Our Audiologists

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Dr. Cara is a distinguished audiologist, as well as an adjunct professor and clinical instructor at Calvin University, dedicated to comprehensive ear and hearing care for patients of all ages. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Western Michigan University in 1996 and 1998, followed by her doctoral work at AT Still University in Mesa, Arizona. With experience in varied settings—from the Veteran’s Administration and ENT offices to schools, hospitals, and specialized private practices—Dr. Cara has developed a diagnostic and therapeutic approach that emphasizes identifying root causes of auditory dysfunction and implementing effective, individualized treatments.

For both adults and children, Dr. Cara is committed to uncovering underlying issues affecting hearing and auditory processing, recognizing that accurate diagnostics are the foundation of effective care. She draws on Erber’s framework (1984) to create a solid structure for assessing auditory processing, brain health, and language skills, ensuring that each patient receives the insights and support they need to thrive. Her dedication to identifying core auditory and language issues empowers her patients to build essential communication skills and enhance their quality of life.

In pediatrics, Dr. Cara is a passionate advocate for early intervention, focusing on preventing language deprivation and supporting structured literacy and auditory processing skills essential for lifelong learning and communication. She believes that every child should have access to a strong language foundation, and she works diligently to provide diagnostic clarity and targeted therapies that address their unique developmental needs.

For adults, Dr. Cara’s approach addresses the complex interactions between brain health, auditory processing, and hearing ability. She prioritizes evidence-based diagnostics to uncover root dysfunctions, followed by tailored therapeutic plans that address each patient's specific auditory challenges. Dr. Cara’s commitment to combining advanced diagnostic tools with compassionate, personalized care has earned her a reputation for helping adults achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in hearing and communication.

Whether working with children or adults, Dr. Cara’s approach is holistic, empathetic, and grounded in her commitment to best practices. Her expertise in diagnostics and treatment allows her to provide patients of all ages with the tools they need to overcome auditory challenges and build stronger, clearer connections with the world around them.

Dr.  Stacey Braund brings both expertise and compassion to her work as an audiologist. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Speech  Pathology and Audiology from Western Michigan University in 2009, followed by her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from Wayne State University in 2013. She has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American  Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Dr.  Braund’s diverse work experience includes ENT clinics, non-profit  organizations, and specialty private practices. This background allows her to develop therapy strategies to address the root causes of auditory challenges, ensuring  every individual receives a personalized care plan.

Dr.  Braund is passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate hearing loss and auditory processing challenges. For children, she focuses on strengthening foundational auditory skills critical for language and literacy development to help them stay on track in school and beyond. For adults, she’s committed to helping them understand speech in noisy environments, whether at work or during  social and family gatherings. Dr. Braund takes time to understand each patient’s unique needs, developing solutions that may include advanced hearing technology, specialized therapy, or a combination of both.

When  she’s not in the clinic, Dr. Braund enjoys life in the Grand Rapids area with her husband, teenage stepdaughter, and two young sons. She  loves family time,  music concerts, and diving into a good book.