Chief Judge Bonnie Helms | Holly Elomina, Trial Court Administrator

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Maria Maynard, Court Interpreter (Certified), for being selected as the Employee of the Quarter for July – September 2024. Since joining the 16th Judicial Circuit in July 2004, Maria has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to both the Court Administration team and the judiciary. Her commitment and passion for her work serve as an inspiration to us all. Over the past two decades, she has proven herself to be an invaluable asset whose work significantly enhances the operations of the court.

As a Court Interpreter, Maria plays a vital role as a linguistic bridge, ensuring clear, accurate, and meaningful communication for Spanish-speaking parties involved in court proceedings. Whether handling misdemeanors, felonies, domestic violence cases, mental health hearings, or juvenile matters, Maria’s interpreting goes beyond a simple word-for-word translation. She expertly conveys the subtleties and intentions behind the spoken words, ensuring all parties-including the court-understand each other fully and without ambiguity.

Maria’s meticulous approach is evident in her commitment to continual research between hearings. Whether consulting specialized dictionaries, exploring online forums, or reviewing legal-specific publications, she goes the extra mile to ensure the precise translation of complex legal terminology and jargon. Her dedication to confidentiality and impartiality is unwavering, and her ethical standards are exemplary.

Her mastery of consecutive interpretation truly stands out among Maria’s many strengths. She consistently delivers renditions that preserve the statements’ original meaning, tone, and context, enabling seamless communication during even the most challenging court sessions.

In addition to her primary responsibilities, Maria is always willing to assist with various tasks for Court Administration, including answering phones, handling warrants, and mail runs -further demonstrating her commitment to teamwork.

Maria’s dedication, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence make her an indispensable member of the 16th Judicial Circuit. We are immensely grateful for her contributions and congratulate her on this well­ earned recognition as Employee of the Quarter.