Lauren Kontra, MPAP, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Lauren Kontra, MPAP, PA-C Physician Assistant Lauren obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology and Spanish from the University of Virginia in 2013. She graduated with her Masters in Physician Assistant Practice from Campbell University in 2016. She worked full-time in the Emergency Department at a Level I Trauma Center in Richmond for nearly five years where she treated a wide range of medical conditions. In 2021, she joined The Balance and Ear Center where she particularly enjoys diagnosing and managing vestibular disorders. She has a passion for the use of neuromodulator injectables for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, which are done in the office. Lauren is bilingual and enjoys interacting with her Spanish-speaking patients as well as patients from all backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys to travel, read and spend time with her family and friends.

Jennifer Young, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Audiologist

Dr. Jennifer Young completed her undergraduate studies at Radford University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders in 1997. She then completed her masters degree in Hearing Disorders in 1999 at James Madison University, after completing clinical rotations at University of Virginia Medical Center and Georgetown University. In 2015, she earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from University of Florida at Gainesville. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Young is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (F-AAA). She is licensed as an audiologist and hearing aid specialist in Virginia.

Doctoral Degree in Audiology: University of Florida 2015
Master of Education in Hearing Disorders: James Madison University 1999
Bachelor of Science Communication Sciences and Disorders: Radford University 1997
Virginia State Licensed in: Audiology, Hearing Aid Specialist

Started working at Virginia Hearing Center in 2023
Dr. Young is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized audiology care. She finds it rewarding to have a part in guiding patients toward improved quality of life. Dr. Young has experience with audiological testing, vestibular testing, hearing aids, bone conduction devices, and pediatrics.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Young appreciates the beauty and history of Virginia, which is her husband’s home state. When outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, her cats, walking, piano, parks, museums, and cooking.

A fun fact: Jennifer spent ten months in the Marshall Islands as a volunteer teacher during her undergraduate studies.

Allyson Foster, Au.D.
Audiologist

Meet Allyson Foster, AuD, our newest team member at the Balance and Ear Center! Hailing from the beautiful Charlottesville, VA, Allyson brings her passion for audiology and a zest for life to our team. She earned her Doctoral Degree in Audiology from East Carolina University in May 2024, following her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Radford University in May 2020.

When she's not helping patients achieve better hearing, you can find Allyson whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen or nurturing her thriving collection of house plants and her garden. She shares her home with her loving husband and their two playful cats, who always keep things interesting. With her bright spirit and love for life, Allyson is sure to bring a warm and uplifting energy to our center!

The Balance and Ear center enjoys helping promote the field of audiology, so frequently we offer externship to students completing their doctoral degree in audiology as well as shadowing opportunities for undergraduate students interested in furthering their career in audiology.