What is your role at the Partnership and what does it involve?

I serve as the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing Project Director for The Center for Family Involvement and the Family Engagement Coordinator for The Educational Hub for Sensory Disabilities

 

What inspired you to join the Partnership?

Prior to joining as a staff member, I was a volunteer with CFI for two years who supported families of children with a permanent diagnosis of Deaf/ Hard of Hearing and congenital CMV.  Having a child with disabilities can be a stressful and lonely journey, I want to be a lifeline to families navigating the complications that disabilities can bring.  

 

How does your work contribute to the mission of the Partnership?

Empowering parents and families of children with hearing differences to be their child’s best advocate in order to achieve their full potential. 

 

What’s something you're proud of accomplishing in your role?

Facilitating a mini-grant program that provided funding and support to organizations and groups throughout the state to host novel family engagement events.

 

What does a typical day look like for you?

I work remotely due to living in Loudoun County, so after getting my kids off to school I typically make a cup of coffee and jump in, trying to get as many of my phone calls and family conversations done before the end of school rolls around.  Then after spending the afternoon with my kids I often log back on to work while on the sidelines of a baseball field so my boys can make it to their practices/ games.  

 

What do you enjoy most about the work you do here?

Connecting with families to encourage them that they CAN do this hard work and hearing them realize they are not alone.  

 

How do you collaborate with other team members or partners?

I work closely with the Deaf/ Blind Project Team, TAC-DHH Team, and outside partners, such as VSDB (Virginia School for the Deaf/ Blind) on support for Virginia families.

 

What experience or background do you bring to the team?

I was a Pediatric Speech- Language Pathologist prior to having a child with disabilities and joining this work at the Partnership.  Working for several years with families in Early Intervention and school- age children as well as has given me a perspective that encompasses both the provider and family experience.  Supporting those that are pre-verbal, early communicators, children with Autism, and now children with hearing differences are some of my passion areas.  All the graduate classes in the world don’t prepare you to parent a child with different needs, only time, experience, and mentorship help with that. 

 

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the work we do?

It’s supporting families from birth throughout life, across each area that disability parenting and caregiving touches.