Profile

What is your background in audiology?

Like several audiologists, I started my undergraduate degree with the intention of becoming a speech-language pathologist. I enjoyed how it connected my love for anatomy with my hobby of singing. However, after learning about how sound travels through the outer and middle ear system (my professor compared part of this process to a stiletto!) and watching a few ear impressions, I knew audiology was for me! I completed my undergraduate degree at Ohio State University and my AuD at Ball State University. After completing my fourth-year externship with a private practice in the northern Chicago suburbs, I joined the practice and spent almost 10 years diagnosing and managing hearing loss in adults. Along the way, I obtained a certification in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy to address the needs of my tinnitus patients; and took several courses in motivational interviewing to learn about active listening and generating dialogue to deeply understand my patients. In 2023, I joined the faculty at Indiana University as a clinical assistant professor where I supervise student clinicians in our on-campus clinic, teach the amplification lab, and serve as the off-site placement coordinator.

Why do you volunteer with the Academy?

I believe in advocating for the future of our profession and being involved with the Academy keeps me current on the hot topics in our field. I currently work with the SAA State Ambassadors where I am lucky enough to hear fresh and exciting ideas from students who are soon to enter the field of audiology as our peers. Volunteering with the Academy is a wonderful way to give back to the profession and to build a sense of community. Audiologists are a pretty fun group, and it’s always fun to hop on a meeting or run into each other at conventions.

What is one thing that you can say volunteering has done for you and your personal success as an audiologist?

Volunteerism helps me to build relationships with audiologists across the United States both as mentor and mentee, and learn from experts on committees and at conventions. Hearing about the incredible things students and other professionals are doing in our field is inspiring, and undoubtedly gave me the confidence and courage to reach for and accomplish my own professional goals.

What’s your go to song that puts you in a good mood?

Oh wow, I have tons of playlists to choose from – it feels impossible to pick one. So, I’ll pick two! “Femininomenon” – Chappell Roan and “In the Night” – Charley Crockett.

If you could travel anywhere this spring, where would you go?

Phoenix, AZ for Spring Training! Bring on baseball…Go Brewers!