About the Interpreter Program at The Interpreter’s Lab
Equity is at the Heart of Our Leading Interpreter Training Programs
We believe that access to language services via trained professional interpreters is an essential component of a socially just ecosystem.
Ensuring access to essential services for all community members is a critical ingredient of an equitable society. Supporting professionals and public services to meaningfully include and engage with all members – is a true act of social justice and leads to cohesive communities. We are committed to helping people confidently navigate complex and often challenging situations with the skill and compassionate assistance of a trained professional interpreter.
Since 2012, The Interpreter’s Lab has been at the forefront of Canadian education and training for professional interpreters, empowering English-speaking bilinguals to work professionally in community, medical and legal settings.
We help bilinguals turn the gift of a second language into a skill they can leverage as part of a rewarding career. Our training programs and professional development offerings are led by experienced and respected industry experts who are dedicated to the advancement of quality language services.
In addition to our in-house training programs, we also develop tailored solutions for language service providers and agencies that work with or manage interpreting services.
Meet Our Founder & Director, Angela Sasso
A veteran educator committed to quality language services.
Founder Angela Sasso has been an advocate for professional interpreter education for over three decades. She strongly believes that everyone has the right to be heard and understood, and that clear communication is an essential component of inclusive social services. And she’s equally as passionate about helping bilinguals create viable and fulfilling careers by leveraging their language skills.
Prior to founding The Interpreter’s Lab in 2012, Angela participated in the seminal Healthcare Partnership Project - which developed the first set of standards for interpreting in healthcare settings. She also has extensive experience working with industry and professional associations, leading committees and chairing working groups on health communication standards and ISO technical standards.
Angela has been an active and strategic consultant in community interpreting and intercultural competence since 1989. Her industry leadership roles include:
- Contributing to Technical Committee for Communication in Health Services
- Co-chair of the Health Standards Organization, Technical Committee for Communication in Health Services.
ISO Technical Committee 37/SC 5 Terminology, Interpreting and Related Technology
- Expert Member since 2010
- Canadian Vice-Chair 2017
- Project Lead: Requirements for Interpreter Educators and Teaching Training Programs since 2021
- International convenor for Working Group 4 since 2021
Canadian Language Industry Association
- Board of Directors, 2023
She’s also a published author, and most recently, a contributing researcher in the internationally referenced Handbook of Research on Medical Interpreting – a textbook for interpreting students.
Meet the Team
Meet our team—dedicated, responsive, and passionate about student success. At TIL we approach education with a focused commitment, ensuring a supportive learning environment. Get acquainted with the individuals who embody dedication to excellence.
Educational and Learning Team
All of our instructors and content advisors bring their extensive industry experience and strong instructional backgrounds to The Interpreter’s Lab, ensuring we provide the highest quality training, mentorship and guidance to our students and professional community.
Young Joe Instructor/Coach
Leyli Niknafs Instructor/Coach
Dr. Debra RussellInstructor
Jane LangesInstructor
Olga BondarenkoInstructor
Jeff StaflundGuest Instructor
Anna Aroutiounian Instructor / Senior Advisor
Dana ZlenkoCourse and Membership Group Facilitator
Kawal KahlonSenior Advisor
Archana Chauhan Bilingual Instructor/Coach
Eduardo AragonContent Matter Advisor/Instructor
Administration & Support Team
Donna Schroeder Administration Coordinator and Student Support
Analisa Orquin
Technical Lead and Program Support
Giuliana Pellizzari Communications
Membership Lead
VACANT
Meet the Team
Learning Development and Educational Team
All of our instructors bring their extensive industry experience and strong instructional backgrounds to The Interpreter’s Lab, ensuring we provide the highest quality training, mentorship and guidance to our students and professional community.
Young Joe Instructor/Coach
Leyli Niknafs Instructor/Coach
Archana Chauhan Bilingual Instructor/Coach
Anna Aroutiounian Instructor / Senior Advisor
Kawal KahlonSenior Advisor
Dr. Debra RussellGuest Instructor
Jane LangesGuest Instructor
Administration & Support Team
Our Administration & Support Team is dedicated to exceptional service, promptly addressing members' and students' needs. Committed to going the extra mile, we ensure a responsive and supportive experience for all.
Donna Schroeder Administration Coordinator and Student Support
Analisa Orquin Technical Lead and Member Services Coordinator
Giuliana Pellizzari Communications and Social Media Assistant
Industry Partners, Collaborators and Members
























