Introducing Kate Gilliat and Our New Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department

We are delighted to announce a significant new chapter at The Valens Group with the appointment of Kate Gilliat as our Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Kate has joined us with the exciting mandate to create and develop a comprehensive program tailored to serve and support the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Kate is an Illinois-licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with a formidable 15 years of experience focused on working with children with hearing loss. Her educational background, with a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s from Gallaudet University, has uniquely equipped her to lead this initiative.

What makes Kate truly stand out is her personal connection to the community she serves; as a hard-of-hearing adult, she combines her professional expertise with personal insights, enriching her interactions with clients and their families. Her dedication to advocacy for family choice and language access for all children mirrors our core values at The Valens Group.

Her career is decorated with notable recognitions such as the 2008 PARE Fellowship, the 2016 EDHI-Illinois Professional Achievement Award, and a 2022 nomination for the Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. Kate’s commitment to mentorship and education is profound, having mentored a wide range of graduate students, clinical fellows, and speech-language pathologists.

A proud Chicago native, Kate's roots in the community and her interests, from cheering at Cubs games in the summer to cozying up with a good book in the winter, make her a relatable and approachable leader.

We are excited to see how Kate’s leadership will shape this new department and extend our reach and impact within the community. Her expertise and passion are critical as we embark on this journey to enhance and expand our services.

Please join me in giving Kate a warm welcome to The Valens Group. We look forward to the innovative and impactful contributions she will undoubtedly bring to our team.