Who are we?
Here to Help is a private consultation and support service agency for families with infants and children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We do not specialize in working with children beyond elementary school.
At *Hear to Help*, we strive to empower and equip families with the tools and strategies they need to confidently support their Deaf or Hard of Hearing child. Currently, our agency works independently with a certified Teacher of the Deaf, with plans to expand and include additional specialists to broaden our scope of services. We provide fully individualized, comprehensive programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and family, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Our mission and vision are rooted in a Total Communication approach—welcoming and supporting all forms of communication. We offer both bilingual (American Sign Language and English) and listening and spoken language approaches based on each family's preferences and the child’s needs. We serve children across the full spectrum of hearing levels, from mild hearing loss to profound deafness, and are highly knowledgeable in today’s evolving hearing technologies and communication strategies.
We also proudly support children who are Deaf+—including those with additional diagnoses such as Autism, Deaf-Blindness, or other syndromes—bringing a wealth of experience and resources to meet diverse developmental needs. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with family advocacy groups, parent support networks, Birth to Three agencies, school districts, and other organizations within the Deaf support community to ensure families are connected with the services and networks that will benefit them most.
Our goal is to set families and children up for success—wherever they are on their journey and no matter what their goals may be—by creating a lasting foundation of support, knowledge, and confidence that carries them forward.
Who am I?
Kristen Urban
Founder | Executive Director | Teacher of the Deaf
k.urban@heartohelpct.com
My name is Kristen Urban, and I am a mother, daughter, friend, music-lover, and chef-enthusiast!
I am also a certified Teacher of the Deaf with over seven years of experience supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families. My professional journey has taken me through a variety of educational settings, including private schools, public schools, and early intervention programs. Additionally, I am fluent in American Sign Language. I’ve served as a teacher’s aide, classroom teacher, itinerant teacher, and early intervention service provider and coordinator. Most recently, I held the role of Assistant Coordinator of Education in the early intervention program at the American School for the Deaf.
Throughout my career, I’ve developed a deep passion for building inclusive communities, sharing knowledge, and empowering both children and families to reach their fullest potential—regardless of background or ability. I believe in meeting families where they are, honoring their unique values and goals, and providing the tools and support needed for lifelong success.
I started *Hear to Help* as a way to further share my knowledge, experience, and passion with families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. My goal is to be a trusted resource—someone families can confidently turn to for guidance, support, and learning. Through years of working in various educational and early intervention settings, I’ve built a strong professional network that includes service agencies, school districts, and fellow specialists. These connections not only allow me to support families more effectively, but also give me a deeper understanding of the systems they navigate. I’m committed to helping families make meaningful connections and feel empowered every step of the way.