TAPIT CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras is a recognized leader in the language services industry with over 30 years of experience as a translator, interpreter, trainer, and national/international speaker. She is the founder of Cesco Linguistic Services and T360nBeyond, and a driving force in advancing the professionalization of interpreting.
Giovanna is a community and legal interpreter and is a Certified Healthcare Interpreter. She co-authored The Community Interpreter International and The Medical Interpreter, and played a pivotal role in developing the AAITE National Code of Ethics, expanding conversations on interpreter ethics in collaboration with T&I associations including NAJIT.
Giovanna is Chair-Elect, Acting Chair and founding member of the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE), and continues to shape the field through her leadership and advocacy. She serves on the ASTM F43 Standards Committee on Language Services and is Chief of the U.S. Delegation to ISO TC37/SC5 on interpreting standards. She is also a member of the ATA Standards Committee, the ALC Language Access and Advocacy Committees, the Colorado Language Access Coalition Steering Committee, and the National Language Access Coalition, among others.
Her experience as a practitioner deeply informs her teaching, and she is recognized for empowering interpreters to think critically, continuously refine their skills, navigate complex scenarios, and elevate their practice.
A recipient of the 2020 Bill Daniels Ethical Leader of the Year Award, Giovanna continues to shape the field through advocacy, education, and a deep belief in the power of language to foster equity and access. She is dedicated to advancing professional ethics, competences and skills, and language access initiatives—especially in response to the evolving impact of AI technologies and legislative changes.
Friday at 2 pm – Skills Building (Performance-Based) (3 h)
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras
Giovanna@T360nBeyond.com - 720.291.6819 - www.T360nBeyond.com
UPGRADE YOUR SIGHT TRANSLATION TO IMPROVE YOUR CONSECUTIVE AND SIMULTANEOUS
Abstract:
Sight translation is often undervalued and undertrained. It is an important interpreting mode to have in your toolkit by itself. But it can also be used to improve both your consecutive and simultaneous interpreting modes. For consecutive, repeated sight translation practice can help integrate terminology, phraseology and syntactic structure into your consecutive delivery. For simultaneous, speed sight translation of documents used during assignments can make the difference between keeping up with the speaker or falling hopelessly behind. This workshop will help participants upgrade their sight translation skills through practical exercises, practice resources and strategies for at-home practice.
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Saturday at 9 am – KEYNOTE (1 h)
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras
Giovanna@T360nBeyond.com - 720.291.6819 - www.T360nBeyond.com
BACK TO BASICS, FORWARD WITH INTENTION: RECLAIMING THE CORE SKILLS THAT SHAPE OUR FUTURE
Abstract:
What are the “basics” we return to? Listening, presence, precision, neutrality, resilience. This talk will explore how those fundamentals are not outdated: they’re more relevant than ever. And they’re what will guide us through this evolving landscape with confidence and clarity. This is a true call to deepen, not abandon, the foundational skills that sustain excellence.
Level: Advanced
Language Neutral
Saturday at 3:00 pm (1 h)
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras
Giovanna@T360nBeyond.com - 720.291.6819 - www.T360nBeyond.com
THE ETHICAL EDGE: RECLAIMING WHAT MAKES US IRREPLACEABLE
Abstract:
Everyone agrees that ethics matter—so how do we bring them back to the center of our conversations, our classrooms, and our practice? While ethics is often treated as a set of rules, its true power lies in the values that guide us, the choices we make, and the trust we build. Yet many interpreters still struggle to name or fully connect with those foundational values.
This session invites interpreter trainers to reimagine ethics as a vibrant, lived part of the professional identity, one that deserves more than a passing mention in curricula. Just as physicians embody “first, do no harm" in every treatment decision, interpreters can internalize principles like "preserve meaning with integrity" or "honor all voices equally", ethical touchstones that shape split-second decisions about word choice, cultural mediation, and professional boundaries in every assignment. We'll explore how to shift ethics from something to memorize to something that inspires, anchors, and empowers daily practice.
And in a world increasingly influenced by automation, ethics stands as one of our greatest human differentiators. AI can process language, but only humans can interpret with integrity, empathy, and moral judgment. Let's reclaim ethics as a source of clarity, courage, and pride for every interpreter.
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Sunday at 9 am (1 h)
Giovanna Carriero-Contreras
Giovanna@T360nBeyond.com - 720.291.6819 - www.T360nBeyond.com
THINKING FAST, THINKING SLOW: WHAT SHOULD INTERPRETERS DO?
Abstract:
Discover how the principles of slow and fast thinking, derived from cognitive psychology, apply to the art of interpreting. This webinar explores the interplay between intuitive, rapid decision-making and deliberate, analytical thought processes during interpretation. Learn strategies to balance these approaches to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall performance. Whether you're handling high pressure simultaneous tasks or apparently simple consecutive tasks, this session will provide valuable insights to self-assess and evaluate your own cognitive behavior towards your interpreting skills. Ideal for interpreters of all experience levels, this interactive webinar combines theory with practical exercises for real-world application. Join us to unlock the potential of your cognitive toolkit and sharpen your professional edge!
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Janis Palma
Janis Palma
Janis Palma is a professional English-Spanish interpreter and translator with over 43 years of experience working as both staff and independent contractor in state and federal courts, as well as for private clients in conferences on a broad spectrum of topics. She is certified by NAJIT, the U.S. Courts, and is a Texas Master licensed interpreter. She holds a Ph.D. in Language Studies, a Master’s in Legal Studies (MLS), and an M.A. in Caribbean History and Literature. Janis Palma has been a volunteer with the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) since 1986 and was awarded a Life Membership in 2006. She has presented at conferences, taught, written, and published extensively on subjects related to interpreting, language access, and language rights. Her research interests are mainly focused on the intersection between language, law, and interpreting in legal contexts. She is currently working towards a second PhD in Rhetorics, Communication and Information Design, where she plans to develop a new line of research into the rhetorics of justice and language access in the United States.
Saturday at 10:15 am (2 h)
Janis Palma
palmajanis88@gmail.com 726-223-6151
THE LINGUISTIC DEFENSE
Abstract:
Interpreters often make intuitive choices in their target language that may be challenged by a third party (e.g., a lawyer) and find themselves lacking a proper way to explain and defend their choices. In this presentation, participants will learn about the function of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics in the cognitive progression of language input and output during bidirectional (i.e., consecutive) and unidirectional (i.e., simultaneous) information processing. The instructor will demonstrate best interpreting practices and how to articulate a linguistic defense if challenged. The presentation is language-neutral with some examples in Spanish based on actual interpreting scenarios.
Level: Advanced
Language Neutral
Saturday at 1:45 pm – KEYNOTE (1 h)
Janis Palma
palmajanis88@gmail.com 726-223-6151
ON BECOMING AN EXPERT INTERPRETER: SKILL-BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Abstract:
With so many recent changes in the legal and regulatory landscape for interpreters in every domain it’s natural to feel anxious and insecure about our collective and individual future. This presentation will address the challenges we all are facing regardless of where we provide our services, and will suggest best practices to become an expert in the field. We cannot interpret like a machine or a robot, but we can certainly grow our skills and knowledge so we can be even better than AI.
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Sunday at 10:15 am (2 h)
Janis Palma
palmajanis88@gmail.com 726-223-6151
TAKING ACCURACY TO THE NEXT LEVEL: DISCOURSE ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE ACCURACY IN CONSECUTIVE AND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING
Abstract:
In this presentation participants will learn how to recognize those parts of speech that are critical for accurate renditions into a target language, and those that are not. The presentation will go over the basic grammatical structure of technical and standard English, the role that semantics and pragmatics play in capturing a speaker’s intended meaning, and how best to convey that meaning in the target language through discourse analysis according to each of the interpreting techniques addressed: consecutive and simultaneous. Instruction will be non-language-specific but will provide some examples in Spanish from actual interpreting scenarios to demonstrate the techniques addressed during the presentation.
Level: Advanced
Language Neutral
Bruni Treviño Dopatka
Bruni Treviño Dopatka
Bruni Treviño Dopatka is a French, German, and Spanish linguist born in Mexico, owner of Omega Translations, LLC. She is a Certified Court Interpreter since 2004, and a Certified Healthcare Interpreter-Spanish since 2014. She has served multiple terms at the TAPIT Board of Directors and has ample experience presenting at TAPIT conferences and workshops, LMU, Public Defender’s Office, and the Community Mediation Center. She enjoys swimming, walking, and meeting people.
Saturday at 11:15 am Performance-Based (1 h)
Bruni Treviño Dopatka
atka2000@gmail.com
INFORMED CONSENT
Abstract:
The class is designed for medical and legal interpreters to explore the ethical, legal, and linguistic complexities surrounding informed consent in healthcare settings. Using The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as a central case study, the presentation examines the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or permission in 1951 and have since played a crucial role in countless medical breakthroughs. At the time, informed consent was not standard practice, raising critical questions about patient rights, medical ethics, and legal responsibility. For interpreters, this case highlights the importance of clear communication, cultural sensitivity, and legal accuracy when facilitating conversations between providers and patients. The session will include a discussion of historical context, the evolving legal standards for informed consent, and practical strategies for interpreters to ensure that patients truly understand the implications of their medical decisions. By the end of the class, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the interpreter’s role in protecting patient autonomy and legal rights in clinical environments.
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Jason Daniel
Jason Daniel
Jason Daniel lived in Mexico for 6 years before returning to the U.S. in 2007, when he became court certified in the state of Arkansas. In 2011, Jason obtained his Federal Court Interpreter Certification, and in 2016 he achieved CMI medical interpreter certification. In 2008, he began serving as a Staff Spanish Interpreter at the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts, Office of Court Interpreter Services, and became Director of Court Interpreter Services for Arkansas on January 1, 2020.
Saturday at 3:00 pm (1 h)
Jason Daniel
jasondaniel@gmail.com 501-282-9598
FIREARMS AND BALLISTICS FOR THE COURT INTERPRETER
Abstract:
This presentation will introduce the participant, in Spanish and English, to the various types of firearms that exist, their function and mechanisms, as well as their distinct components and corresponding ammunition. It will also familiarize interpreters with the work of firearms examiners who match unknown bullets to a known firearm, and prepare them to competently and confidently interpret such elements in court hearings.
Level: Intermediate
Language Specific: English/Spanish
John Mark Maust
John Mark Maust
Born to North American parents in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, John Mark Maust lived in four countries in his childhood (Honduras, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the United States). Bi-lingual and trans-cultural, he served as a volunteer interpreter from a young age. He studied a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Master of Arts in Romance Languages from the University of New Orleans. John Mark is a registered court interpreter, and recently completed a Master's Degree in Professional English-Spanish Translation. He spends his days working in Tennessee courts and hospitals, teaching college level courses, and pursuing his hobby of nature photography.
Sunday at 10:15 am (1 h)
John Mark Maust
INTRODUCTION TO CAT TOOLS
Abstract:
A hands-on workshop designed to introduce interpreters to available tools for written translation. While technology is not able to completely replace the human translator, there are tools specifically developed to make the process more efficient. Participants will use their own laptops to use MateCat, a free online CAT tool, to translate a short text provided by the instructor and then use the same tool to revise each other's work. The session will cover the strengths, pitfalls, and ethical considerations of using computer assisted translation.
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Julie Glosson
Julie Glosson
Julie Glosson, EdD is a highly experienced Spanish professor with over 30 years of teaching at Union University, where she serves as University Professor of Language in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Writing. Inspired by her bilingual upbringing in Colombia, she brings decades of interpreting experience in medical, educational, and community settings. Dr. Glosson designed her university’s first online Spanish course, mentors future language teachers, and is deeply committed to excellence in language education. Over the years, she has provided interpretation in a diverse range of contexts, including schools, emergency rooms, clinics, dental offices, and churches. Outside of work, she enjoys theater, travel, and family life
Saturday at 11:15 am (1 h)
Julie Glosson, EdD
jglosson@uu.edu
SPEAKING FOR OTHERS WHILE SILENCING OURSELVES: ADDRESSING VICARIOUS TRAUMA IN INTERPRETING AND TRANSLATION
Abstract:
As interpreters and translators, we often experience trauma as a byproduct of work in courtrooms, hospitals, clinics, and other emotionally intense environments. We are expected to remain neutral and emotionless under any circumstance, often not processing the significance of our words until much later. Over time this can lead to burnout, emotional fatigue, and attrition in the field.
Level: Intermediate
Language Neutral
Blanca Martinez
Blanca Martinez
Blanca Martinez, CMI, CHI®, is a nationally certified medical interpreter in Spanish and English with 10 years of experience at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She holds certificates in Medical Terminology, End-of-Life Care, and Professional Translation, and completed the Healthcare Interpreter Course at the University of Memphis, where she is earning a B.A. in World Languages. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s in Thanatology. Her interpreting background also includes immigration, education, and public health settings in the Memphis area.
Saturday at 10:15 am (1 h)
Blanca Martinez
blanca.martinezjimenez@stjude.org
MÁS ALLÁ DE LAS PALABRAS: APOYANDO A FAMILIAS Y PACIENTES EN SU IDIOMA CON COMPASIÓN Y DIGNIDAD EN ONCOLOGÍA PEDIÁTRICA PALIATIVA
Abstract:
Esta presentación compartirá reflexiones desde la práctica sobre cómo los intérpretes apoyamos a las familias y a los equipos de atención durante juntas familiares, conversaciones de fin de vida y procesos complejos de toma de decisiones. Resaltaré estrategias creativas y colaborativas que fortalecen la comunicación, como las reuniones previas con proveedores, el uso de recursos visuales y enfoques culturalmente sensibles que respetan la identidad única de cada familia.
Level: Advanced
Language Specific: Spanish
GUEST SPEAKERS
Saturday at 4:15 pm (1 h)
GUEST SPEAKERS
LANGUAGE ACCESS: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE AND PANEL DISCUSSION
Abstract:
Language access affects the health, safety, education, and justice of all Tennesseans—not only immigrant communities. It also directly impacts the daily work of professionals across every sector, including doctors, teachers, law enforcement officers, judges, and business leaders.
This panel discussion brings together representatives of the three branches of Tennessee government and language professionals to examine recent, proposed, and anticipated changes to the way access to language services is valued and secured across the state, with an emphasis on strengthening the vital role the profession plays as an asset to TN government, healthcare, education, and commerce. Following updates from invited officials, the panel will address discussion questions submitted by Conference attendees.
This session provides interpreters and translators with critical knowledge of policies and legislation that affect access to language services. It equips participants with tools for advocacy and engagement, reinforcing professional ethics and best practices while strengthening collaboration between language professionals and public institutions.
TAPIT CONFERENCE TENTATIVE PROGRAM
CEUs pending approval
