Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - The supportive team! This is a very new experience for me, and everyone has been so kind and helpful. I can’t wait to meet everyone on the collaborative work day!

Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I have ten tattoos!

Q - If you weren’t working in the DHH field, what career could you see yourself in? 
A - If I weren’t working in the DHH field I would either be a therapist or a social worker. 

Q - What’s something you’ve learned from a student or family that has stuck with you?
A - During my time at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, working with the high school girls, I got to plan field trips and teach independent living skills. I experienced firsthand that our Deaf students often do not get exposure to things that hearing children typically would. We went bowling one night, and I remember the majority of the students had never been bowling. Another time, we went to a coffee shop, and these students had never gotten the opportunity to order for themselves. I learned quickly that these students need two things: frequent opportunities to experience new things, and to advocate for themselves in the real world. I take this lesson into the classroom with me and attempt to give my students these opportunities.   

Q - How do you recharge after a long or challenging day?
A - I either watch reality tv or go to a local coffee shop and read!

Q - What’s one thing people might not realize about the work you do?
A - Oftentimes, people do not realize the amount of emotional support we provide our students, as we are their safe space because we understand language deprivation and have knowledge of the Deaf experience. 

Q - Who or what has had a big influence on your approach to your work?
A - My professor from Converse University, Addie Watson.
 

Q - If you could give one piece of advice to someone new joining Carter Hears!, what would it be?
A - If I could give one piece of advice to someone new joining the team, I would say utilize all of the resources and support that we are given!

Q - What’s something you're currently working on, personally or professionally, that excites you?
A - This is not current, but this summer I will begin at Washington University in St. Louis on a  Master’s degree in Deaf Education. 

Q - What does a perfect day off look like for you?
A - A perfect day would look like spending time with my partner, getting coffee, reading, and going to a museum!