AuDacity 2024 — Speaker Bios
Speaker Biographies:
Debbie Abel, Au.D.
Debbie Abel, Au.D. spent 13 years in private practice in Alliance, OH after moving an existing practice from the Alliance Eye and Ear Clinic, where she was employed for 14 years, taking the ENT with her. She also supported two ENTs in Poway CA for 8 years.
She is the manager of Coding and Contracting Services for Audigy, has authored several chapters in Plural Publication texts and is the editor of The Essential Guide to Coding in Audiology: Coding, Billing and Practice Management, published in December 2017. She is a Past President of ADA and is currently the Chair for the Audiology Academy of the National Academies of Practice.
Robert Allen, Au.D.
Robert Allen, Au.D., is the co-founder and CCO of two specialty practices/businesses in Atlanta, Ga. Founded seven years ago, Topple Diagnostics began as a mobile vestibular diagnostics company that has grown to encompass all aspects of vestibular evaluation and management, including education and training, devices and software, and consulting along with the thriving mobile services division. From Topple, Dr. Allen spun off a separate business focusing on concussion evaluation and management. The Concussion Center, also based in Atlanta, is currently one of few multi-specialty practices dedicated to full spectrum concussion care. The practice includes include neurology, speech language pathology, and physical therapy affiliates. Recently, the practice has also launched into the concussion baseline and management space to help improve diagnosis and care for athletes of all ages. Dr. Allen currently serves as the Chief Scientific Advisor for the US with Neuroflex and is a member of GAA.
Katie Armatoski, Au.D.
Dr. Katie holds a degree from the collaborative program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. With 9 years of experience working at a busy private practice ENT clinic, Dr. Katie discovered her talent for marketing, which eventually led her to start her own business.
For the past 6 years, Dr. Katie has been dedicated to helping audiologists develop effective physician marketing strategies and create engaging digital online content. Her expertise lies in blending clinical insights with innovative marketing techniques to enhance the visibility and reach of audiology practices.
Dr. Katie is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping fellow audiologists navigate the complexities of marketing. She is excited to bring her insights and strategies to this conference, aiming to empower attendees with practical tools to elevate their marketing efforts.
Amy Badstubner, Au.D., CPC
Dr. Amy Badstubner is a certified career and executive coach and co-owner of dB Coaching Group. As a previous owner of a concierge audiology private practice, she has over 20 years of experience in business, leadership, consulting, and professional coaching. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings and gets great joy from supporting and uplifting individuals and businesses to (re)discover their limitless potential. Dr. Badstubner has published numerous articles, presented locally and nationally including more recently at the Women in Academic Medicine Leadership Symposium, and been an invited guest on several podcasts.
Andrew Bellavia
Andrew Bellavia is the founder of AuraFuturity, a go-to-market and branding consultancy in the hearing, hearables, and broader communications spaces. He is also on the advisory board of Tuned, a groundbreaking benefit program for delivering holistic hearing care. Previously at Knowles in the Hearing Health Tech division, Andrew was involved in the creation of many innovative hearable devices from the very beginning. He has been deeply embedded at the intersection of hearables and hearing health, frequently speaking and writing on developments in these markets. He has appeared in multiple publications and is a co-host of Hearing Health & Technology Matters' This Week in Hearing podcast. Andrew has also been a strong advocate for hearing care innovation and accessibility, work made more personal when he faced his own hearing loss.
Jan Blustein, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor Blustein is a researcher with decades of experience teaching basic statistics at New York University. Her studies on health and health care have been published in New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, British Medical Journal, and other leading journals. For the past decade she has focused on hearing loss and its consequences for health and quality of life. She has a longstanding hearing loss, is involved in hearing loss advocacy, and has served on the board of the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Jana Brown, Au.D.
Jana Brown, former owner of Allegany Hearing & Balance, earned her Doctor of Audiology Degree in 2004, from AT Still University. She also holds a Master's Degree from West Virginia University. Dr. Brown is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology. She is the past president of the Maryland Academy of Audiology and served on their executive board for six years. Dr. Brown was recently appointed to a four-year term by Maryland’s Governor, Wes Moore, to be on the Maryland Board of Examiners for Audiology, Speech Language Pathology, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Music Therapy. She has received six Academic Scholar Awards from the American Academy of Audiology. She is a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and was honored with the Leo Doerfler Award in 2017. She also received the Gerber Process Award and the Rich Burba Community Award from Audigy. She served on the executive board of the Dove Center, the local domestic violence center, and Project Healing Waters.
Kim Cavitt, Au.D.
Kim Cavitt, AuD, is the owner of Audiology Resources, which provides comprehensive operational, compliance, and reimbursement consulting services and products to hearing healthcare clinics, providers, organizations, buying groups, and manufacturers. Throughout her career, Cavitt has been actively involved in these issues and has written numerous articles, provided training, and given presentations at both the state and national levels on these topics.
Prior to her consulting business, she served as a clinical audiologist at The Ohio State University and Northwestern University and also spent two years as the director of professional relations at HearPO, now Amplifon Hearing Services. Cavitt is a past president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA)
Rita Chaiken, Au.D.
Dr. Chaiken is a leading expert in cerumen management and teaches cerumen management courses in North America. She is a past president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. Dr. Chaiken received the 2014 Salus University College of Audiology Alumnus of the Year and a Presidential Medal of Honor from Salus University in 2024. Her previous experience includes founding a private audiology practice, which she owned and operated for 12 years and serving on the State of Georgia Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology. Dr. Chaiken also served as a regional manager for a hearing instrument manufacturer for three years.
Sarah Curtis, Au.D., CH-TM.
Dr. Sarah Curtis is a distinguished audiologist and owner of Sounds of Life Hearing Center, which she founded in 2018 after gaining extensive experience in non-profit and hospital-based settings. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Dr. Curtis is deeply involved in advancing the field of audiology. She currently serves as the Ohio Academy of Audiology (OAA) representative for the Ohio Speech and Hearing Governmental Affairs Coalition and is a member of the American Academy of Audiology Coding & Reimbursement Committee. She is also part of the Entheos Audiology Cooperative.
In 2023, Dr. Curtis presented at both the AAA and ADA conferences on socioeconomic inequities in hearing healthcare, a subject on which she has also published. Her contributions to the profession were recognized with the prestigious 2023 Leo Doerfler Award from the ADA. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Laurie Daley, MS
Laurie Daley is a Senior Practice Services Manager at Sonova. Prior to joining Sonova in 2012, Laurie practiced as a clinical audiologist in central Massachusetts. As part of the Phonak outside sales team, she shared her passion for helping patients on their journey to better hearing, both with her customers and the team she led as Region Director. In her current role, Laurie continues to work with hearing healthcare providers to deliver an exceptional patient experience, and to thrive & grow in an ever-evolving industry.
Jill Davis, Au.D.
Dr. Jill Davis is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where she received both her Doctorate of Audiology and Bachelor of Science degrees. She is the owner and audiologist at Victory Hearing and Balance in Austin, Texas, a full scope audiology practice with emphasis on auditory training and cognitive health. Dr. Davis is currently a Director-at-Large for ADA and also co-chair of the education committee for the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA).
Kari Dermer, Au.D., CPC
Dr. Kari Dermer helps audiologists create a career plan with confidence without sacrificing their family or sanity in the process. She began her career at the University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology as the Founding Director of the University of Miami Children’s Hearing Program. Dr. Dermer managed a multi-million dollar budget while gaining international recognition. Dr. Dermer has served as the President of the Florida Academy of Audiology. She is the co-owner of dB Coaching Group with over 15 years of experience teaching, mentoring, presenting and coaching. Dr. Dermer is a bench coach for NextUp, an organization that supports executive women in business.
Erin Downard, Au.D.
Dr. Downard serves as the Director of Provider Engagement at TruHearing. She spent two years as a clinical trainer before joining the TruHearing team. She previously worked in a variety of clinical settings but spent most of her career in a private practice setting. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the Ohio State University in 2013 and a Doctoral degree in Audiology from Ball State University in 2017.
Matt Fitzgerald, Au.D.
Matt received his undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The Wichita State University, an M.S. in Audiology and Hearing Sciences from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. at Northwestern University in Communication Disorders with Dr. Beverly Wright exploring patterns of perceptual learning in individuals with normal hearing. In 2015 he became the Chief of Audiology at Stanford, where he oversees the Audiology departments of both Stanford Hospital and the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital.
Kevin Franck, Ph.D., MBA
Kevin Franck has been innovating in the inner ear space his entire career. His PhD in the late 1990s used electrophysiology to program cochlear implants. In the early 2000s he pioneered pediatric cochlear implant programming via telemedicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In the late 2000s he initiated Cochlear's Scalability Suite from Sydney, AU. In the early 2010s, he was part of start-up Ear Machine's acquisition by Bose to initiate OTC hearing aids. In the late 2010s he brought unbundling and self-audiometry to Mass Eye and Ear. In the early 2020s he attempted to bring new pharmaceuticals to hearing at Frequency Therapeutics and a stealth start-up. Now, he's at another start-up named Otolith Labs looking to bring new bone-conduction therapy to patients with vertigo.
Carly Girard, Au.D.
Dr. Carly Girard earned her Doctorate of Audiology from Indiana University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa. She is the owner of Hearing Associates, Inc., a private practice with two locations in the northern Chicago suburbs.
Dr. Girard has structured her practice to place a high emphasis on patient-centered care and continued education through the precepting of students. As a practice owner, she prioritizes creating a positive work environment and fostering a culture of teamwork among staff. She has extensive experience in adult cochlear implants, in addition to diagnostics and hearing aids. She has previously served on the Illinois Academy of Audiology board and has presented at both state and national conventions.
Dr. Girard and her husband currently live in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago with their two sons and golden retriever, Rusty.
Ron Gleitman, Ph.D.
Ron is a hearing industry veteran, having spent his entire career in audiology and the hearing care field. He has a Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology from Purdue University and experience owning and operating his own private practices. He now shares his experience and knowledge in hearing care to lead operations at Beltone and help its independent owners compete in their market space. Ron lives in Texas and enjoys spending time with his son Fletcher and wife Tracy. Together they watch lots of Purdue Sports and the Dallas Cowboys!
Andrea Gohmert, Au.D., ABAC, CCC-A, FNAP
Dr. Gohmert is the Director of Audiology Clinical Operations at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders and holds the rank of Clinical Associate Professor in the Speech, Language and Hearing Department in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. Before joining the University of Texas at Dallas in 2017, Dr. Gohmert served as a clinical audiologist for 25 years in hospitals and otology practices in Maryland, Virginia and Texas. Her areas of research and instruction include vestibular disorders, electrophysiology, and advanced diagnostics. She serves on the Board of Directors, Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), and is a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice.
Laurel Gregory, MA
Laurel Gregory holds a Master’s degree in audiology and has been working in the field of audiology for over 30 years. Her past work experience includes private practice audiologist, research audiologist, Manager of Clinical Research for ReSound and Starkey, Director of Product Management for Starkey, and Chief Engagement Officer of Skafold, LLC. Currently Laurel is the Director of Education and Research for Entheos Audiology Cooperative where she provides workshops, manages courses and conferences, and tracks and reports data for humanitarian initiatives. Laurel is a Certified DiSC facilitator, 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team and an Everything DiSC Authorized Partner, a Certified Facilitator and Trainer for the Passion Test and certified in the Creatrix. Laurel has presented on the topic of career and team engagement and various research topics at multiple AAA and ADA conferences, several state conferences, and Universities.
Jiovanne Hughart, Au.D.
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Hughart’s areas of special interest include vestibular diagnostics, hearing aid recommendations & fitting, and practice management. She conducts workshops throughout the US & Canada teaching cerumen management & foreign body removal. Dr. Hughart is an adjunct professor at Auburn University, and recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Leo Doerfler Award for Clinical Practice. Dr. Hughart enjoys spending time with her family, playing the violin and exercising.
Kaitlyn Hrouda
Kaitlyn is a fourth-year Au.D. student at Nova Southeastern University. She received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The Pennsylvania State University. Kaitlyn is completing her externship year at Alexandria Hearing Centers in Virginia, where she dispenses hearing aids, performs diagnostic testing, and completes vestibular evaluations. In her free time, Kaitlyn loves to read and try new restaurants
David Kemp
David Kemp is the Director of Business Development at Oaktree Products, a Wholesale Distributor of Clinical Supplies to the Hearing Professional. David's parents, Bob and Margy, started Oaktree Products back in 1992 out of the basement of their home with their flagship brand, Audiologist's Choice. Oaktree is now a second generation small family business, where David and his two siblings operate and manage the day-to-day operations, alongside their VP and Ph.D. Audiologist, A.U. Bankaitis-Smith.
Shruti Kulkarni, Esq.
Shruti Kulkarni is the Senior Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel for Amplifon Americas. In this role, Ms. Kulkarni is responsible for developing and executing Amplifon’s advocacy, policy, and alliance development efforts across U.S. and Canada.
J. Walter Kutz Jr., MD
J. Walter Kutz Jr., M.D., is a Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kutz is also Co-director of UT Southwestern Medical Center's Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) program. His clinical interests include diseases of the skull base, acoustic neuroma, cochlear implants, otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, and chronic otitis media.
Dr. Kutz is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology with a certificate of added qualification in Neurotology. He was recognized as a Best Doctor in Dallas by D Magazine. Dr. Kutz frequently lectures at both national and international meeting on endoscopic ear surgery, acoustic neuroma, skull base surgery, and chronic otitis media.
Jason Leyendecker, Au.D.
Dr. Leyendecker is the owner of a private practice in Minnesota with seven locations, including metro and rural locations, and a tinnitus clinic. He serves as a volunteer for several audiology associations and currently serves as the President of the Minnesota Academy of Audiology and Secretary of the Minnesota Sight and Hearing Association. Dr. Leyendecker earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and an Au.D. from A.T. Still University.
Colleen Le Prell, Ph.D.
Colleen Le Prell is the Emilie and Phil Schepps Professor of Hearing Science, Head of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, and Co-Director for the Clinical and Translational Research Center at UT Dallas. She has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DoD), philanthropic foundations, and industry, for research on prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. She is the academic leader for the DoD Hearing Center of Excellence Pharmaceutical Interventions for Hearing Loss work group and an invited member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee on Meaningful Outcome Measures in Adult Hearing Health Care. She also serves on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Occupational Research Agenda Hearing Loss Prevention Cross Sector Council, the NIH Center for Scientific Review Auditory System Study Section, and the World Health Organization Make Listening Safe working group.
Adam Locker, Au.D.
Adam Locker, Au.D., is the founder of Audiology A.I., a cutting-edge professional agency that empowers audiology and hearing businesses to grow through automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies. Audiology A.I. specializes in optimizing marketing strategies, boosting efficiency, and driving business growth in the audiology sector.
Dr. Locker also owns Delray Hearing Center in Delray Beach, Florida, where he delivers top-notch hearing care. With a diverse entrepreneurial background, he has developed and sold numerous businesses both within and outside audiology.
Dr. Locker is dedicated to helping private practice audiologists harness AI to enhance patient care, nurture, and acquisition to expand their practices.
Melodie Maerz, Au.D.
Dr. Melodie Maerz received a doctorate degree from Missouri State University. She is an active member of the Minnesota Academy of Audiology. Dr. Maerz is proud to work in a private practice owned by her daughter, Dr. Rebecca Younk that spans 18-clinics across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
Darla McDonald
Darla McDonald is a fourth-year Doctor of Audiology student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill currently completing her externship at the UNC Hearing & Communication Center. Darla graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and from North Carolina State University with a Master of Education in Science Education. Darla worked for 15 years as a high school science teacher and school administrator before embarking on a career in audiology. Darla enjoys working with older adults to improve their ability to communicate with family and friends. Additionally, she has a passion for helping patients with chronic dizziness and vestibular dysfunction. Outside of audiology, she enjoys running, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Natalie McKee, Au.D.
Natalie M. McKee earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL and a Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from Salus University. Dr. McKee purchased Bloomington-Normal Audiology in 2012, after 7 years of understudy with the original owner. BNA was the first private practice audiology clinic in Bloomington-Normal when it began in 1990; building a reputation of providing state-of-the art technology in audiology to Central Illinois residents of all ages. She currently serves as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Illinois Academy of Audiology.
Emily McMahan, Au.D.
Dr. Emily E. McMahan is an audiologist and the owner of Alaska Hearing & Tinnitus Center in Anchorage. In addition to her physical practices in Alaska she serves high needs tinnitus patients via Telehealth and in-person field clinics across the United States. She holds multi-state licensure in order to help patients receive access to care closer to home. She is passionate about tinnitus patient care, audiology, and best practices. In addition to seeing patients, she dedicates a considerable amount of time to educating audiologists on evidence-based tinnitus care and how to establish a tinnitus clinic. Dr. McMahan earned her Doctorate in Audiology and graduated from Salus University.
Mike Merola
Mike began his career as an Education and Public Health Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic before serving for five years in a variety of policy and political positions for a senior Democratic US Senator who served on the Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and Medicaid policy. Mike founded Winning Strategies Washington in 2001 as a bipartisan double-bottom line enterprise that is hyper-focused on customer service and results. He leads the firm's health care practice.
Carrie Meyer, Au.D.
Carrie Meyer, Au.D., is Director of Clinical Programs for Amplifon Hearing Healthcare. Dr. Meyer is an audiologist with over 30 years of clinical experience in diagnostic assessment of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance dysfunction as well as hearing aid evaluation, fitting, and verification. In her role as Director of Clinical Programs, Dr. Meyer works with providers, health plans and members to optimize member hearing health outcomes by improving clinical care pathways through provider innovation, member education, and health plan support. Dr. Meyer is Chair Elect of the American Board of Audiology and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology as well as the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. Dr. Meyer is a member of the Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents and chairs the Academic Committee.
Sydney Mingle
Sydney Mingle is a 4th year audiology doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently completing her externship and LEND fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With her undergraduate background in psychology and counseling for communication disorders, she strives to practice with compassion and guide patient/family-centered intervention.
Amol Nirgdukar
Amol Nirgudkar, Co-Founder and CEO of Patient Prism, LLC Amol helps dentists grow their practices and reach their goals. He is in an unusual position to offer practical insights. As a certified public accountant, business consultant, author, entrepreneur, and former owner of several dental practices, he has 20 years of experience working with dental practices, both large and small.
Gabriella Norton
I am originally from Dacula, Georgia and am currently a fourth year audiology student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I graduated magna cum laude with my Bachelor's of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) at the University of Georgia in May of 2021. I am currently completing my fourth year externship at the Durham VA Medical Center in Durham, NC and I work at a locally owned restaurant on the weekends. I am interested in working with adult populations and feel very passionate about working with veterans and providing accessible hearing healthcare. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, reading, and cooking!
Brandon Pauley, Esq.
Brandon is a Member in Brennan Manna Diamond’s (BMD) Columbus, Ohio office. Brandon counsels businesses, professional associations, and healthcare providers in areas involving financing arrangements, ownership disputes, ethics/licensure, cybersecurity and real estate transactions. Brandon has a national healthcare practice focusing on representation of audiologists and other participants in the hearing healthcare industry. Brandon’s depth of experience on a wide range of matters impacting audiologists provides the knowledge and skill necessary to help his clients navigate complex legal issues in a highly complex industry.
Charla Penn
Before joining WSW Charla spent over ten years serving as a health policy advisor in the House including senior Member of the Ways & Means Committee. As one of WSW’s leading health care policy specialists, she helps clients develop, manage, and implement comprehensive government relations strategies, often tackling some of the more complicated and technical aspects of Washington, DC as part of the process. Charla is able to translate complex policy matters into actionable items for clients, and gives them the context they need to make the best decision for their organization.
Brandy Pouliot, Au.D.
A native of New Hampshire, Brandy received undergraduate degrees in English and Communication Sciences in Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. In 2008, she earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Nova Southeastern University. Currently the Director of Audiology and Education for Sonova US, Brandy joined Phonak in 2012, and enjoys allowing individuals and their families to live a life without limitations.
Tish Ramirez, Au.D.
Dr. Tish Ramirez is the Global Commercialization Officer for Neuromod. In this position she is responsible for customers, interactions with consumers, as well as offering, launching, and introducing products to meet strategic commercial objectives. Before Neuromod, Tish was vice president of clinical education and product management for WSAudiology. Prior to this, she held roles in clinical education, sales management and as a clinical audiologist at Sivantos/Siemens, Phonak and CIGNA Healthcare. Tish holds a doctorate degree in Audiology from A.T. Still University, an MS from Arizona State University and a BS degree from the University of Arizona.
Rob Reid
Rob is the Sr. Director of Loyalty & Practice Services for Sonova, leading loyalty programs for all US brands. He has been with Sonova for more than 5 years and brings over 25 years of progressive sales, marketing and clinic operations experience to Sonova. Prior to joining Sonova, he led practice growth initiatives for over 350 North American clinic locations for GN Hearing and Amplifon.
Alyssa Ricevuto, Au.D., MBA
Dr. Alyssa Ricevuto has been with Phonak since 2017, in various training roles as Clinical Trainer, Key Account Clinical Trainer, and Senior Clinical Trainer. She is currently in the role of Marketing Manager- Marketing Programs responsible for program initiatives like cognition, reliability, and audiological value. Prior to joining Phonak, Alyssa spent ten years working as a clinician in both private practice and ENT settings. Alyssa is certified in the Jastreboff method of tinnitus management, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TNT), and has extensive knowledge and experience in vestibular testing and treatment. Alyssa received her BA from the University of Connecticut, Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.
Sandy Riley
Sandy Riley, Entheos Member Liaison and Community Relations, was working for Entheos Audiology Cooperative before Entheos Audiology Cooperative formally existed. She first was a volunteer for HearCare Connection and her enthusiasm in overcoming obstacles that seemed insurmountable. This led her to be the standout choice for Entheos’ first employee. She has since grown to be the glue of Entheos because of her ability to be highly directive in her requests and at the same time in perfect tune with the team’s spirit. In her position at Entheos, Sandy is responsible for helping members with their non-profit projects, including fundraising, mentoring and helping to procure patients. She is also responsible for ensuring that Entheos members feel connected and heard. Before Entheos, she was the Chief Administration Officer for Lincoln Coders, a small industrial printing company.
Marisol Rodriguez
Marisol is a fourth-year Au.D student at Nova Southeastern University. Currently, she is completing her externship at Atlantic Hearing, Balance, and Tinnitus Center in Port Orange, Florida. Her ambitions are to pursue a career in private practice while also dedicating herself to humanitarian work and advocacy efforts.
Michael Santucci, Au.D.
Michael Santucci, Au.D., is an award-winning audiologist and president and founder of Sensaphonics, Inc., Chicago, IL. Sensaphonics designs, develops and manufactures custom-in-the-ear products for the music industry. For over 35 years he has provided Audiological treatment and hearing protection strategies to Chicago area musicians, sound engineers, and many of today’s most prolific music performers /engineers. Michael is the Chair of the Music Induced Hearing Loss Task Force for the National Hearing Conservation Association, is Chair of the Technical Committee on Hearing and Hearing Loss Prevention for the Audio Enineering Society, consults for the Grammy foundation / Musicares, and has been a core member of the World Health Organization’s Listen Safe Initiative since its inception in 2015.
Nicole Smith
Fueled by a love for audience research and the eternal pursuit of “why?”, Nicole has spent her decade at agencies with all types of data–primary, secondary, qualitative and quant–to unlock methodologies that reveal human truths and emotions. Her integrated communications background ensures the research and findings are rooted in action and that companies are using the right channels, voices and messages to reach their audiences. At GCI Health, the insights she provides put people, especially patients, caregivers and doctors, at the center of the work.
Erik Sorenson
Erik Sorenson is a dynamic international speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, author, and marketer. Erik has established himself as an expert in the advertising & business growth industry, having worked with several Fortune 500 and 1000 clients. In addition, Erik owned and operated 2 Audiology Clinics in Arizona. His companies to date have generated nearly $100MM in revenue.
Erik is also a prolific author, having co-authored two best-selling books and his latest book, Commit First. He has been featured by Forbes, Inc Magazine, Financial Times & has spoken on the TED stage. In addition, his company made Inc. Magazine’s 5000 best companies in the US for the last 3 years in a row. He's a proud father and husband, a serial entrepreneur, marathon runner, IRONMAN™ triathlete, and an instrument-rated pilot.
Alicia Spoor, Au.D.
Alicia D.D. Spoor, Au.D. is President and Audiologist of Designer Audiology, LLC in Highland, MD. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Gallaudet University. She completed her fourth-year externship at the Mayo Clinic Arizona and joined the hearing aid and cochlear implant teams before moving back to Maryland. She opened her own practice in 2014 with an unbundled/itemized pricing structure, one of the first in the nation to do so from day one, to benefit the patient and demonstrate the value of the audiologist. Dr. Spoor is a Past President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and Maryland Academy of Audiology (MAA); she is the current ADA Advocacy Chair and MAA Legislative Chair. Alicia is a past recipient of ADA’s Craig W. Johnson Advocacy Award and MSU’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences’ Outstanding Alumni.
Jordan Strong, Au.D.
Dr. Strong is an active member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and the American Academy of Audiology, and she is the president-elect of the Louisiana Academy of Audiology for 2024. Additionally, Dr. Strong greatly enjoys sharing fun and educational content by co-hosting the “Ask an Audiologist” podcast
Steve Taddei, Au.D.
Steve Taddei, Au.D. is the Lab Director at HearAdvisor, America's leading hearing aid sound performance lab. He holds a degree in audio engineering from Columbia College Chicago and a doctorate in audiology from Northern Illinois University. This unique blend of expertise underscores his passion for the audio arts and his commitment to enhancing auditory experiences through hearing loss awareness and advanced hearing technologies.
Dr. Taddei is also a Senior Contributor at HearingTracker.com, where he provides in-depth consumer-centric hearing aid and earplug reviews. His dedication to the field extends to academia, where he serves as an adjunct faculty member at several colleges. Through his teaching, he aims to empower the next generation and inspire students to discover and pursue their own passions.
Chelsea Treseder, MBA
Chelsea Diles Treseder has extensive experience in the hearing aid industry, beginning with alphabetizing files in her family's audiology practice when she was a kid. While Chelsea has worked in other medical device spaces such as diabetes and dental, audiology & hearing care are her true passion. She spent a number of years at InSound Medical launching Lyric and thereafter at Phonak before transitioning back into her family businesses. Along with her siblings, she currently runs their 7-location audiology practice, Kenwood Hearing Centers; Pivot Hearing, a practice development services group; and most recently, My Vitals Pro, the hearing care industry's business intelligence and data analytics company. She is proud to be carrying on the 5-generation legacy that her great, great grandmother started in this industry. Chelsea holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Communication Sciences & Disorders from California State University, Chico.
Jenna Vallario, Au.D.
Dr. Jenna Vallario graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Florida in 2014 and her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of South Florida in 2019. She has been involved with Ears, Incorporated since 2017 and was a long-term volunteer with ABC Hearing Clinic and Training Center in Malawi from 2019-2024. Jenna is passionate about global hearing healthcare and is working to provide sustainable audiology services to those in Malawi.
Frank Wartinger, Au.D.
Frank Wartinger, Au.D. is the founder of Earmark Hearing Conservation, a music audiology clinic in Philadelphia. He serves on the CAOHC (Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation) Council representing the American Academy of Audiology, is an adjunct faculty at George S. Osborne College of Audiology and Wayne State University, and co-authored the AAA 2020 Clinical Consensus Document “Audiological Services for Musicians and Music Industry Personnel”. Additionally, Dr. Wartinger created and hosts “Talking Ears”, a musician-focused hearing health podcast.
Barbara Weinstein, Ph.D.
Dr. Barbara E. Weinstein received her Ph.D. from Columbia University where she began her academic career as a young faculty member. A Professor and Founding Executive Officer of the Health Sciences Doctoral Programs at the Graduate Center, CUNY, Dr. Weinstein also holds a position as an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in NYC. The author of both editions of Geriatric Audiology, Dr. Weinstein is the 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Almunus Award from her alma mater, Columbia University. Professor Weinstein developed the world’s most widely used tools to identify patients with hearing loss.. Dr. Weinstein’s primary research interests include psychosocial impacts of hearing/communication difficulties, dementia and social isolation, physician-patient communication. and auditory wellness. Her research on hearing loss, face masks-COVID-19, dementia, and social consequences of hearing loss, have implications at the intersection of audiology, public health.
Melony Winchester
Melony Winchester is a seasoned leader with over 26 years of experience at Starkey, currently serving as the Regional Director for the Western United States. She oversees 51 retail clinics and manages a team of 115 employees across Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona. Throughout her tenure, Melony has contributed to various departments, showcasing her versatility and dedication. She also chairs the Employee Rewards & Recognition Committee for the retail division, highlighting her commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. Melony is licensed in 3 states and holds a Certificate of Executive Leadership and a Certificate of Performance Leadership from Cornell University.