Why Interpreters Deserve
Performance Infrastructure
Interpreters work at the intersection of language, culture, and high-stakes emotion. Traditional training focuses only on the linguistic dimension. Generic wellness apps don't understand interpreter-specific challenges. We built something different.
Why I Built This
Sarah Wheeler
Founder & CEO, InterpretReflect
I'm a CODA—a Child of Deaf Adults. American Sign Language wasn't my second language; it was my first. I've been interpreting in some form my entire life, professionally for over 20 years.
I've interpreted in hospitals where life-or-death decisions hung on my accuracy. In courtrooms where someone's freedom depended on my cultural translation. In classrooms where a child's education required me to bridge two worlds. On VRS calls where the pace never stopped.
And throughout those two decades, I watched colleagues—brilliant, skilled, dedicated interpreters—burn out and leave the field. Not because they lacked technical ability. Because they had no system for processing the weight of what we carry.
I earned dual master's degrees in Interpreter Pedagogy and Psychology specifically to solve this problem. I served in the Air Force, where I learned that high-stakes performers get systematic support, not just "self-care tips." I studied 25+ peer-reviewed frameworks in emotion science and cultural intelligence.
InterpretReflect is the result: the ECCI Model™ translated into daily practice, powered by AI that actually understands interpreter work, designed to extend careers instead of just extracting CEUs.
Our Core Beliefs
Performance Over Perfection
We're not chasing flawless interpretations. We're building sustainable excellence through systems, patterns, and continuous improvement.
Emotional Intelligence is Infrastructure
This isn't 'self-care fluff.' Emotional regulation, cultural navigation, and reflective practice are foundational skills that determine career longevity.
Cultural Competence is Trainable
You weren't born knowing how to navigate every cultural intersection. These skills can be developed systematically, not just absorbed through experience.
Reflection Drives Growth
The assignment isn't over when the call ends. Structured debriefing transforms experiences into expertise, patterns into insights.
Technology Augments, Doesn't Replace
Elya isn't here to interpret for you. She's here to help you prepare better, process faster, and identify patterns you'd miss alone.
'Soft Skills' Are Hard Skills
The industry calls them soft. We call them the difference between a 7-year career and a 30-year career. They're measurable, trainable, and essential.
The ECCI Model™
The Emotional and Cultural Competence in Interpreting model isn't borrowed from corporate training or adapted from therapy frameworks. It was built specifically for the interpreter brain.
Emotional Intelligence
Recognize and regulate emotions in high-stakes moments
Cultural Intelligence
Navigate complex cultural dynamics with awareness
Meaning Reconstruction
Preserve intent and nuance across languages
Role-Space Management
Maintain professional boundaries while staying human
Reflective Practice
Transform experience into systematic growth
Free 2-minute assessment
Our Vision
Extend careers by 5-10 years
By preventing the burnout that drives talented interpreters out of the field prematurely.
Make emotional and cultural competence measurable
Transform abstract concepts into trackable skills with clear development pathways.
Prove 'soft skills' are the hard skills
Build the research base and practical tools that elevate these competencies to their rightful place.
Create the standard for interpreter development
Establish a new paradigm where professional growth is systematic, supported, and sustainable.
Recognition & Credentials
RID CEU Sponsor
#2309
Approved continuing education provider
SDVOSB Certified
Service-Disabled Veteran
Owned small business certification
WOSB Certified
Woman-Owned
Small business certification
Government Contracts
Active
Federal contracting experience
Research-Based
25+ Frameworks
Peer-reviewed foundation
Field Experience
20+ Years
Medical, legal, VRS, educational
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Join interpreters who've chosen performance infrastructure over checkbox CEUs.