I was born in Brazil and have lived in the United States for most of my life. I got my BA and MA in the US and worked for many years in business. In 2000 I started working as a healthcare interpreter as a member of the California Interpreting Association. I also worked for three years as a telephone interpreter. At the same time I went back to school to do continuing education at the California State University, Sacramento. I also attended a health-education course at the National Holistic Institute. I have worked in translation off and on for most of my adult life, and now I am dedicating my full time to this profession.