Profile

What is your background in audiology?

Pediatric and educational audiology. Currently, I am an educational audiologist within a large urban public school district. I’m convinced that this is the best job ever. I am very happy in my career.

Why do you volunteer with the Academy?

I want to give back to the profession, especially in ways that support d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiologists and students. Being a member of the Accessibility Task Force gives me the opportunity to address concerns that are relevant for all audiologists and students with disabilities.

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

Volunteering in my current role has increased my awareness of accessibility issues beyond those relevant for d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiologists like me. Everything I learn about accommodations and modifications for sensory, physical, cognitive, and other kinds of disabilities is immediately applicable to the children I work with daily in my job. Many of the children on my current caseload have some form of additional disability beyond being d/Deaf or hard of hearing.

Who do you admire most and why?

I have always admired my high school English teacher, Ms. Chafin. She devoted her life fully to her career. She did not have children of her own, so she was able to invest time and energy into her students that was far above and beyond the usual expectation for teachers. Even at age 14, I remember thinking, “That’s how I want to live my life.” As a childless adult who works with children, I think of her often.

If you could only listen to one genre of music, what would it be?

Either heavy metal or Gregorian chant. (unusual answer, I know!)