FOX VALLEY HEARING CENTER - Key Persons
I have been an audiologist for almost 30 years, and I cannot believe how time flies! I can counsel and educate people about hearing loss from the professional side of my desk, but I also know what it is like from the patients' side, too. My husband lost his hearing entirely in his right ear following surgery several years ago. On top of that, his hearing is not perfect in his "good ear," either. This makes for some interesting conversations when he misunderstands what I have said to him. He says he really appreciates that I do not lose my temper when he doesn't hear me; this is because I understand what hearing loss does to a person. This does not mean I don't get frustrated, or that we don't miscommunicate sometimes. We do, but I do try to pause and consider that he isn't ignoring me or not listening. He just can't hear me well.
I started in audiology because it was interesting and challenging, and I could have an immediate and positive impact on a person's life. Our profession has changed so much over the past 30 years that we find ourselves constantly learning new things and always taking classes to keep up with new technology. The sound quality and noise control we now have is amazing compared to the old days, but in the end, it still comes down to patience, understanding, and taking the time to really listen and communicate clearly with our loved ones.
I love working with my patients, and they have often become like family to me. We all work together in our office to treat each person as a sacred individual and help them each meet their personal needs for their own lifestyle. I know how hearing problems can poorly impact a relationship, and I also know how hearing better just makes life easier for everyone.
Education
Bachelor of Science, UWSP
I have always had a strong desire to help people. After taking my first course in hearing, I became fascinated by the function and intricacies of the human ear. After 28 years working as an Audiologist, I am still in awe over how quickly sound travels from the ear to the brain and that we process and understand it within milliseconds!
After starting my career in Chippewa Falls, I made my way to the Fox Valley area to be closer to my family from Nekoosa. I consider myself a faith and family-oriented person and have been blessed to make the Fox Valley my home for the past 18 years. My children have grown up here, gone to school here, and we are happy to call this home.
After so many years in the corporate healthcare world, I am pleased to now be a part of the long-standing practice of Fox Valley Hearing Center. They allow me to invest in my patients, providing the care they need. Having come from a small town, I have always enjoyed a strong connection to people, and I know this practice will fit best with the care I feel my patients deserve.
The rewards from being in this field can only be experienced when we can take the time we need with each patient, to truly focus on them as an individual. Although I have spent the past 28 years as an audiologist, I never tire of it!
When I am not in the office, you will find me outside, enjoying nature. I love spending time with my children, my family, and my dog. I think this new adventure will be the best one yet and I can't wait to share it with all of you.
Education
Bachelor of Science, UWSP
After being an audiologist for over 20 years, I feel blessed to say that I still love my job, and in particular, the work I am doing now. One of my favorite things is helping find solutions for people to continue doing what they love without hearing issues getting in the way. For those who are missing some of the conversation or information at a work meeting, I can help with that! Do you need to hear better in a Zoom meeting? I can help with that! Priceless to me are the looks of relief and the comments I hear from my patients: "I thought I was going to have to retire" - or, "I thought I couldn't babysit my grandkids, but now I can."
I have practiced several different kinds of audiology over the course of my almost 30-year career. I have worked as a clinical audiologist for a hospital system as well as an educational audiologist. I have owned a private practice, and I have now happily merged my practice with Fox Valley Hearing Center. I love working with a team again, and this allows me to focus on the patients I love. My strong teammates help me understand insurance companies and are there when we need to bounce ideas off one another.
Outside of work, I volunteer with Hear in the Fox Cities, an organization in our community that helps to pay for hearing aids for children who need them. I can also be found on my bike or spending time with my family. Another favorite activity is taking long walks with the family dog, Toby. It doesn't get better than being outside and enjoying the sounds of nature, does it?
Education
Bachelor of Science, University of Iowa
Master of Science, Northwestern University
Doctor of Audiology, Arizona School of Health Sciences
I didn't even know what audiology was when I applied to go to UW Oshkosh so many years ago. Psychology and biology were my focus, and I was interested in obtaining a master's degree in Educational Psychology. Fast forward 4 years and I liked UW Oshkosh and the community so much I wasn't sure I wanted to leave! UWO did not have a master's program in Psychology, so what should I do? A good friend who was a speech pathologist encouraged me to take some classes in audiology and speech - and audiology just fit!
My career has taken me to some interesting places like Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Milwaukee Otolaryngology and the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic. At every place, I was able to learn, develop my skills, and create strong bonds with my patients. After working for 24 years, the last 12 at Ascension in Oshkosh, I am now excited to be working at Fox Valley Hearing Center to continue to care for my current patients and to meet new ones. I would love to focus on rehabilitation and improving hearing for all ages.
In my spare time I love to watch and participate in Wisconsin sports. I love going to Packers games and as well as taking in a summer afternoon Brewer game. My hobby is collecting sports memorabilia, ask me about it! In the summer, you can find me on the softball field, and while I'm not as good as I used to be, I still really enjoy having some fun. The competition and comradery with my teammates always makes me smile. Maybe you will see me out on the field sometime? If not, you can always see me at my office and I look forward to seeing you, too.
Education:
Bachelors of Science UW-Oshkosh