant engagement and learning outcomes.
- Coordinated training sessions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and mentor capabilities.
- Conducted thorough assessments of participant needs to create individualized mentoring plans.
- Designed innovative skill-building modules as part of the mentoring curriculum to equip mentees with practical knowledge essential for career growth.
- Cultivated a supportive environment that encouraged open dialogue between mentors and mentees, fostering trust within the mentoring relationship.
- Created and managed internships for multiple stakeholders at county, state, and federal levels
- Spread awareness surrounding interpreter law and disability accessibility
ASL Interpreter, Trainer, and Consultant
19 Years 7 Months- Provides Signed Language Interpreting Services across the United States.
- Specializes in Mental Health, Corrections, and Legal Interpreting.
- Manages and schedules various trained and certified interpreters
- Coordinates services for multiple facilities and events
- Established and implemented operational protocols to enhance service delivery efficiency.
- Trained and mentored staff in interpreting best practices to ensure high-quality service standards.
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations by staying current on industry requirements and implementing necessary changes in operations.
- Fostered an inclusive workplace culture that valued diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Mentored junior interpreters, fostering skills development and adherence to standards.
- Led workshops on effective interpretation practices for community organizations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
Contract Signed Language Interpreter & Deaf Services Coordinator
2 Years 9 Months- Coordinates interpreters and provides interpreting services
- Works with administration to develop protocol surrounding communication access
- Trains current staff and new cadets on how to work with Deaf inmates
- Runs emergency services for bookings, urgent medical needs, etc.
- Provided accurate interpretation of legal, medical, and procedural documents to ensure compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and client understanding.
- Advocated for culturally sensitive communication approaches within the facility's operational framework.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Signed Language Interpreting
- Cum Laude
- Minor in Psychology
Skills
Subject matter expertise
Cross-cultural communication
Ethics and confidentiality
Relationship building
Interpersonal communication
Cultural understanding
Client service
Professionalism
Public speaking
Problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Interpretation
Accomplishments
- Author and recipient of multiple grants and RFPs re: services, education, and training.
- Collaborated with team in the development of New Mexico Mentoring project hosted by the State of New Mexico.
- Implemented permanent interpreting services in multiple correctional and legal entities.
- The first interpreter in the state of New Mexico to achieve national mental health certification (QMHI - Qualified Mental Health interpreter).
- Nationally Certified RID Interpreter at the NIC:Master level
- Presented at local and national conferences re: disability, communication, and cultural competency
Certification
- Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting (CHI)
- Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf - Rochester, New York
- March 2015
- Qualified Mental Health Interpreter (Q-MHI)
- Alabama Department of Mental Health, Office of Deaf Services & ADARA
- December 2012 to present
- Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) Certification
- National Interpreter Certification: Master (NIC: Master)
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- November 2011 to present
- National Interpreter Certification: Certified (NIC: Certified)
- January 2009 to November 2011
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
American Sign Languagew
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Staff Interpreter
Access Interpreting
12.2022 - CurrentRead More
Contract Signed Language Interpreter & Deaf Services Coordinator
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
07.2012 - 04.2015Read More
Mentoring Program Coordinator
Sykes Interpreting
01.2011 - CurrentRead More
ASL Interpreter, Trainer, and Consultant
Sykes Interpreting
12.2006 - CurrentRead More
University of New Mexico
Bachelors of Science from Signed Language Interpreting
Read More