Kristi Moore and Jolene Manthey relocated to Colorado this summer to complete their externships in the UCH MDHC Audiology clinic in order to graduate with their Doctorate of Audiology degrees in 2011. Approximately two months into the externships, both women are enjoying their learning experiences here.

Originally from Georgia, Kristi is a student at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. When she was in 3rd grade, she signed up for community classes in American Sign Language to satisfy her curiosity for the language. It wasn't long before she was fluent. Years later, when it was discovered that her little cousin developed a speech and language delay related to her epilepsy, Kristi began to think about becoming a Speech Language Pathologist. But when she was took an Anatomy and Physiology course in college for her Communication Disorders degree, she realized she loved the science aspect of the hearing mechanism and shifted her career focus to become an Audiologist. Kristi pursued her graduate work at  Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts college in the nation exclusively designed for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. This allowed for pursuit of Kristi's passion to learn American Sign Language in order to work as an Audiologist with insight into the culture of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Meanwhile, Jolene, originally from Wisconsin, began her college career majoring in interior archietecture. However, after a few classes, she realized her ambitions weren't in sync with her natural skills, and at the suggestion of a friend, changed her major to Communication Disorders. Nearing the end of her program, she was also exposed to an audiology-heavy class and discovered her passion for the field. She became attracted to the hands-on aspects of the profession, especially the manipulation of various pieces of equipment and tools used to to measure fuctions of the ear.

When asked about her time so far in the clinic, Jolene reports "...it has been a wonderful experience. The feedback from the team has been very helpful, and the chance to work on the multi-disciplinary team clinic [COMPASS] has been awesome." Kristi adds, "I like working with a variety of people with different personalities and the quick pace of the clinic. It is challenging in a good way."

Both students will rotate through different aspects of the clinic throughout the year. By the time they graduate, they will have had the chance to experience everything from mapping cochlear implants to working with balance and dizziness patients. Kristi will graduate with an AuD from Gallaudet University while Jolene will receive her AuD from Kent State University. 

Languages are best learned when there are opportunities to fully immerse oneself. Come join us for our bi-annual Sign Language Immersion Day to further develop your skills, learn new signs, and have a great time!