GET READY FOR
THE BEST CONFERENCE EVER.
Sailing Towards Success:
Navigating Education for the Deaf in Today's Circumstances
DEAF EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND NETWORKING CRUISE
JOIN US ON CARNIVAL VALOR
January 14–18, 2027
From New Orleans, LA. to Cozumel, Mexico
Hosted by: The Online Itinerant
HOSTED BY:
The Online Itinerant
Stefanie Kessen
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Michelle "Mama Hu Hears" Hu
Michelle Hu is the powerhouse behind the Instagram account Mama Hu Hears, a vibrant community space where she blends her personal journey with her professional expertise to uplift hearing parents of Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) children and foster community among her DHH peers. As the author of the must-read guide, "My Child Has Hearing Loss, Now What?", Michelle brings over 15 years of experience as a pediatric audiologist, specializing in everything from diagnosis and amplification to cochlear implants and aural rehabilitation.
What sets Michelle apart? She grew up hard of hearing herself—fit with hearing aids at 3 years old, and thriving as a deaf adult with bilateral cochlear implants. This lived experience makes her an extraordinary role model, offering not only professional insight but personal hope and resilience.
With thousands of DHH individuals and parents seeking her guidance, Michelle knew she needed to expand her impact. Her guide, "My Child Has Hearing Loss, Now What?", is a lifeline for parents navigating the complexities of raising a DHH child, offering practical support and empowerment through every step of their journey.
Her mission? To be a beacon of strength for underserved and underrepresented families, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and equipped to thrive. Explore more about her work and resources at www.mamahuhears.com or interact with her on Instagram at @mama.hu.hears.
VIP GUESTS
Keith Wann
Comedian, Actor, Performer, Director, Writer, Producer, Author, Promoter, & Interpreter
Keith Wann is an acclaimed American Sign Language (ASL) performing artist who has been captivating and amusing audiences with his controlled chaos and total pandemonium comedy explosions on stage, often leaving his laughing audiences gasping for breath.
Born hearing to Deaf parents in California, Keith grew up living in both the hearing and Deaf worlds, and has been able to create unique perspectives on the ways of both worlds. This has evolved into a one-man show, “Watching Two Worlds Collide,” which takes a humorous, almost shocking, look at both worlds.
Learn more about Keith at https://keithwann.com.
Tina Childress
Audiologist, Accessibility Consultant, Communication Access Engineer, Late-Deafened Advocate, Keynote & Presenter , & Technology Lover
Tina Gonzales Childress, Au.D., CCC-A is a dynamic audiologist, advocate, and accessibility consultant who bridges the worlds of audiology, accessibility, and lived experience. She is also a sought-after presenter, adjunct lecturer, and mentor to individuals of all ages navigating hearing loss. As a late-deafened adult with bilateral cochlear implants and fluency in American Sign Language, Dr. Childress brings a rare and valuable dual perspective—equally at home in Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing communities.
Explore her resource hub at TinaChildressAuD.com.
ALL ABOARD!
SAILING FROM NEW ORLEANS PORT, THIS IS THE DEAF EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR.
Registration Open Now!
CONFERENCE: $525
*Conference fee does not include room/cruise cost
10 hours of life changing professional development!
Current Fee Schedule
**Prices subject to change
BALCONY ROOM
OCEAN VIEW ROOM
INTERIOR ROOM
*PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE*
Check out the highlights from the 2025 Deaf Education Conference and Networking Cruise!
TESTIMONIALS
