Dr. Szarkowski is a psychologist who brings vast experience working in clinical and educational settings with, and in support of, children who are deaf and/or who have disabilities, as well as their families. Her research interests as they pertain to children who are deaf include: exploring the role of pragmatics, understanding and supporting families raising deaf children, developing and implementing effective early intervention, and fostering social and emotional functioning. Dr. Szarkowski is motivated by “fostering joy” and helping families and professionals to emphasize the joy in their respective journeys.

Dr. Brandt has been affiliated with the Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf since 2006. She has experience as a classroom teacher of the deaf, early intervention service provider, media specialist, and curriculum coordinator. Dr. Brandt’s research interests include curriculum and instruction, universal design for learning, and educational technology for students who are deaf and/or have disabilities. In addition, Dr. Brandt is interested in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional learning for practitioners supporting this population.