Jennifer McLean

Jennifer McLean, CI & CT, NAD IV

Jennifer was born and raised in Sacramento, California.  At a young age she started learning sign language while enrolled in a junior high school that incorporated a mainstreamed program.  The students began teaching her the basics, and the language seemed to come naturally, she continued learning at an adult education learning center at the age of 13.  After graduating in 1998 with her Associates in Arts degree from American River College’s Interpreting Training Program she decided to continue her education and was accepted at the well-known private university, Northeastern University.

While in Boston, Massachusetts she was a full time student at NU, freelanced in the community and completed her internship interpreting at Westborough State Mental Hospital in the Deaf ward.  In 2002, Jennifer graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in American Sign Language/ English Interpreting.  While receiving her education at NU she had the honor of working one on one with Dennis Cokely, the well-known instructor, interpreter, researcher, and dean of the American Sign Language Program at NU.  The pilot study of team interpreting received a grant from NU as well as the honor of publication in the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Journal of Interpretation.  “Interpreting in Teams: A Pilot Study on Requesting and Offering Support” (2003).

Before moving back to the West Coast and starting her career in interpreting ~ Jennifer and her then boyfriend vacationed in Paris, France for the summer.  After exploring France, Jennifer returned to California with a degree, a myriad of experiences, stronger grasp on Deaf Culture & the language of ASL, as well as a fiancé!

Over the years Jennifer received her National Association of the Deaf Level IV, Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf, Certificate of Transliteration and Certificate of Interpretation.  In 2001 she published a second article, “Interpreting for Award Ceremonies & Banquets”.

Jennifer has also provided mentoring to novice interpreters, taught ASL 1 at the local Junior College where she attended, and has been active in the communities where she has lived (both East Coast and West).  During 2002-2004, Jennifer served on the executive board for her local RID chapter as Vice President, Fundraising Chair and Coordinator for Student Representatives and hiring of interpreters for general meetings.

Currently, Jennifer is a member of NAD, RID and SaVRID. In Sacramento, along with working part time as a freelance community interpreter, providing coordinating services for EIS she also has a supportive husband and two beautiful boys that keep her every spare minute filled with laughter.