High-level interpreting requires a healthy, resilient brain. In this workshop, we will explore five pillars of cognitive health and how they directly support interpreting effectiveness, career longevity, and overall healthspan and lifespan. With so much information available about brain health, we’ll focus on distilling what is practical, evidence-informed, and useful—both for interpreters here and now, and for people at any stage of life. Whether you are a working or aspiring interpreter, and regardless of family history of cognitive decline, this session will provide clear guidance on what changes to make and which behaviors to strengthen to support long-term cognitive health. It’s never too early—and rarely too late—to care for the brain that supports the work we do.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify five pillars of brain health and at least three ideas on how to support each.

• Describe one actionable item to implement in support of your brain health.

• Analyze how cognitive health directly impacts interpreting effectiveness and long-term career sustainability.

Presenter: Jackie Gonzalez

Jackie Gonzalez, MS, NIC-A, CF-L2 is a Hawai’i-based ASL Interpreter, Interpreter Trainer, Community Health Coach and Educator, and CrossFit Coach who is known for her enthusiasm, commitment to community engagement, and honesty. She is committed to the continual development of her craft as an ethical, effective, and competent interpreter with strengths as a generalist as well as in specialty settings such as public health, community and higher education, non-profit management, professional development, and televised press conferences. When not interpreting, coaching, or working out with her husband, she will likely be found with her nose buried in an integrative medicine book about brain health, exploring the many ways in which wenbring ourselves closer to or farther from achieving optimal wellness. Check out her new bilingual health coaching and education resource at www.highfivehealth.info