Director

Victoria Haggarty began her career as an Art Educator at the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf in Knoxville, Tennessee. She then transitioned to Tennessee Schools for the Deaf in Nashville, Tennessee to work as a Birth-5 Educator, Elementary Educator, and Art Educator. She joined REAL Project South in 2022 as a trainer and became Director in 2024. She has an Education Specialist Degree in ASL/English Bilingual Deaf Education for Ages Birth-5 and a Graduate Certificate in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and their Families: Collaboration and Leadership from Gallaudet University. In her free time, she enjoys working in her studio, gardening and spending time with her fur babies.

Family Services Coordinator

Kristen Hammontree has dedicated the past four years to the education field, serving as a Deaf Mentor in public schools and for REAL South, itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing within a school system, and taught ASL for AIDB and volunteered teaching ASL outside of work. In January 2025, Kristen joined REAL Project South as a Family Services Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and is a certified teacher. Kristen is currently pursuing certifications from the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and in Visual Communication and Sign Language (VSCL). Outside of her professional life, she enjoys solving puzzles, crafting wax stamps, and cherishing time with her two beloved cats.

Connector

Laurel Maradik is a passionate advocate for young children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as their families and caretakers. With over 25 years of experience in deaf education, she has served in a variety of roles including preschool teacher, Deaf mentor, elementary teacher, and ASL specialist/teacher. Laurel holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and a Master's Degree in Family-Centered Early Childhood Education. In April 2025, she joined REAL South as a Connector. Outside of work, Laurel enjoys cooking, painting, sewing, pottery, and taking sunset walks with her elderly dog.

Accounting Clerk II

Kimberly Welch is the Accounting Clerk II of the Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) Project, South. She has an Associate’s degree in Computer Information System and experience working in the business offices for over 9 years. Kimberly joined AIDB in December of 2016 as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Senior Services Health and Clinical. She made her transition and joined the REAL Project South in June of 2023 as an Accounting Clerk II for Special Projects. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends & family, travelling, reading, and shopping.