We asked Board member Anna Tess’s why she joined the FHSR Board:

“Being deaf does not define me – but it is a part of me.
Being deaf has given me several challenges in my life. Many of these challenges I have overcome, and they have made me who I am today. My educators, family and therapist have given me tools to be successful and I want to do that for individuals like myself.  I have been given the opportunity to give back to individuals that have hearing loss like myself, and I am passionate about helping my students, parents and co-workers.”

Anna is the school coordinator of the deaf at Child’s Voice, an oral deaf school located in Wood Dale Illinois. She was a teacher at the school for four years prior to becoming the school coordinator.  Anna received her Master’s in Deaf Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Special Education from Illinois State University.

Having been born deaf herself, Anna was one of the first-generation recipients of cochlear implants, receiving her first implant at the age of 2 and her second at the age of 18.

Anna became involved with FHSR at our Cheers for Ears concert.  She was one of the inaugural members of the FHSR Associate Board, becoming the Associate Board Chair for 4 years.  During her tenure Anna took charge of the fundraiser Cheers and Beers for Ears, creating a fundraiser that has doubled its impact each year to raise funds and awareness for Loaner Hearing Aid Banks throughout Chicagoland. 

Riverside woman gives gift of sound

When she is not teaching children with hearing loss, Anna competes in marathons, spends time with her family, friends and dog.

This year Anna is once again leading our Cheers & Beers for Ears Fundraiser and is now the Secretary of the FHSR Board.