Our Staff

Deaf Educators

CAOS teachers hold current state licensure for elementary education with an endorsement in educating children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). They also have extensive training and experience supporting children who are DHH in developing spoken language through listening. Teachers are responsible for selecting and documenting progress on language targets, as well as planning and leading educational activities throughout the school day that foster the development of listening, spoken language, social and academic skills across a variety of contexts. Teachers embed communication practice into a variety of learning and play based activities throughout the day, creating projects and memories that foster a life-long love of learning.

Educators

In recent years, CAOS staffing has expanded to include other educators to increase our ability to meet the needs of our students and families. Our early childhood educator brings additional knowledge about developmentally appropriate practice for young learners to the team. Our special education teacher brings training, experience and strategies to support learners with additional diagnoses to benefit from the listening and spoken language language-based learning opportunities at CAOS.

Enrichment Teachers

CAOS enrichment teachers are paraprofessionals who support teachers in the classroom, and facilitate language, learning and play across the school day. Additionally, these dedicated staff members lead Enrichment classes each day. Enrichment classes are offered to provide stimulating learning opportunities outside of the classroom curriculum for children to engage in while other members of the class are participiating in speech, language and listening therapy sessions. Past Enrichment studies have included animals and their habitats, or yoga for our preschoolers, the states or solar system for PreK and the US Presidents for our Primary students. Enrichment teachers also support recess, snack and lunch and lead the before- and after- school child care program.

Speech Language and Listening Therapists

CAOS therapists hold Illinois licensure and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification in speech language pathology. Therapists are responsible for evaluating speech, language and auditory comprehension skills, selecting and documenting progress on targets, and providing focused communication skill practice in intensive individual and small-group settings. Because most students at CAOS receive  individual therapy, therapists have access to a wide variety of motivating games and activities and use their creativity to make repeated practice activities enjoyable.

Early Intervention Therapists

Early intervention (EI) therapists hold these same credentials as the speech language pathologists and aural habilitation audiologists listed above, in addition to the State of Illinois Early Intervention credential in speech language therapy. EI therapists serve children and families both in natural settings (i.e., their homes, either in person or remotely using teletherapy, or community-based locations) as well as providing center based services to allow for collaboration with audiologists and medical providers and foster relationships with other families on a similar journey. Early Intervention therapists partner with families to focus on the development of communication skills in a caring and supportive environment. Through guided interactions, parents learn strategies for helping their child with hearing loss develop spoken language.

Audiologists

ECHO Audiologists hold Illinois licensure and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification in audiology. This team of pediatric audiologists is uniquely experienced in evaluating children’s hearing, identifying appropriate hearing technology to provide consistent access to sound and providing information to families so they can make informed choices about their child’s communication and educational options. ECHO audiologists provide support to more than 1,000 families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing from across the state of Illinois. Located on the first floor of the ECHO building, ECHO audiologists also provide intensive support to students enrolled at CAOS.

Physicians

Medical treatment and care is an important component of the ECHO comprehensive care model for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. ECHO otologists are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, with specialized experience in surgical and non-surgical management of children who are DHH, including those with pediatric cochlear implants. Physicians collaborate with staff and families in determining cause and treatment of childhood hearing loss.

Office Coordinators

Office coordinators help to manage the workload at both CAOS and ECHO. They address student and patient questions and concerns via phone and email, in addition to managing schedules, supply orders, work requests and billing. Our office coordinators keep our program moving forward in so many ways!

Administration and Support

ECHO Program Founder, Michael Novak, MD, provided visionary leadership in the development of the ECHO program, comprised of the Pediatric Hearing Center and Carle Auditory Oral School. He’s expanded opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing through the growth and expansion of the ECHO program.

Now under the leadership of ECHO Program Medical Director, Ryan Porter, MD, the ECHO program provides unique, comprehensive and coordinated care for children who are DHH that keeps families at the center of the ECHO team of professionals.

ECHO Program Manager, Jean Thomas,MS, CCC-A, provides program oversight to ensure world class care for ECHO patients and their families. The ECHO manager provides support to the multidisplinary team to enable them to further their knowledge and skills in the pursuit of providing quality care to the children and families we serve.

Carle Auditory Oral School Director, Danielle Chalfant, MEd, MA, CCC-A, coordinates school and therapy programs and faciliates team collaboration and efficiency efforts. She works to ensure the program adjusts to meet each child and family where they are and take them as far as they can go.

ECHO Outreach Coordinator, Uma Soman, PhD, LSLS Cert AVEd, teaches students who are DHH in the CAOS and ECHO programs, their families and school teams. She provides academic tutoring and conducts educational assessments and supports parents and schools in developing Individualized Educational Plans for DHH students. Dr. Soman also works with children and families who are transitioning from CAOS into a mainstream environment.

Academic Program Coordinator, Sarah Tanner, MA, Senior Deaf Educator, provides support to educators in matters of curriculum, instruction and student engagement. She also manages school-wide special events and leads role meetings. 

Speech Language Pathology Supervisor, Brittney Wetherell, MS, CCC-SLP, helps to manage workflows and schedules for therapists in addition to organizing and leading role meetings for both school based and Early Intervention therapists.