Katherine S. Rybak

Katherine S. Rybak, M.Ed., NBCT, was born Hard of Hearing and is the founder of Hearing Out LoudŽ, an organization dedicated to empowering people with hearing loss and their allies. Through her work, Katherine helps others embrace identity, maximize technology, and confidently advocate for communication access in every part of life.

A retired Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Katherine holds a master’s degree in education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She brings together lived experience, professional expertise, and creative vision to support people with hearing loss—and to guide friends, family, and professionals to become better hearing allies.

Katherine and her wife Carol live in Madison, Wisconsin, where they enjoy time with their three grown children. She finds joy in traveling with family, creative projects in her studio, and playful moments with her grandchildren.