CCHAT Spotlight: Kirsten McWilliams

CCHAT is fortunate to have a Board of Directors that fulfills a number of duties for the program. Board members are responsible for overseeing management and finances, creating a set of values and standards, and building relationships within our community. 

The search for individuals to represent CCHAT in this role is ongoing, but we recently added a terrific new team member with ties to the program. Dr. Kirsten McWilliams brings a wealth of knowledge in the field of audiology, making her a perfect fit for the CCHAT Board.

Following Footsteps

The need for a new board member was magnified with the departure of Dr. Julia Tanner. Julia, who had served the program for eight years, moved out of state, leaving both her role at CCHAT and as the head audiologist at The Hearing Solution, a local hearing aid and audiology center. 

“The first time I walked into a CCHAT classroom, I heard and observed children immersed in spoken language. I knew, at that moment, that I had to be part of this organization,” Julia said.

Julia’s exit meant Kirsten, whose mother was also an audiologist, would take over the role of owner at The Hearing Solution. Before Julia left, she introduced Kirsten to the CCHAT Center, and this sparked an immediate connection.

“Since graduate school, I have been amazed by the improvements in cochlear implant and hearing device technology and their impact on a child's speech and language development,” Kirsten said. “In this day and age, every child should have the opportunity to develop equivalent to a hearing peer.”

Showing Support for CCHAT

Even before she had joined the Board, Kirsten showed her support for CCHAT through The Hearing Solution. The company has been a long-time sponsor of CCHAT events, and Kirsten made that partnership a priority even after Julia’s exit.

Kirsten’s commitment to CCHAT is evident, and she is looking forward to continuing her support for CCHAT students as a board member.

“I hope to assist the CCHAT Board in fundraising and the future growth of the center to serve a larger population,” Kirsten said. “As a board member, I am looking forward to offering my time, contacts and experience as an audiologist to support the CCHAT Center in its mission.”

Forming a Team

CCHAT has worked diligently to build a Board that brings a wide-range of skill sets. Kirsten becomes the second audiologist on the Board, (first being Dr. Lisa Marwaha) joining a dedicated group that includes two individuals with hearing loss, a former CCHAT teacher, an alumni parent and grandparent, and a full roster of universal supporters of the program. 

While Kirsten looks forward to her journey with CCHAT and remains busy at The Hearing Solution, she is always sure to make time for herself. She looks forward to traveling again soon and has recently taken up gardening.

Her addition only strengthens CCHAT’s commitment to be the premier listening and spoken language resource in the area. Learn more about all of CCHAT’s amazing board members by visiting our ABOUT page.