It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Sheri Kaye Little’s passing on November 24, 2024. Sheri was a cherished member of our team and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sheri joined the BEGINNINGS family as a Parent Educator in February 2023, where she devoted herself to serving families primarily in northeastern North Carolina. Her passion for her work was evident in the genuine connections she made with families and her commitment to collaborating with school districts to best support their students. She took immense pride in helping children and families navigate challenges, always bringing warmth and compassion to every interaction.

A proud graduate of East Carolina University, Sheri earned both her B.S. and M.A. in Health Education and Promotion. Her professional journey was driven by a heartfelt mission to help children and families across North Carolina lead their happiest and healthiest lives. Sheri’s career spanned roles as a Parent Educator, Social Worker, and Public School Educator, giving her the opportunity to support families of students with disabilities and special needs. Her work was inspired by the unwavering tenacity and strength of the families she served, and she cherished the chance to work with children from birth through adulthood.

Sheri’s legacy will live on in the many families she touched and in the example she set of dedication, empathy, and advocacy. We are grateful for the time she shared with us and the positive impact she made. Sheri will always be remembered with love and respect.

For those who wish to honor her memory, please visit Cornerstone Funeral Home for further information.

The Conway family—Hannah, Pierce, Jessen, and Shepherd—navigates the unique experiences of raising a child with hearing loss with strength, love, and community. Shepherd was born on December 17, 2023, and diagnosed with profound bilateral hearing loss at three weeks old. Embracing the challenge, the Conways quickly adapted by learning American Sign Language (ASL) and preparing for Shepherd's cochlear implant surgery.

By September 2024, Shepherd had his bilateral cochlear implant surgery and was activated soon after. He now thrives with both spoken and signed language, bringing daily joy and excitement to his family.

The Conways’ path has been one of adaptation and growth, supported by parent educators Chelsea and Rhonda. “BEGINNINGS was there, quite literally, in the beginning,” Hannah shared. “When our heads were spinning and the news of Shepherd’s deafness felt daunting and lonely, you all provided comfort, encouragement, and resources.”

Hannah and Pierce met at UNC-Chapel Hill and married in 2017. They now live in Apex, NC, enjoying family outings. Pierce, once a high school history teacher, works in sports software, while Hannah stays home with their boys and pursues nonprofit marketing and creative writing. Their firstborn, Jessen, is a bright two-year-old quickly picking up ASL, making home communication seamless.

Hannah recently released her first children's book, "Love Sounds Like," inspired by Shepherd. This rhyming bedtime story captures a heartfelt conversation between a hearing mother and her Deaf child, teaching that love transcends sound. Hannah hopes to increase the representation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing characters in children’s literature.

Her advice to families with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing diagnosis: “It’s going to be okay. Give yourself time and grace. Life with a Deaf child is beautiful and enriching.”

The Conway family’s journey is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of community, showing that with support and determination, families can find joy in unexpected places.

Get ready for a day of fun, food, and festivities in support of a great cause.

📅 Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025 🕐 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 📍 Location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Ballantyne, 15025 Bowl Street, Charlotte, NC

What's in Store?

🎉 Delicious Lunch Buffet

🍻 Handcrafted Beers (includes two complimentary drink tickets!)

🎈 Children’s Activities

🎁 Live & Silent Auction

This is more than just an event; it’s a chance to come together as a community, celebrate family, and support families across North Carolina. Your participation helps us continue to provide free resources, workshops, and personalized guidance to families raising children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Tickets Available Now! 🎟️ Grab your tickets and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet and two drink tickets with your entry. Don’t miss out on this day of connection and celebration.

We can’t wait to see you there. Come for the fun, stay for the impact!

Join us in making a difference! BEGINNINGS invites you to sponsor our upcoming Community Connections Charlotte event. With your help, we can continue providing vital resources, referrals, and support to over 1,300 families each year.

Sponsorship opportunities offer meaningful benefits:

$250 Friend of BEGINNINGS Sponsor: Includes 2 event tickets and social media recognition.

$500 Bronze Sponsor: Includes 4 event tickets, social media recognition, and name on event signage.

$1,000 Silver Sponsor: Includes 6 event tickets, social media recognition, logo on event signage, and recognition at the event by the emcee.

$2,500 Gold Sponsor: Includes 8 event tickets, enhanced social media recognition, prominent logo on event signage, recognition by the emcee, and your name on the BEGINNINGS website until March 31, 2025.

$5,000 Platinum Sponsor: Includes 12 event tickets, premium social media recognition, best logo visibility on event signage, recognition by the emcee, and logo placement on the BEGINNINGS website until March 31, 2025.

Your support will directly empower families throughout North Carolina. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

Get ready for an exciting summer filled with learning, adventure, and community!

The annual Operation Accelerate program hosted by the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) has announced Operation Accelerate 2025!. This unique, two-week summer program is perfect for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the 54 easternmost counties of North Carolina.

Starting January 6, registration opens for the summer program, so be sure to secure your spot early! 

We’re excited to share details about an upcoming opportunity for professional learning and community connection! The 7th Annual NC CARE Project Parent Professional Collaborative will take place on Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Lumina on Wrightsville in Wrightsville Beach.

This event is a must-attend for parents and professionals who want to deepen their collaboration, gain valuable insights, and support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in North Carolina. 

Communication Access Requests: December 13, 2024

Room Block for The CARE Project: Book by December 17, 2024 using group code PPC. Visit The CARE Project room block or call (877) 666-3243.

The BEGINNINGS 5th Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ was a resounding success on November 17th at the North Hills Club in Raleigh! With perfect weather, mouthwatering food, and a lively atmosphere, the event was a memorable experience for all. Nearly 100 adults and over 30 children attended, enjoying activities such as live DJ entertainment, games, raffles, and both live and silent auctions. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who joined us and to the dedicated staff and volunteers who made the event possible!

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of the 5th Annual Oyster Roast, and none of it would have been possible without the generosity and support of our incredible sponsors. Your commitment to our mission makes a lasting difference in the lives of so many, and we are truly grateful.

GOLD Sponsor: TowneBank

'Cue Fan Sponsors: Comerica Bank, Sertoma of Raleigh, The Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind

Firepit Fan Sponsors:UNC Health, WakeMed ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Speech Therapy Solutions, The Day Family, Gallaudet University, Duke Head & Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences

Friend of BEGINNINGS Sponsors: Maggie Clay Love Consulting, Raleigh Educational Coaching, The Myo Project, The Kaczmarek Family, Bailey & Dixon LLP, Maynard & Associates, The Kirkman Family

In-Kind Sponsors: Bunn DJ Company, Earps Seafood Market, Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Longleaf Swine, R&M Blue Pig BBQ, CHICLE Language Institute, Wegmans, Total Wine

Parent Educators spreading holiday cheer at the Signing Santa Event at Northlake Mall! Pictured left to right: Lisa Jolly, Joan Burton, Rhonda Jones, Karen Thomas and Toni Malone. A wonderful day of festive fun, connection, and community!

This week, BEGINNINGS Parent Educators proudly participated in the annual Signing Santa Event at Northlake Mall in Charlotte.

The event, hosted by the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NC DSDHH), was a heartwarming celebration of community, connection, and holiday spirit. Families and schools came together to meet Signing Santa, creating joyful memories and meaningful experiences for all who attended.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined and contributed to making this event a success. Your support brought smiles and festive cheer to so many!

I joined the BEGINNINGS team as a Hispanic Outreach Parent Educator in October of 2015. With over 25 years of experience helping families navigate educational and healthcare systems—particularly within migrant, refugee, and Hispanic communities—I’ve dedicated my career to breaking down barriers, especially those created by language differences.

My advocacy journey has been shaped by training with programs like Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and the Advocacy Leadership Program of North Carolina (ALP-NC). These experiences have deepened my commitment to empowering families, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering opportunities for children with disabilities to thrive.

In my current role as Lead Parent Educator at BEGINNINGS, I’m privileged to guide and support our incredible team of parent educators while staying connected with families. I empower families by answering questions about their children’s needs, attending school meetings, and providing guidance on IEPs and 504 Plans. Additionally, I help families access resources and support our dedicated team of parent educators to maximize our impact. One of my most rewarding accomplishments has been watching parents gain the confidence and tools to advocate for their children.

My family has been my greatest inspiration. Sharing our journey and experiences with other parents has been deeply meaningful. Seeing parents’ resilience, love, and fierce advocacy for their children motivates me to continue championing change and hope for the future. My favorite quote is: "Mañana será otro día!" (Tomorrow will be another day!). This saying from my hometown reminds me not to dwell too much on today’s challenges. It’s a beautiful reminder that tomorrow is a new opportunity to try again, keeping me focused on progress rather than perfection. I love live music, dancing salsa, and traveling—especially when it allows me to explore new cultures and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

The most valuable learning experiences have come from listening to families’ stories. Parents are the true experts on their children, and their insights guide me in improving and refining our work. I also love our team’s commitment to collaboration and continuous learning. Each member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making us stronger advocates for families as a collective.

I’m excited to be preparing for the onboarding of new staff in the new year. This growth will allow us to extend our reach and support even more families across North Carolina—a step closer to achieving equitable support for all. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with families and creating meaningful impact together. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection, empowerment, and progress for our children!

As we celebrate the holiday season, BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing invites you to join our Feel the Joy, Share the Love campaign. Since 1987, our mission has been to support families across North Carolina with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children, providing free resources, workshops, and personalized guidance to empower families and foster their success.

This season, we’re asking you to help us continue making a difference—one family at a time. Your generous support allows us to extend our reach, ensure accessibility, and create opportunities for children to thrive in inclusive environments.

Every donation, big or small, contributes to our work of breaking down barriers, nurturing connections, and enhancing the lives of children and their families. Your support means families gain confidence, access to vital services, and find the tools they need to advocate for their children’s needs.

Help us spread the joy and love this holiday season and beyond. Donate today and be part of making a meaningful impact in the lives of families who need it most.

Together, let’s create brighter futures for all. 🌟💖

Diane Doak, 
Executive Director

December is a very busy month for BEGINNINGS Parent Educators. Many school districts are preparing to wrap up a semester and others are preparing for mid-year testing. With a 2 week break looming, there are more IEP meetings scheduled to avoid having them expire during the break. A parent may reach out to their Parent Educator to address a concern before the end of the quarter. All of this during the busiest time of the year for many parents preparing to make the holidays as joyful as possible for your family!!

As you have read, BEGINNINGS lost a beloved Parent Educator last month. Each of us has a personal grief, but we are supporting each other through this time. And, BEGINNINGS as an agency experienced the loss, and the families that Sheri supported need to be served by a new Parent Educator. If you have a concern or need, please reach out to us at Raleigh@ncbegn.org and we will make sure you are connected with a Parent Educator.

We will begin the search for an additional Parent Educator after the holidays. While we can never replace Sheri, I am excited to bring a new Parent Educator with different experiences into the BEGINNINGS Team.

I am happy to look forward to 2025! This past year has had trials for BEGINNINGS and all of North Carolina. But the New Year brings hope, expectation and opportunity for all of us.

From all the staff at BEGINNINGS, we wish you a Happy Holiday and look forward to the new year and all it has to offer us!!

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