Our Team
Professionals dedicated to clarity, accuracy, and compassionate communication.
Patrick Dunphy
Chief Customer Officer
I’m a former Army officer and helicopter pilot who graduated from West Point with a degree in Middle East Studies and Systems Engineering. Language has interwoven an invisible thread in my life story: I spoke German before I spoke English, studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo, lived and worked in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Germany, and Kosovo while in the Army, and landed in the Midwest after my time of service. I’m a husband and a father to children born in 3 different countries. I have always been amazed by the kindness and creativity of humans throughout the world. I hold a deep belief in the power of trust, kindness and genuine connection. My role at J.S. Languages is the Chief Customer Officer, where I am primarily responsible for elevating the brand and finding more people for us to serve with the best systems and processes. I lead within our team by example—always prioritizing ethics, quality, and professionalism. My passion lies in supporting the communication bridge with clarity and care. I’m humbled by our team at J.S. Languages because we are responsive problem-solvers who put people first, treating everyone with respect while upholding our fundamental belief in the profession of interpretation. When I read through our biographies, I’m struck by the diversity of experiences in such a small team – it is an incredible strength. What we have in common is simple: we strive to be the best humans in service to others, ensuring each interaction is not just professional and reliable, but also personal and meaningful. When you work with us, you can be confident your goals are our top priority, and that you’re truly in good hands.
Ashli Dunphy
Chief Executive Officer
I am excited to join J.S. Languages as the new CEO. My goal is to lead a life of service to others, and I cannot imagine a better place to do that than here. It is a trait that I developed growing up as a military kid, as a midshipman studying at the U.S. Naval Academy, and as a mother raising four amazing children. I desire to solve problems and create solutions that improve lives. Since graduating from Troy University with a degree in Business Administration, focused in Accounting, much of my work has been in nonprofit and community organizations. I have worked with the International Red Cross in hospitals overseas and as the financial manager of the Military Council of Catholic Women, shaping policy and procedures that are still used today. Communication is the core of connection and connection is the core of service. My hope is that as J.S. Languages grows, we can be a bridge across languages and cultures, creating a kinder and more connected community. In my spare time, you can find me with my family and pets. I love painting, hiking, reading, and a good snowstorm. My current special interest is in the Great Lakes and how they have shaped the economy and Midwest culture.
Dr. David DeFilippis
Technical Lead
I’m an ecologist and software engineer who studies how interactions among plant species shape community structure and maintain biodiversity in tropical and temperate forests. My work combines field observations, designing custom sensor systems, and hierarchical statistical models to better understand how ecological community structure persists or changes over time. I didn’t begin my career in academia. Before studying ecology, I worked in the skilled trades as a fabricator, carpenter, and mechanic — designing equipment, repairing complex machinery, and building things that needed to hold up under real-world conditions. Those experiences underpin the way I think: I like understanding how complex systems fit together and figuring out practical ways to make them work. I earned my Ph.D. in Ecology at Marquette University and currently hold three post-doctoral research positions at the University of Leeds and Marquette. Alongside my research, I continue to build full-stack web applications — including this one — because I enjoy working across disciplines and creating tools that are useful to others. When I’m not at a computer or in the field, I’m usually with my family on our farm, where there is always something growing, something to fix and animals to take care of.
Laura Gómez Murillo
Dispatch Lead
I was born and raised in Colombia. I am a biologist with a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Wyoming. Since graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 2012, I have participated in numerous field research projects around the Americas. My experiences have taken me to live in the Peruvian Amazon, Hawaii, several states along the East Coast and Midwest of the USA, Costa Rica, and Panama, where I led a research project about army ants and antbirds with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute for four years. These experiences have allowed me to work with people from around the globe and appreciate cultural diversity. Currently, I live with my family in the mountains of my beloved Colombia, where I enjoy helping others be the best humans for humans at JS Languages. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, making ceramics, and spending time with my family, dogs, sheep, horses, donkeys and chickens. Feel free to ask me about tropical birds, ceramics, or any topics related to tropical biodiversity!
Juliana Gómez Agudelo
Dispatcher
I was born in Colombia, and I am both a chef and an anthropologist. My culinary work is rooted in my fascination with fermentation — an ancient and innovative practice that connects culture, nourishment, and community. I run a small business called pepaeguama, where I craft kombucha and fermented fruits that celebrate local ingredients and Colombian biodiversity. As an anthropologist, I explore the relationships between food, care, and the domestic spaces that shape our daily lives. I believe that cooking is a powerful expression of identity and belonging, and I am passionate about understanding how food traditions connect us across generations and cultures. I currently live on a farm in the rural outskirts of Medellín, where I cultivate ingredients, experiment with new flavors, and embrace a slower, more intentional way of life. I love building connections with people from diverse backgrounds and view hospitality as a vital act of care — one that is becoming increasingly essential in today’s world.