About Us

Joseph L. Hegarty, M.D. is a board-certified physician specializing in Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery. Dr. Hegarty completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating with honors. After graduating with honors from his medical school class at Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Hegarty completed a 5-year Otolaryngology residency and a 2-year cochlear physiology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Following his residency, Dr. Hegarty completed an additional 2-year Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco under the direction of Robert Jackler, M.D. Dr. Hegarty has been practicing in Colorado since 2001. His practice is limited to diseases of the hearing and balance systems.

Michael Iliff, Au.D., is a clinically certified audiologist. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of the Redlands in California and his Masters in Audiology from San Diego State University. His doctorate in Audiology was completed at the Arizona School of Health Sciences. He joined us in 2016. Dr. Iliff’s services include comprehensive hearing rehabilitation, including hearing aids, surgically implanted devices (BAHA and Cochlear Implants), and assistive listening devices.

Dr. Iliff has served on numerous boards serving the hearing impaired, served as a technology consultant for many major hearing aid manufacturers, and has used hearing technology for many years due to his own hearing loss. “As someone who is hearing impaired and uses hearing technology, I’ve always felt the most satisfaction when I’ve been able to apply my experience and education to give someone the gift of hearing once again.”

Cassie Iliff, Au.D. is a Doctor of audiology and a Colorado native, growing up on a cattle ranch near rural Yuma, CO. Dr. Iliff received both her Doctor of Audiology degree as well as her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Dr. Iliff’s specialties include advanced hearing aid programming, extended-wear Lyric fittings, tinnitus management, and hearing protection. Since graduating with her doctorate, Dr. Iliff has had a variety of experiences within her profession. She started her career by winning the James Jerger Award for Excellence in Student Research. She has worked as a sales representative and trainer for a hearing aid manufacturer as well as a developer of hearing testing equipment. Growing up in a small town helped her see the importance of quality healthcare and gave her a specific passion for helping people hear and she looks forward to providing you with quality, individualized hearing healthcare.

Danielle Hester is a doctor of Audiology and a Colorado Springs native. She completed her bachelors of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Colorado. She received her Doctorate from the University of South Florida in 2015. She practiced for four years in Jacksonville, Florida and returned to Colorado Springs with her family in 2019.

Dr. Hester's specialties include auditory and vestibular diagnostics as well as advanced hearing aid candidacy, fitting and troubleshooting. She is also interested in business as well. In fact, in 2014 she placed third in the American Board of Audiology's student business plan. Dr. Hester's favorite part of her job is working with patients from the start of their journey and seeing them progress through our advanced diagnostic and treatment protocols.

Allison Groninger P.A.-C. is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in hearing and balance disorders. Allison received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Colorado State University before earning her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Her prior experience as a medical assistant and nursing assistant taught her the importance of compassion and being responsive to patient concerns. She wanted to pursue her degree as a Physician Assistant to combine her background of caregiving with advanced medical knowledge and technical skills.

Allison has been with CSEA for over four years before becoming a provider where she developed a passion for treating acute and chronic ear disorders. She enjoys developing relationships with patients of all ages and providing quality, patient centered care. A Colorado Springs native, she loves getting outdoors, running trails and camping with her friends and family.

Sarah Severino, Au.D., is a licensed Doctor of Audiology. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Northern Arizona University, where she graduated with honors and received the Distinguished Senior Award. She received her Doctor of Audiology degree from Arizona State University. Dr. Severino has been with CSEA since the start of her fourth-year audiology externship, where she developed a passion for interprofessional collaboration and treatment.

Dr. Severino specializes in diagnostics and surgically implanted devices (Cochlear Implants and BAHA). She is dedicated to producing best outcomes for her patients through evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her cats, and traveling with friends and family.

Roldan Alegre, PT, DPT, Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation (CCVR), is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and holds competency-based certification in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management. Originally from Chicago, IL, Dr. Alegre earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Loyola University Chicago and received his Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, graduating with high honors. 

Prior to joining CSEA, Dr. Alegre worked with a variety of patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, and vestibular disorders. Through his experiences, he developed a passion for treating dizziness and balance problems. He is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his patients through use of the most up-to-date evidence based practice. During his free time, he enjoys weight lifting, cooking, and playing the ukulele.

Daniella Fragnito is currently a fourth year audiology graduate student completing her externship here at Colorado Springs Ear Associates. She graduated Cum Laude from University of Florida, in 2019 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is currently earning her doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Florida. Her dissertation is being published by the 2022 Hearing Research Journal, for her research in “Sex Differences in Balance Performance and Auditory Function across the Lifespan.” Her primary interests include vestibular diagnosis and rehabilitation, and cochlear implants. When she is not hard at work she enjoys spending time outside with her dog Jimbo, or rollerblading. Go Gators!

Erin Hernon is a fourth year audiology graduate student completing her externship at Colorado Springs Ear Associates. She received a B.S. in Speech Communication Disorders from the University of Virginia and is completing her Au.D. at James Madison University. Her dissertation focuses on using virtual reality as an optokinetic stimulus in vestibular diagnostic evaluations. Her clinical interests include vestibular diagnosis and rehabilitation and hearing aids. In her free time she enjoys reading and going to trivia nights.

Arianna grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. She moved to Colorado to pursue her college degree. She was a decorated college swimmer and enjoys the water. When she’s not in the pool, she enjoys staying active, especially when it involves the outdoor and her dog, Mistletoe!

Breanna is a Colorado native and has been working in insurance and billing for 10 years.  When she’s not working she’s busy with home improvement projects, winning at tabletop games, and spoiling her two corgis.

Samantha grew up on an Air Force Base in Montana. She recently moved to Colorado from West Virginia for new beginnings and to be close to her family. When she isn’t serving our patients as our Audiology Assistant she is outside hiking, camping, and volunteering.

Cecilia has been in customer service for many years and enjoys helping people. When she’s not working she loves being outdoors, trying new things and spending time with her family.

Jada grew up in a military family. After years of traveling, her family settled in Colorado Springs. She studied Psychology at UCCS. Outside of work she loves to read, travel, and hangout with friends and family.

Julia just moved to the Springs from South Florida. She recently graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University in December of 2021. She is an aspiring physician and is currently applying to medical school. In her free time, she loves running, hiking, and cooking.