AuDTONOMY 2025

Amyn Amlani, Ph.D.

Amyn M. Amlani, PhD, is President of Otolithic, LLC, a consulting firm that provides competitive market analysis and support strategy, economic and financial assessments, segment targeting strategies and tactics, professional development, and consumer insights. Dr. Amlani has been in hearing care for 25+ years, with extensive professional experience in the independent and medical audiology practice channels, as an academic and scholar, and in industry.

Jordan Coates, MBA

Jordan was introduced to the world of audiology in 2014 when he met his future wife, an audiologist. After they were married, they took action on his desire to own a family business and her desire to treat patients the "right" way and to bring world-class audiological care to their small town. Coates Hearing Clinic was established in 2019 and has 2 locations and 4 audiologists. Jordan is responsible for the non-clinical aspects of the practice such as finances, insurance and marketing. Jordan graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2008 with a BA in Communication Studies and from Strayer University in 2018 with an MBA.

Kathleen Coates, Au.D.

Dr. Kathleen Coates was first introduced to audiology when she was diagnosed with tinnitus and hearing loss in her left ear. Dr. Coates completed her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science and a minor in Aging Studies from The Ohio State University. She went on to graduate school at the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium. She finished her externship at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem. She fell in love with NC, so she decided to stay. Later, she also learned that her husband has Meniere’s disease. Dr. Coates’ husband’s family has been from Smithfield, NC, for generations. In these rural communities, there was a need for audiology care. She and her husband opened the Smithfield location in January of 2019 and Goldsboro in June of 2023. They grew from 2 employees to now having 11. She is actively involved in her community with volunteering, sponsorships and educational seminars. Running a practice and being a wife and mother can be challenging but it is well worth it.

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).

Josiah Dykstra, Ph.D.

Josiah Dykstra, Ph.D. is the owner of Designer Security, a consulting business devoted to the cybersecurity needs in healthcare. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a cybersecurity practitioner, researcher, and technical leader in government and industry. He is a frequent speaker and co-author of the book Cybersecurity Myths and Misconceptions.

Tom Ethen

Tom has been a member of the Stearns Bank team since 1997, specializing in small business banking. He is passionate about assisting audiologists with their financing and banking needs. No situation is too complex for Tom, he is always up for the challenge. Together with Stearns Bank, Tom has solutions for practice start-ups, acquisitions, expansions, equipment purchases, inventory, working capital, real estate construction or renovation, debt refinance and much more! He can also offer business bank accounts that pay interest on balances, are free from fees and include the best-in-class mobile banking services.

Tom takes pride in his ability to find creative solutions and deliver results quickly. As an employee owner of Stearns Bank, he is genuinely committed to providing exceptional service, efficiency, and open communication at every stage of the process.

Laurel Gregory, MA

Laurel Gregory holds a Master’s degree in audiology and has been working the field of audiology for over 30 years. Her past work experience include 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.

Kari Harsh, Au.D.

Kari Harsh earned her Doctor of Audiology degree in 2011 from West Virginia University. She is a fellow of both the American Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and is board certified by the American Board of Audiology.

At Allegany Hearing & Balance, Dr. Harsh specializes in balance testing and canalith repositioning, comprehensive adult and pediatric evaluations, and adult hearing systems. When not in the office helping community members hear and live their best, she loves to travel and/or spend time with her scruffy pup Solo.

Dawn Heiman, Au.D.

Dr. Heiman is an audiologist who created two successful audiology practices as well as started a pediatric audiology and cochlear implant program for a hospital system. She has been an audiologist for over 25 years and is constantly wondering if there were ways to improve out patient outcomes by improving our clinical delivery systems. She leads masterminds with audiology practice owners. Dr. Heiman is a Past President of ADA.

Judy Huch, Au.D.

Dr. Huch has been a practice owner Oro Valley Audiology since 1998. Another milestone was reached creating Grace Hearing Center, which provides a model of excellent hearing healthcare to the underserved and underinsured for the State of Arizona. Dr. Huch also participates in Hearing Humanitarian clinics with Entheos Audiology Co-op around the globe each year, providing audiology services to those who can’t afford hearing healthcare or who do not have access. She is currently directing a startup clinic in Thamo Village in the Sherpa Valley in Nepal to ensure sustainability within their own community. Advocating for better healthcare within Audiology she has served on local, state and national audiology organizations boards and committees. Additional work; Board of Arizona Audiology Coalition; Chair on American Academy of Audiology Task force for Public Awareness; Academy of Doctors of Audiology Advocacy Committee, Academy of Doctors of Audiology Board Member, Entheos Cooperative Board.

Dana Jacobson, Au.D.

Dr. Jacobson has been with Associated Audiologists for more than a decade and performed her clinical externship with the practice as well. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology degree from the University of Kansas. Dr. Jacobson provides clinical supervision to graduate students at the University of Kansas Medical Center and currently serves on the Kansas Board of Hearing Aid Examiners.

Dr. Jacobson is a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), holds a certificate of clinical competence in audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and is a member of the Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA). She has participated in several medical mission trips to Antigua, Guatemala, and manages the practice’s various philanthropic programs.

Nikki Kopetzky, Au.D.

Dr. Nikki Kopetzky received her Doctorate of Audiology from Salus University after completing her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She spent 15 years focusing on medical and pediatric audiology at one of Nebraska’s largest ENT clinics. In 2020, she opened Active Hearing Health in Omaha, NE where she serves all ages and specializes in both hearing and balance disorders. Dr. Kopetzky is currently a Director-at-Large for ADA, is the VP of Legislative Affairs for the NE Speech Language Hearing Association (NSLHA),and serves on the Nebraska Hearing Instrument Specialist Licensing Board.

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.

Jessica Lovell

Jessica Lovell, VP, Large Client Marketing and Audiology lead for Synchrony Health and Wellness. She leads marketing relationships with clients, partners and associations to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies that align with patient, provider, business and financial goals. Jessica is passionate about the hearing industry and has 15+ years of marketing experience at companies such as Synchrony, Citibank and The PGA TOUR. Jessica obtained her BA in Marketing from Auburn University, while lettering on the Auburn’s golf team.

Rachel Magann Faivre, Au.D.

Rachel Magann Faivre, AuD, owns ASH Audiology PLLC, a mobile private practice in Oklahoma. She is active in state and national audiology organizations, particularly around issues concerning advocacy, patients’ rights, and teaching student leaders. She previously served on the Academy of Doctors of Audiology’s board as treasurer and director-at-large, was director-at-large for The Audiology Project, and was a team leader for The Mine OKC. She is a longstanding fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. Dr. Magann Faivre grew up around hearing loss and empathizes with patients when discussing their hearing journey. She is dedicated to creating a positive and integrative hearing healthcare experience so her patients are informed and confident.

Emily McMahan, Au.D.

Dr. Emily E. McMahan is the owner of Alaska Hearing & Tinnitus Center in Anchorage. In addition to her physical practice 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 their home. She is passionate about tinnitus patient care, audiology, and best practices. Dr. McMahan is an adjunct faculty at the University of Alaska and the University of South Dakota.

In addition to seeing patients full time and hosting 4th year AuD students, 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.

Brooke Means, Au.D.

Dr. Brooke Means is a licensed audiologist and co-owner of North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Centers (NGA). She began her career as a 4th-year resident at NGA in 2015, where she quickly demonstrated a passion for leadership and practice development. In the following year, Dr. Means played a pivotal role in the opening of NGA’s third location. In 2022, she accepted a new role as co-owner of all three NGA offices, partnering with her colleague Dr. Jessica Allen to purchase NGA from the former owner. Together they have continued the NGA legacy of being the “Most Trusted Hearing Experts in North Georgia.”

The hearing-impaired population has always been special to Dr. Means, as her younger brother was born with profound hearing loss. She enjoys spending time with her husband & two young children, singing at her church, and cheering on the UGA Bulldawgs!

Stacy O'Brien, Au.D.

Dr. Stacy O’Brien, Board-Certified Audiologist, is the owner of Atlantic Hearing, Balance and Tinnitus Center with locations along the east coast of Florida offering hearing, tinnitus, vestibular and cochlear implant services, Dr. O'Brien is also a partner with Acuity Healthcare Partners, providing strategic business partnerships and resources for marketing, strategic planning, HR/recruiting/onboarding/training/retaining, as well as clinical and financial operations. She received her undergraduate education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her Doctoral studies at the University of South Florida, Tampa.

Dr. O’Brien was inspired to become an Audiologist when her youngest daughter suffered from middle ear issues and the treatment process, she went through instilled a dream within Stacy to help others in a similar manner.

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.

Erica Person, Au.D.

Dr. Erica Person, who specializes in hearing aid and tinnitus management, has been a private practice owner since 2005. She welcomes both adult and pediatric patients while operating in an unbundled service delivery model. Her dedication and commitment to the audiology field extends beyond the Flex Audiology walls. Dr. Person thoroughly enjoys hosting The Unbundled Audiologist podcast. Through this platform, she teaches other private practice owners how to thrive in the current hearing care environment. Additionally, Dr. Person is one of the founding members of the Indiana Audiology Coalition and presently serves as their president. She is also the current president of the Audiology Practice Standards Organization. Dr. Person notes that her greatest accomplishment is creating a well-balanced life where she can serve others while still spending quality time with her husband and two small children.

Maggie Robertson, Au.D.

Dr. Maggie Robertson is originally from Louisville, KY. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia and earned her Doctorate in Audiology from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Robertson completed her residency year at The Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where she gained experience in all specialties of audiology. Dr. Robertson specializes in the areas of comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment, treatment, and hearing conservation. She is an active member of the American Academy of Audiology, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and the South Carolina Academy of Audiology. Dr. Robertson lives in Greenville with her husband and her two little boys

Liz Rogers, Au.D.

Dr. Rogers is a private practice owner of Southeast Kentucky Specialty Clinic (formally Southeast Kentucky Audiology) providing audiology, speech, and ENT services. She is a former board member of the Kentucky Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. Dr. Rogers has consistently grown her business and implemented strategies to practice at the top of the audiology scope, as well as adding additional specialties to provide comprehensive and excellent care to the residents of Southeastern Kentucky.

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.

Whitney Swander, Au.D.

Dr. Whitney Swander has been an audiologist since 2000. 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 business from the previous owner, transformed it into an audiology practice providing best practices and a wider scope of care. There are currently 4 locations. Dr. Swander has mentored and employed dozens of interns, externs and audiologists at all stages in their career.

Dr. Swander was awarded the Leo Doerfler Award, which recognizes an audiologist who has demonstrated outstanding clinical services in the community throughout his or her career, by ADA in 2022. She has served on the board of ADA and is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, and the Colorado Academy of Audiology. She also ensures that all the audiologists on her team are members of ADA and CAA in order to stay abreast of audiology matters.

Jennifer L. Tackett, Ph.D.

Dr. Jennifer L. Tackett is Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University, editor-in-chief of Clinical Psychological Science, and Faculty Affiliate at the Institute for Policy Research. Dr. Tackett previously held faculty appointments at the University of Toronto and the University of Houston, and has served as an associate editor at eleven scientific journals since 2008. She has over 200 empirical publications that have been cited over 17,000 times and has received external funding for her research continuously since 2006. Her work investigates leadership emergence and development with a focus on personality, development, and diversity frameworks. In both research and consulting practice, she examines individual pathways to successful leadership in traditional and entrepreneurial contexts.

Alexandra Tarvin, Au.D.

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 Audiology Advocate Award.