Our Audiologists
Michele L. Ruatto, Au.D., CCC-A
Director of Audiology
Dr. Ruatto received her Master of Arts degree in Audiology from Michigan State University in 1996. In 2011, Dr. Ruatto received her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from A.T. Still University, AZ. Dr. Ruatto is certified by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association, a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, and is licensed by the State of Michigan. She has also served as a board member of the Michigan Academy of Audiology. Dr. Ruatto’s expertise is in hearing aid fitting and aural rehabilitation. Prior to joining MEI in 2015, Dr. Ruatto practiced audiology for a local ENT practice, has worked for a top hearing aid manufacturer, and managed 25 retail hearing aid centers in Michigan. Outside of work she enjoys visiting her two children at college as well as spending time with family, her dogs, and friends.
Joy E. Wolney, Au.D., CCC-A
Assistant Director of Audiology
Dr. Wolney has been a part of the Audiology team at the Michigan Ear Institute since August of 1998. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Audiology in 1991 from Purdue University. Joy received her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree in August of 2010 from A.T. Still University, AZ. Dr. Wolney’s area of expertise is in adult hearing aid amplification and aural rehabilitation. She is accredited by the American Speech Language Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of Michigan. Dr. Wolney enjoys building relationships with her patients and feels blessed that she is able to help improve the quality of people’s lives. At home, she enjoys traveling with her husband and playing “mom” to her three adult children. She now has two small grandsons and looks forward to spending as much time with them as possible and watching them grow.
Danielle M. Bennett, Au.D., CCC-A
Assistant Director of Audiology
Dr. Danielle Bennett is a dedicated Michigan Ear Institute audiologist of 10+ years, proudly serving as the assistant director of audiology. Dr. Bennett received her Doctor of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University completed her audiology fellowship at Michigan Ear Institute. She holds an active audiology license in the state of Michigan and her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). At Michigan Ear Institute, Dr. Bennett specializes in cochlear implants, hearing aids, and diagnostics of the hearing and balance systems out of the Farmington Hills office. Dr. Bennett has multiple published articles and has presented cochlear implant research at the national and international level. She enjoys mentoring audiology students within the clinic as well. On a personal note, Dr. Bennett is a native of Michigan and enjoys spending time outside of work with her husband and 3 children. As a family they share a love of their two cats, traveling, and good food. In her free time, Dr. Bennett enjoys relaxing with a good book.
Paulette L. Patrick M.A., CCC-A
Paulette joined the Michigan Ear Institute in 2003 as a Senior Audiologist. With more than 25 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and vestibular challenges, Paulette specializes in balance disorders, the evaluation of, hook-up and programming for cochlear implants and hearing evaluation and hearing aid dispensing.
Prior to joining Michigan Ear Institute, Paulette spent eighteen years working with private practice Otolaryngologists in Nevada gaining experience in the effective treatment of a wide range of conditions.
Paulette says her most rewarding experiences are when patients come back after treatment, marveling at the benefits of better hearing. Paulette earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, studying under leading audiology educators. She holds her license in Audiology from the State of Michigan and her Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology from the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association.
A fitness enthusiast, Paulette enjoys a variety of outdoor activities with her husband and their three quickly growing sons.
Brandy J. Klann M.A., CCC-A
Brandy is a Clinical Audiologist with over 22 years of experience here at the Michigan Ear Institute. She specializes in diagnosing hearing disorders and providing advanced solutions through hearing aids and cochlear implants. Driven to empower patients, she helps them regain confidence and reconnect with the world through better hearing. Recognized for her warm, approachable style, she delivers care that is both highly skilled and personalized.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Audiology from Western Michigan University. She is licensed by the State of Michigan and certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Committed to advancing the field, Brandy stays actively engaged in research, continuing education, and professional collaboration. Outside of her clinical work, Brandy enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, who keep her busy with their involvement in dance and baseball. She also loves the beach, crafting, baking and reading.
Michael E. Robinette, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Michael Robinette is an audiologist at the Michigan Ear Institute and has worked in that role for over 20 years. He works closely with tinnitus and reduced sound tolerance patients, dispenses hearing aids and performs diagnostic evaluations for central auditory processing disorder. He holds a credential by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. He gets personal enjoyment by attending concerts at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra hall, reading sci-fi/fantasy novels and Sunday dinners with his wife and family.
Sandra L. Porps, Au.D., CCC-A
Sandra L Porps, Au.D. CCC-A graduated cum laude from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2001 with a bachelors degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Dr. Porps received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) in 2005 from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. In 2004, Dr. Porps joined the Michigan Ear Institute team and became a full staff member in 2005. Dr. Porps performs hearing tests, balance testing, central auditory processing tests, and advanced electrophysiology tests. Dr. Porps also enjoys working with hearing aids and Baha and is proud to serve as a member of the cochlear implant team. Dr. Porps is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of Michigan. In 2009, Dr. Porps and her husband welcomed twin boys. Today, Dr. Porps works at the Novi office on Thursdays only and spends the remainder of her week chasing after two very active two year olds.
Rachel R. Beckley, Au.D., CCC-A
Rachel Beckley, Au.D. CCC-A graduated from Michigan State University, in 2001 with a bachelors degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences. Dr. Beckley received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) in 2005 from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. In 2004, Dr. Beckley worked in Grand Rapids, Michigan for The Hearing Clinic evaluating hearing loss and dispensing amplification. In 2006, Dr. Beckley relocated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She enjoyed evaluating children of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. Dr. Beckley returned to Michigan in 2008 to start a family and worked in Midtown, Detroit for DMC ENT before joining the Michigan Ear Institute team in early summer, 2011. Dr. Beckley performs hearing tests, balance testing and advanced eletrophysiology tests. She especially enjoys the challenges and rewards of working with small children. She is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of Michigan. Dr. Beckley works part-time in the Farmington Hills office and spends her out of work time taking care of her husband and two, active, growing boys.
Heather D. Balon, Au.D.
Originally from Novi, Michigan, Dr. Heather Balon graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan in 2008 with a double major in Speech Pathology and Audiology and French. In 2012, she received her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from Central Michigan University. She was hired on as a member of the Audiology department at Michigan Ear Institute (MEI) directly following obtaining her doctoral degree. She specializes in diagnosing and treating positional vertigo (BPPV) as well as working with hearing aids. As MEI is one of the few clinics in the country with an Epley Omniax machine, which is specifically designed to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV, she enjoys being able to help people from near and far that have been struggling with this disorder. Additionally, she enjoys working with her patients with hearing loss in order to enhance their communication ability and improve their quality of life as much as possible. When not working MEI, she enjoys reading, art, and traveling.
Hollis T. Leidy, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Leidy graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2013. Dr. Leidy went on to earn her Doctorate of Audiology in 2017 from James Madison University in Virginia. She completed her audiology fellowship at Michigan Ear Institute prior to her position as a clinical audiologist. She currently holds her audiology license in the state of Michigan and her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). At the Michigan Ear Institute, Dr. Leidy performs vestibular and hearing evaluations on individuals of all ages. A second-generation audiologist has given her compassion and understanding of the impact of hearing loss, as well as, the positive impact available from quality personalized care. Outside of work, Dr. Leidy enjoys photography, traveling, and gardening.
Rachel M. Goffeney, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Goffeney earned her Master of Arts degree in 2018 from Butler University and went on to receive her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from Indiana University in 2021. Her academic and clinical training reflect a strong commitment to patient-centered care and evidence-based audiology. At Michigan Ear Institute she specializes in the diagnosis and management of hearing loss using advanced hearing technologies. Her areas of expertise include cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing systems, and hearing aids. She is passionate about helping individuals improve their quality of life through better hearing and is dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements in audiologic care. Outside of work she enjoys playing with her dog, reading, and spending time outside.
Justin M. Fabish, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Justin Fabish is a board-certified Doctor of Audiology at the Michigan Ear Institute, where he provides comprehensive audiological care. His clinical expertise includes hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, cochlear implant evaluations and programming, and bone-anchored hearing aid services. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Fabish is dedicated to improving communication and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
He earned his Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from Central Michigan University in 2010 and has been committed to clinical excellence ever since. Dr. Fabish is a proud member of both the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), reflecting his dedication to ongoing professional development and adherence to the highest standards of care.
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Fabish enjoys traveling, scuba diving, cycling, and spending time with his friends and family.
Rachel J. Rusinowski, Au.D., CCC-A
Rachel Rusinowski, Au.D., CCC-A, graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Rusinowski received her Doctorate of Audiology degree in 2023 from Central Michigan University. Dr. Rusinowski completed her fourth-year residency at MEI and was hired on directly after obtaining her doctorate. At MEI, she specializes in vestibular and electrophysiologic testing, cochlear implants, bone-anchored solutions, and hearing aids. She is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of Michigan. Outside of work, her interests include gardening, reading, watching hockey, and playing golf.
Leah M. Patton, Au.D., CCC-A
Leah Patton, Au.D., CCC-A, is a licensed audiologist at Michigan Ear Institute, where she provides comprehensive audiological care including diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, bone-anchored hearing systems, and vestibular testing for patients of all ages. She earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Ball State University and her Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University. Dr. Patton completed her fourth-year externship at Michigan Ear Institute prior to graduation. She is licensed to practice audiology through the state of Michigan and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is passionate about improving her patients’ quality of life through individualized hearing care. Outside of her clinical work, Leah enjoys spending time with her dog, caring for her houseplants, and being actively involved in her church community.
Sierra A. Robershaw, Au.D., CCC-A
Hi! My name is Dr. Sierra Robershaw, and I have been an audiologist since 2021. I was born and raised in Southern California and earned my Doctor of Audiology degree from Pacific University in Oregon. After my spouse’s service in the U.S. Air Force, we relocated to Michigan, where I am grateful to care for patients in my new community.
I am passionate about helping others with their hearing and balance needs and strive to make every patient feel supported and understood.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, exploring Michigan, and visiting National Parks with her young family, including a full-of-life toddler who keeps every day adventurous—even at home.
Paige M. Hunter, Au.D., CCC-A
Paige Hunter, Au.D., CCC-A, graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology in 2021. She received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Central Michigan University in 2025. Dr. Hunter completed her 4th year residency at MEI and was hired on directly after obtaining her doctorate. She specializes in vestibular and electrophysiologic testing, bone anchored hearing solutions, and hearing aids. In her spare time, she loves to crochet, read, and spend time with her dog.
Ryan A Shubert, Au.D., CCC-A
Ryan Shubert, Au.D., CCC-A graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Pathology & Audiology. She received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Central Michigan University in 2025. Dr. Shubert completed her 4th year residency at MEI and was hired on directly after obtaining her doctorate. She specializes in vestibular testing, bone anchored solutions, and hearing aids. In her free time, she loves to read, enjoys the outdoors and loves to travel up north.
Hannah R. Richards, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Hannah Richards earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from Wayne State University. Along with state licensure, she holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hannah is passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life through better hearing and is proud to be a part of the MEI team! Outside of her work at MEI, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and relaxing near one of Michigan’s beautiful lakes.
Manuel Sarow, HIS
Manuel Sarow joined Michigan Ear Institute in April 2022 as a Hearing Aid Technician. In 2024, Manuel earned his Hearing Instrument Specialist license. He brings extensive healthcare experience from his previous role as a Medical Assistant, where he worked in fast-paced clinical environments. At Michigan Ear Institute, Manuel applies his technical expertise and clinical background to support patients with hearing aid fittings, maintenance, and education.
Manuel is recognized for his professionalism, attention to detail, and compassionate approach to patient care. He is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives personalized support and feels confident in managing their hearing health.
Originally from northwest Germany, Manuel enjoys sharing stories of his heritage and culture. Outside of work, he enjoys his boat-building project and often speaks fondly of his cat, Abigail, who holds a special place in his life.
Jayme Sharp, Audiology Front Desk Supervisor
Jayme has been part of Michigan Ear Institute team for 10 years. As the Audiology Front Desk Supervisor, she oversees daily operations and supports both patients and staff to ensure visits run smoothly. With over a decade of experience, she brings extensive knowledge of scheduling, insurance verification, and patient coordination. She is dedicated to making every patient feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.