September 2026

Marlene Gaines

Hello. I am a CODA with 2 deaf siblings and 3 hearing siblings (all interpreters ofc lol) as well as other family members who are deaf. So naturally, I was brought up around the deaf community. Funny thing is, I never wanted to be an interpreter. I didn’t agree with the conduit model. Fast forward 20 years later. I was with my sister at her doctor’s appt, and the interpreter kept making mistakes. She never asked for clarification. Just assumed. I had to constantly correct her. I looked at my sister after the appointment and she said it’s what she has always dealt with. She has to always watch very closely to read interpreters lips to make sure they are following her correctly. With me being there she didn’t have to work so hard. This situation bothered me so much that I applied at RISE that week, and I was working almost instantly. Luckily, things changed in the interpreting world. I don’t know everything. I am always learning. I strive to always become better. Through all of this, I have found my passion. And 14 years later, I could not see myself doing anything else. I LOVE being an interpreter. It’s more than just relaying one language to another. It’s being compassionate when it’s time to show compassion, being empathetic when it’s time to show empathy, being able to see a human being who has had to fight through so much adversity just to have access. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

Katherine Passage

While we say a very heartfelt and appreciative “Good-Bye” to Amanda, we want to welcome Katherine Passage to the RISE team! Katherine has been with RISE since July, and will be one of the primary schedulers the Signing Aides will go to with scheduling related questions and issues. We wanted you all to get to know Katherine a little, so we asked her: What lead you to Sign Language? Katherine said she learned ASL because her brother took it as his language requirement in High School, and she fell in love instantly. It was visual and kinesthetic expression. It was poetry, she still finds out new and beautiful things with the language daily. What are your goals? When it comes to personal goals, Katherine is hoping to write a book or two someday. Professionally, she would love to get nationally certified and work as an interpreter part-time. Why RISE? Katherine heard a lot about RISE as an Agency through her ITP, and met several RISE interpreters who all seemed incredibly competent in their work, so she thought she would try her luck. She says “To my absolute amazement, you guys gave me a chance!” Katherine also loves to read and write, as well as do some art here and there. Fun fact, Katherine has a very curious mind and says she wants to learn as much as she can, and will try everything. She dabbles in language learning, crochet, beadwork, gardening, and a dozen other little things that make life worth the living. Welcome to the team Katherine!

🤝 Community Connection

We show up. We listen. We participate. We give back. We build relationships within the Deaf community and champion language access, inclusion, and opportunity. We believe authentic connection happens when we take the time to know people; not just their needs, but who they are.

💪 RISE to the Challenge

Every person and every situation is unique. Rather than asking, “Why can’t we?” we ask, “How can we?” We embrace creative problem-solving, individualized solutions, collaboration, and continuous learning to meet people where they are and help make the possible possible.

💙 People Centered

People come first. We consider the individual needs of our consumers, customers, and employees in every decision we make. Through kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect for Deaf culture and community, we strive to provide support that goes beyond communication to create genuine human connection.

🤝 Trust

Our work is personal. We understand the confidence people place in us and honor it through confidentiality, honesty, transparency, reliability, and integrity. We work to be a team our community can count on – today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Trace Essence

Hello! I’m Christina Burke and I’m the sole proprietor of Trace Essence, a small, Deaf owned business in Washington D.C. I am known for creating assorted artisan bath bombs, perfumes, soap bars, and much more–all hand-crafted with natural ingredients. I am devoted to natural body care and self-love. My products are designed to help relieve pain and reduce stress. By purchasing and enjoying my products, I hope to spread the importance of self-care and relaxation.

The Trace Essence Mission
When you purchase Trace Essence Products, you can feel good knowing that you are choosing top-quality skincare and supporting a deaf-owned business.

Visit Trace Essence

Badge Reminder

If you need a new badge or would like to update your badge photo, please contact HR@riseinterpreting.com to schedule a time to come by the office.

Take Breaks

As things get busy, please remember to step away from your screens, take breaks, and lean on your team when you need support

Labor Day Office Closure

RISE Interpreting office will be closed on September 7th, 2026 due to Labor Day. Labor Day celebrates American workers and began during the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century. Key milestones include the first NYC parade in 1882, Oregon passing the first state law in 1887, and President Grover Cleveland signing the federal holiday act in 1894.