Volunteer Spotlight: Jillian Giangaspro, AuD

In 2023, I transitioned to an educational audiology position within the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system. In this role, I serve on the preschool intake team, perform hearing screenings and diagnostic evaluations for students within the special education program, as well as for those in the general education program, and serve students with documented hearing loss, in their school settings.

I have a special interest in central auditory processing disorder, and evaluate students for this in the school system. I have served on the North Carolina EHDI board for nine years and have been on the ABA board for two years.  

Why do you volunteer with the Academy?

I volunteer because I truly feel that to further the profession of audiology, we need the input and expertise of audiologists from all professional backgrounds. Volunteering also allows me to connect with other professionals and students in the field with whom I normally would not have the chance to interact with. I learn some of my greatest clinical “nuggets” from people I meet at meetings, volunteer events and conferences!

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

Volunteering has enabled me to see audiology as a whole. It is so easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind and forget the big picture. Being connected to others, through volunteering, helps me to stay grounded and helps me be the best provider I can for my patients and students.

What movie, book, or TV show could you live in?

Harry Potter! Anyone who knows me knows I am obsessed. I am especially intrigued by the scene in The Chamber of Secrets when Mrs. Weasley’s dishes are washing themselves. I could live in a magical world where my dishes wash themselves.

If you could have any animal as a pet, which animal would you choose?

A hedgehog! My mom and I used to read the Jan Brett books when I was younger, and I always loved searching for her beloved hedgehog hidden within the pages. It’s something I do with my kids now!