BACK TO THE BASICS: Workshop Series
Thank you for your interest and/or your participation in Back to the Basics: Workshop Series as presented by Maldon and Friends. This workshop series is all about enhancing your interpreting skills. Read the information below to understand more about the upcoming, specific workshop you are taking (or considering to take). Enjoy!
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 |
Time/Location: 2pm EST | Zoom
CEUs: 0.2 PS
COST: $50
CONTENT KNOWLEDGE LEVEL: Some
TARGET AUDIENCE: Novice to Intermediate Interpreters, Students
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION​
This 2-hour interactive session explores how interpreters can make ASL-to-English interpretations sound natural, authentic, and listener-centered. Presenters will analyze tone, register, rhythm, and prosody while offering strategies to move beyond literal translation toward fluent, message-equivalent English renditions. Participants will engage in reflective discussion and applied practice to enhance clarity, confidence, and professional delivery.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Define the key linguistic and stylistic features that make English interpretations sound natural and authentic.
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Recognize patterns of unnatural or overly literal phrasing in ASL-to-English interpreting.
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Demonstrate strategies for adjusting tone, register, rhythm, and prosody to improve English fluency and flow.
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Apply message-based interpreting techniques to produce listener-centered, culturally appropriate English interpretations.
MALDON's TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Participants can expect, with any MALDON workshop, an approach to teaching that is grounded in research. Student-interpreters, which we all are, come to the table with a wealth of knowledge and a breadth of experiences. We believe it is our job to organize and structure workshop content in a way that allows for learners to build upon the knowledge that they already have. In order to do this, carefully designed activities allow our workshop participants to immediately put into practice what they learn (in a safe, supportive, and scaffolded environment).
For our educator-scholars, MALDON's Teaching Philosophy is steeped in the research of Lev Vygotsky (Social Constructivism), Jean Piaget (Cognitive Constructivism), and even David Kolb (Experiential Learning). By and large, these teaching theories, inform our beliefs: learning happens best when we do and do it together. Therefore, participants can expect minimal lecturing and theory, and lots of small group work, guided activities, and hands-up/voice-on practice. A judgement-free zone, attend a MALDON workshop ready to work!
The Presenters' Bios​
Dr. Heather ZImmerman, NIC
Educator | Global Change Agent
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Dr. Heather Zimmerman, NIC, is an interpreter, educator, and global connector whose work bridges language, culture, and human experience. A native of Micronesia, she has interpreted across the U.S. and internationally in settings ranging from education and government to faith-based and diplomatic events.
Since 2011, Dr. Zimmerman has worked as a freelance interpreter and mentor, serving clients in the DMV area and abroad — including Russia, the Philippines, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, and the Marshall Islands. She has provided interpreting services for numerous high-profile leaders and cultural influencers, and is widely respected for her professionalism, creativity, and cross-cultural sensitivity.
A lifelong advocate for the Deaf community, Dr. Zimmerman continues to invest in mentoring emerging interpreters and supporting Deaf education initiatives across the globe. Her work embodies a single mission: to construct clarity, create connection, and inspire transformative communication.
Ph.D. in Education, Gallaudet University
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Shawn Maldon, M.Ed, NIC
Shawn Maldon is a nationally certified interpreter, educator, author, and community leader with experience in both the courtroom and the classroom. He is a registered interpreter with the Maryland Judiciary and has worked across a wide range of legal settings, bringing accuracy and professionalism to sensitive proceedings. Shawn attended Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he strengthened his knowledge of the American legal system. He has also passed the RID Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L) written exam and is preparing to complete the new certification process once available.
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As President & CEO of Maldon Language Interpreters, LLC (MALDON), Shawn has grown the company from a small local outfit into a trusted interpreting firm with a national footprint, delivering high-stakes federal contracts and providing quality services throughout the Washington, DC Metro Area and beyond. He is also the founder and director of The Maldon Academy, a privately operated interpreter training program where he mentors and develops interpreters nationwide.
Shawn holds the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from RID and a Master of Education in Interpreting Pedagogy (M.Ed-IP) from Northeastern University. He is a seasoned workshop presenter and trainer, drawing on his legal education, interpreting expertise, and teaching background to equip interpreters for excellence in legal and professional contexts.
In addition to his professional roles, Shawn is a published author of Maldon’s Scripture Guide: A Practice Manual and is preparing for the release of his first political memoir, Lessons in Leadership, Loyalty, and Loss. Whether interpreting in court, presenting on stage, or coaching the next generation of professionals, Shawn brings heart, hustle, and a bold belief in the power of language to connect communities.
The Particulars
REGISTRATION PROCCESS
Each workshop in the Back to the Basics: Workshop Series is $50. Upon registering and remitting payment, the Zoom link will be sent to registered participants.
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PAYMENT METHODS
Participants can pay for the workshop via the following methods:​
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1) Zelle. The number to send Zelle payment to is 202-486-4237. In the memo section of the Zelle payment, please write the name of the workshop or the specific workshop date. THIS IS THE PREFERRED METHOD OF PAYMENT.
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2) CashApp. Our CashApp handle is $TheMaldonBrand. Please indicate the name of the individual workshop or which date the workshop is being held.
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3) Online. Participants can pay online via the Education tab on our site (located. here www.MaldonInterpreting.com). There you can register for the workshop too. THIS IS THE LEAST. PREFERRED METHOD.
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In each case, participants will receive a confirmation of payment and Zoom link.
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REFUND POLICY
MALDON works hard to organize and bring participants the best quality and well-planned workshop(s) possible. Therefore, registration is non-refundable. However, participants may tranfer their registration to someone else. If CEUs are needed, this transfer must be initiated 4 days before the start of the workshop. To initiate the transfer, email info@maldoninterpreting.com.
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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
MALDON promotes a learning environment free from discrimination and bias, wherein participants demonstrate mutual respect for one another.
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ADA ACCOMODATIONS
To properly plan, MALDON needs a 5 day advanced notice that there is a need to provide an accommodation. For such any ADA. accommodation request, please email info@MaldonInterpreting.com with at least a 5 day advanced notice prior to the start of the workshop (or sooner).
Contact
Have a question, comment, concern, or even an idea? We would love to hear from you.
202-486-4237