Mary Katherine Hadden

What are your past/current experiences working in the field of disabilities, allied health, education, or school?

My experience in the field of disabilities is quite extensive. My little sister, Emily, is autistic, nonverbal, and needs help with daily tasks that may seem easy to others, but I strongly believe that these labels do not define her. She is beautiful, bright, the best shopping partner, and has helped shaped me into the person I am today. Emily has taught me the value of patience and the importance of hard work and disciple to achieve my goals. Additionally, I worked as a summer camp counselor for special needs children at It’s a Sensory World and as an intern at Bliss Speech and Hearing. These experiences brought a host of unique challenges and opportunities that allowed these children to shine and use their differences to build relationships with others and achieve their individual goals.

What are your goals for your Interprofessional Preparation experience?

My goals for the Interprofessional Preparation are to become a well-rounded and high-quality audiologist that has extensive experience with children with disabilities, as well as the ability to clearly communicate with their families. I want the family to be confident in knowing that their child is in trustworthy and reliable hands. Another goal of mine is to help deaf children believe that they can be whatever they want to be and that it is my job to get them there. I want the parent and child to know that their hearing abilities can depend on me, and that I will have a strong commitment to giving them audible memories that will last a lifetime.

What do you wish to contribute as a future Related Service Provider &/or Special Education Teacher?

As a future Related Service Provider, I wish to contribute a positive impact on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. I also wish to provide a warm, welcoming, and dependable relationship with the families, so that they recognize that we work as part of a team and that parents play a vital role in this team.