This article is a part of the November/December 2026, Volume 38, Number 6, Audiology Today issue.
The Academy is proud to highlight the members and volunteers who help advance the profession every day. Through our Academy Spotlight series, we recognize individuals making meaningful contributions to audiology through clinical care, research, leadership, education, and service.
Member Spotlight:
Our Member Spotlight features Tammy Riegner-Vitale, AuD, whose passion for pediatric audiology is matched by her dedication to helping patients of all ages. Dr. Riegner-Vitale has particular interests in electrophysiology and auditory processing disorders and currently works at Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, a community nonprofit providing both in-center and outreach services throughout Polk County.
She is currently working with a pediatrics-focused colleague to improve their newborn hearing screening and early diagnostic process, while also exploring the future addition of auditory processing disorder evaluations and services.
Dr. Riegner-Vitale values the Academy as an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share resources, and support one another in providing ethical and comprehensive hearing healthcare.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Our Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Michelle Tejada, AuD, BC-PA, ABAC, an educational audiologist at the Tucson Unified School District with a diverse background spanning clinical practice, industry, and education. Through her volunteer service with the Academy, Dr. Tejada has had the opportunity to broaden her knowledge and skills, connect with colleagues, and stay informed about issues affecting audiology across the country.
“I really enjoy the work and get back way more than I give. Serving on different committees has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and skills in areas that are not part of my typical workday. I also meet some amazing audiologists who also happen to be great people.”
Giving Back Through Audiology
By Lajayah Medina, AuD
As a Black and Mexican-American audiologist, one of my greatest goals is to give back to underserved communities, especially communities that reflect my own. This summer, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to join DeafDefy’s mission to Ethiopia, serving primarily Sudanese, Somali, and Eritrean refugees in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
In Asosa, we brought hearing testing, hearing aids, and language access directly into three refugee camps, alongside audiologists, interpreters, language specialists, DeafDefy’s founder, and a local Deaf Ethiopian language specialist.
Having someone who was Deaf, Ethiopian, and connected to the children’s language and culture reinforced something I deeply believe: the goal isn’t to make children fit into our world; it’s to give them access to fully participate in theirs.
That’s what I love about DeafDefy. We understand that access to sound is not the same as access to language. Hearing aids alone cannot eliminate isolation. Children need meaningful language and communication to learn, connect, and thrive.
Being able to help create that access—and witness children find their voices, connect with their families, and imagine a more accessible future—is one of the greatest privileges of my work.
Have news to share?
Have you recently presented your research at a conference, started a new role, or earned a new credential? Reach out to membership@audiology.org to have your work or news featured in a future Academy Spotlight.
