Audiologist
Director of Audiology at GVSU

Dr. Smart received her Doctor of Philosophy from James Madison University.  She holds an audiology license in Michigan and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Prior to moving to Michigan, she was the Audiology Graduate Program Director at Towson University and was an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.  She has authored numerous research publications, book chapters, scholarly presentation, and funded research grants.

Areas of specialization include:

• Diagnostic audiology
• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
• Tinnitus
• Hidden Hearing Loss
• Cochlear Implants

She works extensively with Special Olympics and considers herself a staunch advocate for individuals with intellectual disability.

Audiologist
Clinical Education Coordinator, Doctor of Audiology program

Dr. Hotaling received her Doctor of Audiology from University of Florida, is licensed to practice audiology in Michigan, and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Areas of specialization include:

• Diagnostic audiology
• Auditory Rehabilitation
• Working with Veterans
• Hearing in Children

She has clinical experiences in a variety of audiology settings. She also volunteers extensively with Special Olympics in their Healthy Hearing program and their Healthy Young Athlete program.

Audiologist
Affiliate Faculty, Doctor of Audiology program

Dr. Castillo received her Doctor of Audiology from Salus University, is licensed to practice audiology in Michigan, and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Areas of specialization include:

• Diagnostic audiology
• Hearing aid consultations and fittings
• Auditory Rehabilitation

She has clinical experiences in a variety of audiology settings. During the summer, Dr. Castillo leads several free auditory rehabilitation programs throughout West Michigan. She loves working with our graduate students both in the clinic and through the development of our auditory rehabilitation programs. She also volunteers extensively with Special Olympics.

Audiologist
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Audiology program

Dr. Pridnia received her Doctor of Audiology from Grand Valley State University, is licensed to practice audiology in Michigan, and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is also pursuing her Ph.D. at Pacific University in Education and Leadership. Her area of research focuses on access to healthcare for underserved populations.

Areas of specialization include:

• Diagnostic audiology for both pediatrics and adults
• Hearing aid consultations and fittings
• Cochlear implants
• Vestibular audiology

She has clinical experiences in a variety of audiology settings, with a specific interest in medical pathologies. Dr. Pridnia works with implantable devices, including both bone conduction hearing solutions and cochlear implants. She also volunteers extensively with Special Olympics.

Audiologist
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Audiology program

Dr. So received his Doctor of Audiology and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas.  He holds an audiology license in Michigan and holds his Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. His research lab is active. He has authored numerous research publications, presented scholarly research at a variety of conferences, and received several funded research grants.

Areas of specialization include:

• Diagnostic audiology
• Electrophysiological testing, including auditory brainstem response testing (also referred to as BAER testing) and cortical auditory evoked potentials
• Vestibular audiology
• Hearing aid consultations and fittings

He has experience both nationally and internationally. Dr. So also volunteers regularly with Special Olympics.

Although we are not a non-profit entity, we are organized with many of the same ideals and philosophies. Once the basic operating expenses are covered, any profits will…

1. Be shared with the doctoral students by creating scholarships, and/or
2. Be used to serve the special hearing needs of disadvantaged members of the community.