Inside The Newsletter: Faculty Focus & Student Spotlight

FACULTY FOCUS: Dr. Amanda Ayars

Dr. Amanda Ayars is an audiologist and clinical preceptor at PEI with extensive experience in adult hearing loss and amplification and clinical interests that include tinnitus, vestibular disorders and auditory processing.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University (TTU), and her Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences as well as her Doctor of Audiology degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC).

Dr. Ayars was originally pursuing Speech Pathology as her career path, however, her undergraduate studies included Audiology classes which she really enjoyed and led her to switch career paths.

“The biggest reward is the look and smile on my patient’s faces when they can hear again. You are able to reconnect people to family members and other people in their lives with whom they were unable to hear previously - their faces light up,” said Dr. Ayars.

Outside of work, Dr. Ayars enjoys reading and belongs to several book clubs.  She also loves all things arts and crafts; painting, sewing, knitting and she recently started quilting classes.

She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two puppies.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: James Brand

With a history of ear problems since he was a child, culminating in hearing aids while in high school, Jimmy Brand was no stranger to the profession of Audiology. “I wished I had an audiologist I could look up to but I never had that representation, so I decided I would be the representation for folks behind me,” he said.

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jimmy attended Western Michigan University. While researching graduate schools for audiology, he was immediately enamored with Salus University’s early clinical exposure and biomedical approach. Though far from home, Jimmy Brand knew this was the place for him. And, to make the move easier, a friend was moving to the Philadelphia area as well to attend Temple University.

“After completing my first year,” Jimmy said, “there is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice by entrusting my education to Salus University. I learned more in one year than I ever thought was reasonably possible. Each of our instructors approaches their various subjects with a unique perspective and incite. They genuinely want us to learn and grow as a student and clinician.”

Jimmy also serves as a student ambassador where he looks forward to meeting and working with members of the surrounding communities and cultivating relationships with the different departments on campus. He recently provided a campus tour to prospective students during the third annual Audiology Learning Experience. “Choosing a school is hard, finding your community is harder and I hope the students were able to experience both the clinical excellence and the supportive culture Salus has to offer.” Brand said. “I am very excited to be here at Salus, and I am excited to share my experiences and unique perspective with potential new students.”