I am excited to welcome Susanna "Susie" Corona-Esparza as our newest teacher. You may have seen her in our Music Together^® classes for babies under 6-months or as I call them, classes for babies "not-yet-crawling-fast".

Linguistic research reveals that babies, whether they are hearing or deaf, acquire language quicker if they are exposed to both sound and manual signs. The use of body language, such as gestures and facial expressions is why our music classes are taught with movement and hand gestures. Singing through sign language also encourages babies to develop stronger communication and expressive skills.

Susie is deaf herself, and she is eager to show parents and caregivers how to engage in creating music through sign language as if we are creating "visual poetry" by using our eyes,
hands, and bodies. She will be sharing our songs and chants in sign language to both create an inclusive atmosphere and introduce your families to a richer experience. Susie will be co-teaching all of our classes for Babies under 6-months for the entire year. 

Here’s what Susie has to say:

For two decades, I have dedicated my life working with children and their families. I spent more than 15 years as a nanny, primarily for deaf and hearing children ranging from newborns to seven-year-olds. My passion lies in nurturing children, providing them with opportunities to grow, explore, and learn. This rewarding journey continues to fuel my enthusiasm as I care for children of various ages.

Music is my sanctuary. I adore how the notes pirouette around the lyrics, creating a harmonious dance, whether it's soothing my troubled mind or fueling my energetic jam sessions, music has a profound effect on me. I can feel the rhythm pulsating through my hands and feet, and if the volume is high enough, it resonates in my chest, mimicking a second heartbeat.

I firmly believe that one doesn't need to be a skilled singer or musician to encourage a child to participate. Despite being profoundly deaf, I can still perceive sound when there are no other noises interfering. Although I rely on lip-reading to understand spoken words, I enjoy listening to music repeatedly, memorizing the lyrics, and visualizing a storyboard in my mind. Deafness is often misunderstood. A common misconception is that deaf individuals live in a world devoid of sound. Another fallacy is the belief that deaf people cannot appreciate music. This is far from the truth. Myself, much like my hearing counterparts, enjoy listening to music, playing musical instruments, and creating my own tunes. Music should be an inclusive experience accessible to all. It is crucial to make music as accessible as possible for deaf people, providing them with opportunities to fully engage in music creation. Everyone deserves the chance to revel in the joy of music.

In addition to my nanny role, I have also served as a teacher in private schools, instructing students from preschool to 8th grade. I earned my degree in Family and Child Studies and Spanish from Gallaudet University in 2007. I see myself as a creative individual who takes pleasure in crafting unique items for my loved ones. My interests include listening to a wide range of music genres, dancing, and meeting people from diverse cultures. Engaging with children through games, outdoor activities, and arts and crafts projects is something I truly enjoy. My priority is to ensure they have a fun and safe environment. It's a privilege to care for the children I meet and to make a positive difference in their lives. The time I spend with children is the only job I've ever had that doesn't feel like work.