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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Cherry Patterson - Language Facilitator
We’re thrilled to shine this month’s spotlight on one of the original members of Carter Hears! Cherry began her journey with us as a dedicated Teacher of the Deaf, and her passion for supporting DHH students has only grown stronger over the years. This school year, she expanded her impact by taking on the role of Language Facilitator, bringing her unique expertise and experience to even more students. Beyond her skills and knowledge, Cherry’s warm personality and kindness leave a lasting impact on everyone around her. Wearing multiple hats with grace and dedication, she enriches both our students’ learning and our team’s collaboration. We’re so grateful for the heart, talent, and joy she brings to Carter Hears! every day, and we’re excited to celebrate her contributions.
Team Member Q&A
Q - What’s your favorite part of working at Carter Hears!?
A - My colleagues and the kids!!!
Q - What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A - I worked as a Professional Organizer for 5 years and had the privilege of being on a “Hoarders’” Episode.
Q - If you weren’t working in the DHH field, what career could you see yourself in?
A - I think I would love to be a Holistic Pet Health Coach. My Golden Retriever, Lilikoi, has a skin disease and she has been helped so much by working with a holistic health coach. I would love to help other pet parents.
Q - What attracted you to working in the DHH field?
A - We had an interpreter in our church when I was young and I wanted to learn sign language and become an interpreter.
Q - What motivates you to do the work you do, especially on challenging days?
A - I LOVE watching my students learn to express themselves.
Q - What’s a skill or strength you’ve developed that you’re proud of?
A - I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to continue jogging for the past 60 years. Now, it’s fun to win a race, even if I’m the only one in my age group!
Q - What does “connection” mean to you in your work or daily life?
A - Good relationships with the people I work with and encounter throughout the day.
Q - What’s a quote, mantra, or phrase you find yourself coming back to?
A - “A prepared woman is a preferred woman!” But my husband says, “An OVERLY prepared woman is a pain…”
Q - What’s a small win from this school year that felt big to you?
A - Receiving a very precious surprise call from a former student.
Q - What does a perfect day off look like for you?
A - Going for a jog on the Greenway in North Augusta.
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 |
Language Facilitator (LSL) | Greenville, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Columbia, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Teacher of the Deaf | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Office Assistant (Hybrid) | Fort Mill, SC | Part - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter Substitute | Varies | Part - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Charlotte, NC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
NC Teacher of the Deaf | Remote | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter | Anderson, SC | Full - Time | 2025-2026 |
Educational Interpreter (Multiple Needed) | Virtual | Part - Time | 2025-2026 |
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 | 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?