Group Mentoring

Purpose/Cause/Passion: We provide excellent ASL interpreters who love Jesus for events, music, and media that equip Deaf people for life and ministry.

Our Niche: Developing Jesus-loving interpreters to provide access for Deaf communities within Christian events, music, and media.

Let’s Do This! 

Sonshine Interpreting highly values the training and discipleship of Christian Interpreters SO THAT we provide excellent interpreting that equips Deaf people for life and ministry. In 2024 we created our 10 year vision. By 2035, Sonshine Interpreting will foster a network of 1,000 Jesus-loving interpreters equipped with professional development and mentorship opportunities. To reach our goal, we started offering 4 types of virtual development under “Sonshine School”.

For Interpreters/DIs

  • Workshops

  • Mentoring

  • Community of Practice

For the hearing audience

  • Lunch and Learns

To register for mentoring, please fill out the application below. We will get back to you in 5-7 business days. We will add you to a waiting list once a training is full. We appreciate your patience in this process. Each mentor track has CEUs available, costs $150 and lasts 6 weeks. Attendance is expected each meeting and homework will be given and checked. We look forward to working with you! We love our Sonshiners! *Proceeds from Sonshine School support the Mission-Minded Interpreter (MMI) Fund.

Quarter 4

Quarter 4:

Registration open Sept 1-15

DeafBlind Interpreting 

Michelle Chamberlain

Track Description:

DeafBlind interpreting is not as intimidating as you might think! We will refine our understanding of the basics of DeafBlind interpreting while learning new strategies to make our work the best it can be! May God receive all the glory as we learn to serve this niche community.

 Meets

  • Via Zoom

  • Fridays

  • 11/7, 11/21, 12/5

  • 9am-10am CT

  • Knowledge Level: Advanced

Biography:

Michelle is currently working as an interpreter while also homeschooling her five young children. Some of her other favorite activities are dancing, worshiping Jesus, and being a lifelong learner. She and her husband Caleb, are now pastoring a multi-generational church in Dayton, OH.

Interpreting in the Bible Translation Space

Rebecca Meier

Track Description:

There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to International Sign interpreting; we are always adapting and always learning! This track will largely be a place to practice necessary IS skill sets such as: Dropping form, using classifiers, cohesive devices, space, and increased affect to ensure our interpretation can be understood by an audience with no English base. These are the greatest steps we can take toward becoming clearer IS interpreters!

Meets

  • Via Zoom

  • Tuesdays

  • 7pm-8pm CT

  • 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28

  • Knowledge Level: Advanced +


Biography:

Rebecca is a certified interpreter serving as the staff interpreter at DOOR International. Through her work with DOOR, she's had the opportunity to delve into Bible Translation interpreting in international settings.

Sign Language to

English

Jacob T. Alexander

Track Description:

While most sign language interpreters' primary daily language is a spoken language, we are least confident, and work into this language least often. This track will provide practical language-work experiences focusing on interpreting from signed language into English capitalizing on our existing English expertise.

Meets

  • Via Zoom

  • Tuesdays

  • 6:30pm - 7:30 pm CT

  • 10/21, 11/4, 11/6

  • Knowledge Level: Novice

Biography:

Jacob has been professionally interpreting since 2013 and working in ministry spaces since 2023. He enjoys discussing the nuances of interpreting, creating a dynamic communication experience for all participants, and encouraging emerging and novice interpreters into challenging spaces.

A Christ-Centered View of the CPC

Cheryl Witters

Track Description:

Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a Christ-centered foundation for your interpreting journey, Kingdom Code will explore the CPC from a Biblical perspective with the aim of participants cultivating a deeper sense of calling, purpose, and responsibility as faith-based interpreters in secular environments.

Meets

  • Via Zoom

  • Fridays

  • Time

  • Days

  • Knowledge Level: Novice +

Biography:

Cheryl Witters is a freelance ASL interpreter based in Oregon, where she’s been working professionally since 2011. She has presented on topics, such as Kingdom Code, to walk alongside Christ-following interpreters who desire to infuse their work with Biblical truth.

Deaf-Friendly

Approaches

to Sermon Interpreting

Marvella Sellers

Track Description:

Learn how to interpret sermons in ways that are theologically sound, Deaf-centric, and biblically clear. We’ll focus on Christianity 101 basics, Triune-God concepts, and thought processes. Explore approaches to Old and New Testament interpretation for diverse Deaf/HH congregations.

Meets

  • Via Zoom

  • Day

    • Based on students’ needs

  • Time

    • Based on student’s needs

  • Knowledge Level: Advanced +

Biography:

Marvella holds a master’s in Deaf Education/ Multiple Disabilities and a background in Elementary Education and Creative Drama. She is a life coach and trainer with Aspire, supporting Deaf, DeafPlus, Hard of Hearing, and SEE adults. She also creates ASL-based life skills curricula.