Katie Bower

Background

About Katie Bower

Nationally Certified ASL-English Interpreter (NIC: Master). Fifteen years of experience (certified). Moved back to the Austin, TX area (2021), after 11 years in the Metro DC/DMV Area. A.A.S. in Sign Language Interpreting from McLennan Community College (2007). B.A. in Linguistics from The University of Texas, with an emphasis on English Literature & Generative Grammar (2009). M.A. in Sign Language Interpretation and Translation from Gallaudet University (2013). M.A. Research Thesis, Stress and Burnout in Video Relay Service (VRS) Interpreting (Bower, 2015), examined the ways in which various stress factors impacted Video Interpreters (VIs) and levels of self-reported burnout. It was the first empirical research study of its kind, and is cited in numerous communications with & by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). A findings summary originally published in RID VIEWS quarterly newsletter is currently available online via the FCC. Presented research findings internationally at the first ever International Symposium on Signed Language Interpretation and Translation Research at Gallaudet University in 2014, and nationally at the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 2015 Biennial Conference. Study was published in the Journal of Interpretation in 2015, and is incorporated into courses as required reading in Interpreter Training Programs across the US. Experience as a mentor (6 years) to interpreting students & interpreters looking to improve their skills & gain certification. Mentoring Specialities: Students, New & Experienced Interpreters (coaching services), Queer Folx, Neurodivergent Folx (ADHD, ASD, APD, Dyspraxia, Executive Functioning Disorders, etc.) Experience working with team interpreters, providing support using open process & dual process. Interpreting specialities include performing arts (plays, musicals, concerts, comedy) translation (frozen text to frozen recording, vice versa), government (federal, state & local), business (for and non-profits), post-secondary education (classroom, labs, school-wide events, graduation ceremonies), LGBTQ+ settings (Pride events), conferences, and general platform interpreting. Volunteer work as a Mental Health Advocate includes public speaking (AFSP), and is a published author on personal experience living with mental illness, survivor of past suicide attempts, and being a survivor of loss to suicide (father in 2013, friend in 2016). Thank you.