Getting to Know SDCOE: Sergio Peña

Sergio Peña has supported students of all ages in four languages throughout South County for more than 30 years. 

He’s an educational interpreter with the South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), interpreting in American Sign Language, Mexican Sign Language, English, and Spanish. He is the only interpreter in the United States that is certified in all four languages. 

“He is professional, thorough and demonstrates a high level of ethical values and professional 

service in every setting,” said Louise Simpson, who works with him. “I can always trust that when sent into a job, Sergio will be early, dressed professionally, and have done background research to help him facilitate communication appropriately.” 

Peña is highly regarded by colleagues and the teachers and providers with whom he works. 

“There is no doubt that his brain is amazing, but his greatest asset is his heart!” said Gabriela Fajardo, an interpreter he works with. 

Peña wrote a book about Spanish/Mexican Sign Language interpreting and mentors new interpreters in the field. 

A teacher he works with said, “Sergio is an exceptional interpreter and classified employee; he is also an exceptional human being.” 

Getting to Know SDCOE is a regular feature at sdcoe.net that highlights the important work of different members of the team.