Who Art Thou?

Presented in English by Hilary Wagner

Presenter Biography:

Hilary is an American Sign Language interpreter with over 12 years of professional experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies with an emphasis in ASL Interpretation from California State University Northridge, in 2013.

Since entering the field, Hilary has worked across a wide range of interpreting environments, including medical, educational, video relay service, and ASL instruction. Her diverse background has shaped her into a well-rounded and adaptable interpreter.

A lifelong enthusiast of the fine arts, Hilary has a particular passion for theater. Alongside her own stage performances, she has developed a strong specialization in theatrical interpretation. She has served as an interpreter at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire for the past eleven years and has interpreted numerous stage productions and musical performances since her time in college. Hilary remains dedicated to fostering professional growth within the interpreting community and is especially enthusiastic about mentoring others in the art of theatrical interpreting.

Workshop Description: 

Characterization is essential to our role as interpreters in multiple venues of our field. This workshop is built to analyze various types of characters, and learn to embody them within our interpretation, to create a seamless message equivalence for our consumers. We will focus on the use of facial expressions, role shifting, and stylistic choices to enhance the end product. There will also be discussion of how to differentiate between multiple characters by using differences in age, gender, and tone. Participants will have the opportunity for hands on practice by studying various clips and characters during the workshop.

Link to Register for Decoding Taxes for ASL Interpreters: Practical Tips & Tools

Presenter: Jon Sahlin, CPA NIC

Jon Sahlin is a Certified Public Accountant, Adjunct Professor, and Certified ASL Interpreter, as well as a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Based in Connecticut, he runs his own accounting practice and serves a diverse range of clients across the country.

In his work, Jon combines his financial expertise with a unique cultural perspective, offering specialized tax and financial guidance to sign language interpreters and actively supporting the Deaf community. At the same time, he’s dedicated to making financial literacy accessible for everyone he works with. Whether teaching in the classroom or leading workshops, Jon is passionate about empowering all his clients, especially those in the ASL community, to navigate their financial journeys confidently.