Heather Covington
Geismar
Summary
Experienced ASL Interpreter and Interpreter Coordinator with over 20 years of expertise in interpreting, team leadership, and communication access services. Skilled in managing interpreting operations, scheduling services, mentoring, coordinating programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and building collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Committed to advancing accessibility, ethical practices, and inclusive environments while delivering high-quality interpreting services.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Interpreter Coordinator
Louisiana School for the Deaf
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2018 - Current
- Coordinate and schedule sign language interpreting services for students, staff, families, and school events.
- Supervise and support staff interpreters, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance feedback.
- Ensure compliance with ADA, IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
- Conduct interpreter observations and evaluations to maintain quality standards and support professional growth.
- Recruit, onboard, and coordinate contract interpreters and language service providers.
- Develop and maintain interpreter schedules, assignment records, and departmental documentation.
- Manage interpreting service requests
- Collaborate with administrators, and teachers to ensure effective communication access.
- Monitor interpreter certifications, state licensure, and continuing education requirements.
- Assist with departmental budgeting, contract management, and invoice processing.
- Develop departmental procedures, forms, and best practices to improve service delivery and efficiency.
- Coordinate interpreting,captioning services and translations for LSDVI.
- Maintain confidential records and prepare reports related to interpreter services and program operations.
- Collaborate with Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) to coordinate and provide internship opportunities, mentor student interpreters, and facilitate supervised field experience to support professional development.
Interpreter
Louisiana School for the Deaf
Baton Rouge, LA
08.2003 - 01.2018
- Provided accurate and impartial American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and transliterating services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, staff, families, and visitors.
- Interpreted between ASL and spoken English while maintaining the integrity, intent, and tone of the original message.
- Applied the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct to ensure confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.
- Adapted interpreting strategies to meet the diverse communication needs of consumers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Disorders
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA05-2008
Associate of Arts - Educational Interpreting
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA05-2003
Skills
- ASL interpretation
- Educational Interpreting
- Interpreter scheduling
- Team leadership
- Interpreter training
- Performance coaching
- Access planning
- Accessibility compliance
- Professional conduct
- Cultural competency
- Internship coordination
- Project management
- Vendor management
- Budget management
- Event coordination
- Assignment Coordination
- Policy development
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Time management
- Problem Solving
- Communication skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Records management
- Project management
- Budget management
- Assignment Coordination
- Assignment Coordination
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Organizational & Time Management
- Self motivation
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Interpreter Coordinator
Louisiana School for the Deaf
01.2018 - Current
Interpreter
Louisiana School for the Deaf
08.2003 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Disorders
Louisiana State University
Associate of Arts - Educational Interpreting
Delgado Community College