Discovering Our Interpreting Journey
Established by a nationally certified and multi-credentialed interpreter, Justin Sato, founded Clear Hands Interpreting, LLC which is driven by a deep commitment to addressing inequities in the community. Recognizing the critical need for quality communication solutions, Justin has built a reputation for delivering clear, culturally competent, and accurate interpreting services.
At Clear Hands Interpreting, LLC, diversity and inclusion aren't just values; they're fundamental aspects of our operations. We prioritize transparency and collaboration, ensuring that every interaction is characterized by respect and understanding.
Our team comprises experienced interpreters from diverse backgrounds, prepared to cater to a broad spectrum of interpreting requests. Whether facilitating expansive conferences or supporting personal medical appointments, our interpreters adhere to industry standards and actively engage in continuing education to refine their expertise and maintain essential credentials.
Driven by a commitment to quality, consistency, and a collaborative approach, Clear Hands Interpreting, LLC is dedicated to providing effective communication solutions for both the D/deaf and hearing communities. Discover the backgrounds of a few of our team members listed below.
Meet the Team
Our interpreters have a wide range of experiences available to meet your specific needs. Within our team, you will discover valuable background information, diverse credentials, and unique specializations tailored to provide exceptional interpreting services.
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Justin has the intersectionalities of being a hearing, cisgender male, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, first generation, and able bodied. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)/National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) for his undergraduate degree in ASL-English Interpretation. After graduation, he moved to Chicago and has experience in a variety of settings including video relay service, designated interpreting for D/deaf healthcare professionals, education (K-12 to PhD level), government, and platform settings. He specializes in supervision, and healthcare settings (medical & mental health) He is currently a supervisor for CALI’s (Center for Atypical Language Interpreting) cohort and CATIE (Collaborative for the Advancement of Teaching Interpreting Excellence) Center’s “Project Level Up” for medical interpreters. Along with advocating & raising awareness on social justice issues, he enjoys drinking iced coffee and traveling.
Credentials:
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters- Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter (CoreCHI™)
Illinois Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)- Advanced License
Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing- Qualified Interpreter Certification: Standard Level 2 & Interpreter Endorsement: Medical/Mental Health
Oregon Health Authority- Qualified Health Care Interpreter- Sign Language (ASL)
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf- National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation- Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT)
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Frank currently lives in Houston, TX and is originally from Rio Grande Valley which is south Texas (grew up about 20 minutes north of the Reyonsa, Tamaulipas border). In 2009 he moved to San Antonio, TX in 2009 where he began his interpreter training at San Antonio College in the Spring of 2010. He became certified while in his internship in Fall of 2012 and have been working as a certified interpreter in a variety of venues, including, but not limited to medical, conference, post-secondary, platform, primary and secondary education, religious (catholic specialization), DeafBlind, business meetings, professional development, recreational, theater, and cruise interpreting. He has also presented workshops and has been involved with interpreting organizations at the local, state, and national levels. In August of last year, he also completed his term as President of the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf, the first sign language interpreter organization in the country. During his off time, he can be found either at home binging the latest addition to Netflix and watching it with his husband and pup-son, Newt Scamander, or doing something recreational such as walking, hiking or visiting the local rock wall gym.
Credentials:
National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
TX: Board of Evaluation of Interpreters: Advanced Licensed
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Credentials: NIC, CoreCHI™, OCHI
Bio coming soon!
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John Manzano is of Filipino descent and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community who was born and raised in Naperville, IL. John is currently working as an Educational Sign Language Interpreter based in the Chicagoland area. Growing up, John always pictured himself working in education. After high school, he attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL where he majored in Deaf Education. Unfortunately, MacMurray College shutdown and shifted his major from Deaf Education to ASL Interpreting. Through one on one experiences while volunteering with the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and through the support of his amazing mentors, colleagues, and family, he was able to THRIVE within the College of DuPage’s Interpreter Training Program. Upon graduation, he immediately took the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and passed in December of 2021. He has since started working as an Educational Sign Language interpreter to provide the essential language and communication foundation for the Deaf youth of Illinois. The future is bright, so let’s keep our chins up and think positively!
Credentials:
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
Illinois State Board of Education; Sign Language Interpreter
Illinois Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)- Red License
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Credentials: NIC
MSW, NIC, BEI: Advanced
Minneapolis, MN & Nationwide via VRI
Additionally licensed in AZ, IA, MI, MO & WI
Bio coming soon!
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Credentials:
National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
Illinois Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)- Advanced License
Bio coming soon!