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
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Heather Urban - Educational Interpreter
This month, we are excited to spotlight Heather Urban, one of our talented Educational Interpreters! Heather works with us virtually from Oregon and has shared her expertise not only with Carter Hears! but also through Quill Model. Since joining our team, Heather has consistently been a valued and dependable team member, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, professionalism, and positivity to every interaction. Her collaborative spirit and willingness to support students, families, and colleagues from across the country continue to make a meaningful impact on our organization. Fun fact: Heather previously interpreted at NASA — talk about an out-of-this-world experience!
Team Member Q&A
Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - The high workplace morale, the kindness, the grace of other workers and the flexibility of schedule.
Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I teach Yoga on the side and I would love to have some ASL Yoga classes going in the future.
Q - If you weren’t working in the DHH field, what career could you see yourself in?
A - My dream job would be a National Geographic wildlife videographer, or working as a deckhand on snorkeling boats in tourism, or being a travel agent, or a paid musician.
Q - What’s something you’ve learned from a student or family that has stuck with you?
A - That "6-7" transcends language barriers. :)
Q - How do you recharge after a long or challenging day?
A - Going hiking or sitting in the hot tub.
Q - What’s one thing people might not realize about the work you do?
A - I do it from the state of Oregon, 3 hours ahead of you all. I am up WAY too early.
Q - Who or what has had a big influence on your approach to your work?
A - Cal State University, Northridge and the interpreters I worked with there. Their quality of work has always stuck with me as some of the most professional, adaptable, linguistically-skilled workers I know.
Q - What’s something you're currently working on, personally or professionally, that excites you?
A - Building up my Yoga business outdoors. I am a huge advocate for being outside, and this summer I have a number of outdoor yoga events planned that I'm excited to teach.
Q - What does a perfect day off look like for you?
A - Hiking through a country I haven't been to with my family.
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 | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter Substitute | Varies | Part - Time | 2026-2027 |
Teacher of the Deaf | Columbia, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | Dorchester, 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 |
Educational Interpreter | Virtual | Part - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | Newberry, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | North Augusta, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | York County, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
Educational Interpreter | Lexington County, SC | Full - Time | 2026-2027 |
IT Support - RFP | South Carolina | As Needed | Year Round |
Interested in joining the Team with Heart?