Mentoring Program
Mentoring Program
Our mentoring program, led by seasoned professional Erin O'Brien, offers a structured and growth-oriented approach to professional development for interpreters. Erin provides tailored guidance designed to help mentees refine their skills, identify patterns in their work, and develop a deeper understanding of interpreting as a profession. This program creates a supportive environment for interpreters to gain confidence, increase their effectiveness, and ultimately provide better service within our community.
Erin O'Brien
Lead Mentor
Erin O’Brien (CI & CT) serves as the leader of our Mentorship Program, bringing 31 years of professional interpreting experience and more than 20 years of mentoring interpreters at all stages of their careers. Throughout her career, Erin has facilitated case conferencing and professional supervision groups, creating supportive environments where interpreters can reflect, grow, and strengthen their practice.
She currently serves as a mentor for the ASLIE program at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and has previously been the Lead Mentor for the Hartford VRS Center. Erin also serves as the local mentor for Purple Communications, where she continues to support the professional development of working interpreters.
Program Highlights:
Flexible Mentorship
Services are available both on-site during actual assignments and remotely via online meeting platforms. Mentees will have the opportunity to be “hands up” on assignments to hone their skills while being supported by a seasoned mentor.
Comprehensive Assessment
Erin utilizes work samples (video reviews) to conduct initial assessments, focusing on categories such as composure, articulation, self-awareness, message accuracy, and ethical practice. Once this evaluation is done, a personalized plan can be put in place for each individual mentee.
Personalized Support
Mentees receive constructive feedback through debrief sessions, with a focus on “dropping form,” effectively conveying meaning, and fostering a growth mindset. Whether through shadowing opportunities or focused skill-building exercises, Erin’s mentorship is adapted to meet the specific goals and needs of each mentee.
NIC Preparation
The program includes collaboration on NIC preparation, study groups, and professional development activities to support interpreters at various stages of their careers.
Interpreter Mentee Program Application
By completing this application, you’ll help us learn more about your interpreting background, goals, availability, and areas where you’d like to grow so we can create meaningful mentor matches and opportunities that support your professional journey. Click this button to fill out an application form and take the next step in your interpreting development!
Mentee Program Application Form