Heike is a German <> English translator specializing in patents, patent law and technology, and a speaker on patent translation. She earned a vocational degree as a forwarding agent in her native Germany and worked in this field before taking time out from her professional life to raise her three boys. Heike moved with her family to the United States in 1995. She brought with her the two Collies that would be the foundation of a 20-year Collie breeding program. During her years as a homeschooling mother, she established and ran an artisanal bakery offering authentic German breads. Later she joined the management team of an import start-up, where she led the negotiations with the German manufacturer and translated all relevant information for the other board members.
Her interest in translation was kindled after volunteering to translate subtitles and articles for CSE Ministries. To prepare for a career in translation, she enrolled in the Certificate in Translation program at World Language Services, Dublin. Heike earned her certificate with special merit in 2012. She has since developed her specialty in patent and technical translations through independent study and frequent participation in webinars and seminars.