Our People. Our Purpose.
Our people introduces the employees who help Kentucky's courts serve communities across the commonwealth. These profiles offer a closer look at the people behind the courts. Some help people navigate the court system, connect with treatment and support or work greater stability for themselves and their families. Others maintain records, coordinate services and keep court operations running. Each plays a part in helping Kentuckians access justice.
September Spotlights
Meet Alexandra
Office of Language Access Operations Manager
Supporting every court interpreter is a team working to ensure the right interpreter is in the right courtroom at the right time.
For nearly five years, Alexandra has helped make that happen as the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts’ Office of Language Access Operations Manager. From coordinating spoken language and American Sign Language interpreters across the commonwealth to responding to last-minute emergencies, every day is different, but the mission remains the same: ensuring language is never a barrier.
Court interpreting wasn't the original career plan for Alexandra. While studying Spanish translation, she attended a presentation on legal interpreting that sparked her interest in the profession. Today, as a state-certified Spanish court interpreter who also speaks fluent French, Alexandra helps support Kentucky’s statewide language access program.
At the heart of every interpreter request is a person who deserves to fully understand the legal process and have their voice heard. Last year alone, Kentucky courts received more than 23,000 interpreter requests across all languages, highlighting the vital role language access plays in the judicial system.
⭐ Inspired by Alexandra's story? Discover how you can begin your own path as a court interpreter at https://kcoj.info/OfficeofLanguageAccess.
Serving Kentucky Spotlights
Meet Kelli
Office of Language Access liaison for the Kentucky Court of Justice, whose journey into interpreting began with a simple childhood experience that changed her life. As an elementary school student, Kelli volunteered to spend time with her school’s deaf education classroom, where she learned basic sign language and formed friendships that left a lasting impression. Years later, that connection inspired her to pursue a career in American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, a path she now says was “the best decision I could have ever made.”
Today, Kelli helps Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across Kentucky access the court system through communication, advocacy and compassion. From coordinating accommodations statewide to interpreting in courtrooms herself, she works every day to ensure people feel seen, heard and understood during some of the most important moments of their lives.
“One of the greatest honors of this work is being welcomed into people’s lives,” Kelli said. “Whether it’s a courtroom, the birth of a baby or starting a new job, interpreting is a responsibility that must be handled with care, skill and heart.”
More than 20 years after first stepping into a courtroom to observe legal interpreting, Kelli continues to advocate for equal access and meaningful communication for Kentucky’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, demonstrating how one childhood experience can grow into a lifelong purpose. Inspired by Kelli’s story? 🔗Discover how you can start your journey as a court interpreter at https://lnkd.in/gNHWAMTD. Publication date: June 25, 2026.