HYBRID Workshop
Vestibular Assessment & Management Certification

Richard E. Gans, PhD

Founder and Executive Director of The American Institute of Balance, one of the largest balance centers in the USA Dr. Gans received his PhD from The Ohio State University in Auditory-Vestibular Physiology. For over 20 years has been a leader in the development of vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation techniques, including tests of oscillopsia and postural stability as well as BPPV treatment. He has presented or published over 150 programs and papers worldwide in the area of equilibrium disorders. He is the author of 8 textbook chapters and texts ranging from diagnostic vestibular testing, vestibular rehabilitation, BPPV treatments and pediatric vestibular evaluation. Thieme Medical Publishers will publish his upcoming textbook, Evaluation and Management of Balance Disorders in Children and Adults. His most current research is in the areas of pediatrics, migraine and psychiatric aspects of dizziness. Dr. Gans served as the President of the American Academy of Audiology (2004-2005) and continues to be active in professional and governmental issues. He is an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University and the University of South Florida.

Steven E. Spinks, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT

Dr. Spinks earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Western Kentucky University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from The University of Tennessee. Following graduation, he underwent advanced manual therapy training through the Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy Seminars and received his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT). He has also undergone certification in dry needling through the Integrative Dry Needling Institute and BenchMark Rehab Institute. He graduated from orthopedic residency through BenchMark Rehab Institute and became board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Dr. Spinks also completed his fellowship training through BenchMark Rehab Institute and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). Currently, he serves as Adjunct Faculty at Emory and Henry College of Physical Therapy as the course director for their Doctor of Physical Therapy program’s spine-related musculoskeletal courses.

Dr. Spinks has taught at both local and international courses for vestibular rehabilitation with the American Institute of Balance where he currently serves as educational faculty and Vice President of Clinical Services. He works with our International residents and Fellows-in-Training for those who undergo advanced education in Vestibular Audiology and Medicine.                                                                             

Kim Rutherford, PT, DSc, COMT

Dr. Rutherford obtained her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy (MPT) from the University of Missouri and her Doctorate of Science (DSc) in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University. Her post-graduate doctoral work included an emphasis in education, with a specialization in orthopedic rehabilitation and a certification in orthopedic manipulative therapy (COMT). Dr. Rutherford has worked in a variety of clinical settings managing sports medicine, orthopedic, and neurological patients, in addition to administrative and academic roles.

Dr. Rutherford joins us as the Vice President of Education and Professional Services. Her role includes the evaluation, development, and management of AIB education programs. Dr. Rutherford collaborates with private, corporate, and academic organizations to deliver the most current and scientifically robust clinical information through workshops, online education, and corporate training programs.

In addition to her role in education, Dr. Rutherford plays an integral part in the Partner in Balance Program. She is involved in strategic planning and practice development for clinics/businesses looking to build or expand vestibular and balance services.

Joseph Sakumura, AuD, Board Certified, CCC-A

Dr. Joseph Sakumura, received the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center and his undergraduate from the University of Kansas. Dr. Sakumura completed his residency training here at the American Institute of Balance. He holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from The American Speech Language Hearing Association and is Board eligible from the American Board of Audiology.

Dr. Sakumura’s primary interests are in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders in a broad range of patients, children to adults. In addition to being clinical staff, Dr. Sakumura is also a faculty member with the Institute and assists our Partners in Balance affiliates with practice development and in the application of new and emerging technologies.

Brittany Fauble, AuD, Board Certified, CCC-A

Dr. Brittany Fauble received her Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) and her Master of Science (MS) in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences from Gallaudet University, and completed her undergraduate coursework at Florida State University. She completed her residency training here at the American Institute of Balance and was an intern at Johns Hopkins and Fairfax County Public Schools. Currently she is licensed in the states of Florida and Virginia. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from The American Speech Language Hearing Association, is Board Certified from the American Board of Audiology, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, and is a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. 

Dr. Fauble serves as the Institute’s Director of Diagnostic & Clinical Services for all AIB locations and CSC-Platinum clinics nationally; promoting patient-centered care while using evidence-based practices. She also works closely with AIB’s doctoral residents as a preceptor, oversees the Institute's international fellowship program, participates in and publishes research, and is a faculty member of AIB's Education Department, presenting at Certification Workshops and national conventions.  

She is clinically and conversationally proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). Her primary clinical interests include diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders in the hard-of-hearing and d/Deaf population(s).

Alyssa Steinweis, AuD, Board Certified, CCC-A

Dr. Alyssa Steinweis received her Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) from Nova Southeastern University and completed her undergraduate coursework at Ithaca College in Public and Community Health with an emphasis in Communication Disorders. Dr. Steinweis completed her residency training at the American Institute of Balance. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from The American Speech Language Hearing Association, is Board certified from the American Board of Audiology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.

Dr. Steinweis's primary interests include diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders throughout the lifespan. She works closely with AIB’s doctoral residents as a preceptor and assists our Partners in Balance and Center of Specialty Care programs via the implementation of new and emerging technologies.