Listen and Talk

We're HEAR for expert, on-site audiology care.🦻💙

Did you know Listen and Talk has an on-site audiology center? 🎧

The Harry Levinson Memorial Audiology Center and our on-site audiologist ensures our students have optimal access to sound every single school day. From regular hearing monitoring to creating auditory profiles for teachers and families, our team works continuously so children can hear as well as they possibly can.

For this , we are looking back at where it all began for one of our featured alums, Kai! ✨

This sweet photo captures Kai receiving early services from Listen and Talk’s founder, Star Leonard-Fleckman. Starting in our Birth-to-3 program at just six months old and continuing through PreK, Kai built a strong foundation of communication, confidence, and self-advocacy right here with us.

Today, Kai is living in Los Angeles, pursuing his passion for music and the performing arts. His journey is such a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact of early support.

Want to read more about Kai’s story and where he is today? Head to the link to check out his full Alumni Spotlight on our blog! 💙

🔗 https://listenandtalk.org/alumni-spotlight-kai/

Alumni Spotlight: Kai ✨ Fearless, Creative, and Ambitious

Meet Kai! Diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at four months old, Kai began working with Listen and Talk at just six months old. He stayed with the program all the way through PreK, building the essential communication and self-advocacy skills he relies on today.

Kai has always met challenges head-on. A graduate of Renton High School, he is a self-taught drummer and guitarist who fell in love with the performing arts, even starring in two lead theatrical roles. Today, Kai is living in Los Angeles and actively pursuing his dream of building a career in the arts! 🎭🎸🥁

As his parents share:
"Watching him grow into someone who continues to take risks, follow his interests, and create his own opportunities has been one of the great privileges of being his parent. We are forever grateful for Listen and Talk and the role they played in developing his grounded sense of self."

Donate during our Alumni Family Giving Campaign! Your gift, no matter the size, directly fuels our vision of a world where no child is limited by hearing loss. To make a donation today or to read more of Kai's story, click the link! 💙

https://listenandtalk.org/2026-alumni-family-giving-campaign/

Check out this exciting research opportunity at Listen and Talk!

Alumni Spotlight: Marna ✨ Confident, Capable, and Thriving

Meet Marna! Deaf and using bilateral cochlear implants, Marna began her hearing journey with hearing aids at two months old, receiving her cochlear implants at twelve months and two years old. Her family embraced listening and spoken language early, starting with Listen and Talk's Birth-to-Three program and transitioning to our preschool program.

Today, 8-year-old Marna is truly thriving and living life at full volume! She is a passionate reader who is rarely seen without a book, and she stays incredibly active exploring the outdoors, camping with her scouting friends, and playing lacrosse, softball, soccer, and swim team. 📚🏕️⚽️

As her parents share:
"Listen and Talk did so much more than just help Marna develop her listening and speaking skills; it set her up for lifelong success inside and outside the classroom. Through their programs, Marna built a strong foundation of confidence and self-esteem."

Donate during our Alumni Family Giving Campaign! Your gift, no matter the size, directly fuels our vision of a world where no child is limited by hearing loss. To make a donation today or to read more of Marna's story, click the link! 💙

https://listenandtalk.org/2026-alumni-family-giving-campaign/

Alumni Spotlight: Amalia ✨ Active, Enthusiastic, and Confident

Meet Amalia! Born with sensorineural hearing loss, Amalia received her cochlear implants when she was just 10 months old. Wanting to pursue a listening and spoken language approach, her family turned to Listen and Talk to gain the early expertise, support, and encouragement they needed.

Today, Amalia is thriving in a general education classroom, succeeding academically and socially alongside her hearing peers. Outside of school, she is incredibly active, throwing her energy into sports like swimming, track and field, and basketball! 💦🏃‍♀️🏀

As her parents share:
"Without Listen and Talk, Amalia would not be thriving in a general education classroom today. The foundation she gained through their program gave her the confidence and communication skills to succeed academically and socially alongside her hearing peers."

Donate during our Alumni Family Giving Campaign! Your gift, no matter the size, directly fuels our vision of a world where no child is limited by hearing loss. To make a donation today or to read more of Amalia's story, click the link! 💙

https://listenandtalk.org/2026-alumni-family-giving-campaign/

Today is the day! 🎉 Our 2nd Annual Alumni Family Giving Campaign is officially underway, running from now through July 28th.

Over the course of this week, we are thrilled to introduce you to three of our former students—Marna, Amalia, and Kai. Their individual journeys span different eras of our 29-year history.

Nearly 30% of our annual budget relies entirely on fundraising and the generosity of our community. Your support directly helps the next generation of deaf and hard of hearing children build the communication skills and confidence to thrive through listening and spoken language.

Make a donation today or read their full stories on our website. 💙
https://listenandtalk.org/2026-alumni-family-giving-campaign/

💙 2026 Life Without Limits Teen Recipient Spotlight: Phoenix 💙

"Phoenix is a shining star who brings unmatched talent, intellect, and heart to everything she touches!"

At The Sounds of Vacation Gala on May 30th, we were incredibly proud to present the Life Without Limits Award to an absolute inspiration: our remarkable teen alumnus, Phoenix! 🌟

Phoenix refuses to let bilateral sensorineural hearing loss define what she can do. Instead, she approaches every single opportunity with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to lead. As an academic high-achiever, she seamlessly balances her stellar studies with a massive passion for the arts—studying piano, tap, and voice, while completely dazzling under the spotlight as a gifted musical theatre performer! 🎭🎶

But Phoenix’s impact goes far beyond the stage—she is a phenomenal community builder. Her leadership shines brightly on the Edmonds School District student board, where she uses her platform to uplift others. What truly sets Phoenix apart is her beautiful dedication to mentorship, serving as a confident, empowering role model and championing inclusion for younger deaf and hard-of-hearing students at every turn! 🌟❤️

With her hearing aids, signature warmth, and unstoppable authenticity, Phoenix has a rare gift for inspiring everyone around her. She perfectly embodies what it means to live a life without limits!

Join us in celebrating Phoenix!