The Silent Garden

Scarlett's Park Conference

Scarlett's Park in the Silent Garden at Fresno State is an annual conference focusing on Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults with special needs. Each year we invite distinguished lecturers from across the United States to share their knowledge and expertise with our community.

Through the generosity of our supporters, we offer this conference free of charge to ensure as many people as possible have access to the important resources and information shared at the event.

2026 Scarlett's Park Conference and Virtual Presentation
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
"Congential Cytomegalovirus and the Developing Deaf & Hard of Hearing Child"

Congenital CMV is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children worldwide, yet awareness of its long-term impact remains limited among families, educators, healthcare providers, and those preparing to enter these fields. This gap in understanding has real consequences for early identification, access, and support.

Our 2026 conference will be held virtually and will bring together keynote speakers, interdisciplinary professionals, and panelists to examine how congenital CMV affects Deaf and Hard of Hearing children across medical, educational, and developmental contexts. Throughout, we will remain grounded in family-centered and Deaf-informed practices, with an emphasis on practical insight and meaningful collaboration.

We look forward to gathering virtually on September 26 for another meaningful Scarlett’s Park Conference, as we continue to build knowledge, strengthen advocacy, and support D/HH children and their families.

Registration To Come!

Presenters and Panelists

Congenital CMV 101

(Presenter: Dr. Megan Pesch) This presentation will introduce congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) – the most common infectious cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children. This session reviews transmission, clinical presentation, and screening, with emphasis on auditory trajectories and language development, highlighting implications for early identification, intervention, and long-term developmental outcomes.

Perspectives from the First State to Implement Universal CMV Screening: Follow-up and Supports in Minnesota

(Presenters: Gina Liverseed and Jess Moen) This presentation provides an overview of Minnesota’s implementation of universal congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening, highlighting processes and outcomes. It describes follow-up recommendations, family experiences, and important interdisciplinary supports and community partnerships. Designed for a broad audience, the session provides practical insights for professionals, educators, and families supporting children with cCMV.

cCMV Screening Provides Possible Paths Forward

(Presenter: Jami Fries) This presentation gives a family’s perspective from pregnancy, to birth, to diagnostics, and beyond. It reveals how one family's identification with cCMV gave way to early screening for hearing loss, leading to positive language outcomes and successful opportunities for their future.

My Journey Living with Congenital CMV and Deafness

(Presenter: Kathleen Smith) This presentation will share Kathleen's experience growing up with congenital CMV and Deafness. Through her journey, she reflects on identity, challenges, and resilience, while highlighting the importance of awareness, early identification, and advocacy to support individuals and families impacted by CMV.

There is no better way to learn about the impact of cCMV on individuals and families that through the stories of those who are currently making the journey. Parents of children with cCMV will share personal experiences, advice, joys and disappointments as they endeavor to help others on their own journeys.

Moderated by Jami Fries. Panelists include: Kathleen Muldoon, Simon Sutton and Colleen Dunlap

Individuals who grew up with cCMV and Deafness will provide insights from their unique perspectives.

Moderated by Michelle Bronson. Panelists include: David Cluff and Kaitlyn Hill

Where do we stand with state screening requirements? This panel will examine the current status of screening.

Moderated by Dr. Megan Pesch. Panelists include: Dr. Ted Manyard and Dr. Melanie Morris

8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome Ceremony with Dean Kara Zografos, College of Health and Human Services; Paul Ogden, Professor Emeritus and Founder of The Silent Garden; and Jami Fries, Director for Colorado Hands & Voices

8:30 – 930 a.m.
Presentation: "Congenital CMV 101" by Dr. Megan Pesch

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Break

9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Presentation: "Perspectives from the First State to Implement Universal CMV Screening: Follow-up and Supports in Minnesota" by Gina Liverseed and Jess Moen

10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Panel from Professionals on State Screening: Moderated by Dr. Megan Pesch with Dr. Ted Manyard and Dr. Melanie Morris

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch Break

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Presentation: "cCMV Screening Provides Possible Paths Forward" by Jami Fries

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Panel of Parents: Moderated by Jami Fries with Kathleen Moldoon, Simon Sutton and Colleen Dunlap

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Presentation: "My Journey Living with Congenital CMV and Deafness" by Kathleen Smith

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Panel of Individuals: Moderated by Michelle Bronson with David Cluff, Kaitlyn Hill

4:45 - 5:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony

More Information

Accessibility

ASL interpreting and live captioning will be provided to ensure full access

Registration and CEUs

Registration is free and limited to the first 1,000 participants
Registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 24 at midnight
0.7 RID, BEI and Silent Garden CEUs will be offered at no cost