Public Speaker 

American Sign Language Interpreter 

Expertise: Medical Interpreting & Video Remote Interpreting 

Debbie Lesser, M.S., CI/CT, QMHI 

Debbie learned sign language from the Deaf communities in the New England area. She has been a certified sign language interpreter since 1999; Debbie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in crisis intervention and a master’s degree in healthcare interpreting. She also earned a certification as a Qualified Mental Health Interpreter (QMHI) from the Alabama Department of Mental Health.  Debbie worked in the video interpreting industry for over 10 years and has managed interpreters remotely for most of that time.  Debbie gained an appreciation for the medical field as an interpreter for and Director of ASL Services with a national company specializing healthcare interpreting and is currently both a freelance medical interpreter and staff interpreter at Wellstar Health Systems. 

Debbie focuses much of her training and continuing education in medical environments, such as oncology, genetics, mental health and domestic violence.  In addition to her Master of Science in Healthcare Interpreting from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Debbie has also completed a 9-month intensive healthcare interpreting program for ASL interpreters (CHI) also at RIT/NTID.  Debbie is currently a leader-candidate with the Interpreting Institute for Reflection-in-Action & Supervision.

All of her experience and education have significantly contributed to her strong leadership skills and the ability to cultivate the skills and talents of her peers.

Debbie is deeply grateful for the cultural and linguistic knowledge she has gained from being a part of the Deaf community and continuously strives to improve the 

standard of medical interpreting services.  When Debbie isn't interpreting, she teaches Pilates, keeps busy with her husband, 4 teenagers, 3 very active dogs, and 2 cats (rescued by her kids).