Jump to Footer

Ashley Gambino '04 - SUNY Plattsburgh Communication Disorders and Sciences Grad Drops Everything to Come "Home"

Photo of Ashley GambinoFormer Student Drops Everything to Come "Home"

After completing her residency at Duke in May 2008, Ashley Gambino was planning to stay on as a clinical audiologist. Gambino didn't think that life could get any better. But it would.In August 2008, Gambino received a call from SUNY Plattsburgh, her beloved alma mater informing her of an opening in the Speech and Hearing Center. A position had recently opened up in the audiology department after a former employee went into private practice. This was the call she had hoped for since her graduation from the college in 2004.The phone call encouraged her to interview for the position. Shocked that the opportunity finally arose, Gambino interviewed for the position, and, before she knew it, she had finally landed her "dream job."Learn more about our communication disorders and sciences programHer colleagues at Duke knew her attachment to the college and knew that if an opportunity arose here she would take it. So she packed her bags and moved back home. Gambino, originally from Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., graduated from the college with a degree in communication disorders and sciences in 2004. After graduation she pursued her studies at the University of Buffalo where she earned an M.A. in communication disorders and sciences and a doctorate in audiology.

Student-Faculty Relationships Made It Easy to Succeed

As a student Gambino was heavily involved on campus; she served as a resident assistant and student ambassador. She was the student speaker at her commencement, graduated summa cum laude, was a presidential scholar and received recognition by the department as an outstanding CDS student.Gambino said her enthusiasm and love for the program stemmed from her relationships with faculty as a student at the college."Professors are available and approachable," she said.The way she interacts with students follows the same model. Gambino wants to provide students with the very experience that fueled her love for the field and the college."I remember telling my advisor, who was the former audiologist here, I want your job," said Gambino.Gambino now teaches undergraduate courses in audiology and supervises undergraduate and graduate students during their clinical education component; she also runs the audiology side of the clinic and sees patients.

Speech and Hearing Center Mission Close to Her Heart

Gambino's hearing loss and use of hearing aids since childhood provides her with a unique perspective for both adult and pediatric patients as well as the parents of pediatric patients."I am able to relate to their struggles and provide information about my personal experiences, rather than strictly clinical or academic suggestions," she said.

Contact Information

For information about the communication disorders and sciences program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact: Richard Higgins, Director of Admissions
Phone: 518-564-2040
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012
Fax: 518-564-2045

Back to top