photo of david brackett linguava president

David Brackett

PRESIDENT

I am most passionate about – Serving and volunteering to give back to the community. I believe the secret to living is giving.

For fun I like to – Travel the world, try new foods, read, play Spanish guitar and learn about other cultures and languages.

The best part of working at Linguava is – Our passion for achieving health equity through language access

Some day I hope to – Write a book about leadership, culture and diversity in the workplace.

My favorite greeting in another language
Spanish: No hay mal que por bien no venga.
English translation: Behind every cloud there is a silver lining.

Discover Our Mission

black and white photo of Matt Duscsik, Linguava COO, holding a green guava globe in his outstretched hand

Matt Ducsik

Chief Operating Officer

I am most passionate about – building healthy communities.

Some day I hope to do more international travel. My wife and I would love to take trips to Mexico City and Hungary to explore our family origins.

For fun I like to – Cook, travel, and spend time with my family.

The best part of working at Linguava is – That we have the absolute best people, culture, and values.

My favorite expression in another language - Ipsa scientia potestas est "Knowledge itself is power" (Latin)

Susan Morgan

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

I am most passionate about – people, everything that makes us human. Our similarities, our differences, our stories, our foods, our cultures.

For fun I like to – shoot pool, go on a hike, walk my dogs, and play games (board and video!)

The best part of working at Linguava is – our incredible culture, working with amazing people doing incredible things every day inspires me!

Someday I hope to – sail the Grecian islands!!

My favorite phrase in another language is – Tu me manques - French for I miss you - but the literal translation is "you are missing from me"

headshot of doriana mcgraw holding linguava logo

Doriana McGraw

VP OF OPERATIONS

I’m most passionate about learning - Life is full of take-aways.

For fun I like to garden, explore different hiking spots, trying recipes from around the world and spending time with my family and friends.

The best part of working at Linguava is knowing that the service we provide have touched millions of lives. My peers at Linguava are a wonderful group of people who truly embody Linguava’s core values, and everyone genuinely cares for their community and one another.

Someday I hope to summit a mountain!

Saul J. Schulman

VP OF SALES

I am most passionate about – My family, building meaningful relationships, and helping create better access to care and services for people from all backgrounds.

For fun I like to – Spend time with my wife and two sons, explore our new home in Oregon, attend sporting events, travel, and tackle the occasional home or technology project.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The people, the mission, and the opportunity to make a true difference in the communities we serve. I also love the entrepreneurial spirit and the excitement of building something special together.

Someday I hope to – Travel the world with my family and watch my sons grow into happy, kind, and confident adults.

My favorite saying in another language is – This is a difficult one since so many come to mind, but I would say “Sawubona,” a Zulu greeting meaning “Hello”. It is often translated more deeply as “I see you”, recognizing and honoring the other person’s presence and humanity. I love how it communicates genuine recognition and connection.

Susan Fierro

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

I’m most passionate about learning - building workplaces where people feel genuinely seen and supported — creating the systems and culture that let people do their best work while feeling cared for as humans first.

For fun I like to - spend time with my family and explore everything the Portland area has to offer — I’m an LA native, but after a decade here, Portland is home for good.

The best part of working at Linguava is - getting to build something meaningful — and doing it alongside a team that genuinely cares about connecting people across languages and cultures.

Someday I hope to - see Linguava recognized as one of the best places to work — earning that kind of external recognition for the culture we’ve built together, not just internally, but as proof to the outside world.

My favorite word in another language is - Sobremesa — the Spanish word for the time spent lingering around the table after a meal, savoring unhurried conversation. As someone who loves food and the community and connection that a meal brings, this is one of my favorite words.

Shannon Collins

CONTROLLER

I am most passionate about – watching other people get excited about their own success — and family, music, and being on or in the water.

For fun I like to – go to concerts, sing, and practice yoga.

The best part of working at Linguava is – the people — we're all so unique and still get to show up as ourselves, and we're doing something really meaningful by helping give people a voice when it matters most.

Someday I hope to – be known for how I made people feel.

My favorite phrase in another language is – Namaste.

Amy Griffin

DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE

I am most passionate about – doing my part to make certain patients receive proper healthcare.

For fun I like to – hang out with friends and family.

The best part of working at Linguava is – the AMAZING people.

Someday I hope to – go to Europe for a 6 month adventure.

My favorite phrase in another language is – Das ist sehr gut!

neil hanamura scheduling department manager

Tadao Hanamura

DIRECTOR OF ON-SITE OPERATIONS

I am most passionate about – Learning and growing from new experiences.

For fun I like to – Spend time with my family and friends. I love jogging, going to the gym, exploring new hiking trails, going to the beach, traveling, playing basketball, BBQing and going out to eat. I am a lover of ALL foods.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The people I get to work with every day are amazing! My colleagues, interpreters and clients are all truly inspiring people and they make work fun every day. The work we do here is important and I feel blessed to help our community through language access.

Someday I hope to – Watch my favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers, live at the Staple Center.

Kate Foreman

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE DIRECTOR

I’m most passionate about learning – Helping others and creating community through beautiful music and great food.

For fun I like to – Make music, play my tuba in a brass quintet or practice guitar. I also love to cook and explore other cultures through their food.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The people! Being part of an organization that truly lives and breathes their values.

Someday I hope to – Travel the world more. I’d love to visit and explore the architecture of Barcelona or tour New Zealand and experience it’s diverse cultural landscape.

My favorite phrase in another language is – "Delad glädje är dubbel glädje” In Swedish, it’s from a proverb and means “shared joy is double joy”, or I say “things are always better when shared with a friend."

Photo of Daniel Halberg, Linguava Interpreters

Daniel Halberg

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & CLIENT SUCCESS

I am most passionate about – Helping others find their purpose and realize their potential.

For fun I like to – Get out into nature and fade into the scenery.

The best part of working at Linguava is – the united sense of purpose that orients us in our actions.

Someday I hope to – Tell a story that helps people find meaning in places that they weren't looking.

debbie mosher linguava marketing project manager

Debbie Mosher

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

I am most passionate about – Helping others and giving back to our community.

For fun I like to – Explore new hiking trails, especially challenging ones with a fantastic viewpoint at the end. I enjoy painting, cooking, trying new foods of all kinds, and spending time with friends and family.

The best part of working at Linguava is – Being a part of such a fun, diverse team that is dedicated to such a great mission.

Some day I hope to – Travel with my family to explore the sights, art and cuisine of Greece, Southern Africa, Spain, and India.

My favorite phrase is another language –
Italian: Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto.
English translation: Eat well, laugh often, love much.

Our Core Values

Carlota Ribas-Lopez

DIRECTOR OF TRANSLATION OPERATIONS

I am most passionate about – languages.

For fun I like to – hike and travel with my family.

The best part of working at Linguava is – the welcoming warmth of its people.

Someday I hope to – do the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

My favorite phrase in another language is – "Al pot petit hi ha la bona confitura" in Catalan (my mother tongue). This translates directly as the "the best jam is in the small jar". It is used to praise the good qualities (intelligence, beauty, etc) of someone who is small or short.

black and white headshot photo of David Deitz looking up at green Linguava globe on his head

David Dietz

INTERPRETER RELATIONS MANAGER

I am most passionate about – My family and my faith. They provide the foundation for my success.

For fun I like to – Be a nerd. I enjoy fantasy novels, anime and video games.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The people. Rare is the workforce that truly shares the same vision and drive across all departments

Someday I hope to – Visit Japan. I would love to have the opportunity to experience the beauty and history of their culture directly.

guillermo ortiz-marchena linguava linguist recruiter

Guillermo Ortiz-Marchena

STAFF INTERPRETER MANAGER

I am most passionate about – Helping others, running, and staying fit, not only physically but emotionally as well.

For fun I like to – Go to the gym, run, hike and float down the river.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The culture!

Someday I hope – Complete another full marathon.

headshot of Angie Thomas linguava office coordinator holding a globe guava on the tip of her finger

Angie Thomas

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE MANAGER

I am most passionate about – building meaningful relationships in my life and maintaining them the best way I can. I believe that strong connections with others form a foundation for my personal and professional growth. My ability to connect and understand others perspectives contributes significantly to the success of the team in my professional career and for my personal growth.

For fun I like to – go paddle boarding with my dog, hiking, mountain biking, traveling to foreign countries, and hot yoga just to list a few.

The best part of working at Linguava is – definitely the team. Since I started, I've been warmly welcomed by the whole team and even met the owner of the company. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to work with such a great group of people.

Someday I hope to – Tanzania, Africa and climb Kilimanjaro.

My favorite phrase is another language – Namaste.

photo of marchella penaranda linguava account manager

Marchella Penaranda

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

I am most passionate about – Immersing myself into other cultures. I love nothing more than traveling to different cities and countries all over the world and learning about their customs, history, cuisine, people…etc.Working at Linguava helps me achieve some of that from home as we work with so many people from different culture.

For fun I like to – Go on adventures, try new foods and restaurants, pet peoples dogs, DIY things around the house.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The family-like feeling in the office. Linguava is made up of so many diverse and fun individuals.

Someday I hope to – Take an extended period of time to backpack all over Europe and South America.

photo of sarah olson linguava account manager

Sarah Nuñez

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

I am most passionate about – Languages and world culture! I love to understand people and where they come from.

For fun I like to – To run and explore the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer.

The best part of working at Linguava is – Is that we’re from all over the world!

Someday I hope to – Speak a third language well.

Leslie Iburg

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

I am most passionate about – Connecting with people, supporting the communities around us, and helping make someone’s day, experience, or path forward a little easier. I also think a little kindness and a lot of laughter can go a long way!

For fun I like to – Stay active, chase sunshine, and be near water whenever I can. I love traveling, exploring new places and cultures, spending time with friends and family, and I’ll never turn down a chance to float or paddleboard on the water!

The best part of working at Linguava is – Definitely the people! From our internal teams to the incredible interpreters serving our communities and the partners we support, I feel lucky to work with people who care so much about helping others.

Someday I hope to – Snorkel or scuba dive near every continent, although Antarctica may be a visit from above the waterline!

My favorite phrase in another language is – "Entre todos, se puede,” which in Spanish means “together, we can.” I love the reminder that everyone plays a role in making life a little better for those around them, and that meaningful impact happens when people come together to help each other and their communities.

photo of haley pattishall linguava interpreter relations compliance coordinator

Haley Pattishall

ACCOUNT MANAGER

I am most passionate about – Building relationships and helping others in any way that I can.

For fun I like to – Sing, paint, and spend time with family & friends.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The opportunity to help so many people in the community and all the relationships that I have made since I started working here.

Someday I hope to – Have the opportunity to travel to places around the world (and learn to play the guitar!)

Ana Catalina (Cata) Jones

CLIENT SUCCESS IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST

For fun I like to – Go dancing with my husband. We are always on the look for Salsa/Cumbia dancing events, or we go support our friends who have a Latin music band. I enjoy cooking new things, but mainly, you'll find me at indie bookstores in the Children's section or at library sales, as I build our home library for our kids.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The people-first focus. Linguava visibly cares for the ones that make things happen, and everyone in the organization clearly operates knowing who they serve, collaborate and interact with. This mentality has given me purpose and motivates me to care better for our community, our clients, my colleagues and my family.

My Favorite phase in another language – Nunca es tarde cuando la dicha es buena
English Translation - "its never too late when the outcome is good" or "it's worth the wait".

Join Our Team

black and white headshot of valeria mcnulty linguava interpreter academy trainer and certified medical interpreter holding a green guava globe

Valeria McNulty

LIA TRAINER AND CERTIFIED MEDICAL INTERPRETER

I am most passionate about – Interpreting has always been one of my greatest passions. However, my focus has shifted towards helping others achieve their goal of becoming an interpreter and developing a true passion for the profession. My faith and family are the driving forces behind my commitment to supporting and inspiring others on this journey.

For fun I like to – There are a few activities I enjoy for fun. In the summertime, I love fishing and camping with my husband, friends, and family. I also enjoy paddleboarding and golfing after work when I can. During the winter, I’m all about playing board games.

The best part of working at Linguava is – being part of a company that truly lives by its mission and vision. One of the core values is putting people first and having a servant's heart. Experiencing this firsthand has been incredibly motivating and inspires me to extend the same kindness and service to others.

Someday I hope to – travel to Greece!

My favorite saying in another language (Spanish) is – "El que no arriesga, no gana." It means "He who doesn't take risks, doesn't win" So taking chances will help you achieve great things.

Rene Chavez

LINGUIST SERVICES SPECIALIST

I am most passionate about: helping others and being of service to my community

For fun I like to: travel, go on adventures with my friends and play outside (running, biking, hiking, backpacking, skiing, sports, etc)

The best part of working at linguava is: the people and the welcoming environment

Someday I hope to: travel to every continent and become conversational in at least five languages

Favorite phrase in another language: "Échale Ganas," which means "Give it your all" in Spanish

Kartiki Bhatnagar

LINGUIST RECRUITER

I’m most passionate about – I'm most passionate about connecting with others, creating communities, understanding the needs of our clients and employees, and finding solutions that create a real-world impact.

For fun I like to – go to the gym, dance, run (in other words: mostly jog 😄), cook dishes from around the world, and spend time with my two cats.

The best part of working at Linguava is – Stories make the world go around. The best part of my work is meeting people from different walks of life — each with their own stories, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world.

photo of miguel romero linguava customer service specialist

Miguel Romero

INTERPRETER SPECIALIST

I am most passionate about – Soccer. I play, watch it and I coach. I love this sport. I follow a few teams in the US and abroad. Men’s and Women’s teams. Lucky to live in Portland, where we have 2 great soccer teams- Timbers and the Thorns. I’m also very passionate about youth soccer. I’m a youth soccer coach for a club in North Clackamas.

For fun I like to – I like to watch movies. I’m a huge fan of Asian action cinema. I love old movies, like Casablanca and The Thin Man series. I also love superhero movies. I love reading about movies as well and documentaries about movies.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The incredible people I get to work with everyday. We are all on a mission to help all of our clients to the best of our ability. No matter what the circumstance is. Our teamwork is incredible.

Someday I hope to – I’d like to take my family back to Guatemala. To see where I was raised and visit my family there.

photo of Thomas nguyen linguava senior accountant

Thomas Nguyen

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

I am most passionate about – numbers, spreadsheets, and learning new things. I like working as part of a team to accomplish our goals and get things done. I am up for a challenge when it comes to problem solving and finding solutions to make the workflow more efficient.

For fun I like to – Try new food and restaurants around Oregon and the world. I also am a fan of action-packed movies like the Marvel series. I like to explore Oregon’s nature scene and coast. I live up to Portland’s motto – Keep Portland Weird!

The best part of working at Linguava is – The diversity in the workplace. I have the friendliest and most helpful co-workers here and together we have great teamwork like the Justice League!

Some day I hope to – Travel the world, meet new people, and experience new cultures. I would love to travel to Europe someday and revisit Vietnam.

headshot of Mariana Mellor holding the linguava guava globe

Mariana Mellor

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

I’m most passionate about Taking care of Mother Earth, living a healthy lifestyle, learning and growing as a person, traveling, and freedom of religion.

For fun I like to go hiking, shoot hoops and throw the football around at the park with my sons, visit new places, and get together with friends. I enjoy the outdoors a lot.

The best part of working at Linguava is working for a company that takes seriously the importance of putting their team first.
If you have a happy and strong team, you will have happier clients.

Someday I hope to learn how to fly a single seat ultralight, and fly on a BlackFly Ultralight All-Electric Personal VTOL Aircraft.

black and white closeup headshot of Cristian Lucero wearing glasses and making a fist with the Linguava globe sitting on top of his fist

Cristian Lucero

SENIOR TRANSLATION & LOCALIZATION PROJECT MANAGER

I am most passionate about – Trips and outdoor adventures! I'm a passionate trail runner and I love exploring and discovering new trails and appreciating sunsets in the Patagonia of Argentina. 🏔️

For fun I like to – Go to the movies and enjoy some trekking with my friends.

The best part of working at Linguava is – My teammates and the friendly environment! Each of us contributes to the team in a very specific way, allowing us to shine our own lights.

Someday I hope to – Be able to meet the whole team in person somewhere around the world to share experiences and new adventures!

My favorite greeting in another language is – "¡Buenas!" in Spanish. This is the short form for "¡Buenas tardes!", whose translation is "Good afternoon!". However, this short form in Spanish can be used no matter the time of the day and it has a super positive connotation. This is not a greeting you would ever use if you were in a bad mood.

juan cruz vera ocampo holding the linguava guava

Juan Cruz Vera Ocampo

QUALITY ASSURANCE & PRODUCTION MANAGER

I am most passionate about: Acting, soccer, sunsets and technology.

For fun I like to: Get in touch with friends and family, read tech articles, or play video games.

The best part of working at linguava is: Its working culture and its core values. Working at Linguava encourages you to go above and beyond in all aspects, not only at work, but it encourages you to go above and beyond with your family, with your friends, or with anything you would like to achieve. Working at the TL team is one of the best parts for too for sure.

Someday I hope to: Get to know Europe.

Favorite phrase in another language (Spanish): Si no eres parte de la solución, entonces eres parte del problema.
English translation: If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem

Kimberly Riviere-Thompson

IT SYSTEMS ANALYST

I am most passionate about – helping people and technology, a drive that defines my role as a System Analyst in the IT Dept.

For fun I like to – I enjoy staying active and creative by dancing, doing Zumba, practicing Pilates, and cooking traditional Caribbean dishes.

The best part of working at Linguava is – the environment; the team and people I work with are incredibly warm and helpful, creating a cohesive and encouraging work culture.

Someday I hope to – further company-wide efficiency by streamlining communication tools and processes.

My favorite phrase in another language is – "Sa ka fete" which is the Creole phrase that translates to "What's up?" or "How are things?" mostly used by Dominicans or St Lucians.

photo of Peter Nguyen linguava vietnamese interpreter recuiter

Peter Nguyen

VIETNAMESE STAFF INTERPRETER

I am most passionate about – Helping and Sharing. We are living in a society where there is no equality in different aspect like wages, homelessness, discrimination, child poverty, and different occupations. Therefore, I always aim to look up to good people to shape me to become a better person, but also don't forget to help people in need.

For fun I like to – Living in PNW is a great chance to do all kinds of outdoors activities. I would love to go snowboarding in the winter, and hiking in my spare time. Also, I am trying to learn kitesurfing when the weather is good.

The best part of working at Linguava is – Diversity. I have met so many people who work from different departments and also interpreters who interpret in different languages. Everyone is so unique. They come from different cultures, backgrounds, but here in Linguava we all have the same passion to help, support, and to serve our community.

Someday I hope to – Participate in any non profit organization or a charity work that can help for child poverty in Viet Nam where I was born and grew up.

black and white photo of Margot Mendez pretending to hold the Linguava globe between her thumb and index finger

Margot Sanabia Mendez

SPANISH STAFF INTERPRETER

I am most passionate about – Striving to leave a beautiful footprint on the lives of others and putting my language and pedagogical skills to good use.

For fun I like to – Dance and appreciate the various manifestations of art, especially those where the greatest potential of the human being has been evidenced.

The best part of working at Linguava is – To be part of a passionate team who is constantly seeking to make human interactions more and more rewarding and meaningful within our magnificent environment.

Someday I hope to – Empower and nurture others as much as so many amazing people have done with me in the past.

My Favorite phase in another language – “Nana korobi, ya oki.” English Translation -“Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
My favorite greeting in another language - Namaste. English Translation - "I bow to you."

photo of Yayi Yu cantonese mandarin toishanese interpreter

Yayi Yu

CANTONESE, MANDARIN, TOISHANESE INTERPRETER

I am most passionate about – My family, languages, nature, music and cultural related things.

For fun I like to – Spend time with my family, listen to music from all over the world, practice meditation with instrumental music, dance, draw and paint. I am also a collector who seeks out unique things such as hand-made dolls from different countries, die-cast cars, stamps, and toys from around the world.

The best part of working at Linguava is – The stellar team, and the love and care from everyone at this amazing company.

Someday I hope to – Travel around the world with my family and admire the cosmos.

My favorite phrase in another language
不以规矩 不能成方圆。
English translation: Nothing can be accomplished without norms or standards.

black and white headshot of Jessica Van Winkle ASL interpreter holding a green guava globe Linguava

Jessica Van Winkle

ASL STAFF INTERPRETER

I am most passionate about – Equal access for all people in all situations with every language, with a close second to garden planting and maintenance.

For fun I like to – Play online games with my family, currently we play Path of Exile on PC. Great learning environment for team building skills!

The best part of working at Linguava is – The ASL Department Dream Team! I know each of them since before starting at Linguava and I'm thrilled to join their ranks!

Someday I hope to – Travel the world with my husband! First international stop we want is to go to Dalian, China!