Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons: Improving Communication, Changing Lives
Bonnie in a blue cardigan and floral shirt in an office setting

Bonnie O'Leary

Certified Peer Mentor, Outreach Manager, staff member since 2002

Bonnie joined NVRC in January of 2002, focusing on outreach to senior citizens who have hearing loss and education for hearing families, caregivers, and supervisors. She completed her two-year certification as a Peer Mentor and Certified Hearing Loss Support Specialist at Gallaudet University in 2007. A late-deafened adult, Bonnie has led the development of NVRC's 3-part outreach series for seniors, "I Can't Hear You!", and applies her own personal experience with hearing loss to her outreach work. She also co-created the "Miscommunication or Missed Communication?" workshop teaching communication strategies for families and caregivers. During her "hearing" years, Bonnie worked in advertising in New York and London and owned a 24-track recording studio in Burke, Virginia. She has two grown children, a passion for cats, and enjoys all forms of needle arts, cooking, and Scrabble.