Our News!!

January 2026

Since opening Hear and Speak last February, I have been incredibly blessed by the families who came our way. From the very beginning, these families have been such a perfect match for what Hear and Speak was meant to be. They attend sessions faithfully, are actively engaged during each session, and most importantly, follow through at home. They are not simply bringing their children to sessions. They are fully invested in their child’s growth with intention, commitment, and consistency.

At Hear and Speak, we support children with a variety of listening and learning needs. While our work includes children who are deaf or hard of hearing, we also work with children who have auditory processing differences and neurodivergent learning profiles. Each child is supported in a thoughtful, individualized way, with care given to their unique strengths and needs.

These families are not just receiving therapy services. They have become an integral part of the Hear and Speak family. Parents are supported emotionally as well as professionally and are guided every step of the way as they learn how to help their children grow their listening and spoken language skills. This support goes far beyond goals, scores, and data. It is rooted in care, trust, and genuine connection.

Over time, this little center has grown into a warm and safe place for families. Parents often stay after sessions to talk, ask questions, share concerns, celebrate victories, and sometimes simply sit and be heard. There is comfort in knowing that you are not walking this journey alone and that someone genuinely cares. I have been deeply touched by the level of family involvement. Fathers attend sessions and actively participate, and one dedicated grandmother regularly comes alongside a mother to support her grandchild. That sense of belonging is something I cherish deeply and something I longed for when this center first began.

Michael Douglas, M.A, CCC-SLP, LSLP cert.AT

In October, we welcomed Michael Douglas, a representative from Cochlear Inc, who shared exciting updates about new cochlear implant technology. He introduced the new Nexa implant system and explained how families who already have implants may benefit from upgrading to the Nucleus Kanso 3 sound processor if they choose. There are now two new sound processors available, the Nucleus Nexa 8 and the Nucleus Nexa Kanso 3, both designed to work with the Nexa implant. For children being implanted for the first time, this technology opens doors to exciting listening opportunities.

Michael also shared how Cochlear partners closely with professionals to support families before surgery and emphasized the importance of professionals understanding the Nexa system so they can confidently guide families through the process. The event was well represented, with audiologists, parents, and teachers in attendance. It was a meaningful time of learning, collaboration, and shared purpose.

We have also welcomed families who came to Hear and Speak specifically for formal standardized and informal evaluations. These assessments included listening, receptive and expressive language, auditory processing, phonological awareness, reading, and listening comprehension. Some families were seeking clarity, while others wanted guidance to help plan next steps for their child.

As I reflect on all that has unfolded, my heart is full. Hear and Speak has become more than a center. It is a community where families are supported, children are celebrated, and no one walks this journey alone. This is exactly what I hoped for, and I am deeply grateful for every family, every professional, and every person who has helped make this vision a reality. 🤍

A Special Thank You to our Supporters

I will be forever indebted to my dear friend Ellen Rhoades, EdS, LSLS Cert. AVT,  whose unwavering support and encouragement carried me through every step of this journey. She brought with her an extraordinary depth of knowledge, a wealth of experience, and a generous spirit that has shaped both my growth and the foundation of Hear and Speak. Ellen’s guidance, wisdom, and belief in this mission have been an immeasurable gift, and I am profoundly grateful for her friendship and continued support.

We are deeply grateful to our generous donors for their financial contributions to Hear and Speak. Your support has allowed us to purchase essential assessment kits that help us evaluate and support our students effectively. Your kindness and generosity are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create brighter futures.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our Arabic Church of Houston family for their continued kindness and generosity in sharing their beautiful building with us. Their open hearts and willingness to support this mission have made such a difference. Having a welcoming and peaceful space where families feel comfortable, safe, and valued has been a true blessing. Their ongoing support is felt in countless ways, and I am incredibly grateful for the love and hospitality they extend to Hear and Speak.

Gratitude for American Magee

A heartfelt thank you goes to American Magee of DreadXP for his generous and ongoing support of Hear and Speak. His financial gifts have provided much needed resources that directly benefit our students and families. Most recently, he sent two additional Auditory Processing Bunnies, soft plush animals that represent auditory processing. These bunnies went home with students as a fun and meaningful reminder of their journey.

The bunnies also serve a larger purpose. When they are sold, Hear and Speak, along with many other missions across America, receives a percentage of the proceeds as a donation. We are deeply grateful for his thoughtfulness and the creative ways he continues to support our mission. To learn more, visit Plushie Dreadfuls at https://plushiedreadfuls.com/.

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Parent Zoom Gathering – Saturday, April 19th

On Saturday morning, April 19th, we had the pleasure of hosting a heartfelt Zoom session with Payton and her mother, Kristen. Payton, who received her cochlear implant as a young child and is now a successful adult with a doctorate in audiology, generously shared her journey and answered questions from parents whose children are walking similar paths.

The conversation touched on many meaningful topics, including how in-class support felt during her elementary years, navigating friendships and missed conversations, and learning to advocate for herself. Payton also spoke candidly about the vital role her mother played as she gained independence. She shared her experience playing on a volleyball team, managing communication in noisy or fast-paced settings, and how she coped with occasional bullying.

Each question led to thoughtful and insightful responses from Payton, sparking reflection and encouragement among attendees. Parents were especially moved by her honesty, strength, and warmth. The gathering was well attended—not only by parents and their spouses, but also by a few adults who are hard of hearing and wanted to listen in, reflect, and be part of the conversation.

Many shared afterward how impactful and reassuring the session had been:

 • “I learned a lot. Thanks for putting this together for us.”
 • “It was very helpful. My husband was also able to join us, which helped a lot because we are a little scared for next school year.”
 • “We didn’t have questions, but it was very helpful. Thank you all so much!”
 • “It was a beautiful gathering. Thank you for organizing it.”
 • “Thanks so much for having us! Great job!”
 • “Thank you so much for setting this up.”

We are incredibly grateful to Payton and Kristen for their time, openness, and encouragement. Their story left a lasting impact on every parent and participant who joined us. We are honored to walk this journey alongside you and look forward to more opportunities to learn, share, and grow together.

The Hear & Speak Team