CCHAT Board Spotlight: Jeanie Simpson

From Grandparent to Advocate: How Jeanie Simpson Built a Legacy at CCHAT

Jeanie Simpson remembers the heartache she felt when she learned that her grandson, Kevin, was deaf. Trying to stay emotionally strong for her family while worrying about his future, Jeanie found solace and hope at CCHAT.

Kevin’s immensely successful CCHAT story ignited a passion and gratitude in Jeanie that she has paid back to the program exponentially. Her subsequent role as a fierce CCHAT advocate and staff supporter is one that will see her justly recognized in March at CCHAT Uncorked. 

Jeanie’s Passion for Teaching and Education

Growing up in Merced, Jeanie took an affinity toward teaching as a small child. After her first experience in school as a kindergartner, she had already determined that one day she would be a teacher.

“During the summer, I would have neighborhood children over for school,” Jeanie recalls. “I would spend the evening making up individual worksheets, and this was before everyone had printers. I’m sure the parents loved the free babysitting and tutoring, but not as much as I loved doing it.”

Jeanie enrolled at Fresno State and made her career aspiration a reality. She followed a speech major path and became a teacher, while also meeting her husband, Elmo.

Unbeknownst to her, Jeanie’s attraction to teaching may have been in her bloodlines. 

“I didn't learn until I was an adult that I come from a long line of teachers on my father's side,” Jeanie says. “He was an only child, and I never met those people until much later.”

A Family Journey: Supporting Kevin’s Hearing Loss

Jeanie and Elmo’s daughter, Kristen, and her husband, John, blessed the pair with two grandsons. The youngest, Kevin, was one of the first children to receive a newborn hearing screening at Sutter Hospital in Roseville.

Jeanie and her family figured this would simply be routine, but Kevin’s failure of the test sent the family into a whirlwind of uncertainty.

“I thought the young audiologist didn't know what she was doing,” Jeanie says. “The next several months were spent worrying and observing Kevin. After three months, they tested him again and said he could hear, but then my daughter received a letter asking her to bring Kevin back at six months. We were all devastated at the diagnosis that he was profoundly deaf.”

Jeanie watched her daughter come to grips with her family’s new normal. While Jeanie, too, had deep moments of despair, she knew she had to remain stable to guide her family through this heartbreaking development.

Finding Hope in Darkness: CCHAT’s Impact

While the family tried to prepare for what was to come, each member began searching for answers. For Jeanie, her knowledge of cochlear implants and a helpful acquaintance helped guide the next step. 

“I had a friend who was a speech teacher,” Jeanie remembers. “She told me about connecting with the county and also that she had heard about CCHAT, even though she didn't know much about it.”

Kevin joined the CCHAT program, and for everyone, Jeanie included, a weight of distress was immediately lifted. Jeanie specifically remembers one of Kevin’s speech therapy sessions, when, at just 10 months old, the light bulb turned on for him.

“We could see the development taking place in Kevin,” Jeanie says. “I was watching Kevin realize words had meaning. The entire family continued to work on language development, and CCHAT filled in the gaps, bringing a positive perspective to what seemed like one of the worst times in everyone's life.”

Kevin Moves On While Jeanie’s CCHAT Roots Grow Deeper

Early intervention was critical for Kevin’s significant growth and put him on the fast track toward mainstreaming. At the age of 4, he graduated from CCHAT and moved to a neighborhood school. However, Jeanie wasn't quite ready to leave CCHAT behind.

“Another CCHAT Board Member called and asked if I'd consider joining,” Jeanie says. “I was so grateful for everything CCHAT had done for Kevin, and I felt it was only right that I give back to this school. My goal was to educate as many people as possible about CCHAT and to help other children attain spoken language and listening skills.”

Jeanie began an impactful stint as a Board Member that she still fulfills today. In addition to her reverence for CCHAT, her background as a teacher has made her a vocal, passionate supporter of CCHAT staff members. She also never misses an opportunity to share her own CCHAT story and spread the word about the life-changing services provided by the program. 

“If you know me, you know about CCHAT!” Jeanie exclaims. “I want to see CCHAT continue to thrive. My desire is to continue to see more people become acquainted with our school.”

Jeanie is a regular at CCHAT functions, always armed with a positive message and an interest in connecting with the community. Meanwhile, Kevin continues to show the power of CCHAT. He now attends Texas Christian University where he is a Pre-Law student; this coming after he served a term alongside his grandma on the CCHAT Board as a Student Representative. 

“There are not enough hours in the day to describe how proud of Kevin I am,” Jeanie said. “He is self-confident, intelligent and caring. He knows what he wants in life and goes after it. His ability to communicate with others is such a blessing. He truly has mastered the art.”

Recognizing Jeanie’s Legacy at CCHAT

Jeanie’s incomparable service to CCHAT will be recognized at CCHAT Uncorked 2025 where she will be named the CCHAT Volunteer of the Year. 

“I truly do not think I deserve this wonderful honor,” Jeanie says, “(but) serving on the CCHAT Board has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”

As Jeanie watches with pride as Kevin piles up accolades and develops into a strong, independent young adult, her message for families just beginning their hearing loss journey remains steadfast. 

“CCHAT is the best place for both you and your child,” Jeanie says. “Everyone involved with this school is totally committed to your child's success. Please always remember where your child began this education and continue to support this school so others can reap the benefits of a CCHAT education.”