2023-2024 Officers
Who We Are
Mallory Sellens
President
Why did you choose audiology?
I discovered audiology through my mother and witnessed her journey with progressive, profound hearing loss. The struggles she has experienced with hearing aid access, as well as the personal struggles she has undergone, steered me towards the field of audiology. I also love the science of hearing and how quickly and succinctly audiologists can make an impact on a patient’s life.
What are your audiology goals currently?
I have interest in both pediatrics and adults. At the moment, I’ve enjoyed doing hearing aid trials and programming hearing aids. As for research interests, I am particularly invested in hearing conservation at sports games and concerts!
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
I really appreciate all of the equipment and collaboration space we have at our disposal in our audiology clinic. In addition, we have a fantastic faculty that has a wide breadth of knowledge to share with us.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of knowledge I have been given was that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know and who knows you.” While I still believe it is wildly important to study hard and have a good foundation of knowledge to rely upon, networking and establishing connections with people in and outside of our field is paramount to our success and ability to offer our patients best practices.
Kevin Liu
Vice President
Why did you choose audiology?
As someone with a hearing loss and a cochlear implant, I was inspired and fond of my pediatric audiologist, who strived to make my educational life easy. Because of this, I want to help and give back to those who are in the same shoes as I was previously.
What are your audiology goals currently?
I have an interest in cochlear implants! If given the chance, I would also like to work for Veterans Affairs. There are still more things to learn, and I am willing to take on these opportunities!
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
There are many unknowns for me as someone who is hard of hearing. I appreciate that our professors and clinical instructors are guiding me through this audiology journey, which can be fun and challenging at times!
What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them?
My hobbies involve gaming and bowling! I love the concept of games as it helps me actively think of certain situations and how to overcome challenges when they are presented in front of me. I learned bowling during my undergraduate year. Bowling is fun when there is always room to improve!
Kasey Cain
Treasurer
Why did you choose audiology?
I came to learn about audiology after my son was born with hearing loss. I chose to change careers and pursue audiology because I found a passion for it after each appointment we attended. I feel my experience as a parent with a hard of hearing child can help the families I serve in my future career.
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What are your audiology goals currently?
I am very interested in working with cochlear implants and pediatrics, but I am excited to continue learning and see what I enjoy the most!
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What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
The brand-new clinic! We get to see patients in a facility we can be proud of, and we offer services that can be hard to find, like testing for Central Auditory Processing Disorder.
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If you could have a conversation with anyone (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
Anyone from The Golden Girls! I am a huge fan of the show and would love to split a slice of (vegan) cheesecake and talk about their time on the hit series.
Bella Brown-Quigley
Secretary
Why did you choose audiology?
To help veterans like my grandpa. After learning more about audiology, I fell in love with the field and haven't looked back.
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What are your audiology goals currently?
To work for Veteran Affairs and participate in research in some capacity.
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What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
The variety of didactic and clinical professors. I don't think it's common to have such a variety of instructors with all sorts of experience.
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If you could have a conversation with anyone (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
My paternal grandfather. He passed away when my dad was young and I would love to get to know him because he had such a huge impact on my dad who is one of my role models.
Jaleasha Nacole Lyons
Community Outreach
Why did you choose audiology?
I chose audiology due to my fascination with its scientific nature, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to positively impact patient's lives.
What are your audiology goals currently?
My audiology goals center on enhancing expertise in pediatrics and adult audiology, staying updated on advancements, and making a meaningful impact across all age groups.
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
The clinical experience at Sac State AuD program, enriched by resources and supportive faculty, is my favorite aspect.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I've received: "Success is not final, and failure is not fatal." It guides me to see achievements as stepping stones and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Laura Gaeta
Ph.D., F-AAA
Faculty Advisor
Why did you choose audiology?
I became interested in audiology after taking an introductory aural rehabilitation (AR) course in undergrad. AR has so many components and potential connections with other fields, and I enjoy getting to learn about how we can address the effects of hearing impairment in a variety of ways.
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
My favorite part of the Au.D. program is the people. Our students, staff, and faculty are here to educate, work with, and train future audiologists. Our patients and research participants can come to our new clinic for services and meet our students. Through SAA, we can reach more people like undergraduate students and community members who may be learning about audiology or the importance of hearing for the first time.
