GLAMoms LOVES showcasing Moms! And this week we have a mom that is B-U-S-Y… 😊📚🐓🌾🚜
Early mornings Amy Robinson and her family tend to their family farm and then she is off to work where she is a Teacher Consultant for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students at the Ingham Intermediate School District – Learn more about his Greater Lansing Area mom of 2 boys!
Amy also shares information if you are looking for support or want to learn more about hearing loss resources.
Welcome to GLAMoms, Amy! 😊
Please introduce yourself!
Hi! My name is Amy Robinson. I grew up in Lansing and completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Deaf Education at Michigan State University. I’ve been a teacher for 16 years, and I currently work as a Teacher Consultant for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. I live with my husband, Zach, and our two children on our family farm in Grand Ledge. My husband and his family primarily grow cash crops, and together we raise cows , horses, and chickens. We also sell straw, hay, sweet corn, and freezer beef. I enjoy a balance of my professional career and the daily spontaneity of life on a farm!
How old are your children?
We have two boys: Jackson is 12 and Case is 8.
What do you think is one of the best parts about being a mom?
I am so grateful to watch my children experience life on a farm. They are becoming capable and confident, and they already know more about tractors and livestock than I do!
What is a piece of advice for new moms you wish you would have known when you were a new mom?
I wish someone would have told me that it’s okay when things feel hard! Most days as a brand-new mom, just keeping everyone fed, clothed, and occasionally bathed is an accomplishment. Not every moment is going to be magical – but some will be, and that’s enough to do it all again the next day.
Please tell us more about being a Teacher Consultant for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (TC-DHH) at Ingham Intermediate School District?
As a TC-DHH, I provide direct instruction to students with a hearing loss to improve their auditory and language skills. I also teach self-advocacy skills related to their hearing loss. I work with classroom teachers to make sure my students have access to instruction, and support families as they navigate preschool to post-secondary. One of my favorite parts of my job is helping students develop their self-concept in relation to their hearing loss. My students are brave and resilient, and I learn from them every day!
Do you sign?
I do know ASL! I taught in a self-contained classroom for over 10 years in Lansing with students who were profoundly Deaf and used sign language.
How many students are you working with?
I have about 30 students on my caseload in Ingham County. I service Waverly and Okemos school districts. My students have various degrees of hearing loss and use all different kinds of hearing amplification. They each have unique needs so it keeps my day interesting!
How you work with your students during COVID?
I did work with each of my students virtually when face-to-face instruction was suspended due to Covid. It was a challenge to manage my own children’s online learning and teach from home at the same time, so I took a short leave of absence in the fall of 2020 to support my boys. I feel fortunate to work for an organization that supported me so I could focus on my family!
It has been pretty incredible to see educators going above and beyond to support our students and their families since March 2020. In the beginning when schools were closed, we really focused on providing resources to families so they could work with their children at home.
As we have shifted back to in-person learning, access has been a challenge for my students with a hearing loss. Masks and virtual platforms make listening difficult! My focus has been on providing quality instruction while remaining a positive and consistent presence in my students’ lives. It feels cliché to keep saying that “we’re all in this together,” but we want students and families to know that educators are here to support them as we navigate constant changes due to Covid.
How do you balance being a mom and your work?
I try to remember that if I’m spread too thin and trying to multi-task too much, I’m probably not doing anything well! When I’m at home, I try to be present with my children. When I’m at work, I focus on my students and on making a positive impact. I don’t always get it right, but that’s my goal!
Here are a couple questions to get to know you better 🙂
What gets you up in the morning?
Coffee and chickens 🐓
And how do you take your coffee?
With lots of creamer ☕️
Last book you read?
Professionally, I am reading Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead as part of a book study with Ingham ISD. Personally, I just finished No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler.
What books do your boys enjoy reading?
My children love to read! My oldest just finished The Warriors series, and my youngest likes Dog Man.
If you watch television, what is your favorite show?
Ted Lasso!
Strangest item carry on, purse, glove box or trunk right now?
As an itinerant teacher, I basically live out of my car. I have anything I could ever need in there: deodorant, hearing aid batteries, protein bars, toothpaste, a rolling teacher bag – you name it.
What children’s book you most enjoy reading?
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and anything by Mo Willems.
Where are some of your favorite places locally to spend time with your family?
My husband and I enjoy date nights at Sanctuary Spirits distillery in Grand Ledge, and our family loves The Smoke’n Pig BBQ in west Lansing.
What are you looking forward to this summer?
I really value my summer breaks from teaching so I can enjoy time with my children and drink coffee from a non-travel mug. ALSO, we have a big trip planned to Yellowstone National Park.
How do you prefer readers to connect with you if they would like more information?
If families are interested in learning more about hearing loss, they can contact me at [email protected]. If anyone is interested in learning more about our farm, we can be contacted at [email protected].
Thank you for joining us Amy 😊 We hope you have a WONDERFUL summer vacation! If you would like to learn more about hearing loss or are looking for support, check out some local organizations recommended by Amy.
mdelio.org/dhh-family-support
mihandsandvoices
2.cmich.edu
mottchildren.org/conditions-treatments/ped-ear-nose-throat/hearing-loss/sound-support
agbell.org/Connect/Michigan-Chapter
Amy Robinson’s Meet a Mom feature was brought to you by Boji Group. Boji Group specializes in Private-Public Partnerships, has offices in both Lansing and Birmingham and is headquartered in downtown Lansing.
