Student Academy of Audiology

A Fireside Chat with Audiology Students and Professionals with Hearing Loss
2025-01-15 20:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
Join the national SAA for an engaging panel discussion with students and audiologists with hearing loss. Through this discussion, you will get an opportunity to hear about the unique challenges and opportunities that they face in the clinic, in classes, and in their everyday lives. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding panelists experiences and to foster a discussion regarding accessibility and support for those with hearing loss.
Register
Speakers
Sarah Sparks, AuD
Dr. Sparks is a full-time educational audiologist within the Baltimore City Public School system. She also has a small online business focused on audiology education, counseling, and consulting, and she teaches as an adjunct instructor within both audiology doctoral programs and master’s programs in deaf education. Dr. Sparks is a proud alumna of Gallaudet University’s AuD program. She is deaf herself, communicates in both American Sign Language and spoken/written English, and is a bilateral cochlear implant user.

Michelle Hu, AuD
Dr. Hu is the powerhouse behind the Instagram account Mama Hu Hears, a vibrant community space where she blends her personal journey with her professional expertise to uplift hearing parents of d/Deaf or hard of hearing children and inspire her d/Deaf or hard of hearing peers. As the author of the must-read guide, “My Child Has Hearing Loss, Now What?”, Michelle brings over 15 years of experience as a pediatric audiologist, specializing in everything from diagnosis and amplification to cochlear implants and aural rehabilitation.

Mary Rose Bethel, AuD
Dr. Bethel received her bachelors in Speech-Language-Hearing sciences from Loyola University Maryland, and her clinical doctorate in Audiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Her clinical interests include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and clinical education. Dr. Bethel has published three articles based on her research regarding the clinical experiences of d/Deaf or hard of hearing audiology graduate students. She completed her clinical externship year at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), and now works as a clinical audiologist at UPMC Eye and Ear Institute. She currently supervises graduate audiology students from the University of Pittsburgh in clinical activities and arranges observation opportunities for undergraduate students pursuing audiology.
Natalia Matteo
Natalia is a third-year audiology doctoral student at WashU Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Florida. Currently, she is in her second year with the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Students with Hearing Loss Subcommittee and serves as the Secretary for the WashU SAA Chapter. Natalia’s clinical interests include pediatric audiology, early identification and intervention, and healthcare accessibility. She looks forward to working with children and families to empower them on their individual hearing loss journeys.
Mindee Anderson
Mindee Anderson is a third-year audiology doctoral student at Utah State University. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Communication Disorders. She is the current chair of the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Students with Hearing Loss Subcommittee and the Vice President of the USU SAA Chapter. Her clinical interests include doing almost anything except for cerumen management. She particularly loves working with hearing aids and tinnitus patients.
Nicole Genser
Nicole Genser is an audiology doctoral student at Montclair State University and is currently completing her residency at the Center for Hearing and Communication in New York City. Her clinical interests include aural rehabilitation and amplification. She has engaged in multiple educational, research. and advocacy-based initiatives related to promoting equal access for deaf individuals. Being d/Deaf and a hearing-aid user herself, she is motivated towards fusing her academic, work, and personal experiences to help close substantial gaps in these areas.

Fall 2024 National SAA Town Hall
2024-11-14 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-12 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-04 20:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
Being a nationally recognized SAA Chapter has its benefits. One of these benefits is the opportunity for local SAA chapter representatives to attend national SAA virtual town halls. The virtual town halls are designed to improve inter-chapter relationships, facilitate communications between national SAA and SAA chapters, and build a support network for local SAA chapters.
Multiple times and dates are offered for each town hall. The dates offered for the Fall 2024 Town Halls are:

November 4, 2024
November 12, 2024
November 14, 2024

Sign-Up!
Note: In order to maintain national SAA recognition, a local SAA chapter representative is required to participate in at least one town hall during the 2024-2025 term – Fall, Winter, or Spring.

Cracking the Code: Demystifying Billing and Coding
2024-10-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Participants will learn the fundamentals to prepare them for billing and coding practices as an audiologist. Academy’s chair of the Coding and Reimbursement Committee, Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD, will provide a lively presentation of good practices in documentation and compliance and primary resources for payer information. She will also engage participants in reviewing select case vignettes to determine appropriate CPT and ICD codes.
Register
Speaker

Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD is currently the Jo Mayo Endowed assistant professor of audiology in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and her post-doctoral fellowship in Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Jilla’s academic, clinical, and research interests are in payer policy, public health, and health economics. She currently serves as the chair of the Coding and Reimbursement Committee for the American Academy of Audiology and vice president of professional issues and a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Academy of Audiology.

Applying to Audiology Grad School Panel
2024-10-09 20:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Embarking on a journey towards a career in audiology requires a well-informed and strategic approach to the graduate school application process. This panel discussion, hosted via Zoom, is designed to illuminate the intricacies of applying to audiology graduate programs and provide prospective students with practical guidance from experienced professionals in the field. The panel features a diverse group of current graduate students and a knowledgeable audiology program director who will offer insights into the essential components of a successful application.
Topics covered will include how to craft a standout personal statement that reflects passion and commitment to the field, the significance of relevant clinical and research experiences, and strategies for securing strong letters of recommendation. Panelists will also address the unique aspects of the audiology graduate school application process, such as specific prerequisites, the importance of clinical observation hours, and preparation for interviews.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable advice on how to navigate challenges and make informed decisions throughout their application journey. After this discussion attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to approach their applications with confidence, ultimately helping them to achieve their academic and professional goals in the profession of audiology.
Register
Speakers
Jennifer Smart, PhD
Jennifer L. Smart, PhD, CCC-A is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Doctor of Audiology program in the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Dr. Smart is committed to the advancement of the field of audiology through research, teaching, and service. She has published in multiple journals and presented her work both nationally and internationally. Her current research is focused on improving healthcare access for underserved populations and the diagnosis and rehabilitation of adults and children with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Her extensive commitment to community service includes over 14 years with Special Olympics in both Maryland and Michigan. She is currently a volunteer Clinical Director with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) for both Healthy Hearing and Healthy Young Athletes. Her dedication to community service with underserved populations has been recognized with numerous awards.

Ty Huck
Ty Huck is a current second-year AuD student at Idaho State University. He is currently serving as the national SAA Idaho State Ambassador. His passion for audiology is deeply rooted in his personal experience with severe to profound hearing loss. Having faced many challenges and the stigma associated with it, he is committed to using his experiences to raise awareness and provide support for others who live with hearing loss. Ty enjoys many aspects of audiology and aspires to become a catalyst for improving accessibility for those with hearing loss.
Emma Ingalls
Emma Ingalls is a second-year AuD student at Central Michigan University. She completed her Bachelor’s of Applied Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University. Her interest in audiology began after learning about the prevalence of hearing loss in the veteran population. In the future she hopes to work with veterans by conducting research on how to provide the better hearing protection for soldiers. Her current interests are in hearing aids, diagnostics, and hearing conservation. She is currently working on a research study looking at improving automated hearing aid safety and audibility using head circumference and height compared to age as a better predictor of ear canal volume. Emma has also been working on a project looking at autonomic nervous system function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. She looks forward to continuing her education and working with incoming students!
Sakshi Patel
Sakshi Patel is a second-year student at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, California. Sakshi’s journey on the other side of the booth has fueled her desire to become an audiologist. While she is still exploring which specialty she wants to pursue, Sakshi is passionate about finding the right path. In her free time, she enjoys journaling and taking walks with her little sister.

Ask Me Anything - An Audiology Student’s Guide to Clinical Experiences
2024-09-24 19:30 - 21:00
Are you interested in learning about how to prepare for audiology clinical placements? Join the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA), national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), and the Student Academy of Doctors of Audiology (SADA) as we host a panel of audiology graduate students with a diverse background of clinical placements. This virtual event is a great opportunity to hear from current AuD students about their experiences navigating clinical placements. This webinar will help you learn tips and strategies to make the most of your clinical experiences.

Attendees will learn:

About the various opportunities for clinical placements
How to prepare for and optimize your clinical experiences
How to adapt to different supervision styles
How to manage conflicts when working collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
What resources are available to support you during your clinical placement

Registration is FREE for audiology students. Click the button below to register.
Register

Panelists
Alexandra Alfieri
Jerae Bryant, AuD
Allison Duplain
Breanna Langenek
Sierra Morrow

A Fireside Chat with Audiology Students and Professionals with Hearing Loss
2024-05-01 20:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Join the national SAA students with hearing loss, members relations, and programs committees for a thought provoking and intimate panel discussion featuring audiology students and professionals with hearing loss changing lives in our profession as individuals who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing. This is an opportunity to ask questions, hear personal stories and perspectives, and discover new resources.
More information and speaker bios will be added soon!
Register
Speakers
Tina Childress, AuD
Dr. Tina Childress is an educational audiologist in the mainstream school settings in East Central Illinois at CASE Audiology and a consultant/trainer for the Illinois School for the Deaf. She likes to also call herself a Communication Access Engineer. One of her passions is creating resources for children and adults and all the people that support them. Her nickname is Techy Tina and she is known for her expertise on assistive technology, apps, accessibility options online, cochlear implants, and accessibility at cultural events such as theater. Dr. Childress is a sought out subject matter expert as a presenter, advocate and teacher, and she is also active on several national, state and local Boards and Committees of advocacy and professional organizations. She likes to say that audiology chose her because she started her career as a hearing audiologist. Her first year in the field, she experienced a rapidly progressive hearing loss due to Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease, eventually maxxed out her hearing aids and received her first cochlear implant in 2000 and became a bilateral recipient in 2005. She is comfortable using spoken English or ASL to communicate and identifies as Deaf, deaf, Hard of Hearing and late-deafened, codeswitching, depending on the situation. She has been an audiologist for almost 25 years and can’t imagine doing anything else!
Yana Estes, BS

Kaley Graves, BA

Lillian Herring, MA

Amanda Schnayer, AuD
Dr. Amanda Schnayer (formerly Demas) received her AuD from Washington University in St. Louis in May of 2022. During her time at WashU, she co-founded the national Students with Hearing Loss subcommittee and served on the national SAA Board of Directors. She currently works at Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants in Mesa, Arizona. In clinic, she works with patients across the lifespan and specializes in diagnostic audiological assessments along with hearing aid care, cochlear implants, and Osia. Dr. Schnayer is also a clinical preceptor to students at A.T. Still University. She was identified with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss during a routine school hearing screening at age 5, and has worn hearing aids ever since.
Keerthana Velappan, AuD

Becoming a New Professional: Q&A Panel
2024-02-07 20:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
The Q&A Panel will be hosted by the national SAA Michigan State Ambassador and State Ambassador Mentor courtesy of the national SAA State Ambassador Program and national SAA Virtual Education Series. Comprised of panelists from across the country practicing a wide array of specialties, audiology students will be provided an opportunity to receive helpful tips and information as they transition from student to early career professional.
Questions can be submitted to the panel via the registration process prior to the live event. Registrants can also submit questions during the panel.
Register
Hosts
Kaylee Knowles, BA
National SAA Michigan State Ambassador
Kaylee Knowles is a second-year doctor of audiology student at Central Michigan University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Maine, Orono. She is the Vice President of the Central Michigan University’s SAA chapter in addition to serving as the Michigan state ambassador. Her main areas of interest include pediatric audiology, cochlear implants, and auditory processing.

Rachel Fryatt, AuD
Clinical Audiologist, University of Michigan Cochlear Implant Program
National SAA Michigan State Ambassador Mentor
Rachel Fryatt, AuD, is a clinical audiologist at Michigan Medicine specializing in implantable devices and hearing aids for pediatric and adult populations. She received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, and her masters and audiology doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Fryatt is the clinic lead of the Adult Bone Conduction Device program as well as the UM Cochlear Implant Peer Mentor Program. She is state and national organizations, and serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Audiology Coalition.

Panelists
Kaitlyn Kennedy, AuD
Audiologist
Mercy Health
Kaitlyn M. Kennedy, AuD, PASC, is a pediatric audiologist with the Mercy Health system in St. Louis, Missouri. She recently obtained her Pediatric Audiology Speciality Certification (PASC) from the American Board of Audiology. Prior to her current position, she worked in an otology office completing the full scope of audiology practice including implantable devices, vestibular evaluations, and facial nerve testing. Dr. Kennedy currently serves as a member-at-large for the American Academy of Audiology board of directors. When not doing something audiology related, she is probably playing frisbee with her dog.

Dakota Sharp, AuD
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, where he works with students and pediatric patients at the Children’s Cochlear Implant Center at UNC. He received both his undergraduate and Doctor of Audiology degree from James Madison University, and completed his externship with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. His passion for educating led to the creation of On The Ear: An Audiology Podcast, where he interviews a wide variety of experts across the spectrum of communication.

Molly Smeal, AuD
Audiologist, Division of Audiology
University of Miami
Molly Smeal, AuD, CCC-A is a clinical audiologist in the Division of Audiology at the University of Miami. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology and was the first post-doctoral audiology fellow at the University of Miami Ear Institute. Dr. Smeal practices as a clinical audiologist specializing in diagnostics, auditory implants, and single-sided deafness. She has led and participated in several subcommittees focused on clinical quality control. She is a published author and invited national and international presenter. Dr. Smeal is involved in several national audiology organizations and is a participant of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance State Champions.

Natalie Hayes, AuD
Audiologist
Boston Children’s Hospital
Natalie Hayes, AuD, is a pediatric audiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. She joined the Boston Children’s team in 2021 following graduation from the Doctor of Audiology program at Washington University in St. Louis. She completed her externship at the University of Michigan hospitals with a special focus in pediatrics. Her current areas of clinical focus are comprehensive pediatric diagnostics, amplification, and evaluation of central auditory processing. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dog and trying out new restaurants. Natalie is a Michigander at heart, born and raised in Grand Rapids!

Emily Venskytis, AuD
Director of Clinical Education
Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Emily Jo Venskytis, AuD, is Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Audiology program within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Additionally, she serves as a clinical audiologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in the Charlestown office. She enjoys training the next generation of audiologists in mindful, patient-centered and evidence-based practice.
Dr. Venskytis received her doctorate in audiology at Arizona State University. Prior to moving to Boston, she worked at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on a variety of specialty teams, including those focused on congenital ear anomalies and cochlear implants. Her areas of interest include diagnostics for difficult-to-test patients, electrophysiology, and the audiologic management of cochlear implants, bone anchored devices and hearing aids.
Resources

Getting Comfortable Introducing Yourself as “Doctor”: Transitioning from AuD Student to New Professional
Tips on Transitioning From Undergraduate to Graduate Student; Student to Audiology Professional
Resources for New Audiologists
Fellow Up! Program

Out of the Booth Audiology
2024-01-17 20:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Have you considered providing audiological care outside the traditional clinic walls? Join New York City-based mobile audiologist and educator, Kathleen Wallace, AuD, to discuss the future of service delivery models.
Register
Speaker

Kathleen Wallace, AuD completed her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College and her Doctor of Audiology at the CUNY Graduate Center, where she now serves as an adjunct professor. Kathleen is the Director of Education and lead audiologist for New York City for Anywhere Audiology, a mobile audiology practice conducting in-home visits throughout the tri-state area. She is also the Head of Provider Education for Tuned, a hearing tele-health benefit. Kathleen’s audiologic specialties include alternative service delivery models, consumer education, and public outreach. She is a member of the Editorial Committee for Hearing Health Magazine, to which she contributes quarterly, and creates educational audiology content on social media as EarDocOfTikTok and @kathleenwallaceaud. Kathleen has also been featured as an author in the Hearing Journal and Audiology Today, a guest on Future Ear Radio, This Week In Hearing, and The Hearing Journal podcasts, and a presenter at the annual Academy of Doctors of Audiology conference. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

Is Private Practice For You?
2023-11-05 20:30 - 21:30
Have you ever considered entering private practice? Join us for an informative session with Gyl Kasewurm, AuD, who will break down common myths, explain pros and cons, and answer your questions.
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Speaker

Gyl Kasewurm, AuD, is a highly esteemed figure in the field of hearing healthcare, renowned for her exceptional contributions and innovative approach. As the founder and operator of Professional Hearing Services (PHS) in Saint Joseph, Michigan, she has cultivated a practice that sets the standard for the patient experience and grosses almost 4 million dollars in a single office.
Her illustrious career has been adorned with numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Academy of Audiology. Moreover, she was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by Western Michigan University’s Department of Health and Human Services, an exclusive distinction bestowed upon only a select few among the university’s vast alumni network.
Dr. Kasewurm’s passion for fostering empowerment and community among female hearing healthcare providers led her to establish DrGyl’s Women of Wonder, a thriving Facebook group that now boasts over 2000 members. Her dedication to improving patient care, sharing knowledge, and empowering fellow professionals serves as an inspiration to all.

Trauma Informed Care
2023-10-25 20:30 - 21:30
It is important to understand how unseen barriers can affect access to care in Audiology. This session will explore the topic of trauma, how it relates to equity, trauma-informed care, and ways to implement this approach in the field of Audiology.
Register
Speaker

Brittney Sprouse, AuD, is the director of audiology and a pediatric audiologist at UChicago Medicine. Dr. Sprouse received her Doctorate in Audiology from the Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium (University of Akron) in 2009. Dr. Sprouse is not only an American Board of Audiology Certified audiologist but she also holds the Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC). Dr. Sprouse’s clinical interests include electrophysiology; cochlear implants; ototoxicity monitoring; management of special populations; outreach and education. She has been actively involved on the state and national level, including 2019 President of the Illinois Academy of Audiology (ILAA), Past President of the Ohio Academy of Audiology (OAA), additional board and committee positions, and is currently on the board of directors for the American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACIA).

Fall National SAA Virtual Town Hall
2023-10-09 20:00 - 21:00
One the benefits of being a nationally recognized SAA Chapter is the opportunity for local SAA chapter leadership and/or a designated national SAA chapter representative to attend national SAA town halls. The virtual town halls are designed to improve inter-chapter relationships, facilitate communications, and build a support network for local SAA chapters.
Multiple times and dates will be offered for each town hall to accommodate various schedules. The dates offered for the Fall Town Halls are:

October 9, 2023
October 11, 2023
October 17, 2023
November 2, 2023

Click on the button below to attend this Town Hall!
Note: In order to maintain national recognition, a local SAA chapter representative is required to participate in at least one town hall during the 2023-2024 term – Fall, Winter, or Spring.
Sign-Up

Stress Management 101
2023-09-19 20:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
We live in a time of abundance where our access to information and resources has never been greater. This, however, has not correlated with improved psychological well-being. If anything, studies are demonstrating that stress, burnout, substance abuse and mental health disorders are on the rise. Stressors are prevalent in all aspects of life from personal to professional. Mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and depression are often caused by mismanaged stress over time. Health care providers, such as audiologists, can be especially vulnerable to the impacts of stress in the dynamic environments they operate in and in response to demands of being a caregiver. Occupational stress leading to burnout can negatively impact the provider’s health, job stability and quality of care. Early intervention is imperative in reversing the negative impacts of poorly managed stress. Through this presentation, participants will be provided practical strategies for assessing and managing stress to promote resilience. Furthermore, exercises to build resilience as a method of preventing unavoidable future stress will be emphasized. The goal of any good treatment program should be to get patients to a point of being able to care for themselves and identify potential threats before they turn into problems. This presentation will discuss individual and collective ways to achieve those goals.
Register
Speaker Information

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Kyle H. Shepard, Au.D. is an Audiologist for the United States Navy. Prior to his commissioning in August 2013, he received his Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University where he double majored in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology. He then obtained his Doctorate in Audiology from the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium. His 4th year externship was completed at the Cleveland Clinic from 2012-2013 where he was required to complete seven rotations, each specializing in a different area covering the scope of Audiology. He is currently stationed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River where he is the Branch Head of Helmet Systems and Auditory Performance within the Naval Air Warfare Center – Aircraft Division Command. There he manages and collaborates with engineers and other medical specialties working on research projects contributing to areas in advanced hearing protection and communication systems, active noise reduction, 3D scanning, 3D printing and in-the-ear noise dosimetry. He was formally stationed at Naval Hospital Guam where he was the Department Head of Audiology and Hearing Conservation Program Manager of Joint Region Marianas as well as Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune where he was the Department Head of Operational Audiology and Hearing Conservation Program Manager of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. In 2015, he was the recipient of both the Military Audiology Association’s Elizabeth Guild Award and Navy Audiologist of the Year.
Resources

10 Tips to De-Stress on World Mental Health Day
How to Handle Burnout
Life Lessons from a Leave of Absence

Imposter Syndrome: It's Not Just You!
2023-06-01 20:00 - 21:00
Imposter Syndrome is notoriously common but not often discussed. During this session, we will review the meaning and history behind this phenomenon. We’ll also discuss contributing factors to this experience along with coping mechanisms that may help. The goal of the session is to be vulnerable about a shared experience in order to both facilitate and normalize these kinds of discussions.
Speaker

Ashley Hughes, AuD earned her doctorate of audiology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2014. She works as a Clinical Applications Specialist for Diagnostic Testing Equipment with Interacoustics US, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She is the main point of contact in the US for all audiometry, impedance, OAE, hearing aid fitting, and telehealth solutions. Prior to joining Interacoustics, Dr. Hughes first worked clinically and then as a research audiologist for a hearing aid manufacturer. She has served as an invited speaker at state and national conferences and is an author on multiple published articles and posters on topics including real-ear measurements, subjective outcome measures, advocacy, mentorship, negotiations, and more. She is highly involved in the American Academy of Audiology, the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, and her state audiology organization, the Minnesota Academy of Audiology.

Trauma Informed Care -- CANCELLED
2023-05-18 20:30 - 21:30
Dues to scheduling conflicts, this event has been cancelled. Communication will be sent if the event is rescheduled in the future.
It is important to understand how unseen barriers can affect access to care in Audiology. This session will explore the topic of trauma, how it relates to equity, trauma-informed care, and ways to implement this approach in the field of Audiology.
Speaker

Brittney Sprouse, AuD, is the director of audiology and a pediatric audiologist at UChicago Medicine. Dr. Sprouse received her Doctorate in Audiology from the Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium (University of Akron) in 2009. Dr. Sprouse is not only an American Board of Audiology Certified audiologist but she also holds the Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC). Dr. Sprouse’s clinical interests include electrophysiology; cochlear implants; ototoxicity monitoring; management of special populations; outreach and education. She has been actively involved on the state and national level, including 2019 President of the Illinois Academy of Audiology (ILAA), Past President of the Ohio Academy of Audiology (OAA), additional board and committee positions, and is currently on the board of directors for the American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACIA).

SAA Super Service Weekend
2023-05-06 - 2023-05-07
National SAA is hosting a Super Service Weekend to kick off May is Better Hearing Month. We encourage you and your local SAA chapter to participate! Plan and host a volunteer or humanitarian event to give back to your community while also promoting safe hearing practices and advocating for the profession of audiology.
Additionally, if your chapter is nationally recognized, and your chapter participates in Super Service Weekend, you can submit your event towards this year’s Chapter Challenge Period 3 tally to receive points for your chapter!
Resources

2022-2023 SAA Chapter Challenge
May is Better Hearing Month
SAA Program Ideas Bank

NSSLHA, SAA, SADA Presents: The OTC Hearing Aid Landscape and Implications for Students
2023-04-27 19:00 - 20:30
With the implementation of the regulations for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, the practice landscape for audiologists has assumed a new dimension. Hearing loss has never been simple, but the OTC market adds new layers of complexity. The business models in audiology practices may need to adapt, and practice patterns will adjust to accommodate what likely will be an increased need for patient education and counseling. It will not only be patients with untreated hearing loss who present but potentially those with mistreated hearing loss due to misunderstandings and frustrations with the use of OTC devices on their own. Students in AuD programs can arm themselves with knowledge and experience to prepare for audiology practice.
At the completion of the sessions, participants will be prepared to:

Explain the distinctions of a prescription hearing aid versus an OTC hearing aid
Identify resources available to provide guidance to audiologists and consumers
Describe strategies for maximizing clinical education opportunities to prepare for the implications of OTC hearing aids in audiology practice

Register
Moderators
Gabby Howard, University of Pittsburgh, national NSSLHA
Alexis Leiderman, City University of New York Graduate Center (CUNY), national SAA
Jasmin Rodriguez, California State University Northridge (CSUN), national SADA
Speakers
Cornetta Mosley, AuD, PhD

Cornetta Mosley, AuD, PhD, is an ASHA-certified Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. She teaches graduate and undergraduate didactic, lab, and clinical courses and advises budding Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students in research and clinical endeavors. Dr. Mosley’s role as an educator is fueled by an interest in translational science. Her lectures emphasize the connection between clinical practices and scientific evidence; they encourage students to employ critical thinking strategies to make evidence-based clinical decisions. Dr. Mosley investigates innovative strategies to improve clinical practices and patient experiences. She engages in research, clinical practices, and service activities to promote healthy aging for older adults with hearing loss. Her research interests include aural rehabilitation, improving access to hearing healthcare, and speech perception in adults who use amplification. She has also served as a clinical supervisor in a university setting, where she engaged in direct patient care across the lifespan. Her clinical interests include aural rehabilitation, adult amplification, and audiologic assessment. She is a Dallas native, avid runner, and alumna of Louisiana State University (B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders) and the University of Washington (AuD/PhD).
Catherine Palmer, PhD

Catherine Palmer, PhD, is the Interim Chair and Professor of the Department of Communication Science Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh and serves as the Director of Audiology for the UPMC Integrated Health System.
In these capacities she teaches graduate-level amplification and practice management courses and supervises students in direct patient care. Dr. Palmer mentors PhD students and conducts research in the areas of auditory learning post hearing aid fitting; the relationship among hearing, cognitive health, and health outcomes; and matching technology to individual needs.
She has published over 90 articles and book chapters in these topic areas as well as provided over 100 national and international presentations. Dr. Palmer is the editor-in-chief of Seminars in Hearing (Thieme) and is a consultant to the National Board of Medical Examiners for hearing related accommodations.
Alicia D.D. Spoor, AuD

Alicia D.D. Spoor, AuD, is President of Designer Audiology, LLC, in Highland, Maryland. She earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Gallaudet University and completed her fourth-year externship at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. 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.
Dr. Spoor is speaking as a representative of the private practice setting.

Virtual Poster Presentation Practice Session
2023-04-03 12:00 - 15:00
The Research Audiologist Information Support Network (RAISN) is hosting a practice session for students presenting posters at our upcoming AAA annual conference in Seattle, Washington. Students presenting at AAA 2023+HearTECH Expo can sign-up for a twenty-minute timeslot during the practice session being held on Monday, April 3, 2023, 11:00 am-2:00 pm CT (12:00-3:00 pm ET).
The practice session will consist of one to three research audiologists for the student to practice in front of and receive feedback on poster design and layout, wording concepts, and anticipating potential questions about their poster.
Questions can be directed to Margaret Richter, AuD.
Sign Up

National Exam for Audiology Trivia Olympics (NEATO)
2023-03-30 20:30 - 21:30
Event Information
Looking for a fun way to study for your audiology national exam? Join us for an hour-long event that will begin with a short presentation by a current extern and new professional providing their recommended timelines and study tips, and end in a game of Kahoot filled with practice questions, discussion opportunities, and friendly competition.
Not sure what to expect? Visit the SAA Facebook page to view our 2020 event.
Count Me In
Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to the event and participants assigned to a trivia group. Registration will close on Tuesday, March 28 at 11:59pm EST.
Please submit questions to Abby Simon.

Resources

Externship Series: Studying Tips
November 2022 Advisors Corner: Study Tips
November 2022 President’s Corner: Study Tips
SAA Blog: Studying Tips for the Winter Months

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Journal Club
2023-03-09 20:00 - 21:00
Join us for a virtual journal club reviewing a recently published research article, meet the article’s first author, and discuss how to advance hearing health equity. Please plan to read the article ahead of time, if possible, and come with your thoughts and questions. Dr. Carrie Nieman, MD, MPH, will join to help facilitate the discussion and answer your questions.
Register
Article: Nieman, C. L., Suen, J. J., Dean, L. T., & Chandran, A. (2022). Foundational Approaches to Advancing Hearing Health Equity: A Primer in Social Epidemiology. Ear and Hearing, 43 (Suppl 1), 5S–14S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000001149
This article was published by Ear and Hearing and should be accessible through your school’s library. If you have any issues with accessing the article please email Abby Simon at abigailsimon.saa@gmail.com.
Carrie Nieman, MD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-founder of Access HEARS, a nonprofit committed to the delivery of affordable, accessible hearing care.

Get Certified: A Guide to Audiology Licensing
2023-02-23 20:30 - 21:30
Join representatives from the American Board of Audiology, Jackie Clark, PhD, and Rebecca Lewis, AuD, PhD, as they break down and discuss the licensing and certification process. Questions are encouraged!
Scroll to the bottom of the page to access additional resources about licensure and certification.
Register Now
Virtual Education Series Speakers
Jackie Clark, PhD
Dr. Clark joined the UT Dallas Audiology Program in 1996 prior to programmatic restructuring to the AUD. She is currently a Clinical Professor at UT Dallas’ School of Behavioral and Brain Science where she teaches a variety of didactic, clinically experiential and study abroad courses as well as provision of professional clinical services at the UT Dallas Callier Center. In addition, she has been awarded an appointment as Research Scholar with The University of The Witwatersrand School of Speech and Hearing Therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Dr. Clark has been a consultant with a variety of universities in Sub-Saharan Africa and China, as well as over numerous years with the World Health Organization Division of Deafness and Hearing Impairment which recently published the World Report on Hearing along with a number of other WHO publications. When in Texas, she carries a very full teaching load in a wide range of classes. She is a Co-Founder/Co-Director of the Coalition of Global Hearing Health as well as Past President of the American Academy of Audiology and past and Board Member of the American Board of Audiology.

Rebecca Lewis, AuD, PhD
Dr. Lewis currently serves as Chair of the American Board of Audiology, Scientific Grants Program Manager for the American Tinnitus Association, and Co-Chair of the External Relations Committee for the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. Recently, Dr. Lewis served as the Clinical Research Program Manager for Whisper.ai, a startup hearing aid manufacturer in San Francisco, CA, where she worked to develop the world’s first hearing aid that gets better over time. She has also previously served in both clinical and research roles at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
In February 2023, Dr. Lewis looks forward to joining University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the Program Director of Audiology, and Chief of Audiology to develop a research program while also returning to work as a clinical audiologist again.
Additional Resources

American Academy of Audiology – State Affairs
American Academy of Audiology – State Licensure
American Board of Audiology
Certification 101
SAA Student Resources – Certification

Interview Tips: Q&A Panel
2023-02-15 19:30 - 20:30
This special event will provide audiology students with an opportunity to receive helpful tips and information about interviewing from a panel of professional audiologists. Students will be able to submit questions to the panel via the registration process prior to the live event. Questions will also be welcomed during the session.
Scroll to the bottom to access additional resources covering interviewing skills for jobs and externships.
Hosts
Amanda Brown, BA
Michigan SAA State Ambassador
Amanda Brown is a second-year AuD student at Central Michigan University (CMU) and serves as the 2022-2023 Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Michigan State Ambassador. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder. In addition to serving as the Michigan State Ambassador, she currently serves as vice president of Central Michigan University SAA Chapter. She is currently researching with Dr. Yunfang Zheng at CMU on combined effects of high frequency hearing loss, fitting formula, and venting on real ear sound level and patient perception. Her primary interests include pediatric vestibular, electrophysiology, and hearing aids.

Rachel Fryatt, AuD
Clinical Audiologist
Michigan Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Audiology
Michigan SAA State Ambassador Mentor
Rachel Fryatt, AuD is a clinical audiologist at Michigan Medicine, specializing in implantable devices and hearing aids. She received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, her masters and audiology doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh, and she completed her externship at the University of Miami.
Dr. Fryatt also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at Mississippi University for Women. She currently serves as the SAA State Ambassador mentor and is on the board of directors for the Michigan Audiology Coalition. She is also on two committees with the American Academy of Audiology.
Panelists
Gyl Kasewurm, AuD
Owner, Dr Kasewurm’s Professional Hearing Services
Gyl Kasewurm, AuD has owned and operated Professional Hearing Services (PHS) in Saint Joseph, Michigan for many years. The practice is known as a benchmark for the patient experience across the country. Dr Kasewurm has a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University and went on to receive her Doctorate in Audiology from Central Michigan University. Dr. Kasewurm served on the Executive Board of the American Academy of Audiology for five years and is a Past President of the Michigan Academy of Audiology.
Dr. Kasewurm has earned many awards and honors including a Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Academy of Audiology but is most proud of the Leadership Award that was bestowed upon her by her local Chamber of Commerce. She was also recently honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Health and Human Services Department at Western Michigan University, an honor only bestowed on 98 of 17,000 graduates. Dr. Kasewurm is a well-known author and sought after speaker and prides herself on her advice on taking a practice from Fine to Fabulous!

Crystal Pitts, AuD
Audiologist, Externship Coordinator
Michigan Medicine
Crystal Pitts, AuD is a clinical audiologist at Michigan Medicine, specializing in the areas of electrophysiology, intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring, and vestibular assessments. She has an interest in supervising and mentoring audiology doctoral students and has co-coordinated the externship program at Michigan Medicine since 2010. She is a Certificate Holder – Audiology Preceptor (CH-AP) from the American Board of Audiology.
Dr. Pitts has also previously held positions within the Michigan Audiology Coalition (MAC) Conference Planning committee and was elected as a MAC member-at-large from 2016 to 2022. She is currently a member of the MAC Student Outreach committee and co-coordinated the annual Michigan Student Leaders in Audiology Meeting since 2018.

Virginia Ramachandran, AuD, PhD
Head of Audiology
Oticon, Inc.
President, American Academy of Audiology
Virginia Ramachandran, AuD, PhD is the Head of Audiology at Oticon, Inc. She previously spent a decade at the Henry Ford Medical Group as a Senior Staff Clinical Audiologist and Research Coordinator of the Division of Audiology at Henry Ford Hospital and as the Clinical Educational Coordinator of the AuD program at Wayne State University.
Dr. Ramachandran is currently the President of the American Academy of Audiology. She has also served as President of the Michigan Academy of Audiology and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education. Dr. Ramachandran is a co-author of three textbooks and numerous articles and book chapters. She currently serves on the Audiology Editorial Board of Plural Publishing, Inc. Dr. Ramachandran earned her BSW, MSW, AuD, and PhD from Wayne State University. She studied Instructional Systems Development at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County. She completed her certificate program in Animal Audiology at the University of Northern Colorado. She is a Certificate Holder – Audiology Preceptor (CH-AP) from the American Board of Audiology.

Chrisanda Sanchez, AuD
Interim Director, Children’s Hearing Program
University of Miami
Chrisanda Sanchez, AuD is an assistant professor and a clinical audiologist at the University of Miami Ear Institute. She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Florida. Dr. Sanchez works as a bilingual pediatric audiologist and serves as the Interim Director of the Children’s Hearing Program at the Ear Institute. Her clinical specializations include pediatric cochlear implants, diagnostics, hearing aids, and bone anchored devices.
In addition to her clinical scope of practice, Dr. Sanchez serves as an educational audiologist at the UM Debbie School within their Auditory Oral program. Additionally, she works with the local children’s hospital in serving as the pediatric audiology representative for their multi-disciplinary craniofacial team. Dr. Sanchez was awarded the Gail Gegg Rosenberg Award for excellent service and contributions towards advancing the field of pediatric audiology. Dr. Sanchez has presented nationally and internationally on improving the scope and field of pediatric audiology to reflect better diverse patient care.

Gail Whitelaw, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor, Clinic Director
The Ohio State University
Gail M. Whitelaw, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Her clinical interests are in pediatric audiology, auditory processing issues in both children and adults, tinnitus and sound tolerance issues, and professional leadership. She provides direct patient care and is a preceptor to Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students at Ohio State. She is also the audiology faculty member on the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Disabilities (LEND) grant, a Maternal and Child Health training grant.
Dr. Whitelaw is a past-president of the American Academy of Audiology and the Ohio Academy of Audiology. She currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer on the Accreditation Council for Audiology Education (ACAE) and serves on the Academy’s Honors and Awards Committee and the Nomination Recruitment Committee. Outside of her professional interests, she does Improv comedy and is always looking for opportunities to combine her love of audiology with her love of improv!
Resources

Applying and Interviewing for a Job with Hearing Loss [PPT]
Be Prepared with Pre and Post Interview Assessments
Externship Blog Series: Nailing the Externship Application and Interview Process
Externship Blog Series: Self-Motivation and Interview Tips (Part 2)
Tips and Tricks – How to Ace that Job Interview

How to Handle Burnout
2023-02-07 21:00 - 22:00
As part of our mental health virtual series, Kaitlyn Kennedy, AuD, is hosting a session encompassing the topic of burnout. She will cover several areas within this topic including, student burnout, new professional burnout, signs of burnout, and how to avoid and overcome burnout. She will also share her advice on how to maintain a healthy school/work/life balance.
Virtual Education Series Speaker

Kaitlyn M. Kennedy, AuD
Kaitlyn M. Kennedy, AuD, is an audiologist at Texas Ear Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, and has been practicing since 2016. She loves all facets of audiology (especially pediatrics) and gets to practice a little bit of everything in her current position. Dr. Kennedy has a passion for improving audiologic counseling and enjoys improving her skills in explaining results and recommendations to patients.
Currently, Dr. Kennedy serves as a member-at-large on the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors and is the Board liaison to the Student Academy of Audiology.
When not doing something audiology-related, Dr. Kennedy spends time playing frisbee with her toy Australian Shepherd and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
Register

Resources

10 Tips to De-stress
Managing Health While in Graduate School

Auditory Processing Disorders: Q&A Session
2023-01-26 20:00 - 21:00
Join Gail Whitelaw, PhD and Shannon Palmer, AuD, PhD, CCC-A for a moderated Q&A session about auditory processing disorders. This session will discuss definitions of auditory processing disorders, differential diagnosis, recommendations, and more.
Bring your questions and prepare for an engaging discussion!
Virtual Education Series Speakers
Gail M. Whitelaw, PhD
Gail M. Whitelaw, PhD is a clinical associate professor and director of the speech-language-hearing clinic and The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Whitelaw is committed to exemplary clinical education for doctor of audiology students while providing exceptional clinical care to patients. Her areas of clinical interest include auditory processing disorders (APD) in children and adults, tinnitus and sound tolerance disorders, and issues related to suprathreshold auditory deficits.
Dr. Whitelaw has been involved with leadership aspects in the profession of audiology, including serving as the president of the American Academy of Audiology, chair of the Board of Governors of the American Board of Audiology, and president of the Ohio Academy of Audiology. She is also a Distinguished Audiology Fellow of the National Academies of Practice. Additionally, Dr. Whitelaw received the Outstanding Clinical Educator Award from the American Academy of Audiology in 2019.
Shannon B. Palmer, AuD, PhD, CCC-A
Shannon B. Palmer, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, is a professor and audiology division director in the department of communication and sciences disorders at Central Michigan University.
Dr. Palmer’s research and teaching focus on the areas of pediatric audiology and auditory processing. She has a passion for improving hearing care for children. Clinically, Dr. Palmer works in the areas of pediatric and adult hearing assessment using both behavioral and electrophysiological techniques.
Register Now

Preparing for National Day At Your State Capitol
2023-01-12 20:00 - 21:00
Update
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this VES has been cancelled.
We plan on creating another opportunity to serve as a resource for NDAYSC as well as other advocacy activities. Communications will be sent to SAA members once those resources are available on the SAA website.
In the meantime, please visit our advocacy web page for more information on all things advocacy!

The SAA public outreach committee is challenging you to take advocacy to the next level in your own states by participating in our National Day at Your State Capitol (NDAYSC) campaign. Join national SAA for a virtual training from Susan Pilch, JD, senior director of government relations at the American Academy of Audiology, to learn about legislative updates, tips on communicating with legislators, and more!
About Susan Pilch, JD
Susan Pilch is the senior director of government relations for the American Academy of Audiology. She oversees federal and state regulatory efforts. Join her and the SAA public outreach committee for tips on how to effectively advocate for audiology to your government representatives.

Microaggressions and Implicit Bias in the Clinical Setting
2022-11-17 20:30 - 21:30
With less than 4% of the Audiology population being Black/African American, it is often difficult to find representation among audiology leadership roles, preceptors, and students. Joining together to share experiences has helped bring generations of Black/African American Audiologists closer and more prepared for a diverse future.
Virtual Education Series Speaker

Jocelyn Tubbs, AuD
Jocelyn Tubbs, AuD, has been a practicing Audiologist since 2019. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in communication disorders at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She then attended Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon, where she completed her Doctorate of Audiology. Dr. Tubbs currently practices at Hearing Healthcare Centers in Colorado. She has such a fiery passion for Audiology that she wrote a children’s book, A Sound Adventure, to help teach younger generations and their parents about how hearing works. She also holds a passion for justice for minorities. Dr. Tubbs is the co-founder of the group, “Black Audiologists United”, a Facebook group and growing community of Black Audiologists and students. She has been active in discussion about the hardships and discrimination many Black and People of Color face as audiologists and in the healthcare field in general. Her goal is to help increase representation among leadership roles within Audiology, and to inspire others to do the same.
Register Now
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources
The American Academy of Audiology and the Student Academy of Audiology are committed to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the audiology profession through diversity and cultural competency. Learn more about the resources that students and professionals can use to educate themselves on different topics related to diversity and inclusion below.
SAA Resources Academy Resources

A Brief History of Medicare and Audiology and Everything Else: Why Is It So Hard To Change Anything?
2022-10-27 20:30 - 21:30
In this lecture, Angela Loavenbruck, EdD, will trace the passage of the Medicare Law in 1965 with the developments in the profession of audiology as well as current attempts to make changes to the law.
Virtual Education Series Speaker

Angela Loavenbruck, EdD
Angela Loavenbruck, EdD was in private practice in Rockland County, New York, from 1976-2020. She is the author of numerous articles and, along with Jane Madell, PhD, wrote the first textbook about hearing aid dispensing for audiologists. Dr. Loavenbruck received a Doctorate of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She went on to serve as the Director of Audiology Clinic at Teachers College and Associate Professor for that program.

Dr. Loavenbruck has served on many boards and committees for several state and national organizations. She served has served as president for the American Academy of Audiology and the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as serving as the first chair for the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education.
Dr. Loavenbruck has been a prominent figure in the development of standards and ethics for the audiology profession, and in lobbying for direct access to professional audiology services for Medicare patients. Most recently, in 2019, Dr. Loavenbruck was awarded the Honors of the Academy by the American Academy of Audiology for her work on behalf of audiologists and individuals with hearing impairment.
Register Now

Applying to Grad School Panel
2022-10-03 21:00 - 22:00 | Virtual
Join the SAA member relations committee for a live Q&A with current AuD students to ask questions and learn more about graduate school and the application process.
More information will be forthcoming!
Register by October 3.

The Innovation of Audiology
2022-06-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
In this lecture, Dave Fabry, PhD, will discuss his expert knowledge of innovative concepts in audiology.
Virtual Education Series Speaker

Dave Fabry, PhD
Dave Fabry, PhD is the Chief Innovation Officer at Starkey Industries as well as former President and Board Member of the American Academy of Audiology. In this lecture, Dr. Fabry will be discussing his role at Starkey, the merging of both hearing science and technology, and where the future of audiology is headed.

Register Now
