Board of Directors Position Statements

Bio

Dr. Whitney Swander earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Audiology from University of Northern Colorado, in 1998 and 2000, respectively, and her doctoral (Au.D.) degree from A.T. Still University in 2008.

She has spent her entire career in private practice, starting as the first audiologist in a practice of hearing instrument specialists and becoming the Director of Audiology. Eventually she purchased the two locations from the previous owner, transformed it into an audiology practice providing best practices and a wider scope of care, and grew it to 7 current locations, serving the Front Range of Colorado. Dr. Swander has mentored and employed dozens of interns, externs and audiologists at all stages in their career.

Dr. Swander was honored as a Notable Woman in Healthcare by BizWest, the Northern Colorado Business Review in 2021. She was also awarded the Leo Doerfler Award, which recognizes an audiologist who has demonstrated outstanding clinical services in the community throughout his or her career, by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology in 2022.

She currently serves on the board of ADA and is a member of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and the Colorado Academy of Audiology (CAA). She also ensures that all the audiologists on her team are members of ADA and CAA in order to stay abreast of audiology matters at the national and local levels.

She lives in Colorado with her husband, Jeff and their two rescued beagles, Marley and Maddie. She is an avid gardener and a creative cook with all her garden goodies.

Position Statement

I am honored to be nominated to run for President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. ADA was the first group I joined when I purchased my practice and needed to be around like-minded audiologists. Due to the priceless relationships and resources I have received over 16 years, I have been a faithful member of ADA ever since.

Private practice audiologists are the movers and shakers of audiology who move the needle forward for the whole profession. We have the most at stake and we put our time, talent and treasure where our mouth is, over and over again. We have a responsibility to present and represent audiology well in legislation, in media, to other professions who serve our patient population and to the public.

It was my honor to recently lobby in Washington D.C. for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act and my dream is to see more audiologists take an active role in supporting greater access to Audiology services at the legislative level.

Despite similarities with other professions, we have a unique and distinct scope of practice. We have a rightful seat at the table to make decisions on how to best serve the population of patients with hearing, balance and processing disorders that we pledged to serve. We contribute by linking arms where we can to keep our patients as our mutual focal point, while standing in our identity as clinical doctors of hearing and balance. And we move the needle by advocating for audiology through lobbying and legislation, staying aware and flexible about Medicare and other reimbursements, educating the public about audiology services separate from hearing aids, and keeping our finger on the pulse of the potential disruptors to the profession. If elected, I look forward to participating in all of the above and continuing to move us forward.

Bio

With over 14 years of specialized experience in tinnitus and ototoxicity, I honed my skills at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) before co-founding Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance, where I now lead a private practice dedicated to advancing care in hearing and balance. My commitment to evidence-based practice is reflected in my role as a charter member of the International Ototoxic Monitoring Group (IOMG) and in holding licensure across five states.

In 2021, I was honored with the Associate Master Clinician designation at WRNMMC for my significant contributions to ototoxic monitoring. My innovative research, including the use of tinnitus sound generators for treating treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder, earned first place in the National Capital Region Research Competition. Additionally, I have authored 18 published articles and presentations on tinnitus and ototoxicity.

I earned my Doctorate of Audiology from the University of South Florida, and my career continues to be driven by a passion for advancing the field and providing top-tier care in our private practice.

Position Statement:

I am honored and grateful to be considered for the role of Director-at-Large for the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. As a dedicated professional in the field, I am eager to serve as a bridge between the board of directors and our esteemed members. My commitment to advancing our profession is grounded in three core goals: achieving autonomy for Doctors of Audiology, enhancing the quality of audiology services through evidence-based practices, and expanding opportunities for continuing education.

Promoting autonomy for Doctors of Audiology: One of my primary objectives is to advocate for, and to achieve, greater autonomy for our profession. By strengthening our role in ensuring that we are recognized as the foremost experts in hearing and balance care, we can assert our position as leaders in the field and ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care.

Improving quality of audiology services: I am dedicated to advancing the quality of audiology services by promoting evidence-based practices. By encouraging the integration of the latest research and best practices into our daily work, we can enhance patient outcomes and demonstrate the effectiveness and value of our services to both the public and policymakers.

Expanding continuing education opportunities: Lifelong learning is essential to maintaining excellence in our field. I am committed to supporting and expanding continuing education opportunities for our members, ensuring that they have access to the latest advancements and innovations in audiology. This will not only benefit individual practitioners but will also elevate the overall standard of care within our profession.

In accepting this nomination, I want to emphasize that I do not take the responsibilities of the Director-at-Large position lightly. I believe that through collaborative unity and active engagement, we can propel our profession forward and solidify our role as the most qualified professionals in hearing and balance healthcare.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and advancement of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.

Bio

Dr. Owen obtained her BA from Loyola College Maryland, an MS from Towson State University, an AuD from Salus University, and a Master of Health Administration and Policy (MHA) from Penn State University. Dr. Owen served as Chair of the Pennsylvania Speech Language and Audiology Board of Examiners and held several leadership roles in the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology, including President. On the national level, she is a subject matter expert in precepting, clinical education, and guidelines/strategic document development.

Dr. Owen’s clinical experience is multifaceted, specializing in advanced diagnostic testing and amplification rehabilitation in multi-disciplinary settings, including medical practice, private practice, and university training clinics. As Associate Dean of Clinical Education at Salus University, Osborne, College of Audiology, Dr. Owen oversees the clinical education of one of the largest programs. Dr. Owen is experienced in developing college policies, establishing a Standardized Patient Program, representing audiology on interprofessional committees, faculty advisor for the Student Academy of Audiology, and regularly engaging with high school and undergraduate students during Audiology Learning Experience laboratory demonstrations. Dr. Owen is a member of the Audiology Honor Society, a Distinguished Practitioner and Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, and an Audiology Alumna of the Year Salus University.

Position Statement:

As a Director-At-Large, the goals that I will work to support for the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) are the continued promotion of forward-thinking for the audiology practitioner regardless of practice environment, advocating and defending our professional position in the public health space, and forging the path of advancing our scope of practice to be compatible with that of the doctoring professions.  

ADA has maintained a rich history of leading the profession in groundbreaking achievements and serving as the voice for audiology practitioners today. The voice of the ADA is vital to the profession as we stand together to support and invoke change, and strive to achieve autonomy. Over time, unity in advocacy has resulted in securing and advancing the profession of audiology across the country with the support of ADA leadership. While keeping this momentum moving forward, we must collaborate with educational institutions to ensure their path is aligned with the profession's advancements and that the patient's best interest is at the forefront of our efforts.

The sustainability of the profession rests with the audiologists of the future. ADA members can build a stronger voice for the profession by establishing a bridge between present and future audiologists through mentorship and modeling to students and early career professionals. Achievements gained today will strengthen future endeavors with a solid professional relationship across generations. As Associate Dean, faculty member, and advisor for the Student Academy of Audiology at the Osborne College of Audiology, I will bring forward my first-hand experience not only working with students: the future of our profession but their preceptors.  I have the opportunity to interact with these dedicated audiologists regularly as part of placing students in their clinical rotations throughout North America.

I bring to the position of Director-At-Large a professional career that spans private practice, medical-based interprofessional care, and academia. Each of these areas of audiology offers a different but related perspective to the profession. In addition, I hold a Master of Health Administration and Policy degree, which lends itself to an enhanced business sense and a public health perspective.

I intend to assist in moving the profession forward as a doctor of audiology by advancing the scope of practice, securing the position of audiologists in the healthcare space, and investigating innovative strategies that showcase audiology as a profession for generations to come.

It would be my honor to serve the Academy and my fellow audiologists as a Director-At-Large.

Bio

Dr. Alexandra Tarvin is the founder of Elevate Audiology, a private practice in Easley, SC, dedicated to evidence-based practice, exceptional and personalized patient care, and a supportive company culture. She specializes in evaluating and treating hearing disorders, fitting hearing aids, tinnitus counseling and management, and sound sensitivity management. Dr. Tarvin holds a Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of South Florida and is American Board of Audiology Certified.

She currently serves as the Professional Liaison, Webmaster, and Technology Chair, and is a Past President of the South Carolina Academy of Audiology. Dr. Tarvin has been an active member of the Advocacy Committee for the ADA for several years, contributing to the rewriting of the state model licensure. She has been a loyal member of ADA since earning her doctorate attending multiple lobby days in DC and virtually and serving on various committees and task forces. She is a past recipient of ADA’s Craig W. Johnson Advocacy Award and has presented at multiple state and national conferences. Dr. Tarvin resides in Greenville, SC with her family, and enjoys jigsaw puzzles and crafting in her free time.

Position Statement:

I am deeply honored to be nominated for Director-at-Large for the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. As the founder of a private practice, my journey has been guided by a passion for audiology, a commitment to evidence-based practices, and a dedication to exceptional patient care. Being an audiologist and representing our community beyond professional groups is integral to my identity.

One of my primary goals is to support the reclassification of audiologists to practitioners under Medicare statute by advocating for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023. This legislation will modernize our profession and increase opportunities as doctors of audiology. By practicing to the full scope of our licenses, we can strengthen our relationships with other healthcare practitioners and provide patients with improved access to high-quality care.

Efficiency, robust systems, and relationship building are cornerstones of my approach. At Elevate Audiology, I have implemented systems that streamline operations and enhance patient care. I believe similar efficiencies can be applied to ADA to achieve our organizational goals more effectively. By leveraging technology and data-driven decision-making, we can enhance ADA’s operations and better serve our members.

Building strong connections within the audiology community, as well as with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders, is essential. As the current Professional Liaison and Past President of the South Carolina Academy of Audiology and an active member of the ADA Advocacy Committee, I have advocated for our profession at the state and national levels, including rewriting the audiology position in South Carolina's state licensure.

I aim to be a voice for audiologists who are less involved. It is crucial that our goals and initiatives resonate with all audiologists, including those who may not be as active in our professional organizations. By actively listening to their needs and concerns, we can ensure their perspectives are included in our decision-making processes. Encouraging broader participation will help us achieve our shared objectives and advance our profession.

Continuing education and professional development are also important to me. By providing opportunities for audiologists to enhance their skills and knowledge while reducing barriers, we can ensure our members are equipped to provide the highest level of care to their patients. I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote lifelong learning and professional growth within ADA.

Thank you for considering me for Director-at-Large. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to ADA’s continued success and support my fellow audiologists in achieving their professional goals. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified audiology community that is well-prepared to meet future challenges and opportunities.