At Valley Audiology we have been helping people with their hearing for over 30 years. Hearing loss is an isolating condition keeping people from connecting with family and friends. We find great joy in educating our patients and seeing them take charge of this condition that is hindering their happiness. There are many solutions for hearing help ranging from new communication strategies to amplified telephones to hearing aids and our staff is trained in all areas.
Make an appointment for a hearing test and take the first step toward a happier and healthier life.
Leigh Kjeldsen, Au.D.
Audiologist and Owner
Dr. Kjeldsen graduated from Claremont McKenna College and received her Masters Degree from San Francisco State University in Audiology. She graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Optometry and Audiology with her Doctor of Audiology degree in 2000 and joined Valley Audiology. The best part of her day is seeing her patients’ smiling faces when they tell her all the new things they are hearing.
Debbie Lockary
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Debbie is our amazing hearing instrument specialist. She has worked with hearing aids for most of her adult life and she is an expert at solving people’s hearing issues. If you’ve had a hearing loss for years or if you are new to hearing aids, Debbie can work with you to create a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Paige Townsend, Au.D.
Audiologist
Paige Townsend was born and raised in Pleasant Hill, CA and earned her Doctor of Audiology degree at University of Iowa. In Paige’s own words, “Audiology chose me.” She learned about the field of audiology during her undergraduate studies and fell in love with the workings of the auditory system, so she wanted to learn more. She always felt a pull toward the health care field, and audiology felt like the perfect fit.
Kelly Tremmel-Howell, Au.D., CCC-A,
Pediatric Audiologist
Kelly received her clinical doctoral degree from A.T. Stills University, Arizona in 2001. She has practiced pediatric audiology in the Bay Area and devoted more than 15 years to assessing, identifying and treating children with hearing loss. It is her passion and privilege to help children and their families navigate through their hearing care journey.
Claire Neal-Audiology Extern
Claire is joining us for the final year of her audiology doctoral program through Ohio University. She has family in the area and is looking forward to exploring a new part of the country. She learned about the field of audiology from her mother, who is a speech-language pathologist. Her favorite thing about audiology is that each day brings a new and exciting challenge — it’s truly never dull! Claire will be helping patients in both the Concord and Walnut Creek offices.
Ida Rodriguez
Office Manager
Ida helps keep the office running smoothly as well as coordinating our insurance and private pay billing. She has worked in the office for several years now so can also help troubleshoot hearing aid issues knowing when to advise you to drop in vs. make an appointment with a provider.
Patient Care Coordinators
Our patient care coordinators are the first people you’ll hear on the phone when you call in and the first people you’ll see when you step in the door. They can help with appointment scheduling, payments and general questions about the practice.
Kelsi Fowler
Lead Patient Care Coordinator
Kelsi Fowler grew up in Ukiah and moved to the area to attend St. Mary’s College, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in health science. Prior to joining the Valley Audiology team, she worked at a local podiatry practice for five years. Health challenges in her childhood led Kelsi to work in the healthcare field to provide an empathetic and positive experience for the patients coming through the office. She enjoys hiking and reading in her spare time.
Teresa Patino
Patient Care Coordinator
Teresa joins us with more than eight years of administrative experience in a variety of settings. She is the smiling face that you’ll see when you visit our Concord office. She can help you make an appointment, pay a bill or answer questions about the practice. Teresa is also fluent in Spanish.
