Employee Spotlight: Maura Berndsen

Why did you decide to work for Listen and Talk?

I wasn’t looking for a new job or planning on moving. I connected with Star Leonard-Fleckman, thinking she was leading a writing project and found how she was creating a new program. I met Star, eventually visited Seattle and I was hooked! I’ve been here since Dec. 1996.

What do you love most about your work?

Each day I find the opportunity to support families and team members, and I have the chance to work within larger systems. I am surrounded by intelligent, dedicated people who want to fulfill our vision that no child is limited by hearing loss. I embrace the challenges that greets me and the celebrations I experience when our team moves forward in a positive direction!

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m an indoor/outdoor person. I can be so happy enjoying family time in any location, curling up with a good book, or cycling around the region. Music, movies and cooking also bring a smile to my face.

Are there any innovations, accomplishments you want that you want us to highlight about you?

I have had the opportunity to work in nearly every role at Listen and Talk. In that time, I have helped establish a collaborative culture among deaf educators, a gro.up that has historically been enmeshed in philosophical battles. I have been able to contribute to professional publications, served on WA State work groups and been engaged in national efforts to improve services and education for all children who are deaf/hard of hearing and their families