About my work...
Ana Fatima Costa
Court Reporting Trainer & Mentor
I am a former court reporter, office manager, and sales executive. Since 2008, I have provided dozens of reporter-of-record opportunities for reporting students and new reporters and have read hundreds of unedited and completed rough drafts.
95% of the transcripts are full of steno errors and untranslates.
There is a CRISIS in the court reporting field because students are not writing cleanly, are encouraged to "read through their slop," and thus struggle to read and transcribe their notes, progress in school, and pass state and/or certification exams.
It is now common for students to take the California CSR exam 5 or more times. Why? Lack of confidence in their ability to read and transcribe their shorthand. They feel nervous, anxious, fearful and worried before stepping foot into the exam.
This crisis arose from an archaic* principle: "Slap something down for everything you hear. Don't worry about accuracy. Go for speed and figure it out later."
This principle DOES NOT WORK.
In school, I honed my practice to develop excellent steno writing skills which resulted in my taking all legs of the RPR one week before taking all legs of the CSR and passing both exams - the first time.
There is a deep need for radical change.
My 4-part comprehensive package of services includes:
#1 - This e-book, 0-225: Your Guide to Writing Mastery.
#2 - 5 Golden Rules to Steno Mastery course based on Part 2 of my e-book (as described above).
#3 - Reporter of Record Internships for new reporters and high-speed reporting students provide real-life experiences so they can feel what it is like to be THE REPORTER in dozens of mock depo and mock trial sessions throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
#4 - Coaching assists students and reporters to overcome obstacles to achieving their goals and dreams.
*ar·cha·ic ärˈkāik adjective
very old or old-fashioned
Synonyms: obsolete, out of date, old-fashioned, outmoded, behind the times, bygone, anachronistic,
antiquated, superannuated,
antediluvian, old world, old-fangled; More
Testimonials from current and former students ...
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Ana is the epitome of professionalism, mixed with kindness and discretion. She fills this unique niche that would be hard to encapsulate in one completely justifiable job title that would do her all the justice she deserves. I appreciate her and am grateful for all the opportunities she has offered me to hone my skills. Being near Ana is calming. I find her influence a good gravitational force for my needs.
Mia Camera, Court Reporting Student
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With years of experience in the field, Ana is a fountain of information and sage advice. She has seen the gamut of court reporting brilliance and blunders and has made it her mission to bestow her knowledge onto court reporting students. As an advocate for court reporters, Ana instills in her mentees a sense of pride in and awareness about the profession and is shaping the newest members of the workforce to be capable, professional, and informed.
Katherine Schilling, RPR, CSR 14163 (and book cover artist)
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"Today is the first day of my practice based on your e-mail. I now feel as if I have some type of plan to proceed and be successful. I just needed some guidance and structure for my practice. Thank you once again for your expertise and spending valuable time with me on the phone. Your advice was PRICELESS!!! "
Barbara Sanders, Court Reporting Student (theory)
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From the very beginning of my court reporting school, I was taught to write something for every word, which frustrated me during read-back because I couldn't read my sloppy notes. After interning with Ana, I have learned to write cleanly and drop, and I have seen a huge improvement. Now reading back and transcribing are a breeze.
Tobiya Abhaya, Court Reporting Student
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As a former court reporting student, I can empathize with all of us who have to take the CSR exam. It is an incredible test of will and determination to even get that far. The CSR, like most tests, has its fair share of stress that goes with it. I took it twice. The first time, I failed. But on my second attempt, I was able to pass, thanks to Ana's coaching. She helped me find peace and let the stress that would otherwise ensure my failure crumble. Now, the stress and anxiety that once controlled my ability to do well no longer exists. I owe all my success to her!
Sarah Maksim, CSR 14053 ((and artist of Golden Rule #1 graphic)
