Beginnings SC was born from a simple conversation between two professionals who saw families falling through the cracks.

In 2008, Cara and Mary were introduced as cancer survivors who might support each other through recovery. Instead, they discovered a shared frustration: families of children with hearing loss were navigating their journey with too little guidance and too few resources.

Informal brainstorming sessions—often held over coffee at their local Atlanta Bread Company—grew into a clear vision. Families needed unbiased education, practical tools, and someone to walk alongside them from the moment hearing loss was identified.

After researching models across the country, they connected with Beginnings in North Carolina and set out to bring the same family-centered support to South Carolina. In January 2012, after months of planning, paperwork, and a firm “challenge accepted,” Beginnings SC officially launched.

Cara and Mary’s determination created the foundation of what Beginnings SC is today—an organization built on empathy, education, and unwavering commitment to families.

While they have since moved on from their roles, their legacy continues to shape our mission and guide the work we do every day.

Cara is a National Board Certified Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She has taught students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing for 20 years in a variety of educational settings, as well as serving as an administrator at the district level for a Midlands’ D/HOH program.

Unable to accept the status quo with regard to intervention and education of students with a hearing loss, she co-founded Beginnings SC to focus on proactive intervention and parent education and empowerment.

After 12 years of leading Beginnings SC, Cara made the decision to retire. Her dedication to Beginnings SC paved the way forward for the organization and her support continues to bolster the organization.

After 11 years of whole-hearted dedication to Beginnings SC, Mary made the decision to step down from her role as Director of Programs. Her heart is still with BSC and she will continue to advise and support however she can. Read her blog post about this decision here.

Mary Reaves is a Rehabilitation Counselor by training who worked in Deaf Mental Health for nearly 10 years before co-founding Beginnings SC - a statewide nonprofit that aims to help families who have deaf or hard of hearing children find belonging. Their programs include parent counseling, services for child care providers, advocacy and policy, training and technical assistance, and awareness and education to support the families and professionals who serve deaf and hard of hearing children. She received her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from UofSC School of Medicine in 2009 with a Certificate in Deaf Studies and through this program learned American Sign Language and found a home in advocating alongside deaf and hard of hearing adults and children. Mary received a Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from William & Mary Law School in 2021 and has gone on to support families (including her own) as they navigate the educational needs of children with disabilities. 

Mary has served on the board of directors for community organizations including Girls Rock Columbia and is currently a member of the Advisory Board the The Hive. Mary's goal is to help remove the barriers put into place when language access is not provided so that all deaf and hard of hearing children can reach their fullest potential.