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.
TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Pheona Kelly - Educational Interpreter
We are thrilled to celebrate Pheona Kelly for her recent recognition by the South Carolina Association for the Deaf. This award honors not only her excellence in the field, but also the unwavering support and dedication she continues to show our students and the community. Whether stepping in virtually or in person, she consistently provides communication access and creates meaningful opportunities for students with hearing loss to succeed. Thank you, Pheona, for your dedication and the lasting impact you create with our students and team. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement with you!
Team Member Q&A
Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - The people - staff and clients we serve.
Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I'm a SERIOUS Gamecocks Women's Basketball Fan. I build my schedule around their games - home and away.
Q - What attracted you to working in the DHH field?
A - My cousin, Kenisha, who is Deaf, and seeing the need for access first hand inspired me.
Q - Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or TV show you’d recommend right now?
A - My favorite Podcast is Making Space with Hoda Kotb.
Q - What’s your go-to comfort food, snack, or favorite local restaurant?
A - Comfort food - Blue Bell Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Q - If you could instantly learn any new skill, what would it be?
A - I want to learn how to play pickleball as soon as I find the time.
Q - Coffee, tea, or something else to fuel your day?
A - Any Herbal Tea
Q - What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A - Give yourself as much grace as you give everyone else.
Q - Where’s your favorite place you’ve traveled (or dream destination)?
A - Dream destination - St. Lucia
Q - What’s something small that always makes your day brighter?
A - Getting a call or text message from, or just seeing my son, Austin. Instant warm fuzzies!
Michelle Sumner - Teacher of the Deaf
We are so grateful for our incredible Virtual Teacher of the Deaf, whose dedication, compassion, and expertise make a lasting difference for students and families each day. Your unwavering perseverance in pursuing your South Carolina and North Carolina teaching certifications is an inspiring example of commitment to both personal growth and professional excellence. Thank you for the energy, heart, and resilience you bring to your work!
Team Member Q&A
Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - It has only been a short time, but I feel there is so much support and access to resources to do my job effectively and efficiently. This is a huge learning curve for me
Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I live and work full-time in my RV and travel around the country.
Q - If you weren’t working in the DHH field, what career could you see yourself in?
A - I would be a National Park Ranger!
Q - Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or TV show you’d recommend right now?
A - I just finished reading The Let Them Theory.
Q - What’s your go-to comfort food, snack, or favorite local restaurant?
A - Comfort snack-goldfish crackers/nuts/cheerios/pretzel mix.
Q - If you could instantly learn any new skill, what would it be?
A - I think I am doing that right now. Virtual instruction. I was an administrator through COVID.
Q - Coffee, tea, or something else to fuel your day?
A - Coffee of course! But then, just water.
Q - What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A - Always ask, you have a 50% chance of getting a YES.
Q - Where’s your favorite place you’ve traveled (or dream destination)?
A - Galapagos Islands
Q - What’s something small that always makes your day brighter?
A - My cat.
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
Educational Interpreter Substitute | Varies | Part - Time |
Teacher of the Deaf | Virtual | 3 - 5 Days / Week |
Language Facilitator Substitute | Varies | Part - Time |
Educational Interpreter | Virtual | 3 - 5 Days / Week |
Educational Interpreter | Anderson, SC | 5 Days / Week |
Educational Interpreter | Greenville, SC | 5 Days / Week |
Educational Interpreter (2 needed) | Columbia, SC | 5 Days / Week |
Teacher of the Deaf | Charlotte, NC | 5 Days / Week |
Educational Interpreter | Charlotte, NC | 5 Days / Week |
Interested in joining the Team with Heart?