Who is this Blogger?

HI!

I realized that I haven’t introduced myself.  Hello, My name is Kyla. I am an educational interpreter by day, and a performance interpreter when the opportunity strikes. I have been working for a little over 10 years.

Although I was always interested in ASL and signing, interpreting was not my first career. I was a voice performer when I was 11. I sang on commercials and things. That was so much fun and fueled my love of the performance.  At 20 I went into the medical field and at 21 I became both a CNA and a mom! I continued in the medical field to become a LVN passing the licencing test at the same time Rodney king and the LA riots happened. I grew up in San Diego and continued  to work and raise my daughter there.

After a healthy career in nursing I was hurt on the job. Faced with trying to find a new profession, i started taking classes at the local junior college. While finishing some GE classes, I stumbled upon ASL classes. The rest, as they say, was history. I spent 3 years learning how to sign and how to interpret. I was lucky to have some of the very best teachers, mentors, and classmates. I networked, I volunteered, I cried, and I rejoiced and…. I made it.

10+ years later here I am. I am now in a position to help and support new interpreters in their journey. I remember how important that support was for me. That is why Heartsong offers various intern and mentee opportunities. We offer a 6 week intensive that ends in a festival assignment, and a spring musical opportunity. The Interpreters I work all have a heart for teaching and have amazing skills to share.

Have questions? Please message me. Let’s chat.

See you at the festival!