Shanna Groves, M.Ed.
Shanna Groves, M.Ed., is a communications and learning design professional, author, and advocate based in the Kansas City metropolitan area. With more than 25 years of experience, she has built a multifaceted career at the intersection of communication, education, and accessibility. Currently working at Oracle as a Senior Consultant, she specializes in learning design, testing, and instructional development, helping teams create more inclusive, effective communication and training solutions. Her expertise spans corporate communications, eLearning, project management, and team leadership across both private and public sectors.
Groves’ career journey reflects a deep commitment to education and advocacy. She earned her Master of Education in Special Education from The University of Kansas and previously worked as a special education teacher, developing individualized education plans and supporting young learners with diverse needs. As an author, she has published books including Lip Reader and Confessions of a Lip Reading Mom, sharing her personal experiences with progressive hearing loss. Her writing, speaking engagements, and media work—including her podcast and blog “Lipreading Mom”—have made her a prominent voice in raising awareness and fostering understanding of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
In addition to her professional work, Groves is a dedicated advocate and leader in accessibility and inclusion. She serves on the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where she contributes to initiatives that promote equitable access, policy improvements, and community awareness. Drawing from her lived experience as a deaf individual who uses a cochlear implant and lipreading, she brings authenticity and insight to her work. Passionate about empowering others through education, storytelling, and design, Groves continues to make a meaningful impact by championing inclusivity and amplifying underrepresented voices.
• Authoring Section 508 Compliant Documents Program
• Authoring Accessible Microsoft Word Documents
• Foundations of Accessible Elearning
• Adobe Captivate Quick Tips
• Adobe Captivate Essential Training
• Training with Stories
• OneNote 2016 Essential Training
• 15 Secrets Successful People Know about Time Management
• How to Be an Inclusive Leader
• CPI Certification
• The University of Kansas- M.Ed.
• University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma- B.A.
• State board for the Deaf Hard of Hearing
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• Kansas Commission For The Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Association of Late Deafened Adults
• Cerner Corporation
• Oracle
• Best Buddies International
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the resilience I’ve built through my hearing loss journey, from being diagnosed with progressive hearing loss to ultimately becoming deaf and adapting to life with a cochlear implant. That experience not only strengthened my determination but also inspired me to share my story and help others through my work and writing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to use my voice and experiences to create impact, which has guided me in sharing my story through my memoir How I Hear, hosting the Deafinitely Talking podcast, and offering lip-reading consulting to help others navigate communication challenges.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are family, resilience, and advocacy. As a mother of three and a wife of nearly 30 years, I’ve learned the importance of balancing personal and professional growth while embracing life’s challenges. I’m also deeply committed to using my writing, speaking, and podcasting to raise awareness and advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community.