Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

Dr. Burks received her doctorate degree from Missouri State university in 2009 at which time she settled in California. Starting a private practice in 2011 has been both challenging and rewarding. In her career, Dr. Burks has successfully applied her expertise to provide exceptional care to her patients and providing a place for Audiology students to grow in their training. In her private practice she not only provides basic Audiology services but has also specialized working with cochlear implants. She has an active involvement in community outreach programs and educational events.

As a presenter, Dr. Burks has demonstrated her expertise in the industry on cochlear implants in a private practice at local and state conferences, independent agencies, national Audiologist groups, Audiology buying groups and presentations at cochlear implant centers.

Financial Disclosures: None. Non-financial: None.

Au.D., Ph.D. CCC-A

Amanda Chiao (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Pediatrics and Vestibular Evaluation Laboratory at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery. Dr. Chiao is also a pediatric audiologist at El Paso Children’s Hospital where her clinical expertise includes audiological and vestibular diagnostic testing in infants and children, and concussion. She received her Au.D. and Ph.D. in Audiology and Vestibular Function-Assessment from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. Following, she completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Boys Town National Research Hospital focusing on pediatric vestibular assessment. Dr. Chiao’s NIH-funded research program primarily studies oto-vestibulotoxicity among people with substance use disorders, and understanding oto-health disparities among Latinos and underserved patient populations.

Financial Disclosures: Recipient of an NIH award intended to promote diversity in the workplace (2023-2028). Non-financial: 2023 ASHA Board of Ethics Chair and served on the ASHA Board of Ethics from 2020-2023. 

Ph.D.

Dave Gordey, Ph.D., has been a pediatric audiologist for over twenty-five years. Dave is the director of pediatric audiology and research at Oticon Global headquarters in Denmark. Dave is an adjunct professor at Western University and Salus University. Dave’s current research projects include pediatric hearing aids, counseling, functional communication deficits in children with normal peripheral hearing, and the social and emotional development of children with hearing loss. Dave received the President’s Award from the Canadian Academy of Audiology in October 2023, recognizing outstanding contributions to the academy.

Financial Disclosures: None. Non-financial: None.

M.A.

Jennifer Groth is the Director of Audiology Communications & Strategic Projects in Global Audiology at GN Hearing. With a background in clinical audiology, she has filled various roles in Research & Development and Marketing at GN Hearing since 1996. She holds an MA in Speech Pathology & Audiology from the University of Iowa.

Financial Disclosures: Employee of GN; duration 28 years. Non-financial: None.

Au.D., Head of Partnerships

Financial Disclosures: Employee of Neosensory, Inc. Non-financial: None.

Au.D.

Ashley works for Interacoustics US, and is the main point of contact 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. 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 along with her state audiology organization, the Minnesota Academy of Audiology.

Financial Disclosures: Employed and salaried by Interacoustics. Non-financial: None.

Au.D., Clinical Education Specialist, Widex USA

Anna Javins earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and her Bachelor of Arts with Research Distinction in Speech and Hearing Science from The Ohio State University. She completed her fourth-year externship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in conjunction with a graduate student trainee role within the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health. Following her studies, she practiced as a private practice clinical audiologist. Dr. Javins is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the California Academy of Audiology (CAA). She is an advocate for high quality and equitable communication access and dignified aging. She is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in beautiful Long Beach, CA. In her free time, Dr. Javins enjoys reading a great book at the beach, cheering on Angel City Football Club, and spending time with her family, including her lab mix rescue, Ava.

Financial Disclosures: Instructor has a financial relationship with Widex (WSAudiology) as a salaried employee and has a direct interest in the subject matter of the presented session. Non-financial: None.

M.D.

Hossein Mahboubi, M.D., is a board-certified otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon with fellowship training in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. Dr. Mahboubi completed his residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the University of California Irvine following a post-doctoral research fellowship at the same institution, which helped develop his passion for treating ear and skull base diseases. He then spent an additional two years completing a clinical fellowship in otology and neurotology at House Clinic and the University of California Los Angeles, where he advanced his skills in cochlear implants, stapedectomy, and complex ear and lateral skull base surgery.

Dr. Mahboubi has published numerous articles in national and international otolaryngology journals on the diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, including hearing loss, cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, exostosis (surfers’ ear), dizziness, Meniere’s disease, vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), and skull base diseases. He has authored several book chapters in otolaryngology and neurosurgery textbooks. Dr. Mahboubi has presented his research at national otolaryngology meetings and received multiple clinical and research awards. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Neurotology Society and a reviewer for top otolaryngology journals.

Financial Disclosures: None. Non-financial: None.

Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A

Gabrielle R. Merchant is an audiologist and hearing scientist and the Director of the Translational Auditory Physiology and Perception Laboratory at Boys Town National Research Hospital. She earned her B.A. from Smith College, her Ph.D. from the Harvard-MIT Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, and her Au.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her translational hearing research focuses on auditory mechanics, auditory perception, and advancing evidence-based practice through improved clinical diagnostic tools. Her laboratory has a particular focus on pediatrics, conductive hearing loss, and wideband acoustic immittance.

Financial Disclosures: Employee of Boys Town National Research Hospital. Much of this work was funded by grants from NIH NIGMS and NIH NIDCD. Non-financial: None.

M.D.

Inspired by his love for music and languages, Kevin A. Peng, M.D., pursued a career in neurotology and hearing health. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, and completed his residency and internship at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Peng further specialized through a fellowship at the House Clinic in Los Angeles, where he continues his clinical practice today. Through his affiliation with the House Institute Foundation, Dr. Peng researches cochlear implant outcomes and vestibular schwannoma surgery, striving to improve treatment options for patients with hearing and balance disorders.

Financial Disclosures: None. Non-financial: None.

Au.D., Director of Clinical Education – Widex US

Dr. Pinkerton received her Doctorate of Audiology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.  She has worked at Widex US since 2019 in both field sales and Clinical Education and has worked within industry in education and audiology roles at top global manufacturers since 2012.  Her experience has provided her with a rich history of helping providers provide exceptional patient care through education on technology, innovation and fitting strategies.  Carolyn is a frequent presenter at Au. D programs, local and national conferences and virtual seminars to provide education on today’s research and technology.

Financial Disclosures: Instructor has a financial relationship with Widex as a salaried employee and has a direct interest in the subject matter of the presented session. Non-financial: None.

M.D.

Dr. William H. Slattery, III, M.D., is a leading expert in otolaryngology and neurotology, with over 30 years specializing in the treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2), acoustic neuromas, cochlear implants, and facial nerve paralysis. Dr. Slattery joined the House Clinic in 1993 for a clinical fellowship in neurotology and continues to serve patients there today. In addition to his busy clinical practice, he has maintained a strong presence in the field as a respected clinical researcher. Dr. Slattery’s innovative research and compassionate approach have transformed treatment outcomes and improved the lives of countless patients worldwide.

Financial Disclosures: None. Non-financial: None.

Au.D.

Erika Porter, Au.D., is dedicated to building practical confidence. She earned her MS from Arizona State University and Au.D. from A.T. Still University. After 16 years as a dispensing audiologist Erika joined the clinical training team at Phonak. She now fills the role of Senior Audiology Development Manager. She loves seeing the “aha” moments when providers discover ways they can improve their patients’ quality of life. When not crafting interactive learning experiences, Erika loves to travel, watch HGTV, and reinforce her position as favorite aunt. One of her favorite sounds is popping bubble wrap.

Financial Disclosures: Employed by Phonak and receives a salary.  Non-financial: None.

Au.D.

Dr. Davenport is a Clinical Territory Manager for the Greater Los Angeles area with Cochlear Americas providing clinical and surgical support as well as training and guest lectures for hospitals, graduate programs,  clinical and educational audiologists and other educational professionals and hearing care professionals across the state of California since 2015.  She met the SoCal audiology community as a hearing aid manufacturer territory manager in 2011 after beginning her audiology career at Tucker-Maxon School in 2004 specializing in pediatric cochlear implants, hearing aids, and FM/RM-HAT. Kimberli is passionate about improving access to care, promoting best practices and improving outcomes. If not at work she is probably hanging out with her kitties or trying to get to her favorite place, the beach.

Financial Disclosures: Employed by Cochlear Americas and receives a salary.  Non-financial: None.

Financial Disclosures: None.  Non-financial: None.