Find the Right Mentor for you
The Expert Mentors at Audiology Mentors each have their own specialties and Populations they work help. We have a Number of mentors to choose from.
We encourage you to read the Mentor bios To learn more about their experiences, their Approaches and their backgrounds.
Our Team & Mentors
Dr. Scott O'Leary, Audiologist
Scott brings over 30 years experience as a certified, licensed audiologist to our practice. A graduate of Texas
Christian University and the University of North Texas, Scott has been in the Fort Worth area for the last 20 year
and with Dr. Ali since 2012. He specializes in hearing instruments from various manufacturers and also is integral
in our assessment of balance disorders. He enjoys coming to work each day to meet our patients and seek our new
ways to assist them with their hearing and communication needs.
Scott O'Leary, Audiologist
Dr. Katy Mawson
Katy Mawson, Au.D., graduated from Idaho State University with her Au.D. in 2018. After about five years in private practice, she currently serves as the clinic director for Pacific University’s School of Audiology. Her recent research surrounds healthy literacy in the Spanish population regarding hearing aid access and training tools to support patients. As the granddaughter of an immigrant, equitable access to healthcare and education is at the heart of her mission.
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On campus, Katy serves as a Confidential Advocate through the Oregon Attorney General for Pacific University. By using her lived experience as a domestic violence survivor, Katy supports survivors using trauma-informed practices and support. She finds that this work fulfills her the most when working with someone during their darkest hour to find a small piece of light.
In her audiology life, Katy is the President of the Northwest Academy of Audiology, the combined state organization for Oregon and Washington audiologists. She most recently testified in front of the Oregon Senate Committee for Healthcare regarding the modernization of audiology practice in the state of Oregon. She enjoys her work with the geriatric population and firmly believes that everyone deserves excellent hearing healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.
Her current favorite phrase is “I have just enough privilege to be a menace” and she utilizes that thought frequently when advocating for herself, her patients, her students, colleagues, and other audiologists.
Areas of experience and relatability:
– Anxiety, depression
– recent grad (<10 years)
– Precepting students
– Work-life balance in a job that doesn’t want you to have balance
– Burnout in leadership positions
– Confidential advocacy
– Domestic violence support and survivorship
– Cancer treatment, survivorship, and full-time work as a single individual/income
– Member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Dr. Robin Carson
Robin Carson, Au.D.
Founder & Audiologist | Fort Worth, TX
With nearly 30 years of experience as a clinical audiologist and over a decade as a practice owner in Fort Worth, Texas, I bring both deep clinical expertise and a strong entrepreneurial spirit to my work. Twelve years ago, I founded my private audiology practice from the ground up a journey that has been both more demanding and more rewarding than I could have imagined. I often say I’m a “technician who had an entrepreneurial seizure,” and that moment of bold decision making has grown into a thriving, patient centered practice.
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My professional philosophy centers around doing more of what you love and surrounding yourself with the right people—the “who’s” who complement your strengths and fill in the gaps. Building a team of compassionate, service-minded professionals has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. I believe that when a team is strong and aligned internally, patients feel the difference.
Before becoming an audiologist, I earned an undergraduate degree in business and marketing and worked in pharmaceutical sales. That experience quickly showed me that I was meant for something more personally meaningful. Audiology gave me the opportunity to combine technical expertise, personal connection, and a genuine sense of purpose. Today, I remain passionate about patient care and continue to see patients nearly full-time alongside our team of four audiologists.
In addition to clinical work, I enjoy mentoring other professionals—especially around team development, leadership, and practice growth. If you’re seeking support in building culture, managing the balance of life and business, or exploring new ways to grow creatively, I’d be honored to be a sounding board.
Outside of the office, I’m a proud mother of three adult children and have been married for 28 years. Like many working professionals, I understand the challenges of juggling family, career, and personal growth—and I believe with the right support, you can thrive in all areas.
Dr. Steven Zupancic
My name is Steven Zupancic and I am an academic and clinical audiologist in West Texas. I have been practicing for the past 20 years as a medically based audiologist. Since graduation I have worked in outpatient rehabs and also in university-based audiology clinics. Currently I am the audiology clinical director for the audiology division within our department of otolaryngology here at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. My main areas of clinical, teaching, and research focus are in implantable devices, auditory electrophysiology, and balance function but I am more than happy to do a little bit of whatever else is needed in the clinic. I am also the faculty advisor for our local chapter of the student academy of audiology.
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I have two teenage daughters who are always a challenge but have been the greatest part of my life! In my personal growth experiences as well as my professional experiences, I have learned a lot of lessons good and bad and would enjoy being able to continue to work with professionals/students at any stage of their career so we can learn from each other.
Areas of expertise/experience:
– Salary/hiring negotiations
– Designing the job to prevent burnout/employee dissatisfaction within parameters set by the employer
– Providing a supervisor perspective to employee concerns
– Student/preceptor conflicts
– Ethical dilemmas (clinic, student)
Dr. Tom Goyne
- Areas I can be of help:
- Difficult Conversations
- Employees
- Employers
- Patients
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- Students
- Areas I can be of help:
- Difficult Conversations
- Employees
- Employers
- Patients
- Students
- Preceptors
- Work/life balance
- Organizing
- Delegating
- Boundary-setting
- Mindfulness
- Mindset
- Goal-setting
“Intellectual Diversification”
Adding services and/or skillsets to increase intellectual reward, decrease burnout
Professional brand development
Get comfortable with bragging about yourself (just a little bit) in an honest and professional wayProblem-Solving
While problems are sometimes seen in a negative way, they can sometimes provide opportunities for growthMore about Dr. Goyne:
President of Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology for 2025
Chief Audiology Officer/Proprietor at Aberdeen AudiologyMultiple locations and providers
Services include: Tinnitus, amplification, auditory processing, auditory training, balance diagnostics, cochlear implantsAdjunct professor at Salus at Drexel University
Practice management and development at Practical Audiology
Degrees from James Madison University and the University of Florida
Family man
Avid golfer and Philadelphia sports sicko.
Dr. Sofia Roller
My name is Sofia Roller, a Maryland native, currently practicing audiology in the Northern Baltimore area. I was born with Waardenburg syndrome and wear a CROS system (single-sided deafness for me, profound bilateral deafness for my sister). She is my inspiration for pursuing audiology through my under grad and grad school degrees at James Madison University. A favorite memory of grad school is teaching an Intro to Sign Language class to JMU students.
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After graduating, I worked as an employee in private practice for 3 years, before opening my own private practice with a ENT business partner. I provide services in diagnostics, hearing aids, tinnitus, cerumen removal, and hearing protection. I have worked as an employee, a co-owner, a director, and as a preceptor. I have served on the Maryland Academy of Audiology as president, member-at-large, and convention chair. I enjoy volunteering as a hearing screener and ear cleaner at the summer Special Olympics every year. My second favorite job is being an audiologist and my FAVORITE job is being a mother to my 2 little ones. After 8 years of working my @$$ off, I’ve achieved the best work life balance I could have ever dreamed about! My favorite hobby is FOOD! I would be delighted to help you navigate your challenges and questions so that you can love what you do just as you deserve!
Areas of experience and relatability:
– anxiety, ADHD, and being a people pleaser
– burnout
– recent grad (<10 years)
– restrictive non-competes
– compensation / job negotiations
– maternity leave / coming back to work (scheduling, pumping accommodations, etc)
– new mother working full-time
– preceptor to students
– history of overworked, understaffed, underpaid
– achieving work life balance
– ethical conflicts
– stresses of buying/selling/starting a business
– discrepancies of power dynamics in the workplace
– working as an employee, manager, and employer
Dr. Megan Gerhart
As a Director of Audiology in a private practice, I bring 15 years of diverse experience to the table, spanning private practice, ENT, and educational audiology, along with significant time in leadership roles. My insights into the hearing healthcare industry have also been featured in articles for Forbes.com. Beyond my professional life, I’m a working mother of three children under 10, navigating the daily joys and challenges that come with it. I’m deeply passionate about helping others, both in their professional growth and in balancing the demands of a fulfilling life.
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How I Can Help Mentees
Career Navigation & Growth: I can guide you through different audiology settings (private practice, ENT, education), help you identify your career goals, and strategize for advancement based on my varied experiences.
Leadership Development: Whether you’re aspiring to a leadership role or already in one, I can share practical advice on team management, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and effective communication to help you excel.
Work-Life Integration for Mothers: As a working mom myself, I understand the unique challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. I can offer strategies for time management, setting boundaries, and maintaining well-being while excelling professionally.
Building Your Professional Brand: Drawing on my experience writing for Forbes.com, I can help you develop your professional presence, whether it’s through thought leadership, networking, or enhancing your professional communication.
Problem-Solving & Resilience: I can provide a sounding board and practical advice for navigating difficult professional situations, overcoming setbacks, and building resilience in your career journey.
Dr. Patricia Gaffney
Patricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH is a professor at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Ft Lauderdale, FL. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from the University of Pittsburgh and her MPH from Nova Southeastern University. She joined the audiology department at NSU in 2007. Her specialty is vestibular diagnostics and treatment.
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At NSU she teaches the introductory vestibular class, vestibular lab, the advanced vestibular class, and a vestibular specialty course designed for advanced students who wish to specialize in vestibular diagnostics and treatment. She also teaches geriatric audiology, amplification I and II and accompanying labs. In addition to teaching, she sees patients in the NSU Audiology clinic with students seeing a mixture of vestibular and hearing aid patients. She also is the director for the NSU interprofessional fall prevention clinic. Dr Gaffney has presented at various national and state meetings on various topics including vestibular, amplification, and professional issues. Dr Gaffney also maintains memberships in several organizations, volunteers for various committees, and has previously served on the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors and American Academy of Audiology Foundation Board of Trustees, American Balance Society Board of Directors, and as president of the Audiology Practice Standards Organization. She is currently president of the American Academy of Audiology.
Dr. Anomis Davis Dula
My name is Anomis Davis Dula. I have held the title of Clinical Audiologist since May 2010. I fell in love with the field of Audiology at the age of 17 when I realized that Audiology would allow me to serve others in a helping profession. I also wanted to move forward as a healthcare professional because of my subpar experiences as a pediatric patient growing up without medical insurance.
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I earned my Undergraduate degree from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2005 and my Doctor of Audiology Degree in 2010. Before going to Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 2006, I spent a year as an Admissions Counselor. Then, while in graduate school, I was an Academic Advisor for two years for Pre-Physical Therapy students. In my role as an Academic Advisor, I advised students on courses and extracurricular activities to improve their candidacy for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at NIU.
In 2010, upon completion of my Au.D. Degree, I began working in a private practice audiology clinic where I served as a practicing Audiologist and Supervisor for students in the Au. D. Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. From 2011-2014, I worked for a private practice ENT clinic where I had the opportunity to run vestibular clinics, test hearing and fit hearing devices. And from 2014 to present, I’ve spent my time working as part of an ENT outpatient clinic within a hospital system. In my current role, I see infants for the geriatric population for diagnostics and treatment. I am the “unofficial mentor” for the newer Audiologist on our team. Making sure they are aware of protocols and acting as a sounding board for concerns and/or solutions for our department.
As an African-American woman Audiologist, I do believe that my clinical experience has been different from other clinical audiologists. I’ve had to face racism and sexism while training and practicing. When faced with hard situations in my professional role, there is value in community. Teamwork, support and community are the ways in which we can move the profession and the world forward.
Services:
Navigating challenging practice situations involving patient care (racism, sexism)
Navigating and healing from difficult supervisor relationships
Managing Full-Time Patient Care and Parenting/Family
Imposter Syndrome and Audiology Competency
Cultural Competency
Exploring Entitlement Mindset versus Confidence Mindset
Inheriting caseloads from acquired practices
Sole Audiologist at a location
Exploring career options in Audiology
Private Practice Dreaming
Dr. Marla Durand
Dr. Marla Durand – Clinical Audiologist
Hi everyone! My name is Dr. Marla Durand, however, as we are among colleagues, you may call me Marla 🙂 I currently work at a private practice in Midtown Manhattan. I enjoy Audiology and being able to have a positive impact in my patients’ lives for them and their loved ones. Outside of Audiology, I wear many other hats. I am a professional photographer and do all sorts of gigs, such as weddings, celebratory events, headshots, street, nature and travel photography.
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As a musician, while I have many years of experience playing the piano and guitar, my most recent hobby has been learning the drums for the past 6 months which has been so much fun. I also absolutely love to travel all over world with my beautiful wife. As a Black, Queer Woman of Caribbean descent, I find it very important to take up the space that I rightfully deserve to be in, as well as value the necessity to uplift others in my community as well.
Topics I’m open to discussing with any fellow colleagues/mentees:
– Navigating the workplace and profession as a Black woman
– Navigating the workplace and profession as a Queer woman
– Graduate school
– Juggling work-life balance
– Learning to advocate for yourself
– Salary negotiation
– And so much more!
Dr. Renee’ Shellum
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My next unexpected journey was in academia. I applied for a position at MSU-Mankato, half-heartedly and was shocked when I was called for an interview! I started off juggling my now part time clinical position and the MSU teaching position. After a lot of pushing and pulling for audiology courses in a general SLP program, I became full time and opened up a whole new area of audiology, audiology clinic and a track for upcoming AuD students while also getting to mentor students on their journey. Academia is a whole other world in some ways. I was able to share my love, and passion for Audiology with the upcoming generation, not without its own struggles personally and professionally.
My side interests are special needs kitty cats, nature, crystals, and peace. I would love to help anyone that I can to alleviate some of the pain, confusion and frustration. Sometimes we just need to be “heard”. I guarantee you; you are not alone! If you need a cheerleader, a mentor in a certain area, or just someone to bounce ideas off of-I would love to assist!
Areas of relatability:
-anxiety, depression and time management
-physical limitations: vision, unilateral deafness, spinal stenosis
-non-traditional students/practitioners
-LGBTQ safe
-conflict resolution
-losses; divorce, loss of parents
-new construction of audiology facilities X4
-inter and intrapersonal conflicts
-lack of respect for the profession and/or feeling treated “less than”
Dr. Brad Buchholtz
Hello audiologists out there! My name is Brad Buchholtz am I am a proud 45 year old Jersey boy. As with many of us, I had no idea that I was going to become an audiologist, but after 21 years, I’m going stronger than ever. I’m currently the clinical supervisor and supervising hearing aid dispenser of a multi location ENT practice in New Jersey. After having housing removed one month from my first year of my forensic psychology program, I took a winding road to discovering myself and to the career of audiology (though trying to figure out why my ear was popping so much did contribute as well…oh the perils of Eustachian tube dysfunction).
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I hold a Doctorate and Masters in audiology, as well as state licensure in New Jersey and New York. A current member of ASHA, I was a former member of AAA, including spending time as the chair of the ethical practices committee and a contributor to the membership committee. In my ENT practice, I host 3rd and 4th year doctoral students for internships and externships, respectively. I’ve worked in the hospital setting, the ENT setting, and in private practice. I love working with hearing aids, though I have significant experience with tinnitus and vestibular issues. I also have a lot of experience dealing with personalities!
I am a proud husband and the father to a wonderful special needs child. I love what I do, but I love my family and home life much more. Special spots in my heart are held for sports, professional wrestling, theater, and music. I also have dabbled in competitive eating. However, upon getting COVID in 2022, I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, turning my health upside down. Though I’ve gained weight, you’ll still find me at the gym 5-6 times a week.
I hope to convey my experiences as a self professed “tweener audiologist” so that the future generations of hearing healthcare providers know where we’ve been and where we want to go as a profession. However, I also want to convey the importance of being a well-rounded human being. Love your job, but love your life more.
Areas of expertise and experience:
-Hearing aids
-Department supervisor
-Preceptor experience
-Billing and coding/Insurance
-Vestibular disorders
-Tinnitus
-Special needs parent
-Health issues
-Controlling/monitoring self and staff burnout
-Work/life balance
-Buying groups
-Ethical practices
-The changing workplace
Dr. Mindy Ware, Au.D.
G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center
Jackson, MS
I have been an audiologist for 21 years, serving individuals across a variety of clinical and educational settings. I am currently at VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. I also serve as the Student Coordinator as well. I enjoy providing technical expertise while also nurturing the next generation of professionals. I am also a cochlear implant audiologist with many years of experience.
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I have a passion for both learning and teaching both in the professional and personal setting. I am ASHA certified, Certificate Holder-Tinnitus Management, and COHC. Following a divorce, I am a single mother of three, and a woman of strong Christian faith. My kids are busy with travel soccer, and I am constantly juggling school, work, and after school activities. I have 2 teenage sons and a nine-year-old daughter. I consider myself to be goal- oriented, motivating, and a great listener. No matter my work setting, my office chair has always been found by both colleagues and strangers waiting to share their lives with me. People in elevators share their life stories. I would consider myself very approachable and warm. I am a natural encourager and helper. My own path to better self-awareness, healing, and growth has opened so many wellness techniques that I now incorporate in my own life. Mental health is very important to me both for me and for my children. I believe rest, exercise, meditation, breathing, journaling, and stretching is very important. I have attended therapy for many years and will find myself listening to or reading several self-help books at one time. I love to motivate and encourage others. I have a passion for helping others find his/her purpose and to continue growing. I am deeply rooted in faith and prayer. I enjoy spending time in nature and find the ocean to be healing. My desire for knowledge is both present in my professional life and my personal life. I love to set goals and find new opportunities to push myself towards each year. I have led book clubs and studies for groups of likeminded women. I am currenty in the process of starting a mom mentorship group at my church. I have found myself deep in life experiences both good and bad over the last few years. I have overcome many obstacles and continue to move forward. I have been knocked down but will never give up. It’s not about what happens to you in life but how you react. I would consider myself an active listener and a source of motivation to those around me. I bring a unique blend of empathy and insight to every interaction. Whether in a clinical room, classroom, or moment of mentorship, I lead with faith, love, and a heart to serve.
Dr. Emily E McMahan
Dr. Emily E. McMahan is the owner of Alaska Hearing & Tinnitus Center in Anchorage. In addition to her physical practices in Alaska she serves high needs tinnitus patients via Telehealth and in-person field clinics across the western United States.
She holds multi-state licensure in order to help patients receive access to care closer to home. She is passionate about tinnitus patient care, audiology, and best practices. Her peer reviewed real world patient data was recently published in Nature Communications Journal of Medicine. Dr. McMahan is an adjunct faculty at the University of Alaska and the University of South Dakota.
She dedicates a considerable amount of time to educating audiologists on evidence-based tinnitus care and how to establish a tinnitus clinic. Dr. McMahan earned her Doctorate in Audiology and graduated from Salus University.
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Tinnitus
Telehealth
Practice Ownership
Working Moms
Adjunct Professorship
Clinical Research in PP
Private Practice
Work place dynamics
Dr. Nikki Hacker
Nicole (Nikki) Hacker, PhD, AuD, CCC-A
Nikki Hacker was a first-generation college student, who completed a B.S. in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Ohio University (2000), an Au.D. from Central Michigan University (2004), and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University (2021). Additionally, she is licensed as an audiologist in Michigan and Ohio. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Hacker has worked in public health, higher education, and non-profit industries as a practitioner, practice owner, teacher, researcher, and administrator. She has practiced the full scope of audiology services throughout her career and is particularly fond of working with students and their support systems to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed in their educational and professional journeys after school.
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In addition to practicing audiology, she is currently a fixed-term faculty member in the College of Business Administration and an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University. She collaborates on qualitative and quantitative research projects related to equity and inclusion in education, with a specific focus on online learning, study abroad, leadership/mentorship, graduate students (and subsequently allied health practitioners), and mental health, with an emphasis on proactive well-being. Her research interests include basic needs, student and practitioner mental health/well-being, equity and inclusion in education, global citizenship, and accessible learning for students.
Dr. Hacker lives with her partner, three children, and two dogs in Michigan. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as watching her children play sports and being a novice photographer.
Areas of mentorship:
● Navigating college (e.g. student loans, student parents, paying for books, and more)
● Basic needs (housing, food, and more)
● Navigating diagnosis and treatment for a severe disability
● Loss of job/financial concerns
● The expectation of doing it all (juggling work, family, caretaking, and more)
● Raising children while working full-time
● Going back to school at a later age
● Undergraduate and doctoral student mentor/advisor since 2011
● Mental health/proactive well-being (PhD dissertation: Graduate student psychological well-being: The current state and how it relates to emotional intelligence)
● Professional conflicts; how to have a difficult conversation
● Writing & dissertation success coach since 2017
Dr. Stephanie Gutzmer
Stephanie Gutzmer, Au.D., MBA
With over a decade of versatile experience spanning private practice, hospital settings, ENT
clinics, and hearing aid manufacturing, Stephanie brings a 360-degree understanding of the
audiology profession. Her journey has taken her from patient care to business to industry, giving
her a unique lens on the personal and professional challenges audiologists face at every stage of
their careers.
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In addition to her clinical and business expertise—anchored by an MBA that enhances her
insight into practice management and professional development—Stephanie is also a wellness
coach and yoga instructor. This rare combination allows her to support fellow audiologists not
just as colleagues, but as whole individuals navigating the pressures of a rapidly evolving
healthcare landscape.
Stephanie is now offering one-on-one peer support for audiologists seeking a safe, empathetic
space to reflect, re-center, and recharge. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, seeking career
clarity, or simply needing to be heard by someone who gets it, she offers guidance grounded in
shared experience, professional integrity, and holistic wellness.
Ready to connect with someone who truly understands the path you’re walking? Schedule a
session with Stephanie and take the first step toward renewed purpose and resilience in your
career.
Dr. Michelle Mori
Michelle Mori, Au.D.
Clinical Audiologist | Mentor | Advocate for Future Providers
I’m a clinical audiologist based in Virginia with six years of experience, most of which has been spent in busy ENT settings. I earned my Au.D. from East Carolina University and have navigated many of the same challenges that students and early-career audiologists face today.
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I’m passionate about making the profession more transparent and supportive—especially for those just entering the field. Whether you’re staring down student loans, preparing for externship interviews, or unsure of what kind of compensation to expect, I’m here to help. Some of the areas I offer mentorship in include:
* Making a plan to tackle student debt
* Choosing and thriving in externship placements
* Understanding compensation packages and negotiating with confidence
* Maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout
* Building confidence in the workplace and advocating for your needs
I know firsthand how overwhelming the early years can be, and how impactful it is to have someone in your corner. My goal is to serve as a sounding board, resource, and supporter—so you don’t have to figure it all out alone!
Gabrielle Naude
Gabrielle Naude, Audiologist
With over a decade of experience in audiology, Gabrielle Naude brings a deep well of clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and a passion for advancing the profession. Her work spans diagnostic audiology, hearing aid fitting and rehabilitation, and working with diverse patient populations. Gabrielle is especially skilled in complex case management and building strong rapport with both patients and their families.
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As a mentor, Gabrielle is known for her approachable style, practical insights, and commitment to supporting the next generation of audiologists. She offers guidance not only in clinical skills but also in ethical practice, communication, and navigating the realities of working in both private and public healthcare settings. Her dedication to lifelong learning and professional development makes her an invaluable resource for those entering the field
Dr Judy Huch
Hi there! I am Judy Huch, AuD working in private Practice. I have owned and managed a private practice since 1996, have started a nonprofit and have served in this capacity for the last 10 years. My specialties currently are military, conservation and tinnitus management in the private practice sector. I do a lot of philanthropy work both in southern Arizona and around the world. I work hard for Audiology autonomy and currently sit on the Academy of Doctors of Audiology for the past 2 years.
