Meet our CONTRACT Interpreters

Owner & MO State Certified

Languages: Spanish

  I was born in El Salvador. I grew up speaking both Spanish and English — a bilingual foundation that has shaped everything I do. Today, I'm a MO State court certified interpreter and helping people understand and be understood is truly my life's work.

  I hold a BA in Foreign Languages & Literature with an emphasis in Spanish. For the past 19 years I've had the privilege of serving as the adjunct foreign language interpreting instructor at Maple Woods Community College, where I mentor the next generation of interpreters. My own experience runs deep: since 1999, I've interpreted and translated in Missouri's state courts, and I've come to love the clarity and precision this work demands.

  But my passion doesn't stop at the courtroom or the classroom. I'm proud to serve as a member of the Missouri Supreme Court's Committee on Language Access and the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters & Translators (NAJIT), where I advocate for interpreters by championing issues like fair pay, better working conditions, and the respect and support our colleagues deserve. 

Languages: Arabic, Somali, English 

Experience: 4 years

  I’m a professional interpreter based in Kansas City, Missouri, fluent in Arabic, Somali, and English, with four years of experience working in both medical and legal settings. I earned my Certificate in Foreign Language Interpreting from Metropolitan Community College (2021–2023). I’m passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and respected, especially during important medical and legal situations. For me, interpreting is more than translating words—it’s about building understanding, connecting people, and helping bridge language and cultural differences with accuracy, compassion, and professionalism 

Languages: Spanish

Experience: 6 years

 My name is Miriam Alaniz, and I've been working with Sara for about six years now — first as her student at Maple Woods Community College where I finished a one year program on foreign language interpreting, and ever since as a colleague. I like helping people, because when I came to the United States, no one was able to help me. I understand the struggles of not being able to communicate fully when you have a language barrier. That experience is what drives me, and it's why I'm currently working to become a certified interpreter—so I can give others the help I once needed.  

Languages: Spanish 

Experience: 1 year

  I’m a Spanish interpreter with over a year of experience. I decided to become an interpreter after witnessing the challenges two Spanish-speaking parents faced while navigating life in the U.S. Their experience showed me how important it is to have someone who can make communication easier. I love helping others feel understood, supported, and more confident when facing unfamiliar situations. 

Languages: Spanish

Experience: 3 years

  I became an interpreter because I wanted to help bridge language barriers and make sure people feel heard, understood, and supported. I’m passionate about helping others communicate clearly, especially during important or challenging moments. I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my language skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

MO State Certified

Languages: Spanish

Experience: 20 years

  I’m originally from El Salvador and fluent in both Spanish and English. I am a Missouri state-certified court interpreter with more than two decades of experience in the legal field.
 I am also a member of MICATA, as well as NAJIT. Learning is one of my greatest passions, and I view every interpreting assignment as a new opportunity to grow, expand my knowledge, and learn something meaningful.
My professional experience includes translation, conference interpreting, live wiretaps, court interpreting and interpreting abroad in faith-based settings.
 I believe words have the power to connect people, bridge gaps, and bring understanding. As Proverbs 16:24 beautifully reminds us, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” This sentiment reflects what interpreting means to me: using language with care, accuracy, and purpose to help people understand and be understood. 

MO State Certified 

Languages: Spanish

MO State Certified  

Languages: Spanish, English

Experience: 3 years

   I'm a Spanish and English interpreter. I was born and raised in Cuba, where I first learned English before coming to the United States twelve years ago. What led me to become an interpreter was my desire to learn more about the legal and medical fields — and, above all, to help others communicate effectively when it matters most. To pursue that goal, I completed the year-long Foreign Language Interpreting program at Maple Woods, where I studied under Sara Gardner. From there, I set my goal on becoming certified, and after much hard work, I proudly earned my Missouri State Certification in August, 2026. 

MO State Certified 

Languages: Spanish 

MO State Certified

Languages: Spanish

Experience: 12 years

   I'm a Spanish-English interpreter with a strong cultural and linguistic background rooted in both El Salvador and the United States. I obtained a Foreign Language Interpreting certificate from Metropolitan Community College in 2014 and in 2016 I became certified by the State of Missouri to provide interpreting services in the judicial system.

  Our legal system can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially when language becomes an additional barrier. I feel honored to serve as a bridge between Spanish- and English-speaking individuals, helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard, understood, and treated with dignity. I am passionate about providing accurate, effective, and culturally sensitive interpretation, particularly in situations where clear communication can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Languages: Spanish

Experience: 16 years

  I'm a Spanish interpreter with more than 16 years of experience providing accurate, culturally responsive interpretation in medical, legal, and community settings. My journey began at Children’s Mercy, where I worked in the Medical Records Department and served as a Privacy Officer. In those roles, I often used my bilingual skills to assist Spanish-speaking patients and families, helping them understand important information and guiding them through the appropriate steps in their care. 

Languages: Russian

Experience: 35 years

  I'm a Russian interpreter. My interest to interpretation started in 1991 after my participation in a student exchange program between Moscow State University,  where I had been a student at that time, and Weaton College in Chicago. In 1999 my husband and I emmigrated from Russia right after I received my doctorate degree at Moscow State, and it was logical to continue my interpreting gig here in the United States.  35 years later still do it and still love it!