An introduction to Kathleen

Hello, I’m Kathleen Anne Smith.

I was born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), a leading infectious cause of congenital disabilities in the United States. My experience growing up Deaf shaped my journey as an educator, advocate, community leader, and now author.

I wrote Through Their Eyes and Mine: A Story of CMV, Deafness, and Hope to share my story while helping others better understand CMV, Deafness, prevention, education, and the importance of supporting families.

leadership & advocacy

Kathleen currently serves as:

  • President of the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens, 2025–2027
  • Chair of the Minnesota Community Alliance for the National CMV Foundation

Through her advocacy, Kathleen connects with families, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to increase CMV awareness and strengthen education and prevention efforts.

She is also a single mother to a teenage CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult), bringing both personal and community perspectives to her advocacy.

Early Hearing Detection Intervention presentation at Pittsburg, PA - March 2025
Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) presentation at Pittsburg, PA – March 2025.

PRESENTATIONS

Lived experience. Education. Advocacy.

Kathleen brings a unique perspective to conversations about congenital CMV, Deafness, education, and community advocacy.

Her presentations combine personal storytelling with practical, evidence-based information that helps audiences understand both the human experience and the broader impact of congenital CMV.

Kathleen Smith gave a presentation at the National CMV conference at the University of Minnesota’s Public Health and Policy.

PRESENTATION topics

Kathleen can present about:

  • CMV awareness and prevention
  • Early diagnosis and intervention
  • Supporting individuals and families affected by CMV
  • Deaf education and advocacy
  • Lived experience with congenital CMV
  • Community leadership and empowerment

previous presentations

Kathleen has presented at professional and community events, including:

  • Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Conference — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • National CMV Conference — University of Minnesota
  • National Association of the Deaf 58th Biennial Conference — San Francisco, California

Her audiences have included families, healthcare professionals, audiologists, educators, advocates, and community leaders.

invite kathleen to present

Kathleen is available for:

  • Conferences and professional training
  • Educational workshops
  • Community events
  • Panel discussions
  • Media interviews
  • Book-related events
Presentation INquiry
Presentation on "Policy to Practice: The Vivian Act" - at National Association of the Deaf's 58th biennial conference - at San Francisco, CA.
Presentation on “Policy to Practice: The Vivian Act” at National Association of the Deaf’s 58th biennial conference – at San Francisco, CA.

“Every child born with congenital CMV impacts the lives of those around them in their own unique way. Their diagnosis does not define who they are — their potential does.”

Kathleen Smith

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