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ENT Team of Specialists
Since 1986, the doctors of ENT Associates of Central PA have changed the lives of patients throughout Central Pennsylvania with highly personalized and innovative care. Our team of experienced Doctors and Audiologists combined with our experienced staff, provide specialized medical and surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.
Meet our professional team offering comprehensive, quality care for all ages at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Central PA in Altoona, PA:
Dr. R. Charles Howells, II is originally from Bedford County. He graduated from Juniata College, in Huntingdon, PA, Summa Cum Laude and attended West Virginia School of Medicine, graduating in 1996. Dr. Howells completed a General Surgical Internship at WVU in 1997 and his residency was done at the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at WVU from 1997 -2001. He came back to Altoona to start his practice upon the completion of his residency. His interests in Otolaryngology include: Pediatric ENT problems, Sinus and Nasal Surgery, and Salivary Gland Surgery. Outside of ENT Associates, Dr. Howells likes to spend time outdoors, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking with his Labradors. He also enjoys spending time with his family – wife Stephanie and three sons: Joshua, Nathan, and Christopher.
Dr. Robert J. Caughey is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania He attended undergraduate school at the University of Virginia and graduated with a degree in Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Caughey’s interests include Pediatrics and Sinus. Outside of medicine, Dr. Caughey’s interests include Ice Hockey, Running, and Pittsburgh sports. Dr. Caughey is married and has three children, Naomi, Lydia, and Charlie
Nicole Young, Physician Assistant to Dr. Howells, is originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She received her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, from St. Francis University in 2011. She completed her Master of Physician Assistant Science in 2012 also at St. Francis University. Her interests in the field of Otolaryngology include Middle/Inner Ear issues, Chronic Sinusitis, and Pediatric ENT. Outside of ENT Associates, Nicole enjoys spending time with family, traveling to the beach, hiking, and reading. Nicole lives with her husband, Rodney, and dog Arlo in Altoona.
Rebecca, Physician Assistant to Dr. Caughey, received her undergraduate degree from Saint Francis University in 2018. She completed her Master of Physician Assistant Sciences in 2019 also at Saint Francis University. Her interests in the field of Otolaryngology include Pediatric ENT, and Middle Ear issues. Outside of ENT Associates, Rebecca enjoys traveling to different National Parks and has a goal of seeing all 63 of them. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, family, husband, and two cats Niles and Weezer.
Dr. Carissa McCauley joined the staff of ENT Associates of Central Pennsylvania in March 2023. Dr. McCauley received her Doctorate of Audiology degree and Bachelor of Science degree at California University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, along with fitting and verification of amplification for both children and adults. She additionally specializes in vestibular evaluations and treatment. Dr. McCauley holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. McCauley is a native of Altoona, Pennsylvania and now resides in Altoona. She enjoys reading, hiking, baking, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.
Dr. Grieggs is originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania. She received her Doctorate of Audiology at the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium in May of 2023 which includes the University of Akron, Kent State University, and the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Grieggs received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May of 2019. As a part of completing her doctoral program, she completed a one-year audiology fellowship at the Ear, Nose, and Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center of Fredericksburg and Hearing Resource Center located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She specialized in audiological diagnostics including vestibular and electrophysiology, fitting and rehabilitation of adult and pediatric hearing aids, and tinnitus treatment. Dr. Grieggs has previously interned at the University of Akron and Kent State University clinics and at outpatient ENT/Audiology clinics. Dr. Grieggs also was active in the NOAC chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology as a member of the membership committee. Additionally, Dr. Grieggs was a two-year Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Akron assisting in and completing research in music audiology, Cochlear Implantation outcomes, and hearing conservation. She has special interests in diagnostic audiology for patients of all ages, vestibular assessment/treatment, hearing conservation, and tinnitus assessment/treatment. Dr. Grieggs enjoys writing and receiving letters, spending time with her friends and family, and going to Sheetz and the Meadows– of course!
Ms. Jennifer Shannon joined the staff of ENT Associates of Central Pennsylvania in 2013. Ms. Shannon received her Bachelor of Science degree at California University of Pennsylvania and an Audiologist’s Assistant certificate at Nova Southeastern University. She specializes in fitting and verification of amplification. Ms. Shannon is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist and a registered Audiology Assistant within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She is one of the first in the nation to become a Certified Audiology Assistant with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and an Audiology Technician Affiliate with the American Academy of Audiology Ms. Shannon currently resides in Bellwood. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.
