Steven Farmer, Ed.D.

I am a Deaf professional with over 30 years of experience in Deaf education, serving as a classroom teacher, senior administrator, and CEO. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

I am a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) Practitioner through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. I became interested in TBRI in 2014 when my wife, Heather, and I were considering adoption. Through Becky Lloyd and Signs for Hope, we attended our first training in Birmingham, Alabama. During that training, we learned so much that we began applying many TBRI principles in all areas of our lives, especially with our adopted daughter, Lily.

When I learned that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals experience Adverse Childhood Experiences at twice the rate of the general population, I felt led to begin training those who work with children in any capacity in TBRI. These trainings focus on building trust, improving communication, and promoting healing through Connection, Empowerment, and Correction.

In addition to TBRI training, I work to establish, expand, and strengthen Deaf churches and Deaf ministries in churches. I am excited to partner with Signs for Hope in these endeavors.

On a personal note, I am a very proud husband, father, and grandfather.