Terra Benton
     
    

  Terra Benton, a native of Tennessee, received her bachelor’s degree in Interpreting from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1999 and her master’s degree in Interpreting from the University of North Florida in 2010.  She began her professional career in eastern North Carolina. In 2000, she received her national certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.  As an interpreter, who keeps abreast of the changes in the field, Terra has professional experience in numerous arenas including mentoring, VRS, VRI, post-secondary education, K-12, mental health, substance abuse, medical, and much more. In addition to her interpreting work, she was honored to be an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University.  While in North Carolina, she was active in Eastern NCRID serving in multiple roles; from Board of Directors positions to the Newsletter Editor.  During her time with the organization, Terra received two awards: the Wilson Regional Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 2004 Interpreter of the Year and a NCRID Special Recognition Award for Service.  In 2006, Terra and her husband moved to the greater Tampa Bay area and continued her work in the classroom as an adjunct instructor for the University of South Florida and works in private practice in central and western Florida.  In 2006, she received the Tampa Sorenson Interpreter of the Year award. 
        Terra is a strong proponent of continuing education and believes it is the key to a successful interpreting career.  She is currently a graduate student at the University of North Florida pursuing a master’s degree in American Sign Language and English Interpreting.


Don’t Sign It, Incorporate It! -- 2 hours for advanced and interpreters
       When interpreters work in isolation, they get stuck in a signing rut.  Literal interpretations are often times the choice of least resistance. By learning how or refreshing one’s self to the use of appropriate lexical substitution and incorporation of intensity markers and NMS, interpreters can render more accurate ASL renditions of the source language.  Multiple techniques will be discussed as well and actual hands-on activities will be utilized throughout the workshop.

Can Ya Help a Sister Out? Effective Teaming Strategies  -- 2 hours for advanced and interpreters 
      One of the most important relationships an interpreter will have is with a team interpreter.  The team can either make the interpreting experience extremely enjoyable and successful, or make for a very long day.  By developing appropriate teaming techniques and avoiding common pitfalls, the both the interpreter and team can benefit from the experience.  This workshop will explore common issues that arise during a teaming event, preparation strategies that should be used, communication techniques and feedback strategies, etc.

Signs of Substance Abuse -- 4 hours for advanced/interpreters -- as a part of mental health interpreting track
        Interpreting in any Anonymous group like AA or NA can be a daunting prospect. These groups have their own culture, rules and norms that are not easily interpreted without significant thought and analysis.  Interpreters will face frozen text, metaphoric language, and difficult concepts.  This workshop will introduce interpreters to the concepts that are integral components of every meeting.  Participants will work on a text analysis of the 12 steps and other important texts within anonymous groups.