Shifting the narrative and inspiring change through storytelling.
Advocate | Speaker | Conversation Starter | Game Changer
I believe words have the power to move people—and I use mine to make sure they do.
Whether in a packed conference room or an intimate workshop, I bring real stories, real insights - without the boring bits. I've never led life by the book, and I'm not about to start now.
So, if you're looking for someone to fill a time slot, I’m not your person. But if you want someone who will genuinely spark ideas, shift perspectives, and leave people thinking long after they’ve left the room—I'm your gal.
Book me for your next event
What my parent audience say...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nicole - parent of a deaf child
"Clare excels at breaking down complex situations into simple, relatable terms. Her passion shines through, making you feel heard and understood"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Carly - parent of a deaf child
"Clare's Advocacy Masterclass is next level. She brings firsthand knowledge from both sides—being an educator and a parent. I now feel more confident moving forward on my advocacy journey."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Joanne - parent of a deaf child
"Feeling much more confident in advocating for my child. Clare always hits home with the important tactics that help me advocate successfully and confidently."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Keely - parent of a deaf child
"Clare has such a talent for sharing knowledge in an intimate way. She truly makes you feel like she’s talking directly to you."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jess - parent of a deaf child
"Clare lights a fire under us and gives us the skills to push back against archaic educational systems to ensure our children’s inclusion"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lauren - parent of a deaf child
"She has been able to shift some of my mental barriers and gave me lots of practical tips for before, during and after advocacy meetings/conversations. So humble and grateful that I am raising a deaf child right now, and get to immerse myself into everything Clare puts out there"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rachel - parent of a deaf child
"Clare shares so much outstanding insight from her lived experience as a parent and educator that is easy to implement as someone who hasn’t travelled this path before. As always I left feeling confident and motivated for my future advocacy meetings"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shanie - parent of a deaf child
"Clare has such a way of words that makes you feel like you can do anything. Honestly, everything she touches turns to gold!"
I’ve always been drawn to the power of a well-told story.
The kind that doesn’t just inform but transforms. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking to parent advocacy groups, corporate teams, educators and industry leaders on the incredibly power of smart and strategic advocacy and the need to end the epidemic that is language deprivation for our our deaf and hard of hearing kids.
But my journey is more than just words on a stage—it’s personal. I spent 11 years as a Teacher of the Deaf, advocating, educating, and breaking barriers for my students. Then, life gave me a deeper perspective—my own son - my little heart - was born deaf. Suddenly, everything I had learned and been trained for, I was now living.
This rare dual vantage point—both as an educator and as a parent—has shaped how I see the world, how I communicate, and how I empower others. I don’t just speak on these topics; I’ve lived them, and continue to live them every day.
My approach? No jargon, no cookie-cutter keynotes—just honest, authentic, engaging talks that get people listening, reflecting and most importantly - taking action on the issues that matter most.
So if you’re looking for a speaker who brings a mix of insight, humour and a few hard-hitting truths - let's chat.
I don’t just talk—I start conversations.
The Power of Bilingualism: Why Every Deaf Child Deserves Both Signed and Spoken Language
Breaking down the myths, the science, and the real-world impact of bilingual language acquisition for deaf children.
Building Parent Advocates: Empowering Families to Navigate the Deaf Education System
Giving parents the tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for their child’s language rights and education.
A Deaf Child’s Right to Language: The Fight Against Language Deprivation
Understanding the critical early years, the consequences of delayed access, and how we can create systemic change.
Not seeing what you need?
Let’s chat about making a custom talk that feels right for you!
Past & Current Partners
What to Expect
A brief snippet of my speaking style and most recent engagements—real moments, real impact.
What partners are saying..
Willa Hand ~ President of Auckland Parents of Deaf Children
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Clare Best is an absolute powerhouse - with her educational background coupled with a complete 'parent' understanding she provides clear, strong and tangible advice for those of us trying to navigate support and tools for our children. It was such a privilege to have Clare join us at the Auckland Parents of Deaf Children AGM and hold a follow up workshop for parents and educators in New Zealand. We've had overwhelming feedback about the events and heard stories of parents advocating more strongly for their children's rights [due to Clare’s guiding advice]. We can't wait for the next one!"
Laura Moritz - Gentry Education Foundation, USA
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Clare brings the passion and perspective of a parent as well as the expertise of a professional. She really is the perfect combination that allows her to empathize with parents but also provide helpful support! Her knowledge is extensive and she has fantastic tools to share with all parents of DHH kiddos. Take advantage of this fantastic resource and become empowered!"
Western Australian Foundation of Deaf Children Community Feedback ~
'Parent Advocacy' Workshop
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Amazing workshop!"
"Wow! So many good reminders for what I can be doing more at home"
"Excellent presentation! Very informative and relevant!"
"Very thorough and informative! Wish I could have stayed the whole day and learned more and more"
"Loved hearing about her similar and personal experience - it was great!"
"I wish I could have stayed all day and heard everything and anything coming out of her mouth!"
Let's create impact together.
Whether you're looking to enhance your organisation's understanding of the bilingual education approach, create inclusive content, empower your parent audience or develop innovative programs to drive change:
Clare and the Raising Bilinguals team are here to help.
Hey, did you know we have a podcast?
It's called THE POD PLACE.
And it's the first podcast & vodcast of it's kind uniquely created for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children on the journey. Led by Clare Best and filled to the brim with insights, experiences and stories to inspire - it's well worth the listen!
Check it out wherever you listen to your podcasts (or via YouTube for those who require visual accessibility)
