HOME – Nerd Nite LA

Next Nerd Nite LA is Tuesday, September 15th!

PRESENTATION LINE-UP:

PRESENTATION #1: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Specialist: Listening and Spoken Language

By Alice Music

Summary: More than 95% of deaf and hard-of-hearing children are born to hearing families. When a family chooses a listening-and-spoken-language approach rather than ASL as their child’s primary language, you may ask: What does it take for that child to thrive in a hearing world? Education Specialist Alice Music’s work sits at the intersection of language development, child development, educational access, hearing technology, and, most importantly, family partnership. Come along with her as we navigate understanding each student by meeting them where they are and helping build the right supports around them to create access, build connection, and allow students the opportunity to thrive alongside their peers.

Bio: Alice Music earned her Master’s in Education at John Tracy Clinic through Mount Saint Mary’s University. She began her career as a Deaf & Hard of Hearing Education Specialist in a Special Day Class, where she spent five years working closely with students, specialists, and families. Alice was recognized as her school’s Teacher of the Year (2022) and later recognized as PTA Teacher of the Year (2023). She then transitioned to an itinerant role, where she now supports deaf and hard-of-hearing students across her district in various educational settings. She is passionate about creating universal access to education while helping students, families, and education professionals understand just how much potential is possible when the right tools, people, and support come together.

PRESENTATION #2: La Llorona & the Long Shadow of the Conquest of Mexico

By Mike Wollaeger

Summary: In almost every corner of Mexico you can hear stories about a tormented spirit who cries out, desperately searching for her lost children—children she drowned in an act of rage when she discovered her husband’s infidelity. This is La Llorona, the Wailing Woman. Unbelievably, the roots of this story are traced back to a specific woman: La Malinche, the enslaved indigenous noblewoman who translated for the Spaniard Hernán Cortés during the Conquest of Mexico, and who later bore him a son—that she didn’t kill. Is this really the reputation she deserves? And, if not, then what?

Bio: Mike Wollaeger is a screenwriter, most notably for The X-Files, Star Trek, and Animorphs, who likes to break stories down to see what makes them work and what’s really going on when we peel back the top layers. He grew up in Mexico City.

PRESENTATION #3: Beyond Translation: The Art of Transcreations in Children’s Media

By Rocío López Mathews and Liz Cotone

Summary: CMA-LA Member Liz Cotone will talk to Rocío about her experience as a transcreationist for children’s media and educational content. What IS a transcreationist, you ask? Come hear Rocío talk about using a transcreation-first approach to create children’s media that feels native (not just translated) to every audience. When both languages are considered from the very beginning, stories, songs, visuals, and learning experiences can be intentionally designed to resonate across cultures rather than retrofitted later. With the recognized need for more bilingual children’s media and educational content, the growing movement of transcreation centers cultural understanding and creativity. Relax, have a drink, and watch Rocio and Liz struggle through the limitations of language as they transcreate a story together.

Bio: The proud daughter of immigrant farmworkers and now a doctoral student, Rocío López Mathews is an educator, actor, musician, and creative producer with over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators through organizations including MALDEF, PIQE, Abriendo Puertas, Common Sense Media, PBS SoCal, and Disney Theatrical Group. Her work blends early childhood development, play, music, and digital media to create joyful, research-informed content that reflects the diverse communities it serves. As the founder of Aguaysol Studios, she partners with organizations to develop bilingual children’s media that promotes learning, healthy screen habits, and meaningful family connection. As the mom of a 4-year-old, Rocío brings both professional expertise and lived parenting experience to everything she creates for families with young children.