Our Doctors
American Board of Audiology certified audiologists with over 25 years combined experience providing exemplary hearing and balance healthcare.
ACHC Accredited
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) only grants its coveted deeming authority designation to select organizations that consistently exceed expectations.
Jacquelyn C. J. Lovitt, Au.D.
American Board of Audiology Certified Audiologist
Dr. Jacquelyn C. J. Lovitt has a wealth of knowledge, training, and unique skills in the areas of audiological and vestibular assessment and management, tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment, central auditory processing disorders, electrophysiological evaluation, and hearing aids. She received both her bachelor’s and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degrees from The Ohio State University and completed her residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Named Senior Master clinician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
As a subject matter expert for the Department of Defense, Dr. Lovitt developed, and was lead instructor, for the first week-long course on central auditory processing disorders to military and VA Audiologists from around the nation.
Board certified by the American Board of Audiology, a designation which indicates a dedication to ethical practice as well as robust continuing education requirements.
Expert in vestibular assessment and rehabilitation, having received specialized education at advanced levels of study.
Received the highly-competitive award of Senior Civilian of the Quarter while at Walter Reed to honor her outstanding work performance and patient care.
Unique experience working with patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder, which includes her work with the TBI team at Walter Reed and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence.
More About Dr. Lovitt
Dr. Lovitt’s experience includes her work at the premiere military hospital in the nation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), where she was bestowed the honor of being named Senior Master Clinician. During her time there, she independently developed a multi-disciplinary, holistic central auditory processing evaluation and management protocol at WRNMMC and eventually created a one-week seminar for military and VA audiologists. She has sat on multi-disciplinary teams for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pediatric craniofacial abnormalities. In addition, she previously served as subject matter expert to the Department of Defense and VA for central auditory processing disorders (CAPD).
Dr. Lovitt’s vision is to improve early intervention for hearing loss and balance disorders and their sequalae. She understands the significant role hearing and balance plays in maintaining happy, healthy, and socially-engaged lifestyles. Dr. Lovitt is passionate about preventing the long-term effects that untreated hearing loss can have on cognitive and emotional health. Because of their shared passion in helping all to hear better, she collaborated with Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins to found Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those in the metro DC region.
When asked what makes Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance unique, Dr. Lovitt stated the following:
“We effectively partner with each patient, considering their unique abilities, resources, and needs, to develop holistic, audiological intervention plans that will lead to optimal outcomes.”
Candice E. Ortiz-Hawkins, Au.D.
American Board of Audiology Certified Audiologist
Dr. Candice E. Ortiz-Hawkins is a nationally recognized, American Board of Audiology Certified Audiologist, United States Army Veteran, speaker and author on hearing healthcare practices. Audiologists from across the country have sought out her expertise in tinnitus evaluation and treatment, auditory hallucination management, and hearing monitoring for patients who are undergoing medical treatment which can cause hearing loss (ototoxic monitoring). She has additional expertise in electrophysiologic evaluations and atypical hearing losses and hearing aid fittings.
Certified by the American Board of Audiology, a designation which indicates a dedication to ethical practice as well as robust continuing education requirements.
Certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association which recognizes that holders sustain rigorous continued academic and professional standards.
Deemed an expert in tinnitus evaluation and management having received specialized training which was used to establish evaluation and treatment models at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Associate Master Clinician during her tenure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, indicating exemplary service and productivity with her work in ototoxic monitoring.
Expert in ototoxic monitoring and is internationally recognized for her work in the development of standardization of care within the multi-disciplinary environment.
More About Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Wayne State University and her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from University of South Florida. She completed her residency at the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and The House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins worked at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) for over a decade. During her time there, she single-handedly developed programs for newborn hearing screening and ototoxic monitoring for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, infectious diseases, and pulmonary disorders. Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins was bestowed the honor of being named an Associate Master Clinician by WRNMMC for her work in ototoxicity. She has sat on multi-disciplinary teams for hematology and oncology, and national tinnitus working groups. She currently sits on the International Ototoxicity Monitoring Group.
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins’s vision is to impact the lives of patients, her community, and the advancement of audiology by providing a holistic approach to hearing healthcare. It is with this vision that she has, in partnership with Dr. Lovitt, founded the Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance where their combined expertise and innovation are accessible to those in the metro Washington DC area and beyond.
When asked what makes Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance different, Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins explains:
“We have made a commitment to do whatever it takes to serve our patients and make top-tier hearing and balance healthcare more accessible to our community.”
Claudia Pastorelli, Au.D.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certified Audiologist
Dr. Claudia Pastorelli is an experienced audiologist with over 15 years of expertise in audiometric and electrophysiological testing, vestibular assessment for evaluation of dizziness and balance disorders, and hearing aid fitting.
Master of Arts degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Maryland
Certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
Doctoral degree from the University of Florida
Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology
More About Dr. Pastorelli
Dr. Claudia Pastorelli is deeply committed to providing personalized audiological care, always striving for the best possible hearing and balance outcomes for her patients. She has cultivated a unique specialization in tailoring hearing aid fittings for bird watchers. Recognizing the profound impact of clear auditory perception on this activity, she customizes amplification programs to enhance the identification of bird calls, enriching the enjoyment and participation of individuals with hearing loss in birding.
Dr. Pastorelli’s dedication to the field extends beyond direct patient care. As a former clinical supervisor at Central Michigan University, she played a vital role in mentoring over 100 audiology doctoral students, equipping them with the essential skills to excel. Her commitment to accessible care is further evidenced by her coordination of audiology services at a senior living center and her provision of hearing screenings at Special Olympics Michigan and a local tribal preschool. Additionally, as a native Italian speaker, Dr. Pastorelli offers a valuable ability to connect with and serve a broader and more diverse patient base.
Dr. Pastorelli’s academic foundation includes a Master of Arts degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland, complemented by extensive clinical training at Washington Hospital Center, University of Maryland Medical Center – Baltimore, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Mid-Michigan Ear, Nose, and Throat – East Lansing, and Central Michigan University. She subsequently earned her doctoral degree from the University of Florida. Dr. Pastorelli’s certification by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and her fellowship in the American Academy of Audiology underscore her dedication to the highest standards of professional practice.
Brianna Cole, Au.D.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certified Audiologist
Dr. Brianna Cole is a dedicated audiologist providing comprehensive hearing and balance care. Her areas of expertise include central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), cochlear implants, hearing aids, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
Certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association which recognizes that holders sustain rigorous continued academic and professional standards.
Lenire certified clinician
Certified in vestibular assessment and management by the American Institute of Balance
More About Dr. Cole
Dr. Cole earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia and her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Arizona State University. She completed her clinical residency at the Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance, gaining advanced experience in diagnostics and rehabilitation.
Prior to residency, Dr. Cole gained valuable experience as an audiology assistant with Dr. Cliff, Au.D., in Phoenix, Arizona, sparking her passion for hearing aid technology and patient care. She has also contributed to patient education as a staff writer for the HearingUp network, developing resources to empower individuals seeking quality hearing healthcare.
As a hearing aid user herself, Dr. Cole brings a unique level of understanding and empathy to her practice. She is deeply committed to helping patients navigate their hearing loss journey and achieve their best possible hearing.
Jacob Stewart, Au.D.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certified Audiologist
Dr. Stewart is passionate about delivering exceptional hearing healthcare to individuals across the lifespan. He brings specialized expertise in pediatric audiology, tinnitus evaluation and management, balance assessment and rehabilitation, and the fitting and management of hearing aids.
More About Dr. Stewart
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the College of Wooster, Dr. Stewart completed his Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) at the University of South Alabama.
Dr. Stewart’s approach is rooted in both clinical excellence and deep empathy. He provides evidence-based care that’s always tailored to the unique needs of each patient, fostering trusting relationships. His commitment ensures that children with hearing challenges, adults managing tinnitus, and patients navigating balance disorders all receive personalized, compassionate, and comfortable care.
Chloe Scheff, B.S.
Capital Institute of Hearing and Balance is pleased to welcome Chloe as our newest resident. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Elmira College and is currently completing her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) at Gallaudet University.
More About Chloe Scheff
Her time at Gallaudet has provided a distinctive lens into the field of audiology, particularly in serving the Deaf community. Chloe’s clinical interests lie specifically in vestibular audiology, and she is excited to further develop her skills in both diagnostics and rehabilitation during her residency, contributing to our commitment to exceptional patient care.
Our audiologists provide a holistic approach to hearing and balance care while setting the standard of excellence in prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment through education, accessibility, and innovation.