Our Mission
Interpreter-first systems in an AI-first world.
InterpretReflect exists because interpreters deserve better than scattered notes, isolated processing, and wellness advice designed for anyone but them.
We build tools that understand your work—not because we read about it, but because we live it.
The Interpreter Wellness Crisis
Sign language interpreters face unique occupational challenges that traditional wellness programs weren't designed to address:
- Vicarious trauma from processing others' most difficult moments—medical crises, legal proceedings, traumatic disclosures
- Cognitive exhaustion from simultaneous processing, often without adequate breaks or team support
- Professional isolation—working alone, processing alone, growing alone
- Burnout rates that lead to shortened careers and lost expertise in the field
Our Response
Technology that serves interpreters, not the other way around.
InterpretReflect combines AI-assisted reflection, evidence-based frameworks, and RID-approved CEU workshops into a single platform designed specifically for interpreter wellness and professional development.
The Framework
The ECCI Model: Emotional & Cultural Competence in Interpreting
The first research-based framework designed specifically for interpreter performance optimization—measuring what matters beyond linguistic accuracy.
Developed By
Sarah Wheeler, M.Ed., M.S.
Founder • CODA • 20+ Years Interpreting Experience
The ECCI Model integrates 25+ peer-reviewed frameworks from emotion science, cultural intelligence research, and interpreter ethics. It's not a marketing concept—it's a validated approach to measuring and developing the competencies that separate good interpreters from exceptional ones.
Traditional interpreter training focuses almost exclusively on linguistic accuracy. ECCI adds the emotional and cultural dimensions that determine whether communication truly succeeds.
The Five Domains of Interpreter Excellence
Emotional Intelligence
Know yourself to serve others
Emotional Intelligence
Know yourself to serve others
Self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy under pressure. Recognizing your triggers, managing your responses, and staying present for the people you serve.
Key Competencies
Cultural Intelligence
Bridge worlds with humility
Cultural Intelligence
Bridge worlds with humility
Cross-cultural adaptation and cultural humility in Deaf/hearing dynamics. Understanding that culture shapes meaning, and navigating those differences with respect.
Key Competencies
Meaning Reconstruction
Beyond words to understanding
Meaning Reconstruction
Beyond words to understanding
Emotionally resonant delivery that goes beyond literal translation. Capturing not just what was said, but what was meant—the intent, the affect, the subtext.
Key Competencies
Role-Space Management
Dynamic, not static boundaries
Role-Space Management
Dynamic, not static boundaries
Navigating interpreter boundaries and team collaboration dynamically. Understanding that professional boundaries flex with context while ethics remain constant.
Key Competencies
Reflective Practice
Growth through structured reflection
Reflective Practice
Growth through structured reflection
Continuous improvement through intentional reflection. Building the habit of examining your work, identifying patterns, and developing your professional judgment.
Key Competencies
Discover Your ECCI Profile
Take the free 2-minute ECCI Snapshot to see your strengths and growth opportunities across all five domains. No signup required.
Take Free ECCI SnapshotYour AI Companion
Meet Elya
Elya is your AI-powered companion for assignment preparation and post-assignment debriefing. She's trained on interpreter-specific scenarios, the ECCI framework, and evidence-based wellness practices.
Prep Mode: Think through upcoming assignments, anticipate challenges, and build emotional readiness
Debrief Mode: Process difficult assignments, identify patterns, and build professional judgment
Always Private: Your conversations with Elya are encrypted and never used to train AI models
Elya
AI Companion
"It sounds like that medical assignment carried some weight. Can you tell me more about the moment when the emotional intensity shifted? I'm curious what you were navigating internally."
Elya supports your reflection—she never replaces your judgment.
Our Commitments
Privacy First
HIPAA-aligned infrastructure. Your reflections are never sold or used to train AI. You control what you share.
Evidence-Based
Everything we build is grounded in research from emotion science, interpreter studies, and occupational wellness.
By Interpreters
Built by a team that includes working interpreters. We understand the work because we do the work.
Ready to build your practice?
Join thousands of interpreters using InterpretReflect to develop their skills, protect their wellness, and grow their careers.
No credit card required. Free tier includes Elya chat and wellness tracking.