Our Audiologists

Dr. Peter Marincovich

Peter Marincovich, Ph.D., CCC-A

Owner, Director of Audiology Services

Dr. Peter Marincovich earned his graduate degree in communicative disorders from Louisiana State University, and his Ph.D., in Audiology from the University of Memphis. A Santa Rosa native, Dr. Marincovich has practiced in his hometown since 1984. Dr. Marincovich works with patients of all ages and levels of hearing loss. He is also a frequent presenter at seminars and academic conferences. His areas of special interest include the assessment of auditory and vestibular disorders, healthcare policy, hearing care solutions and delivery systems and audiology education. He holds specialized credentials in teaching the handicapped, and conducts courses at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Giana Hatem, Au.D.

Giana Hatem, Au.D.

Clinical Audiologist

Giana Hatem is a Graduate Doctor of Audiology Student at The University of the Pacific. Giana is from the San Francisco Bay Area. She attended Cleveland State University for her bachelors degree in Speech and Hearing with a minor in political science. She is passionate about research because it would be a tool that is used in the future as she sees patients and fits them with hearing devices.

Casey J Smith AuD Doctoral Student

Casey J Smith

AuD Doctoral Student

Casey Smith is a Doctor of Audiology student at The University of the Pacific. She earned her B.S in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Sacramento. She holds an active California Hearing Aid Dispensing license. Casey is from Northern California and enjoys singing with local choirs and walks with her dog. She is passionate about providing professional and well-rounded care through multiple areas of audiology.

Our Clinical Staff

Lisa Dehner, CCMA-AC

Lisa Dehner, CCMA-AC

Hearing Loss Support Specialist, Hearing Aid Dispenser

Lisa Dehner received her certification in Medical Assisting from Empire College in Santa Rosa, California in 2007 and maintains state certification (clinical and administrative). In 2010 she received her Hearing Aid Dispensing License from the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Hearing Aid Dispenser’s Board. She is also an active Hearing Loss Support Specialist certified by the Hearing Loss Association (HLAA). In addition, she is a current member of Hearing Healthcare Providers (HHP). Her professional interests include helping people reconnect with family and friends by obtaining maximum benefit from the latest hearing technology available and Interventional Audiology research.

 Tina Afifi

Tina Afifi

Patient Care Coordinator, Hearing Loss Support Specialist, Hearing Aid Dispenser

Tina Afifi received her Hearing Aid Dispensing License in 2009 from the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Hearing Aid Dispenser’s Board. She is also an active Hearing Loss Support Specialist certified by the Hearing Loss Association (HLAA). In addition, she is a current member, in good standing, with Hearing Healthcare Providers (HHP)of California. Her professional interests focus on the newest hearing technology as well as vestibular testing which assist audiologist, physical therapist and physicians in the treatment of balance related issues.

Hailey

Hailey Newman

Patient Care and Product Laboratory

Hailey Newman graduated from California State University, Chico with a Public Health degree. She is also a certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Since joining us earlier this year, Hailey has found her niche in working with patients as they begin their audio testing. She is also responsible for the complete order cycle of hearing aids from ordering, preparing, and programing, to cleaning and sending in for repairs. As well, she has begun to administer vestibular testing for patients with imbalance issues.

Hailey’s main objective is to use her education and training to fulfill her passion for helping others improve their quality of life. In her spare time, Hailey enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs!

Carlie Borders

Carlie Borders

Audiology Assistant

Carlie graduated from San Francisco State University in 2021, earning her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Physiology, and a Minor in Chemistry. Born and raised in Sonoma County, she is proud to serve her community. Carlie is an audiologist assistant and is involved in patient care. She is a strong advocate for patient centered care, and believes education is essential to help patients make the most informed decisions about their health. When she is outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, and watching podcasts.

Office Staff

Leticia

Leticia

Front Desk Lead

Leticia has always had a passion for healthcare. Starting as a CNA in 2008, she worked at convalescent hospitals and studied to become a Medical Assistant. She joined Audiology Associates in 2022 while finishing her externship hours and never left! Currently she is our Front Desk Lead. Her favorite thing about working at Audiology Associates is interacting with patients.Having a grandfather with hearing difficulties has given her a huge perspective on the process our patients experience.

When not at work, you can find Leticia spending time with my three boys, husband and Dachshund, Spike! She also uses her spare time to go back to her childhood home and have family game nights with her sisters and cousins.

Xochil

Xochil

Front Office

Xochil graduated early from high school in 2023, enabling her to promptly start her educational journey towards becoming a medical assistant. She devoted time to volunteering at Cesar Chavez Language Academy, an elementary school. Xochil’s aspiration to enter the medical field was fueled by her desire to help people and make a positive impact on their lives. In 2023, she joined Audiology Associates, marking her initiation into the medical profession—an experience she thoroughly enjoys. Xochil finds joy in engaging with patients, making a significant difference in their lives, and simplifying their healthcare experiences. Her decision to join Audiology has proven fulfilling as she values the compassionate and exceptional qualities of the team.

Armando

Armando

Front Office

Bio Coming Soon

Armando graduated from high school in 2018 and worked in construction for five years. In 2024, he began his medical assistant program. He started his externship at Audiology Associates in November.

Armando enjoys traveling to different cities, trying various foods, and engaging in diverse activities. He also loves playing soccer with his two younger brothers.

Monica

Monica

Referral Coordinator

Monica is a bubbly, positive, and an upbeat addition to the Audiology Associates team. A graduate of Empire College with a degree in medical assisting in 2018, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for improving hearing health. When not at work, Monica loves to adventure and hike with her dog, Rylee, and cherishes time spent with her family. She is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to every patient at Audiology Associates.