2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER
Award Winner/Nominee Details 2025
Amanda Jay
It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate Amanda (Mandy) Jay for the 2025 Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. Mandy exemplifies leadership and passion for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) at both state and national levels. We write this nomination as her colleagues and friends, recognizing her outstanding contributions.
Mandy has been an integral part of Arkansas Hands & Voices since its inception in 2008 as a founding member. Currently, she serves as the AR Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) Co-Director. Her dedication to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing is unparalleled. Mandy has a unique ability to connect with parents, offering both empathy and actionable resources to navigate the EHDI system effectively. Angelina Myers, GBYS Co-Director, shared, “My first experience with Mandy was after my sons were diagnosed. Mandy sat across the table from me and my husband working hard to relieve the fear of the unknown. I remember her telling us stories of her daughters.�
Mandy’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Arkansas Hands & Voices. She has organized workshops, led discussions, and conducted outreach programs to increase awareness and understanding of EHDI processes. She was also a key collaborator on the UAMS Translational Research Institute’s project to identify barriers to newborn hearing screening follow-up in Arkansas; facilitating focus groups and helping create educational materials for families and professionals, including videos emphasizing the importance of the 1-3-6 timeline for hearing screenings. Her work ensures healthcare professionals can communicate referrals clearly and compassionately.
Mandy’s impact extends beyond Arkansas having co-chaired the NTRC's Family Advisory Board with Janet DesGeorges, H&V HQ, as well as with her role at the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM). She coordinates the annual EHDI Conference and the Congenital Cytomegalovirus Public Health and Policy Conference. From managing planning committees and agendas to overseeing conference logistics, Mandy ensures these events foster learning, networking, and capacity-building for EHDI stakeholders. Her tireless behind-the-scenes efforts make these conferences unparalleled opportunities for collaboration.
Her leadership at NCHAM also involves innovative projects to improve the EHDI system nationwide. Mandy led a project analyzing 59 state-submitted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans, helping to identify trends and areas for growth in EHDI programs. Additionally, she supports NCHAM’s learning communities, including Unite Newborn Screening, which improves collaboration between EHDI and dried bloodspot programs. Mandy ensures that all NCHAM events, webinars, and materials are accessible, incorporating captions and ASL interpretation.
Mandy’s devotion to EHDI is evident in her daily advocacy. Whether guiding families, collaborating with stakeholders, or coordinating complex events, she embodies the spirit of EHDI excellence. Her colleagues admire her humor, attention to detail, and ability to manage countless moving parts seamlessly.
Mandy’s commitment to advancing the EHDI system, from individual families to national programs, is inspiring. For these reasons, we are thrilled to nominate her for the 2025 Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence.