Come Meet Our Audiologists at Augusta Audiology Associates, PC

At Augusta Audiology Associates, PC, we’re committed to helping our clients restore their hearing and improve their quality of life. Armed with the latest hearing loss treatments, we’ll help you get back to doing what you love. Meet our team of highly qualified audiologists and hearing experts.

Julie A. Farrar-Hersch, Ph.D., CCC/A
Doctor of Audiology, Owner

Dr. Farrar-Hersch, founder of Augusta Audiology Associates, obtained her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Audiology from the University of Virginia. She served eight years on the Virginia Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology and served as its Chair for 5 years.

She also served on the Ethics Committee of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Both of these experiences led her to advocate for the rights of patients to ensure that they receive quality care in an ethical manner. She has a professional interest in central auditory processing, which has a significant effect on what we do with what we hear. The subtle changes to our auditory system over the years impact our communication, participation in activities, lifestyle, relationships and self-esteem.

She loves seeing the reaction on her patient’s faces when they realize they can hear better again. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and a good read on the beach.

Lauren A. Matsko, Au.D., MPH, CCC/A
Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Matsko received her Master of Public Health degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and then her Doctoral degree in Audiology from Salus University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She practiced in Chesapeake, Virginia for four years before joining the Augusta Audiology family. 

Her favorite part of her job is getting to know her patients and their loved ones and helping them to hear and communicate better. In her free time she enjoys checking out local thrift stores, painting and refinishing antique furniture, and sitting on the front porch with a good book.

Ariana Morris, Au.D., CCC/A
Doctor of Audiology

Ariana Morris is a Shenandoah Valley native who received both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Audiology degrees from James Madison University. She is passionate about providing patient-centered, ethical hearing healthcare with a strong focus on personalized treatment and long-term hearing success. Dr. Morris specialized in comprehensive hearing evaluations, advanced hearing aid technology, tinnitus management, and hearing protection solutions.

Outside of the office, Dr. Morris is also an educator and mentor in the field of audiology. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and collecting rocks.

Alex Hersch, BA, HAS
Hearing Aid Specialist

Alex was born and raised in Staunton, Virginia. She works behind the front desk and as a Hearing Aid Specialist programming, cleaning, and troubleshooting hearing aids. You can watch her explain how to clean and maintain your hearing aids.

She has a background as a Certified Nurse Aide as well as a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Mary Washington. Alex enjoys the ability to interact and help patients throughout the day, and maintain a positive environment to facilitate patients. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, and traveling the world.

Donna Reed-Ruiz
Hearing Instrument Specialist-Trainee

Donna was born and raised in Western Maryland and has resided in Waynesboro, VA for the past 35 years. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in Respiratory Therapy from Allegany College in 1991 and worked in the field as a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 34 years.

Her background also includes assisting with Auditory Brainstem Response in the hospital environment. She came to our office in the summer of 2025 assisting in an administrative role and is presently working to gain her licensure as a Hearing Aid Specialist. Donna specializes in repairing and maintaining hearing aids to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. She is dedicated to helping individuals hear better and improve their overall quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and camping at National Parks and Bluegrass Festivals.

Amanda Strickler
Patient Care Coordinator

Amanda was born and raised in Augusta County.  She resides in Staunton with her husband and their two children.  She brings over fifteen years of excellent customer service experience to the practice.

Her favorite part of her job is being able to provide a warm and welcoming environment for the patients. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors with her family and two dogs, Lucy and Remi.

Penny Altizer
Patient Care Coordinator

Penny was born and raised in Augusta County.
She resides in Lyndhurst with her husband and has 2 grown boys.
She has been in the medical field for over 20 years in
numerous specialty offices doing a variety of things

Her favorite part of her job is ensuring patients leave the office happy and feeling like they had the best experience. ln her free time she enjoys bowling and traveling with her family and friends

Judith Stoher
Accounts Manager

Judith Stoher was born and raised in the Staunton area and has lived in Augusta County on a small farm just outside Staunton for the past 34 years. She studied accounting and business at Blue Ridge Community College, where she developed her professional skills. Judith has been with Augusta Audiology Associates since its inception. Prior to that, she worked with a local multidisciplinary psychological practice in Staunton.

She enjoys bookkeeping and data analysis, using spreadsheets to track client trends and help ensure the practice continues to provide the highest quality services. In her free time, Judith enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren, shopping, and target practice.