Auditory Verbal Center, Inc.

04/16/2026

🍋 When life gives you lemons… 😆

…sometimes your face says everything before the words do.

During this auditory-verbal therapy session, they were making lemonade—and let’s just say this little taste test was VERY memorable. 😂

But behind that priceless expression is powerful learning—new vocabulary, describing taste (“sour!”), and building listening and language skills in real time.

At AVC, even the tartest moments turn into sweet progress 💙

04/15/2026

Selena is all smiles during her auditory verbal therapy session as she plays a fun game of Go Fish with her therapist 🎴💬

This simple game becomes a powerful learning tool—helping Selena strengthen her listening and spoken language skills while describing the pictures on her cards and matching them. From using descriptive words to asking and answering questions, every turn is full of meaningful communication practice!

Who knew Go Fish could be such a “catch” for building language skills? 💙

04/13/2026

🎭 Listening, learning… and a little bit of silliness 💙

In auditory-verbal therapy, learning doesn’t always look like sitting still—it often looks like play, imagination, and moments like this.

Wearing a silly hat and fully engaged, this little one is building listening, language, and attention skills through interaction and fun. Because when children are engaged and curious, learning happens naturally.

At AVC, we meet children where they are—turning everyday moments into powerful opportunities for listening and spoken language growth.

04/10/2026

🌟 Celebrating another AVC HEAR-o 🌟

At the Voices of Aloha Gala, we were proud to present another AVC HEAR-o Award to an exceptional leader whose work is transforming systems and strengthening outcomes for children and families across Georgia—Melanie Morris.

This award honors individuals who don’t just believe in systems that work—they build them, improve them, and ensure they truly serve those who need them most. Melanie embodies that mission in every way.

💬 As shared during the award presentation:

This Hear-O Award honors someone who doesn’t just believe in systems that work for children and families—she builds them, strengthens them, and holds them accountable.

She is the kind of leader who can oversee multi-million-dollar state and federal budgets, redesign referral and screening systems across an entire state, and still be the first person to step in when something urgent needs to get done.

Currently serving as Child Health Deputy Director and Director of Referral and Screening Programs at the Georgia Department of Public Health, tonight’s honoree works at the intersection of early childhood, public health, and education—a space where the challenges are complex, the stakes are high, and follow-through is everything.

Before this role, she served as Lead Pediatric Audiologist at the Georgia Department of Education, bringing a rare and invaluable perspective across both healthcare and schools. Earlier in her career, she worked directly with children and families in clinical and hospital settings—grounding her leadership in real-world experience.

Her connection to the Auditory-Verbal community runs deep. She was an original staff member of Georgia Mobile Audiology, helping bring hearing services directly to children and families across the state—long before mobile access was widely embraced.

What truly sets her apart is how she leads. She is thoughtful, collaborative, exceptionally prepared, and incredibly effective. She brings clarity to complexity and momentum to challenges—and is the person you want at the table when something is difficult or urgent.

And beyond her expertise, she leads with warmth, humility, and steady confidence—building trust not by being the loudest voice, but the most dependable.

Because of her leadership, children and families across Georgia have stronger systems supporting them—often without ever knowing her name. But tonight, we recognize the profound impact of her work.

💙 Please join us in celebrating this year’s AVC HEAR-o Award recipient—Melanie Morris!

04/09/2026

🍣 Listening. Speaking. Experiencing the world. 💙

Moments like this are what it’s all about.

Through listening and spoken language, children gain the confidence to explore, connect, and fully experience the world around them—from ordering their favorite foods to sharing laughter across the table.

This smile says it all: independence, joy, and the freedom to engage in everyday moments.

At AVC, we’re proud to support children on their journey to listening and spoken language—so they can experience life without limits.

04/08/2026

🌟 Celebrating an AVC HEAR-o 🌟

At the Voices of Aloha Gala, we had the privilege of celebrating someone who truly embodies what it means to make a difference. It was our honor—and a genuine joy—to present this year’s AVC HEAR-o Award to Dr. Paula Harmon.

This is someone who is not just a physician—but a force. A leader. A relentless advocate for children who are deaf and hard of hearing—and for the families who love them.

💬 As shared during the award presentation:

Across Georgia and throughout the Southeast, her impact can be felt in ways both seen and unseen. Because of her, policies have changed, systems have improved, and countless children now have access to earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention, and brighter futures.

But what makes her extraordinary is not just what she does—it’s how she does it.

She sees gaps and fills them.
She sees barriers and removes them.
She sees families overwhelmed by a diagnosis and meets them with clarity, compassion, and a path forward.

As Chair of the CMV subcommittee, she helped change newborn screening laws in Georgia—ensuring that babies who fail a hearing screening are also tested for congenital CMV. That one change alone will impact generations of children and families.

She champions the 1-3-6 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, pushing providers to act sooner, follow through, and never let a child fall through the cracks. And she doesn’t stop at advocacy—she makes it personal. Every family she encounters leaves empowered, informed, and connected to the care they need.

And then… there’s the part of her we all love just as much.

Because while she is changing laws and leading at the highest levels, she is also the one bringing energy, laughter, and yes—shenanigans—into the workplace. She reminds us that even in serious work, joy matters. That connection matters. That being human matters.

That balance—of brilliance and warmth, of leadership and lightheartedness—is rare. And it’s what makes people want to follow her, learn from her, and be better because of her.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when communities were struggling to access testing, she didn’t wait—she acted. What started as one testing site quickly grew into many, reaching communities across multiple states—because when there is a need, she simply finds a way.

She is a physician. A policy changer. A teacher. A mentor. A mother of five. And somehow, she does it all with excellence, purpose, and heart.

She doesn’t just improve systems—she changes lives.

💙 Please join us in celebrating this year’s AVC HEAR-o Award recipient—Dr. Paula Harmon!

04/07/2026

🐾 Routine check-up… no appointment needed 😄
In today’s clinic, one very patient pup is getting his ears checked by our tiniest (and possibly most determined) “audiologist.”

Using a toy and a whole lot of imagination, this little one is practicing listening, language, and caregiving—all while making sure her dog is in excellent health.

Diagnosis? 100% good puppy. 🐶💙

At AVC, we love these playful moments—because big learning often looks like a little bit of pretend.

04/06/2026

✨ Celebrating a Lifetime of Impact ✨

At the Voices of Aloha Gala, we were deeply honored to present the Wendell Todd Lifetime Achievement Award to Alison Tucker—an extraordinary Auditory-Verbal Therapist and Clinical Supervisor who has dedicated over 30 years to the Auditory Verbal Center.

This award recognizes not just years of service, but a lifetime of impact, dedication, and transformative leadership—and Alison embodies all of that and more.

💙 It was made even more special when Alison was surprised by her family—including two of her grandchildren—who were there to celebrate this incredible moment alongside her.

💬 As shared during the award presentation:

Alison’s journey with the Auditory Verbal Center began not just as a professional—but as a parent. When her second child was born deaf, Alison made an extraordinary commitment. While living in Macon, she drove to Atlanta every single week to ensure her child received the best possible care at AVC. That determination led her to make an even bigger decision—she uprooted her family and moved to Atlanta so her child could continue those services.

That experience didn’t just shape her family—it shaped her life’s work.

Alison joined AVC in January of 1996, bringing with her eight years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia. She soon became a certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist and, over the past 30 years, has become one of the pillars of this organization.

Her impact is both deep and wide.

She has served hundreds of children and families, helping them find their voices and connect with the world around them. She has mentored countless therapists, guiding them toward certification and shaping the next generation of auditory-verbal professionals. She launched AVC’s Adult Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation Program, expanding services and changing lives far beyond the pediatric population.

And for more than 24 years, Alison has served as Clinical Supervisor—leading with expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her professional accomplishments are remarkable—national presentations, prestigious certifications, and leadership roles—but what truly sets Alison apart is her heart. She understands this work not only as a clinician, but as a mother of an AVC graduate with bilateral cochlear implants. She has lived the journey so many of our families are just beginning.

That perspective, combined with her expertise, has made her a source of hope, guidance, and inspiration to everyone who has had the privilege of working with her.

Alison, your legacy is not just measured in years—it is measured in the lives you’ve changed, the professionals you’ve shaped, and the future you’ve helped build.

💙 Please join us in congratulating Alison on this well-deserved honor!

04/03/2026

A powerful story of impact, resilience, and giving back 💙

We’re proud to share that our Outreach & Development Director—born deaf—is helping children find their voices and thrive through awareness and fundraising. His journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with early support, determination, and the right resources.

Stories like this highlight just how critical early intervention and access to language are for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

👏 Inspiring work that’s changing lives and empowering the next generation.

🔗 Read more: https://www.times-herald.com/news/born-deaf-rotary-speaker-now-helps-children-find-their-voices/article_25a42314-06aa-46ca-85a9-ca912b6ffce7.html

“If you woke up tomorrow and could never hear again, what sound would you miss most?”

04/02/2026

We recently celebrated a very special milestone—Logan’s 3rd birthday—right in the middle of a therapy session 🎉

Even at 9 in the morning, it turns out it’s never too early for a slice of chocolate cake! 🍰 Along the way, we practiced fun vocabulary like candle, fire, and birthday hat—and of course, Logan made sure his dinosaur was included in all the festivities 🦖

Moments like these remind us that learning happens everywhere, especially when it’s meaningful and fun. Logan is now nearly caught up with his typically hearing peers, thanks to early implantation and consistent therapy from the start.

We’re so proud of his incredible progress—happy birthday, Logan! 💙

04/02/2026

We’re soaking up this beautiful spring day at the Gwinnett Chairman’s Club Golf Tournament! 🌸⛳️

Our Outreach & Development Director, Jonathan Brilling, is out on the course exhibiting at a hole, sharing all about the Auditory Verbal Center with golfers as they pass through.

It’s been so much fun seeing participants stop by to write their favorite and least favorite sounds on our whiteboards between swings — from birds chirping to alarm clocks! 🎶😄

We’re also proud to have two of our incredible Board Members, Mark Mesler and Felicia Turner, out on the course representing AVC today!

Grateful for a day of community, connection, and conversation in the sunshine. 💙

04/01/2026

🎙️ We’re excited to share that Debbie Brilling, Executive Director/CEO, and Jonathan Brilling, Outreach & Development Director, were recently featured on Gwinnett Business Radio on Business RadioX!

In this episode, they highlight the life-changing impact of auditory-verbal therapy and how the Auditory Verbal Center empowers children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and speak—helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong communication.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about advocacy, innovation, and transforming lives in our community.

🎧 Listen to the full interview here: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/brxnational/gbr-227/