Stacey Gerbrandt was a gymnast growing up in Fresno, California. A true athlete, she swam and played water polo while attending Buchanan High School in Clovis, California. Stacey graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Her passion for medicine led her to pursue her Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Practice from the University of Southern California. Stacey is board certified by the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and her family history with ear, nose and throat medical issues inspired her to join SCENT.
Snow skiing, cooking and traveling are Stacey’s hobbies. Italy has been her favorite country to visit thus far, and she plans to go back in the future. In her free time, Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
Jennifer Burstein is an LA Kings fan who grew up singing in the choir, swimming and dancing in Northridge, California. Inspired by her ear infections as a child, she knew at a young age that she wanted to work with hard-of-hearing or deaf people.
After earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees both in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Northridge, she earned her Doctorate of Audiology from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she likes reading, watching movies and listening to a variety of music ranging from big band jazz to hits of the 1980s and country. She has a Golden Labrador named Dakota, a guinea pig named Rocky, and two toads named Bob and Kermit. Jennifer can converse in American Sign Language, and worked in the deaf community prior to joining SCENT.
Andrew Nixon grew up riding motorcross and playing the piano and guitar in Southern California. After suffering multiple ear infections as a child and sustaining trauma to his eardrum in high school, he was inspired to pursue a career in Audiology. Experiencing an injury that caused an instant loss of hearing showed him the value of good hearing. Andrew enjoys working with patients who suffer from dizziness, as his traumatic injury eventually led to vestibular problems.
After graduating from Desert Christian High School in Lancaster, California, Andrew received his Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Long Beach. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Audiology from Idaho State University.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
James Pazak was born in Newport News, Virginia, but he didn’t live there for long. As a member of a military family, he enjoyed moving almost every year growing up. Playing football, baseball and basketball were James’ favorite hobbies as a child. James knew he wanted to help people and work in healthcare, and was inspired to become a speech pathologist by his aunt, also a speech pathologist.
Choosing to study in the west, James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Redlands in California, and his Master’s degree in Clinical Speech Pathology from Northern Arizona University. His professional experiences, combined with his travels, have helped him learn how to connect with people in order to help them.
James is a proud husband and father of three boys and enjoys spending free time with friends and family.
