Deborah Saldaña.

Deborah Saldaña.

Traveler 🌎✈️ Professional Spanish Interpreter, Quality Assurance Language Specialist, Trainer at NICHC, Classically trained ballet & flamenco dancer, and fitness instructor.

Greater Philadelphia
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A L'ecole Francaise

About

I wear many hats. I've never been satisfied with just one professional identity and keep reinventing myself. This isn't going to sound like most crisp professional statements because I don't fit that mold. I have always worked in both foreign languages and performance art; never gave up one to accommodate the other. I have two resumés, one for the language consultant, and one for the dancer/group fitness instructor. I am a professional translator, interpreter, and interpreter trainer, working in this industry since 1990. I specialize in legal/medical interpreting & taught the 40 hour “Bridging the Gap" course in Philadelphia - PA, NJ, DE from 2001 -2013. I have since graduated to teaching other trainings ranging from 60-100 hours. I am the sum of 30+ years of interpreter experience, including two decades in the courts, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Temple University Hospitals, among many. I contract with various agencies in quality assurance and also do simultaneous conference interpreting in certain topics.

However, before interpreting, I was a tri lingual, professional, ballerina/flamenco dancer, that began training at age 3. I majored in French & Literature as an undergraduate, and did graduate work in Education & Literary Criticism. Dance is my true calling. I took my language skills for granted, but found a way to optimize all of my skills, working for a decade as a foreign language professor (90's), and an interpreter & dance teacher. I am extremely driven, a perfectionist, goal oriented, and once committed to a goal, see it through. I never set out to be more than a ballerina but found a second niche in the language services industry. I am truly satisfied working in the rewarding "practice profession" of interpretation, merging a missionary spirit, a passion for foreign cultures & languages, and love of teaching and travel. My moonlighting job is as a fitness instructor: Zumba, Aquatics, Barre, Pilates and most dance formats. Currently I'm a performer/bellydancer with the Habiba Studio Dance ensemble, with Musicopia, a music education, outreach organization, and as a company member of Flamenco y Más, who performed in DVOC's CARMEN opera (2019), all based in Philadelphia,

Specialties:
Languages
Education
Training
Public Speaking
Communication
Cross Cultural Communication
Dealing with trauma & disaster relief
Legal Interpreting
Medical Interpreting
Translation
Research
Humanities
Literature
Writing
Psychology
Dynamics of communication
Fitness & Exercise
At home in all Arts, especially performance & Dance
Reinventing myself.

Activity

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Experience

  • Avante Language Svc Graphic

    Professional Spanish Interpreter

    Avante Language Svc

    - Present 3 years 3 months

    Greater Philadelphia

    Freelance Spanish interpreter working in a variety of settings

  • GLOBO Graphic

    Professional Spanish Interpreter

    GLOBO

    - Present 3 years 4 months

    Greater Philadelphia

    Freelance Spanish interpreter that was recruited to work with FEMA for the COVID 19 Vaccine clinics held from April-June 2021. Continue to work in multi-organizational projects such as Disaster Relief and Community educational outreach for the City of Philadelphia. Medical, Legal, Community, Face to face consecutive, simultaneous and virtual platforms.

  • Professional Medical Interpreter Trainer

    NICHC, National Institute for Coordinated Healthcare

    - Present 9 years 1 month

    Philadelphia

    Co-trainer for various Professional Medical Interpreter Trainings:
    60 Hour Core Community Interpreter Training,
    Advanced Medical interpreter Workshops/Modules
    8 Hour Advanced Medical Interpreter Code of Ethics

  • Language Services Associates Graphic

    Interpreting Expert

    Language Services Associates

    - Present 10 years 9 months

    Client Quality Assurance Department

    Experienced interpreting consultant, in the Client Quality Assurance Department. Work closely with lead CQA analysts and coordinators in a synchronized effort to maintain and upgrade quality assurance standards. Assist in resolving complaints, review feedback and protocol with interpreters, evaluate interpreters’ performance at various levels, assist with tiered language assessments, conduct language assessments as needed in Spanish, and improve the resources, screening, evaluation and…

    Experienced interpreting consultant, in the Client Quality Assurance Department. Work closely with lead CQA analysts and coordinators in a synchronized effort to maintain and upgrade quality assurance standards. Assist in resolving complaints, review feedback and protocol with interpreters, evaluate interpreters’ performance at various levels, assist with tiered language assessments, conduct language assessments as needed in Spanish, and improve the resources, screening, evaluation and qualification process for incoming interpreters and interpreters in the network, in the US and overseas.

    LSA is continuously accepting qualified Linguists in all language pairs. To join LSA’s network, Linguists must possess native fluency in both English and a foreign language. The ability to provide superior customer service support is a must. Linguists are able to negotiate competitive fees for services based on their experience, professional credentials and market factors, such as demand for their language competencies. If you are a freelance professional Linguist or a bilingual Interpreter, and you would like to provide interpreting services over the telephone, on location or via video remote, please submit your resume to my e-mail below, and I will pass it on to a sourcing specialist.

    LSA is one of the largest and fastest-growing language services providers in the world. The company offers a full range of language translation services and language interpretation services, including Translation and Localization, Video Remote Interpreting, INTERPRETALK® Interpreting by Telephone, Face-to-Face Interpreting, American Sign Language, Language Assessments and Intercultural Consulting. With over 150 employees and a network of more than 5,000 Independently Contracted global Linguists, LSA fulfills the multicultural communication needs of more than 2,000 clients worldwide, in over 200 languages, across every industry segment. Please forward resumes to: dsaldana@lsaweb.com

  • Aerobics, Barre Fitness, Core & More, Cardio Interval, and Senior Workout Instructor

    Self Employed, Freelance Group Fitness Instructor

    - Present 11 years 9 months

    Various Gyms and Recreational Centers

    Certifications include SCW Land and Aquatic group Fitness. CPR. Trained and teach Land & Aqua zumba, aquatic group fitness, cardio dance and barre fitness.

  • Zumba Land & Aquatic Fitness Instructor (Registered ZIN)

    Zumba Fitness LLC

    - Present 12 years 6 months

    Greater Philadelphia Area

    Licensed Zumba Instructor: ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network) #407520
    My second "moonlighting job." Join the Zumba Fitness Party!
    Currently a land & Aquatic Group Fitness Instructor at:
    - The JCC Kaiserman (Jewish Community Center) in Wynnewood, PA.
    - The Healthplex, Springfield PA
    - Fairmount Athletic Center, King of Prussia., PA
    - Viva Community Fitness, headquaters in Cherry Hill, NJ, working at Thorndale, PA location.

    Frequently I am a Zumba sub at:
    - Medina Kenpo…

    Licensed Zumba Instructor: ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network) #407520
    My second "moonlighting job." Join the Zumba Fitness Party!
    Currently a land & Aquatic Group Fitness Instructor at:
    - The JCC Kaiserman (Jewish Community Center) in Wynnewood, PA.
    - The Healthplex, Springfield PA
    - Fairmount Athletic Center, King of Prussia., PA
    - Viva Community Fitness, headquaters in Cherry Hill, NJ, working at Thorndale, PA location.

    Frequently I am a Zumba sub at:
    - Medina Kenpo Karate Studio, Springfield, PA.
    - Conshohocken Health & Fitness, Conshohocken, PA.

    4.27.2013 Licensed to teach AquaZumba, so join the party in the pool!
    July 2014: Barre Fitness Training

  • Certified Legal & Nationally Certified Medical Interpreter

    Self - Employed

    - Present 34 years

    Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey

    Independent Legal and Medical Interpreter for primarily Phoenix Language Services, Inc., in Philadelphia, PA, and various local agencies.
    English > Spanish (excellent spoken & written)
    Spanish > English (excellent spoken & written)
    French > English (excellent spoken & written)
    English > French (intermediate spoken & written)

  • Phoenix Language Services, Inc.

    Phoenix Language Services, Inc.

    23 years 2 months

    • Phoenix Language Services, Inc. Graphic

      Independent Contractor: Bridging the Gap Trainer & Interpreter

      Phoenix Language Services, Inc.

      - Present 30 years 2 months

      Greater Philadelphia Area

      I have worked for Phoenix in various capacities over the years, adapting to mine and their needs, always a (Freelance) Legal and Medical Interpreter since 1994, in house full time from 2001 - 2013 as Director pf Interpreter Development & Training, and back to freelance status, with trainer status as needed to the present.

      The trainer status for “Bridging the Gap" was shared with the umbrella organization, the Cross Cultural Healthcare Program, while we maintained the licensing…

      I have worked for Phoenix in various capacities over the years, adapting to mine and their needs, always a (Freelance) Legal and Medical Interpreter since 1994, in house full time from 2001 - 2013 as Director pf Interpreter Development & Training, and back to freelance status, with trainer status as needed to the present.

      The trainer status for “Bridging the Gap" was shared with the umbrella organization, the Cross Cultural Healthcare Program, while we maintained the licensing agreement. I conducted ongoing Medical Interpreter Training from 2001 to 2013.
      I was a Licensed trainer for Phoenix Language Services, Inc.- CCHCP, the Cross Cultural Health Care Program, for the 40 Hour "Bridging the Gap" Training for Professional Health Care Interpreters.
      Training started at 40 hours, and went up to 60 during my tenure.
      See website for more information and upcoming trainings: www.xculture.org
      Phoenix has since created its own 80-100 hour CMIT, Core Medical interpreter training. Go to:
      www.ncihc.org
      Click on the training tab in the menu for information on upcoming/ongoing trainings.

    • Director of Interpreter Development & Training

      Phoenix Language Services, Inc.

      - 12 years 7 months

      Recruit, Interview, Train, Test, Mentor and oversee continuing education and quality control in accordance with US national standards and certifications for all medical and legal interpreters for this company. Also, provide in-service/orientations for health care facilities that use our services, on how to work with an interpreter, the differences between a good and bad interpreter and how to tell, the law and consequences with regard to providing interpreter services. Consultant for health…

      Recruit, Interview, Train, Test, Mentor and oversee continuing education and quality control in accordance with US national standards and certifications for all medical and legal interpreters for this company. Also, provide in-service/orientations for health care facilities that use our services, on how to work with an interpreter, the differences between a good and bad interpreter and how to tell, the law and consequences with regard to providing interpreter services. Consultant for health care facilities wishing to implement interpreter services. Phoenix is one of the primary vendors of Interpreter Services to various area hospital facilities and courts in the Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey area.

  • Tier Two Licensed Trainer for Medical Interpreter in the PA, NJ, DE & MD

    Cross Cultural Health Care Program

    - 13 years 3 months

    Certified Trainer for CCHCP, for the 40 Hour "Bridging the Gap" Training for Professional Health Care Interpreters. Trains to National Standards and Certification. See website for more information.

  • Philadelphia University Graphic

    Adjunct Foreign Language Professor

    Philadelphia University

    - 7 years 9 months

    Adjunct Foreign Language Professor in Spanish and French
    Coordinator for the Language and Cultural Center, inclusive of maintaining foreign language software, tutoring and supervision of independent study students.
    Administered foreign language proficiency and placement exams.

  • Medical Transcription for Independent Family and Child Psychiatrist

    Dr. Oscar Saldaña

    - 10 years

    Greater Philadelphia Area

    Supplemental Medical Transcription and Translation for my father. Great exercise in studying medical terminology, and understanding the tools used in clinical assessments in mental health, symptoms and diagnosis. Great informal education.

  • inlingua network Graphic

    Teacher & Project Manager for Translation & Interpreting

    inlingua network

    - 4 years

    Greater Philadelphia Area

    Spanish Teacher for Small groups or individuals using inlingua method (emphasis on speaking before writing), born in Switzerland headquaters:
    http://www.inlingua.com/services/principles.asp
    Business & Court Interpreter
    Cultural Immersion and Relocation Trainer (Spain, South America & Return to US)
    Staff Translator
    Project Manager (1992-1994) for the Translation and Interpreting Department

    Spanish Class Clients included: Merck, Saint Gobain, Unisys, GlaxoSmithKline…

    Spanish Teacher for Small groups or individuals using inlingua method (emphasis on speaking before writing), born in Switzerland headquaters:
    http://www.inlingua.com/services/principles.asp
    Business & Court Interpreter
    Cultural Immersion and Relocation Trainer (Spain, South America & Return to US)
    Staff Translator
    Project Manager (1992-1994) for the Translation and Interpreting Department

    Spanish Class Clients included: Merck, Saint Gobain, Unisys, GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth, International Departments in Various Banks (Americas), The FBI, and private students.

    My most memorable experience with inlingua (now Global Arena in Philadelphia) was participating in a pilot program, teaching intensive basic, legal and criminal Spanish to the FBI, at their head quaters in Philadelphia for 2 years. Eye opening experience.

  • Dance Teacher

    Settelment Music School

    - 4 years

    Germantown, Philadelphia

    Dance teacher, movement and ballet to children ages 4-8 years old.

Education

  • A L'ecole Francaise

    Non degree French Culture & Conversation

    -

    Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

    Accumulated experience; non degree Classical Russian Ballet

    -

    Activities and Societies: My first career was as a soloist ballerina. I studied classical ballet for 30+ years in the US &Peru, inclusive of the Pennsylvania Ballet, since the age of 3. I performed into my mid 30's when I "retired" and started transitioning and committing more to the world of foreign languages, teaching, literature, translation and interpretation - my fallback plan in case of injury. I've been with this dance academy on and off since high school, my second home.

  • Villanova University Graphic

    Villanova University

    Literary Criticism & Spanish Literature Literary Criticism & Education

    -

    Graduate School, Villanova Pennsylvania

  • Universidad del Pacífico (PE) Graphic

    Universidad del Pacífico

    Non-degree Literature & Poetry

    -

    Lima Peru

  • Saint Joseph's University Graphic

    Saint Joseph's University

    Bachelor of Arts - BA Romance Languages (French & Italian) Literatures & Linguistics

    -

    Activities and Societies: Started out in Pre-Med for 2 years then switched to arts and humanities, more me. Member of the Cross Keys Fraternity for Community Service, inducted with lifetime membership. Through SJU I volunteered at Inglis House for the terminally ill for a year, and Catholic Social Services of Phila. where I began interpreting for one of the first amnesty programs under judge Esther Sylvester (hired & paid). Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President of the International Student Organization.

    Hawk forever!

  • Lower Merion High School

    Grental Studies & Honor Society

    -

    Activities and Societies: National Honor Society

    Ardmore, Pennsylvania

  • Ursula Melita's School of Dance

    Danced from age 3-18 with the youth ballet "Ballet Des Jeunes" Classical Ballet, Flamenco, Jazz and Slavonic Dances

    -

    Activities and Societies: Worked my way through the ranks to soloist. Learned Flamenco and Jazz. Traveled to NY on weekends to learn Luigi jazz technique, where one of our graduates moved to join the company.

    Started studying ballet at the very early age of 3 up through the age of 17. Became a member of the youth ballet, Ballet Des Jeunes at age 8, and commenced attending classes & rehearsals 6 days a week, 25 hours a week. We toured communist Romania, Bulgaria, former USSR & Poland as Ambassadors of Friendship & also Spain & Morocco. I graduated from high school, went as an exchange student to France for 3 months. - the only time I didn’t dance in my life, and returned to go to college but…

    Started studying ballet at the very early age of 3 up through the age of 17. Became a member of the youth ballet, Ballet Des Jeunes at age 8, and commenced attending classes & rehearsals 6 days a week, 25 hours a week. We toured communist Romania, Bulgaria, former USSR & Poland as Ambassadors of Friendship & also Spain & Morocco. I graduated from high school, went as an exchange student to France for 3 months. - the only time I didn’t dance in my life, and returned to go to college but continued as an adult professional dancer, juggling both. Taught ballet here to children.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Zumba

    Zumba Fitness USA

    Issued

  • National Medical Intepreter Certification (Inaugurated & available late 2010)

    CCHI, Certification Commission for Health Care Intepreters

    Issued
    Credential ID 0113

  • Medical Interpreter Certification Exam (MICE)

    Agnese Haury Institute National Center for Interpretation, University of Arizona

    Issued
    Credential ID PHI020509-01 Superior

  • Spanish-English Professional Medical Interpreter 2009

    “2009 Agnese Haury Institute for Interpretation at the University of Arizona.

    Issued

  • Medical Interpreter Skills Assessment: Test 3

    Pacific Interpreters

    Issued

  • Training of Trainers for Spanish Bilingual Assistant/Dual Role Interpreters, Medical Interpreter Project

    Phoenix (AZ) Children's Hospital, with a Scholarship from the Ronald McDonald House Foundation

    Issued

  • English Proficiency to Teach

    Centro Cultural Peruano-Britanico, Lima Peru

    Issued
    Credential ID 398/400 on Comprehensive Exam for Reading, Writing, Speaking. 1990

  • Spanish - English Medical Interpreter Certification 2002

    Language Line University www.languageline.com

  • Successfully Completed the "Bridging the Gap" Professional Medical Interpreter Training 2000

    The Health Promotion Council of Philadelphia under license by the The Cross Cultural Health Care Program

  • Training of Trainers for "Bridging the Gap" Professional Medical Interpreter Training 2001

    The Cross Cultural Health Care Program

Organizations

  • ZIN

    Zumba Instructor

    - Present

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