Professionals

My name is Dr. Tanya Linzalone and I am the senior audiologist at Mill Neck School for the Deaf for over 20 years. I started my career path over 35 years ago when hearing aid technology was very basic and Cochlear Implants were emerging as a hearing option for individuals with a profound hearing loss. I would never imagine that the Cochlear Implant and hearing aid technology would be at the sophisticated level it is today! It’s truly miraculous!! 

My area of expertise is pediatrics and dealing with the emotional roller coaster of emotions from family members while making a life changing decision to implant their child. My role is to guide the family with knowledge and insight on the potential that the Cochlear Implant surgery will have on their child’s hearing and how it will impact their educational, social and emotional development. 

If anyone is interested in learning more about this breakthrough in technology or has any questions regarding hearing loss of any degree, I can be reached by email at Tanya.Linzalone@millneck.org or by phone at 516-628-4227." Click the button below to reach Dr. Tanya Linzalone by email!

I sincerely love being an audiologist. When I say this I do realize that I’m very lucky. Lucky to have found a career that provides me with opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. I’ve been a pediatric cochlear implant audiologist for about 18 years now and during these 18 years I’ve watched families and patients learn to listen, speak, communicate and gain confidence in themselves.

My name is Reynita Sagon-Alcisto. I’m originally from Hawai’i. I earned by Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Hawai’i. I chose the path of Audiology which requires a doctorate degree and attended Washington University in St. Louis Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences. I earned my doctorate degree from WashU in 2007. My first job after earning my doctorate degree was at the House Ear Institute Center for Auditory Research and Evaluation (CARE Center). This is where I discovered how much I enjoy working with the pediatric population. After 5 ½ years I changed career paths and worked for Cochlear Americas as the Clinical Applications Specialist. I supported cochlear implant providers in Southern California and Hawai’i. While I enjoyed working for Cochlear Americas, I really missed managing my own patients so I decided to work for the House Children’s Hearing

Center – UCLA where I practiced as a Senior Audiologist until the pandemic. I had to be closer to home while my children were home-schooled during the school closures so I joined a private practice close to home where majority of my work was with adults and hearing aids. I was in private practice for 3 years when my current position became available. I’ve been the director of the House Children’s Hearing Center now for almost 2 years. This opportunity has been a complete blessing and I am so appreciative of my team. We provide comprehensive pediatric hearing healthcare services. We diagnose and treat hearing loss with hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. It feels so good to be back in the clinic, meeting new families and helping my team guide these families to find the best solutions that fit their lifestyle. Since I’ve been in the field for over 18 years I’ve had the privilege of watching kids that I diagnosed with hearing loss shortly after they were born grow and make so much progress, graduate from high school, and attend college. I’m so excited about what I’ll see in the next few years of my career. 

What I value most from my experience is the relationships that have been built along the way. Pediatric Audiology teams are often times multidisciplinary. My team at the House Children’s Hearing Center works with the family, school audiologists, clinical audiologists, speech-language pathologists, auditory-verbal therapist, educational specialists, ear, nose and throat specialists and mental health professionals. It’s important to pay attention to the whole child and

incorporate the family’s goals into their treatment plan. My most valuable relationships are with my patients and their families. I’m a parent and I have so much pride in my children and their successes. As a pediatric audiologist I feel privileged to be part of this journey for so many other families. My advice to families is to find a team you are comfortable with. You have to be able to trust that your team has your child’s best interest in mind. You have to be comfortable with expressing your concerns and asking questions. While obtaining proper services and treatment takes time, also take the time to celebrate successes. Your hearing journey is special and unique so remember to enjoy and document the milestones and don’t be afraid to share these milestones with your team no matter how big/small you think they are. We’re proud of your child, too!