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.

Michelle Brooks, Au.D. F-AAA, CCC-A
Audiologist - Director of Audiology

Dr. Michelle Brooks obtained her doctoral degree in Audiology from Salus University in 2009, Master of Science degree from Rush University in 2002 and Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from St. Louis University in 1999.  Dr. Brooks holds an Audiology license through the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology for the Commonwealth of Virginia and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She also has Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech Language Hearing Association and a Hearing Aid Specialist license for the state of Virginia.  Dr. Brooks has experience with audiological and vestibular diagnostic testing, cochlear implants, bone conduction devices and hearing aids. Dr. Brooks enjoys art, music and reading.

Crystal Amantea, Au.D. F-AAA, CCC-A
Staff Audiologist

Dr. Crystal Amantea is from Powhatan, VA. She received her Doctorate of Audiology from West Virginia University in 2014 following a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Longwood University in 2010. She holds an Audiology license and Hearing Aid Specialist license in Virginia. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech Language Hearing Association, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Amantea specializes in pediatrics, cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, hearing aids, and vestibular testing.  Dr. Amantea loves to spend time with her growing family.

Doctoral Degree in Audiology: West Virginia University 2014
Bachelor of Science: Longwood University 2010
Virginia State Licensed in: Audiology, Hearing Aid Specialist

Starting working at Virginia Hearing Center in 2013
I first became interested in Audiology as I watched my grandfather struggle with his hearing loss. My grandfather served in the Navy during World War II in the engine room of a Navy ship. These duties resulted in him acquiring a noise induced hearing loss. I saw firsthand how much hearing aids were able to help improve his communication with others on a daily basis and knew I wanted to help people just like him. I find it so rewarding when I see a patient back for their follow up appointment and they tell me, “Wow, I just didn’t realize what I was missing.” It is a very humbling feeling to know that I’ve been able to help a patient get back a piece of their life.

When I’m not working you can find me enjoying my spare time with my husband and children. We especially enjoy participating in community events and outdoor activities.

A fun fact about me is I am an avid fan of Bachelor Nation.

Meghan West, Au.D. F-AAA, CCC-A
Staff Audiologist

Dr. Meghan West received her Doctorate in Audiology from West Virginia University in 2021 and Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Longwood University in 2017. Dr. West is licensed as an Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist in the State of Virginia. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. West has experience with audiological and vestibular testing as well as cochlear implants, hearing aids, bone conduction devices and pediatrics. Dr. West enjoys singing, scrapbooking, and playing with her dogs.

Doctoral Degree in Audiology: West Virginia University 2021
Bachelor of Science: Longwood University 2017
Virginia State Licensed in: Audiology, Hearing Aid Specialist

Started working at Virginia Hearing Center in 2020
I became interested in Audiology after watching my grandfather experience vertigo and hearing loss several years ago. I attended an appointment with him at an ENT office and was able to see the audiologist conduct various procedures. I also had the opportunity to observe at Dr. Shaia’s office during my last year of undergraduate studies and I loved the variety and diversity the field has to offer.

I love seeing patients excited to tell stories of the different sounds they are hearing after being fit with hearing aids and to hear the independence they have gained back as a result. It is heart-warming to know that I have made an impact and difference in my patients lives.

A fun fact about me is I spent a month in Spain studying abroad as part of my undergraduate studies. When I am not working you can find me reading, scrapbooking, running, and spending time with family and friends.

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.