Meet Our Audiologists
Jennifer Gagesch, Au.D.
Palos Hills office | 708-599-9500 | Email Dr. Gagesch
“I grew up with audiology. My ‘first’ experience with it was when my mother, in graduate school to become an audiologist herself, was pregnant and learning to test hearing. It must have made an impression because years later, after a short stint as a rehabilitation counselor, I went back to school for audiology. I received my Master of Arts degree in Audiology from Northwestern University, followed later with my Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) degree from Salus University. I enjoy working with people of all ages, with specific interests in diagnostic testing, dispensing of hearing instruments, hearing conservation (particularly for musicians and those that enjoy music), and auditory processing. At home I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, two daughters, son, and a very stubborn dog), running, bicycling, reading, and listening to music.”
"We were very impressed with Dr. Gagesch and everything at the Center. I will recommend Sertoma to all in need with hearing loss. —D. Suchy"
Barbara Goers, M.A., CCC-A
Romeoville office | 630-633-5060 | Email Barbara Goers
"I graduated from Purdue University (B.S.) and Ball State University (M.A., audiology). My husband Jim's employer has kept us on our toes, with stops in IN, GA, FL, SC, and NY. This has turned out to be an asset for me actually, helping me develop my pediatric and hearing-aid, fitting and counseling skills from a variety of clinical perspectives. We live in Plainfield and are reminded daily that life is great by our son, Sam — who is proud to be six — and by our Dachshund, still a puppy at eight."
Keeley Moore, M.A., CCC-A
Homewood office | 708-957-7122 | Email Keeley Moore
Tom Wardzala, Au.D.
Palos Hills office | 708-599-9500 | Email Dr. Wardzala
"The physics of sound, the anatomy, and the physiology of the ear are incredibly interesting. Throw in a healthy interest in computers and the fitting digital-hearing instruments — audiology is a perfect fit for me.
The best part of being an audiologist is being able to help people communicate in their everyday lives. Whether it's a child in school or an elderly patient, hearing is essential to communicating with others, and the work we do here at The Speech and Hearing Center helps others with this.
My real specialty is fitting advanced technology on patients, especially children.
I've been an audiologist since 1994. My first few years in practice were at St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago. I then was a Senior Audiologist at the University of Chicago Hospitals for 7 years. I worked at a private practice in downtown Chicago for almost three years before I came back to working in a non-profit environment.
I have a wife Holly and a 5 year old daughter, Sofia.
I received my M.A. in Audiology in 1994 from Northwestern University. After a number of years of practice, I returned to school and received my Au.D. from the Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2009.
Christina Woodall, M.S., CCC-A
Romeoville office | 630-633-5060 | Email Christy Woodall
"I made the decision to be an audiologist in the 8th grade when an audiologist visited my science class and described her profession. I received my Bachelors and Master of Science degree in Audiology from Radford University in Radford, Virginia. After working for five years, I gave birth to my second daughter, who was born with profound hearing loss in both ears. Today, I have five daughters, two with profound hearing loss. I'm a busy mom, very active with my kids' sports and activities, and as you can imagine, I have developed a love and devotion to pediatric audiology."
Karin Woods, Au.D.
Palos Hills office | 708-599-9500 | Email Dr. Woods
“My Mom ran a daycare when I was a kid and I think it influenced my career choice. I like helping people solve problems, and as an audiologist, this is exactly what I do. Becoming an audiologist was a great choice for me — the technology is impressive (it changes lives!) and even more so is the range of hearing and related communication issues that people face. From infants to senior adults, helping my patients with solutions that make them smile gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction. My first connection with The Speech and Hearing Center was during a visit while an undergraduate — I loved the friendly, caring atmosphere. And here I am today, an audiologist, loving my work and my patients — funny how my Mom’s daycare and my visit to TSHC worked together (glad they did). I’m a graduate of Western Illinois University (B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders) and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Doctor of Audiology).”
Meet Our Audiology Residents
Audiology Residents are important members of our clinical team, an integral part of our day-to-day operations. Students enrolled in Au.D. degrees are required to compete a year of residency at a qualified teaching facility. We're delighted to play a role in their professional education.