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.
Sonshine School Mentorship
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 costs $100 and lasts 6 weeks each quarter. Attendance is expected each meeting and homework will be given and checked. We look forward to working with you! We love our Sonshiners!
Quarter 1
January 15 - March 15
Quarter 2
April 15 - June 15
Quarter 3
July 15 - September 15
Quarter 4:
October 15 - December 15
Quarter 1
Quarter 1:
January 15 - March 15
Registration opens:
01/01/2025
Registration closes:
01/15/2025
Marvella Sellers
Worship Music
Track Description:
Empowerment strategies for Deaf mature Christians to stand in this role if viable, for your church/Deaf ministry, and hearing Terps practice feeder role. A fulfilling and spiritual enrichment for ALL. Worship lyrics, from hymns and liturgy to modern-day applications, will be expanded in ASL structure with iconic applications along with high-relevant worship for your specific church/ministry.
Meets
Via Zoom
Mondays
Jan 20, Feb 3, Feb 17, Feb 24
10:00am - 11:00am EST
Chris Beatersfeld
Chrisitianese
Track Description:
Have you been interpreting in a religious setting and come across phrases such as “let us extend the right hand of fellowship” or “please put a hedge of protection around Sister Mary”. These uniquely Christian catch phrases or idioms and odd sayings will be explored in this mentorship with the ability to work together for a better understanding and interpretation.
Meets
Via Zoom
Thursdays
Jan 23, Feb 6, Feb 20, March 6
6:30pm-7:30pm CST
Track Description:
This mentorship class is for novice interpreters who are interested in gaining a few more tools to put in the bag of tricks. We will be focusing on interpreting skillsets in general while using church-related materials. Discussions are open to specific features of interpreting functions (the nuts and gears of interpreting) and interpreting approaches within the church setting. We will meet a total of four times with homework assignments involving video submissions of your work (English to ASL).
Meets
Via Zoom
Thursdays
Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13
6:00pm-7:00pm CST
Track Description:
Deaf Blind Interpreting Is Within Arm’s Reach
Deaf-blind interpreting is not as intimidating as you might think! We will refine our understanding of the basics of Deaf-blind 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
Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Feb 28
10:00am-11:00am EST
Track Description:
Faith-Filled Partnerships: Teaming
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
1. Understand Christ-centered principles for teamwork.
2. Develop practical skills for effective collaboration.
3. Commit to fostering unity and humility in their ministry roles.
Meets
Via Zoom
Mondays
Jan 20, Feb 3, Feb 17, Feb 24
4:00pm - 5:00 pm PST
Peter Boklund
Church Interpreting
Bio:
A known trainer for interpreters, employed as a DI and in ProTactile/SSP fields, currently a seminary student and a Christian Deaf leader who are familiar with transliteration strategies combined with a longtime spiritual background. In-depth knowledge in ASL/Bilingual development assessments and assisting Deaf/HH leaders within Christian contexts, from professional to inter-personal and intra- skills. An extensive background of development of learning strategies applicable for all ages, long-time Deaf Christian and leader, a deaconess of GIDM, specializing in 1:1/small group lead instructor/missionary and Bible teacher.
BIO
Chris has worked in education, religious, medical & mental health, and video relay interpreting. She led a small Deaf ministry in her local church for ten years.
BIO
B.A. degree in interpreting and over 10 years of professional interpreting experience in a variety of settings. Serving in ministry providing ASL access for over 15 years and currently leading an ASL ministry at a local church in Wichita, KS. Co-owns an interpreting agency with his wife and mentors local interpreters seeking certification. Current certifications are NIC and EIPA 4.5 and seeking legal certification under BEI. Loves the Lord and feels blessed to serve Him in ministry working with the Deaf and interpreters.
BIO
Michelle has her AA in interpreting and is RID certified with over 14 years of interpreting experience. She is a fun-loving ASL interpreter who loves to wear all sorts of “hats” in life: currently working as an interpreter while also educating her 5 young children from home. Some of her other favorite activities are dancing, worshiping Jesus, and being a life-long learner. After having served as missionaries to young adults for 10 years, Michelle and her husband Caleb are now pastoring a multi-generational church in Dayton, Ohio.
BIO
Interpreting found me after my husband and two young children moved from the California Bay Area to Oregon in 2001, for a slower pace and more affordable life. My journey has taught me the truth of Proverbs 16:9, “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”. This has made all the difference in how I approach everyday encounters.
Fun fact: I’m an Enneagram 8 wing 7 with a primary spiritual gift of Exhortation and enjoy meaningful connections in my work and life.
Michelle
Chamberlain
Deaf Blind Interpreting
Cheryl Witters
Strategic Teaming
Quarter 2
Quarter 2:
April 15 - June 15
Registration opens:
02/15/2025
Registration closes:
02/30/2025
Topics will include
Bible Translation
Protactile
Special Services
High Level Voicing
VRI Interpreting
Quarter 3
Quarter 3:
July 15 - September 15
Registration opens:
05/15/2025
Registration closes:
05/30/2025
Topics will include
International Sign
Apostles Creed
Worship/Voicing/ Sermon
High Level Voicing
DI/HI Teams
HI/HI Teams
Quarter 4
Quarter 4:
October 15 - December 15
Registration opens:
08/15/2025
Registration closes:
08/30/2025
Topics will include
Bible Translation
Mentorship
Voicing
and more