Who We Are
The Loud Tadpole Foundation for Hearing was created with a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to experience the world confidently, joyfully, and without unnecessary barriers.
Hearing challenges in childhood can influence communication, learning, emotional development, and a child’s overall sense of connection. Families navigating this journey often face questions, uncertainty, and costs that feel overwhelming.
We are here to help change that.
As a newly formed nonprofit organization currently awaiting our 501(c)(3) designation, we are focused on building accessible resources, supportive programs, and meaningful partnerships that empower children with hearing challenges—and the families who love them.
Our Story
The name Loud Tadpole reflects growth, transformation, and resilience. Just as a tadpole begins small and evolves into something stronger, a child’s journey with hearing support is rooted in early guidance, access to resources, and encouraging environments that help them thrive.
The foundation was created to ensure that families aren’t left to navigate hearing challenges alone, and to build community-driven support where information, compassion, and accessibility come first.
Our Values
Compassion — We meet families where they are with understanding and respect.
Accessibility — Every family deserves clear information and pathways to resources.
Integrity — We work transparently and responsibly across everything we do.
Collaboration — Strong partnerships create stronger support systems.
Impact — We focus on meaningful, practical help that makes a difference in daily life.
Our Leadership
Our Founders
The Loud Tadpole Foundation for Hearing is led by founders who combine strategic leadership, child development awareness, community commitment, and a genuine connection to the mission. Their complementary strengths create a balanced foundation built for meaningful partnerships, thoughtful program development, and responsible stewardship of every donor contribution.
Together, they guide the organization with clarity, compassion, and a steadfast focus on supporting children with hearing challenges and the families who love them.
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Co-Founder & Executive Director
Charlie Smith is a strategic leader with more than two decades of experience guiding organizations, shaping programs, and building partnerships that create real impact. His background in corporate marketing and organizational communication has equipped him to scale initiatives responsibly and sustainably — a core strength he brings to the foundation.
As someone with personal experience navigating hearing loss, Charlie brings authenticity, insight, and deep commitment to the mission. He oversees the foundation’s strategy, partnerships, and long-term growth with an emphasis on equity, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
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Co-Founder & Director of Family & Childhood Support Programs
Manuel Rodriguez is a lifelong educator and child development specialist who has dedicated his career to empowering children and supporting families. With years of classroom experience and a strong understanding of developmental needs, Manuel ensures that every Loud Tadpole initiative is grounded in real-world expertise and built for meaningful, practical impact.
Manuel leads family-focused programs, collaboration with childhood specialists, and community partnerships, ensuring that every child we serve receives support rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice.
Our Leadership Philosophy
Our leadership believes that creating real impact requires more than passion—it requires intention, transparency, and community-centered decision-making. As we develop our programs and partnerships, our approach is rooted in:
Empathy — understanding the lived experiences of families navigating hearing challenges
Accessibility — ensuring resources, information, and support are clear and reachable
Collaboration — working alongside educators, audiologists, healthcare providers, and community partners
Integrity — making decisions that honor our mission and the trust placed in us
Long-Term Impact — building programs designed to grow with the needs of children and families
Advisors & Future Leadership
As the foundation expands, we will welcome additional advisors and specialists—including professionals in audiology, pediatric development, nonprofit administration, and family support services. This collaborative network will help guide program planning, community outreach, and long-term organizational growth.
Our Approach
Our approach centers on early support, family empowerment, and accessible information. We believe in:
Providing resources that simplify a child’s hearing journey
Offering guidance that reduces the stress families often experience
Building partnerships with educators, audiologists, pediatric providers, and community organizations
Creating programs rooted in real needs, not assumptions
Designing tools that help families advocate for the care their children deserve
We are intentionally building our services step-by-step, ensuring everything we offer is practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.
