Maddie Hinkle has been involved in the Deaf community for the past ten years and is fluent in American Sign Language. After receiving an undergraduate degree in English from Oberlin College, she went on to attend Gallaudet University to complete her MA in Deaf Studies: Early Language Advocacy. Prior to arriving at CHS, Maddie worked for the Northwestern Illinois Association in various deaf educator roles with a range of age groups, most recently with preschool students. She also worked at the Center on Deafness in their youth residential homes. As a disabled person, she is especially passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. She specializes in the early development of Deaf and hard of hearing children. Her master’s thesis focused on positive representational literature in picture books aimed at young Deaf audiences.