Jeanie Simpson, Board Member | CCHAT Sacramento

Jeanie Simpson

From the first time I visited CCHAT, I realized the importance of this school. My passion for teaching children and helping them succeed grew even more when I was there. When I was asked if I would be interested in serving on the Board, I was thrilled with the opportunity to give back to my grandson Kevin’s first education center. Now I am all about educating other people and spreading the word about this wonderful total-language center. I believe all children with hearing loss deserve to experience CCHAT’s language-rich program.

When our grandson failed the newborn hearing screening at the hospital, we learned that he was profoundly deaf. We found CCHAT, and we soon discovered that this was as important a place for his parents as it was for him.

At nine and a half months old, Kevin was bilaterally implanted with cochlear implants. They were activated one month later, with Kevin continuing to attend CCHAT. I observed both his classes and speech education. As a retired teacher and speech major, I soon realized how fortunate we were to have CCHAT so near to us. Kevin’s mother learned how to interact with him and continue his education daily at home. His speaking and listening skills developed, and Kevin graduated from CCHAT when he turned 4 years old.

Today, Kevin has developed into a confident student who has competed in the Destination Imagination competition, won first place at the state level and attended the World Globals three times. He plays many sports, including swimming and volleyball, and displays his creativity by making YouTube videos. At age 15, Kevin earned CCHAT’s Volunteer of the Year award for organizing an Eagle Scout Project that revitalized the CCHAT campus landscape. So far, Kevin has had no obstacles in accomplishing anything he desires.

I am grateful for CCHAT and treasure the opportunity to help other children benefit from its program.