Heartsong interpreting’s mission is to provide quality interpreters that take pride in the equivalent interpretations of the situations they are interpreting. We strive to bring the audible to life in a visual format with quality, ethics, and skill. Communication from our heart to yours.”
Heartsong Interpreting’s name came out of a childhood experience. Growing up, Kyla, the founder, was involved in theater and music from a young age. Singing and performing changed the energy and feelings around her. One day a friend of her mother mentioned that she noticed the change. Sitting down with Kyla, she explained that the shift in energy was because she had found her heartsong. When asked for a definition, Kyla was told: “A heartsong is something that you do that resonates so deeply within your heart and soul that your heart feels like it is singing.”
Providing access to the magic of stage and concert performances, ensuring equal access for all functions/events, and taking a personal approach to our professional work makes our interpreters extremely happy. Providing equity in communication and access has become our heartsong. Heartsong Interpreting is proud to hand pick their interpreters based on the quality and skill of their work. We challenge our interpreters to continue to work on their craft enabling them to provide the level of interpretations our consumers expect.
Kyla Wilkenfeld is the founder and owner of Heartsong Interpreting, a Black queer woman-owned agency built on the belief that communication is a human right. With more than 20 years in the interpreting field, Kyla brings both professional experience and heart to the work, focusing on access that feels honest, culturally aware, and deeply human.
Based in Los Angeles and working nationwide, Kyla has a strong love for community-centered work, performance spaces, education, and creating environments where Deaf and hearing people can truly connect. She is passionate about equity in language access, uplifting Deaf voices, and building relationships rooted in trust, respect, and authenticity.
At the center of Heartsong is a simple goal: making sure people feel seen, heard, and included.
Stevie Collins is the Interpreter Coordinator for Heartsong Interpreting, and here at Heartsong, we believe that whenever possible, the best interpreter for a situation needs to be one that represents the consumer. As a Deaf consumer herself, Stevie understands the value of representation in interpreting for all members of the Deaf community.
Having worked in Interpreting and Education for over 20 years, she also runs Heartsong Interpreting’s Mentorship Program, in the hopes of increasing the number of qualified interpreters in the region and thus, increasing accessibility for the community. Through education and awareness, she wholeheartedly believes the world can become a better place for members of the D/HH community.
Ashlea Hayes is the Outreach Coordinator and Lead Accessibility Specialist for Heartsong Interpreting. She a DeafBlind artist, educator, and advocate with a passion for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. Nothing gives Ashlea more joy than to be out in the community and raising awareness towards D/HH, Deaf+, and disabled social issues. Here at Heartsong, she continuously connects with the community, advocates for their rights, and ensures every space is as fully accessible as possible.
I am so impressed with the sign language interpreters over the weekend. They were the stars of the show! Thank you for everyone’s hard work, they all smashed it. They did a great job every one of them. I videotaped and turned off the sound. I could truly feel the music! So inspiring, thank you all! Xo”
– Elisia Savoca
Articles
“The Heroes at Los Angeles Comic Con: Heartsong”
“These Sign Language Interpreters Are Working Had to Make Live Music More Accessible To All”