COLORADO SPRINGS EAR ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Allison Groninger P.A.-C. is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in hearing and balance disorders. Allison received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Colorado State University before earning her Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Her prior experience as a medical assistant and nursing assistant taught her the importance of compassion and being responsive to patient concerns. She wanted to pursue her degree as a Physician Assistant to combine her background of caregiving with advanced medical knowledge and technical skills.
Allison has been with CSEA for over four years before becoming a provider where she developed a passion for treating acute and chronic ear disorders. She enjoys developing relationships with patients of all ages and providing quality, patient centered care. A Colorado Springs native, she loves getting outdoors, running trails and camping with her friends and family.
Brooke Larson, Au.D., is a licensed Doctor of Audiology. She grew up in the rural communities of western Kansas, and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University. Dr. Larson received her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Memphis and relocated to Colorado Springs Ear Associates from Charleston ENT & Allergy in Charleston, SC. She enjoyed working with a variety of patients, ranging from pediatrics to adults and specializes in patient- centered care. In her free time, Dr. Larson enjoys being outside with her husband and their Goldendoodle. She also enjoys reading, traveling and fostering dogs at local shelters.
Cassie Iliff, Au.D. is a Doctor of audiology and a Colorado native, growing up on a cattle ranch near rural Yuma, CO. Dr. Iliff received both her Doctor of Audiology degree as well as her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Dr. Iliff's specialties include advanced hearing aid programming, extended-wear Lyric fittings, tinnitus management, and hearing protection. Since graduating with her doctorate, Dr. Iliff has had a variety of experiences within her profession. She started her career by winning the James Jerger Award for Excellence in Student Research. She has worked as a sales representative and trainer for a hearing aid manufacturer as well as a developer of hearing testing equipment. Growing up in a small town helped her see the importance of quality healthcare and gave her a specific passion for helping people hear and she looks forward to providing you with quality, individualized hearing healthcare.
Courtney Blankenship, Au.D., is a licensed Doctor of Audiology. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2017 and her Doctorate of Audiology from Indiana University in 2020. Dr. Blankenship specializes in adult aural rehabilitation, vestibular diagnostics, and surgically implanted hearing devices (Cochlear Implants and BAHA). She is dedicated to providing individualized, patient-centered care, and is excited to serve the Colorado Springs community. During her free time she enjoys exploring with her 2 Australian Shepherds, reading fiction novels, and traveling.
Jessica Danforth, B.S., is a 4th year audiology extern, finishing the final year of her Doctor of Audiology degree at CSEA. She is originally from the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. She received her Bachelor degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from University of Arizona, in Tucson, and is currently completing her Doctor of Audiology degree at the University of Texas at Dallas. Jessica enjoys all facets of audiology, especially vestibular diagnostics and cochlear implants. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, and has enjoyed exploring and spending more time outdoors since moving to Colorado.
Joseph L. Hegarty, M.D. is a board-certified physician specializing in Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery. Dr. Hegarty completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating with honors. After graduating with honors from his medical school class at Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Hegarty completed a 5-year Otolaryngology residency and a 2-year cochlear physiology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Following his residency, Dr. Hegarty completed an additional 2-year Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco under the direction of Robert Jackler, M.D. Dr. Hegarty has been practicing in Colorado since 2001. His practice is limited to diseases of the hearing and balance systems.
Michael Iliff, Au.D., is a clinically certified audiologist. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of the Redlands in California and his Masters in Audiology from San Diego State University. His doctorate in Audiology was completed at the Arizona School of Health Sciences. He joined us in 2016. Dr. Iliff's services include comprehensive hearing rehabilitation, including hearing aids, surgically implanted devices (BAHA and Cochlear Implants), and assistive listening devices.
Dr. Iliff has served on numerous boards serving the hearing impaired, served as a technology consultant for many major hearing aid manufacturers, and has used hearing technology for many years due to his own hearing loss. "As someone who is hearing impaired and uses hearing technology, I've always felt the most satisfaction when I've been able to apply my experience and education to give someone the gift of hearing once again."
Roldan Alegre, PT, DPT, Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation (CCVR), is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and holds competency-based certification in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management. Originally from Chicago, IL, Dr. Alegre earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Loyola University Chicago and received his Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, graduating with high honors.
Prior to joining CSEA, Dr. Alegre worked with a variety of patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, and vestibular disorders. Through his experiences, he developed a passion for treating dizziness and balance problems. He is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his patients through use of the most up-to-date evidence based practice. During his free time, he enjoys weight lifting, cooking, and playing the ukulele.
Savannah is a 4th year audiology extern from Carmel, Indiana. She received her bachelors degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science from Indiana University and she is completing her Doctor of Audiology degree there as well. She enjoys working with cochlear implants and electrophysiological diagnostics. During her free time she enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially cycling, running, and hiking.
Sharon Rodenbaugh is a Colorado Springs native with a passion for providing excellent medical support to patients and coworkers alike. Sharon is a mother to one wonderful daughter, and she strives to promote a foundation for strong female professionalism within the medical community. In her free time Sharon is an avid artist, and photographer, who loves to find beautiful inspirations in unlikely places.