About Colorado Springs Ear Associates

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.

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 since 2017 during which time she has 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.

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.

Brooke Larson, Au.D., is a licensed Doctor of Audiology. She grew up in the rural communities of western Kansas, and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University. Dr. Larson received her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Memphis and relocated to Colorado Springs Ear Associates from Charleston ENT & Allergy in Charleston, SC. She enjoyed working with a variety of patients, ranging from pediatrics to adults and specializes in patient- centered care. In her free time, Dr. Larson enjoys being outside with her husband and their Goldendoodle. She also enjoys reading, traveling and fostering dogs at local shelters.

Jessica Danforth, Au.D., is a licensed doctor of audiology. She is originally from the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. She received her Bachelor degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from University of Arizona in Tucson, her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, and she completed the fourth year of her Au.D. right here at CSEA. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, and has enjoyed exploring and spending more time outdoors since moving to Colorado.

Elyse Kady, B.S., is a doctoral candidate of audiology. She is originally from Long Island, New York. She received her Bachelor degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University. She is completing her Doctor of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University and is set to graduate May of 2025. In her free time she enjoys baking, reading, playing with her cat, and spending quality time with friends and family.

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.

Jenna is a Colorado native who went to culinary school in Providence, Rhode Island. Despite the fantastic seafood, she moved back to Colorado to be closer to family and the mountains. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, gaming, and playing with her dog Mango.

Braden grew up in Monument, Colorado and recently graduated from Baylor University. During his time at Baylor, Braden majored in Baylor Business Fellows, Economics, and Finance. He is currently in the process of applying to medical school. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, making music, and playing chess.

Beth grew up in Abilene, Kansas and she recently graduated from the University of Kansas in May. She is currently applying to medical school. Outside of the office she loves to run, read, and watch any and all sports.