About Us

SANDRA LEDESMA

Hello and welcome! I’m Sandra Ledesma, a California certified court interpreter. My career in Special Education interpreting and translation began in 2008. Since then I’ve interpreted hundreds of IEP meetings and translated everything from IEPs and assessment reports to prior written notices and meeting summaries.

I’m also a proud former English learner. I know firsthand the frustration of not being able to communicate in English. Communication is a two-way street. It’s not only about whether the family understands the team, but whether the team understands the family. Parents are mandatory, equal members of the IEP team, and the law recognizes them as such. Just as important, no team member should sit in an IEP meeting feeling frustrated by not being able to communicate clearly.

I founded Spectrum Translations in 2017 and chose the name in honor of those who made a positive impact in my personal and professional life. Back in my college years, I volunteered as a note-taking assistant to students with disabilities at Long Beach City College. That was my introduction to working with people with special needs, although I prefer to think of them as people with special talents. I began my volunteer experience with the intent to help others. But I soon found out that it was quite the contrary. I learned so much from them, and they helped me understand that by giving to others you are also giving to yourself, in ways that are hard to explain in a short page. Then, while serving as a School District Interpreter, I noticed how clear communication makes a difference for every stakeholder in the IEP, not only the student but the entire IEP team. When families understand the goal, the goal has two teachers. Goals are met, families grow stronger, students become more independent, and an entire community benefits. And none of it happens without clear communication.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me enjoying family time, writing children’s books, or drinking a good cortadito, my favorite coffee. My first picture book, It’s Party Time! But Where Is My Outfit?, was a #1 New Release on Amazon.

Thank you for visiting our page.

Warm regards,
Sandy