What university did you attend for graduate school and what year did you graduate?
M.S. University of South Florida, 1985, currently attending A. T. Still University with expected graduation 2016, Doctor of Audiology degree.
Where do you currently work and what are your specialties?
I currently work at Gardner Audiology, a private practice in the Tampa bay Area. I specialize in adult diagnostics, hearing aid fittings and re-habilitation and am involved in practice management and marketing.
Why did you become an audiologist?
As with many audiologists, I started college with intentions of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist. During my first semester of my major classes, I realized I am more of an instant gratification kind of person! I knew I was not cut out for speech. I was in my intro to audiology class and loved it! I was attending Western Carolina University in the Appalachian Mountains and the audiologist at the clinic at WCU took me under his wing. He offered me opportunities to work in outreach Head Start clinics in the mountains and also at the free clinic at the university. My student teaching (being in the college of education) was with the Charlotte/Mecklenburg public schools. I entered graduate school with over 900 audiology hours!
What is your favorite part of Audiology?
Seeing the joy on the faces of my patients and their families when they are able to communicate with greater ease.
Why did you join FLAA?
I joined FLAA to be able to connect and network with other audiologists in Florida. It is a great support system of audiologists in all walks of the profession. I also joined hoping FLAA would promote us as audiologists in Florida, helping the people of Florida understand what we do and our training and education.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my free time, I enjoy the beach, traveling, reading, horseback riding, and cooking. I am married and have a daughter in the audiology program at the University of South Florida.
How can people contact you?
You can schedule a consultation with me by calling 1-800-277-1182 or visiting the www.Gardneraudiology.com website.