By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Alinka Avendaño is Words Alive’s Curriculum Translator of the Year. At Words Alive, an extraordinary team of volunteers translates content into 10 languages beyond English in order to make our resources accessible to more families. Curriculum Translator of the Year recognizes a volunteer who took on many translation projects with fast and reliable turnaround, creating quality literacy materials and furthering Words Alive’s mission.

Alinka, who lives in Leon, Nicaragua, is a therapist and owner of Psychological Center ARIE, where she offers therapy and workshops for children, teens and adults. She’s also a brand ambassador for All Therapy Resources where she translates material.

Now let’s hear from Alinka about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I volunteer because I love to read, work with children and meet new people with the same passions.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

Working with Words Alive has been a fulfilling experience, I have met kind people and watching how they work with books, families and children has provided great lessons for me.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors: A Clinician's Guide by Lisa Ferentz. I read psychology books mostly.

Any book recommendations?

The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel Siegel

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

I’m easy going but passionate about the things I enjoy including music, hiking, and mental health.