CMV Stories: Three Mothers Reflect on their Experiences with D/HH Children with CMV

Workshop description

Mothers who have D/HH children with CMV encounter a variety of medical and educational challenges. This panel discussion will follow the journeys of three mothers of D/HH children diagnosed with CMV, providing insight into the highs and lows of their experiences. Our moderator will guide the panel in sharing their stories, recognizing the similarities and differences between them. The session will conclude with an opportunity for Q&A from participants.

Presented by Elizabeth Schnobrich, Pajjar Yang, and Julie Olson Rand. Facilitated by Jess Moen. 

Elizabeth Schnobrich

Dr. Elizabeth Schnobrich, Psy.D., L.P., is a highly experienced Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of dedicated service specializing in clinical psychology, family systems, trauma, and crisis intervention. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology( Argosy University), after completing her undergraduate studies at St. Olaf College. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Schnobrich has balanced robust clinical practice with executive leadership and academic roles. Her leadership is highlighted by her tenure as Clinical Director for Adaptable Human Solutions in Seoul, South Korea, where she oversaw clinical standards and led specialized training for schools and families. Additionally, she has shaped the next generation of mental health professionals as an award-winning educator, notably receiving the 2018 UNLV CFT Program Teacher of the Year award during her time as adjunct faculty. A recognized expert in psychological testing and behavioral interventions, Dr. Schnobrich is certified in Kazdin's Parent Management Training through Yale University and holds advanced certification in Critical Incident Response. Her practice spans comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, individual and family therapy, and vital consultation roles, including serving as a Psychological Consultant for the Nevada Bureau of Disability Adjudication. Driven by a deep commitment to community resilience, she has frequently volunteered her expertise during major crises, providing immediate on-site psychological support following the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting and establishing specialized telehealth healing groups after the 2022 Itaewon tragedy in Seoul. Locally, she remains an active leader in community governance and advocacy, currently serving as a school board representative and personnel committee chair, as well as coordinating local fundraising and training initiatives.

Pajjar Yang

Pajjar Yang is a parent advocate, community leader, and mother of two daughters, including a daughter who is deaf and hard of hearing. Through her family's journey navigating diagnosis, education, accessibility, and advocacy, she has become a passionate voice for empowering families and advancing opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. In addition to her personal advocacy, Pajjar serves as the co-lead of her company's Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Support Circle, where she helps foster conversations around workplace inclusion, accessibility, allyship, and the lived experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees and their families. She is passionate about building understanding, creating inclusive environments, and empowering others to become effective allies. As a speaker, Pajjar shares honest and hopeful stories about parenting, resilience, and advocacy, encouraging families to find confidence in their journey while helping educators, employers, and professionals better understand the lived experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and those who love them. She believes meaningful inclusion begins with listening, learning, and partnering together to create communities where every child and every family can thrive.

Julie Olson Rand

Julie Olson Rand serves as the Director of Disability and Access at St. Olaf College. Julie has worked in disability services for over 8 years, and previously worked as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for over 10 years. Julie holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, an M.Ed. in Organizational Leadership & Policy Development (OLPD), Adult Education, a post-baccalaureate certificate from St. Catherine University in ASL Interpreting, and is currently a PhD candidate in the OLPD program, higher education track. Her research centers around workplace culture in higher education institutions for student affairs staff. Julie is the co-editor of the Odyssey Blog, a publication associated with NASPA’s Journal of College and Character. She also serves on the Board of Directors for NASPA Center for Women, an organization which provides scholarship, research, and professional development for women in higher education. Julie lives in Eagan, Minnesota with her family.

Jess Moen

Jess is the MN Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Statewide Specialist. She previously worked as a Teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing in Northern Minnesota. She supports educators and families of children with hearing differences, with particular expertise in early childhood and students with additional disabilities, helping build inclusive, effective learning environments across the state.