Shelley Ardonne (she/her)

What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?

I am interested in working with pediatric patients and their families, telehealth, and interdisciplinary practice. In addition to working on my AuD, I am working on my Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree and participating in a traineeship with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. I hope to combine information from audiology, public health, and the LEND program to best serve my patients for both the treatment and prevention of hearing loss. Having the opportunity to work with students from other areas of study has been so helpful for learning about the multiple professions that are part of an interdisciplinary team.

Children with hearing loss often have other co-occurring conditions, and having the knowledge of what each member of their team does is critical to providing the best care for the child and family. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to perform hearing evaluations, hearing aid selections, and follow-up appointments via telehealth. It has been such a cool experience! It is so rewarding to help patients in rural areas so that they do not have to travel hours in order to receive audiological services. I hope to expand telehealth practices wherever I end up following graduation.

Have you previously volunteered with the SAA?

I am currently the treasurer of our university chapter of SAA. I create and manage the budget, keep records of all expenses and reimbursements, manage our checking and savings account, collect and document local and national dues, and collaborate with our president and advisor regarding events and national membership status of members. As a first-year, I was elected first-year representative by my cohort. In this role, I served as a liaison between my cohort and the SAA board. I also planned and emceed the third-year tribute ceremony for our students leaving for externships.

Aside from the SAA, what other relevant volunteer experiences do you have?

At my undergraduate university, I served as the philanthropy chair for LSU’s chapter of NSSLHA. In this role, I planned activities and coordinated volunteers for events related to advocacy and fundraising. I also participated in a Dance Marathon at LSU, where I fundraised and participated in events that supported the children at our local children’s hospital. I am currently in the LEND traineeship program, which is Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities. I attend two meetings per month with an interdisciplinary team, where we discuss topics related to legislation, advocacy, and clinical care for children and families who have special needs.