PULSE & PRAISE
At Carter Hears!, everything we do is driven by heart—and this is where you’ll feel it. Pulse & Praise is a celebration of the voices, victories, and values that make our team and community so special. Here, you’ll find stories from the field, heartfelt testimonials, recent awards, media features, and published work that reflect our commitment to connection, compassion, and innovation. You can also explore current job opportunities and learn more about what it means to be part of a team that leads with purpose. This is where our impact comes to life—through the words of those we serve, the achievements we’re proud of, and the team who makes it all possible.
TESTIMONIALS
We believe the most powerful reflections of our work come from those we serve. In this section, students, families, educators, and district partners share their experiences and the difference Carter Hears! has made in their lives.
PULSE REPORT
This year marks an important milestone for Carter Hears!, the release of our first-ever annual
Pulse Report.
The 2025 Pulse Report captures the heart of our work by bringing together meaningful data, student outcomes, family experiences, and district feedback to tell the story of our impact. It offers a comprehensive snapshot of how our team supported Deaf and Hard of Hearing students across North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond, while highlighting both measurable progress and the human moments that made it possible.
From service hours and miles traveled to student growth, partnerships, and community engagement, this inaugural report reflects our commitment to equity, access, and excellence in Deaf Education, and sets the foundation for the years ahead.
TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Cyndi Sutherland - Teacher of the Deaf
We are so grateful for Cyndi, an itinerant Teacher of the Deaf who consistently brings efficiency, effectiveness, and heart to her work. She is highly respected by both school districts and families, and it’s easy to see why. Cyndi makes a meaningful, lasting impact on her students’ communication development. With her dual expertise as both a TOD and an SLP, she brings a deep understanding of language and communication that truly elevates her support for students. Thank you, Cyndi, for your dedication, professionalism, and the difference you make every day in the lives of DHH students and their families.
Team Member Q&A
Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - I am so grateful for the experienced, collaborative team which supports the incredible work we do while walking alongside our students.
Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I love trying new experiences, like goat yoga!
Q - What attracted you to working in the DHH field?
A - After taking a sign language class at my church and interpreting for a church member, I became interested in the DHH field.
Q - If you had to choose a theme song for your life right now, what would it be?
A - “I’ve Got Joy”
Q - What’s your favorite way to celebrate or enjoy the winter season?
A - I love shopping downtown with my family and spending time hiking.
Q - What’s something small that brings you a lot of joy lately?
A - Seat warmers in my car!
Q - What’s a comfort food or treat you can’t say no to?
A - Chicken and dumplings!
Q - If you could give your students one life tip they’d remember forever, what would it be?
A - “Don’t let your hearing loss be the elephant in the room! Learn how to advocate for yourself.”
Q - What’s your favorite winter memory?
A - Growing up, we would ice skate on a neighbor’s pond and sled down a VERY steep hill!
Q - What moments from this year that made you especially proud?
A - I am looking forward to spending time with friends I haven’t seen in a while!
Kailey Elliot - Educational Interpreter / Language Facilitator
We are excited to highlight Kailey for this month’s Team Member Spotlight! In her short time with Carter Hears!, Kailey has shown tremendous growth and dedication. After completing her educational internship with us and graduating from Liberty University, she has continued to expand her skills by learning the language facilitator model and providing meaningful support to students’ language development. Kailey consistently brings warmth, positivity, and enthusiasm to our team, the students she supports, and our partnering school districts. Her commitment and impact have not gone unnoticed.
One of our partnering districts recently shared: “Kailey has played a critical role in helping our student develop confidence and independence in the school environment.”
We are grateful for the passion and care Kailey brings to her work each day and are proud to have her as part of the Carter Hears! team.
Team Member Q&A
Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - The encouragement. I started as an intern a year ago now and everyone I came in contact with was so supportive, answered my questions, and gave me a lot of advice and suggestions to work through and better myself with. I'm grateful for all the opportunities available for professional and personal development CH! provides me with. I couldn't imagine a better place to start my career.
Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I social dance for fun and competitively! I do Lindy Hop, West Coast and Country Swing, as well as some ballroom, latin, Shag and Flatfooting.
Q - If you weren’t working in the DHH field, what career could you see yourself in?
A - If I was not an interpreter I would probably be a missionary in Italy (I speak Italian and know some LIS).
Q - If you had to choose a theme song for your life right now, what would it be?
A - "Go" by Cody Fry and "Abide" by Dwell
Q - What’s your favorite way to celebrate or enjoy the winter season?
A - New Year's Eve dances, spending time with family and friends, skiing, and hot chocolate are, in my opinion, the only right answers.
Q - What’s something small that brings you a lot of joy lately?
A - Watching my student become more independent. She has been working so hard this semester in choir and was so confident and excited during their performances. This girl cannot wait for the spring shows. She has also grown in advocating for herself and her accommodations. I am so proud of her.
Q - What’s a comfort food or treat you can’t say no to?
A - Five Guys. I get it only when I have major successes though. A more common one is Talenti Gelato, specifically Raspberry.
Q - If you could give your students one life tip they’d remember forever, what would it be?
A - Lean on the Lord and His wisdom. He cares so deeply for you and always will, no matter what.
Q - What’s your favorite winter memory?
A - On Christmas Eve my family goes to church and then watches White Christmas. Throughout the winter we go snow skiing. I have been skiing since I was 5, so almost 20 years, which makes me feel old!
Q - What moments from this year that made you especially proud?
A - Getting married!!
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition from local and national organizations. These awards reflect the dedication of our team and the meaningful outcomes we work toward every day.
Presented to Mariann Christman in 2025. The Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness recognized Mariann Christman as the 2025 Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Presented to Mariann Christman in 2023. HEal Conferences recognized Carter Hears! founder Mariann Christman with the Global HEal - Brilliance in Education Award, honoring her outstanding dedication towards education.
Presented to Carter Hears! in 2023. South Carolina Association of the Deaf, Inc or SCAD recognized Carter Hears! with the Community Service award.
Presented to Mariann Christman in 2023. The Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness recognized Carter Hears! founder Mariann Christman with the distinguished service award.
Presented to Mariann Christman in 2024 after her attendance to the BRSE 2024 Conference.
Presented to Mariann Christman in 2021. In 2021, the Global Forum for Education and Learning recognized Mariann Christman for excellence in education.
Presented to Carter Hears! in 2021. In 2021, the Global Forum for Education and Learning recognized Carter Hears! as one of the top 50 organizations in education.
Presented to Carter Hears! in 2021. The Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness recognized Carter Hears! as the 2021 Employer of the Year.
Presented to Rylina Dey in 2024 after her attendance to the BRSE 2024 Conference.
PUBLICATIONS
From podcast episodes to white papers and presentations, we’re passionate about contributing to the conversations that move our field forward. This section features original content and professional insights created by our team to inspire, inform, and advocate for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students and the professionals who serve them.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
We’re always looking for compassionate, dedicated professionals to help us expand access and impact. Explore current openings and find out what it means to be part of a team that values connection, innovation, and joy in the work we do.
Position Title | Location | Schedule | School Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Language Facilitator Substitute | Varies | Part - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Dorchester, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Teacher of the Deaf | Dorchester, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Columbia, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Teacher of the Deaf | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter Substitute | Varies | Part - Time | 2025-2026 |
Language Facilitator (LSL) | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Greenville, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Anderson, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter (Multiple Needed) | Virtual | Part - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | North Augusta, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | Columbia, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Teacher of the Deaf | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Interested in joining the Team with Heart?