Rhode Thomas was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by a rich cultural heritage and a strong appreciation for the arts. After studying arts and sciences, Rhode started her career as an art teacher in her hometown, teaching students from grades 3 to 9. Her classes covered various subjects, from arts and crafts to etiquette, all conducted in her native Spanish. Rhode made a significant impact on her students, inspiring them to grow into confident, independent change-makers within their community.

In 1989, Rhode’s path took an inspiring turn, igniting her passion for travel. She ventured to New York, Puerto Rico, Canada, and California, before settling in New York City. Here, Rhode began her journey into linguistics at the New York English Academy. Living in the vibrant, multicultural heart of the city, she was captivated by the diversity around her, meeting people from India, Japan, Latin America, Russia, China, the Middle East, and Indonesia, all united by a shared interest in the English language. This experience enhanced her understanding of how language connects people worldwide. In 1995, Rhode moved to the Netherlands, a country renowned for its cultural diversity. While in Holland, she worked as an English-to-Spanish translator and eagerly explored Europe at every chance.

As Rhode developed her language skills, she uncovered a talent and enthusiasm for simultaneous interpretation, a specialized field demanding intensive training and sharp short-term memory to convey messages instantly across languages. She went on to gain certification in community interpretation and translation, ultimately becoming the chief executive of Thomas and Fermin LLC. Rhode takes pride in providing professional services in conference-simultaneous, and consecutive interpretation across diverse areas such as higher education, general and special education, healthcare, social services, church, legal settings, weddings, and more.

Rhode is an active international interpreter. She is well-regarded by healthcare professionals and educators for her professionalism, compassion, and as a skilled cultural mediator. With a passion for teaching, Rhode eagerly shares her expertise with aspiring interpreters through training and mentorship. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to language, learning, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Driven by her love for bridging linguistic and cultural gaps, Rhode continues to make a meaningful difference in many lives.