What is your current title, and how long have you been with Oto?
My current title is Clinical Audiologist. I have been with the Department of Otolaryngology at WashU Medicine for 24 years. I started working in the Adult Audiology Program in 2001 after finishing my Masters Degree in Audiology at WashU. Subsequently, I returned to school to get my Doctorate of Audiology. I spent about 5 years working in Adult Audiology before joining the Cochlear Implant Program. It’s hard to believe that I will be starting my 25th year here at the end of 2025!
What do you like most about your work?
I most enjoy working with patients who have cochlear implants and helping them to optimize their hearing abilities in the communication situations most important to them. I have met so many great patients and have felt privileged to get to be part of their hearing journey. I also enjoy that the devices in our field are continuously being improved and so we are constantly learning about the changes in technology and teaching patients how to utilize them to ease communication challenges.
How would you describe life in your household?
My husband and I have been friends since we were 16 and have been married for 21 years. We have three teenage daughters – 17, 14, and 13 years old – so life is very busy. My evenings and weekends are filled with sports, school activities, and just trying to keep up with their social calendars! Although I often complain about never being at home, I love being with them when I can, so if that means I have to steal a couple of minutes on a car ride to a practice or home from school, I’m going to take it. I am also lucky that most of my immediate family is here in St. Louis so I get to see my parents and siblings often and we all look forward to getting together when we can.
Do you have a favorite activity or pastime?
My favorite activity is really anything I can do outside. I enjoy going for walks/hikes, playing pickle ball and gardening. I really enjoy Pilates, cooking and learning new recipes. I don’t have a lot of time for myself these days but try to meet a friend for a walk/class each week which helps me keep my sanity.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list?
My bucket list items are really pretty simple and short term as I love a good list that I can cross off – travel someplace new each year, learn to make a few new recipes each year, read a few good books each year. And, spend as much as I can with family and friends.