Our Staff

Jason Murphy is a second-generation Hearing Instrument Specialist.  Jason was raised in Hazlehurst, Georgia.  There, he learned beneficial life skills by working alongside his grandfathers in chicken laying houses and carpentry.  Baseball interested Jason, so he began playing little league ball and continued through high school.  After graduating from Jeff Davis High School in 1997, Jason attended South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia, where he received an Associate of Science Degree.  Then, transferred to the University of Georgia to earn his Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2001. 

While growing up, Jason was exposed to the hearing aid profession.  His parents have been in the hearing aid industry for as long as he can remember.  However, it was not until his time at UGA that Jason truly discovered his calling to help people hear their best.  While volunteering at the Speech and Hearing Clinic servicing children and young adults, Jason saw firsthand the absolute joy and beauty hearing brings to an individual’s life.  Seeing a person’s face light up with utter happiness upon hearing for the first time is an amazing experience.  Jason knew then “Hearing is his passion and helping people hear their best is his mission!”

After graduating from UGA, Jason started working at Starkey Laboratories Inc. located in Norcross, Georgia.   He served as a customer service representative for the Audibel Division as well as a hearing instrument specialist overseeing The Center for Fitting Excellence for 5 years.  While living in the Atlanta area, Jason met his future wife, Heather Vonier.  In 2005, Jason married, moved to Valdosta, Georgia, and joined his parents’ hearing aid team.  While learning the dispensing side of the hearing aid profession, Jason envisioned having his own hearing aid practice.  In 2009, the Audibel manufacturer presented Jason with an opportunity to make his dream a reality.  Later in June, Jason and his wife, Heather, opened American Hearing Aid Center in Thomasville, Georgia.  With great products and incredible support, Jason has built a business impacting customers’ lives through better hearing.  Jason’s desire to strengthen his knowledge to better serve his customers, helped him achieve Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and Tinnitus Care Provider, holding a Certificate from the International Hearing Society, in 2023.  Jason values every customer interaction to build meaningful relationships and share in their hearing success.   Being on this journey is a continued blessing!

In his personal time, Jason loves spending time at home with Heather and their four-legged kid, Cotton.  Most nights Cotton’s pals, Jax and Mav, visit for a play date in the backyard.  Jason hangs out with the boys tossing the ball, rough-housing, and the much-anticipated cruising the neighborhood on walks.  When not sleeping in, Jason enjoys his early morning workouts and weekend runs.  Over the weekends, Jason appreciates a slightly competitive golf game with family or friends.   He meticulously manicures his lawn, trees and shrubs, calling it lawn therapy.  Jason is the grill master of the Murphy household helping with weekly meal prepping.  Relaxing on the beach is his favorite vacation activity.  However, when football season rolls around, Jason is Athens, Georgia bound to witness the “DAWGS meeting Between the Hedges. “

Kaleb Smith was born in Thomasville, Georgia and grew up in the close-knit community of Ochlocknee. Raised with strong family values, he learned early on the importance of connection, hard work, and showing up for others—principles that continue to shape the way he works with patients today.

After graduating from Thomas County Central High School, Kaleb moved to Dahlonega to attend the University of North Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude. His education provided a strong foundation in professionalism, communication, and problem-solving—skills he brings into every patient interaction.

Kaleb’s interest in the hearing industry was inspired by his grandfather’s experience with hearing loss. Watching him struggle to stay engaged in conversations and family moments sparked Kaleb’s desire to help others reconnect with the sounds and relationships that matter most.

Kaleb joined the American Hearing Aid Center team in July 2025 and earned his Hearing Instrument Specialist license in January 2026. With a team-focused approach to hearing aid services, he brings up-to-date training, a fresh perspective, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping patients better understand their hearing needs and options. He focuses on providing attentive, individualized service and making sure patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their experience.

What Kaleb values most is building relationships with patients and seeing the positive impact that better hearing can have on everyday life—whether it’s enjoying conversations with loved ones, participating more fully in social settings, or feeling more confident in daily routines.

Outside of the office, Kaleb enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking walks at Cherokee Lake, reading on his front porch, exploring new places, and embracing opportunities to learn and grow. He is continually focused on improving his skills and knowledge, a mindset that is reflected in the thoughtful and respectful way he serves each individual who walks through the door.

Kay Vonier grew up in the small town of Barwick, Georgia, where she was one of six siblings. She attended Barwick Elementary School and enjoyed an active childhood, playing basketball, swimming, and roller skating. After graduating from Brooks County High School, Kay married Edward and moved to Thomas County, where they later welcomed their daughter, Heather, six years later.

As a child, Kay was taught strong work ethic through working on the farm, gathering crops. Her professional journey started at a small loan and finance company before she advanced to an accounting position at Colonial Warehouse. When the company relocated to Atlanta, Kay took the opportunity to transition to a new chapter in her career with Commercial Bank, which is now known as Synovus. She started in the bookkeeping department and soon gained recognition for her growing skill set, leading her to work in the call center where she received extensive sales training. After 24 years of dedicated service, Kay retired in 2011.

However, Kay’s retirement didn’t last long. She soon put her expertise in customer service, phone etiquette, and sales to good use by joining American Hearing Aid Center as a Patient Care Coordinator. In this role, Kay enjoys getting to know patients and their families personally, providing a rewarding experience as she helps guide individuals toward better hearing and offers them continued support along the way.

Outside of work, Kay loves spending her time shopping, enjoying the outdoors, and tending to her collection of flowers, cacti, and ferns. She has also dedicated many years of service to her church, participating in various committees. Her roles as Flower Coordinator and Vacation Bible School teacher’s assistant have brought her great joy. Above all, Kay treasures time spent with her family, relishing in the moments, no matter the occasion.

Lynn was born in Columbus, Georgia, where she spent much of her childhood. Raised in the church, Lynn developed a love for music at an early age, singing in the choir.  Her musical journey expanded in the sixth grade when she began playing the clarinet.  After her family moved to Valdosta, Lynn continued her passion for music by joining the Valdosta Junior High School band and chorus. As a proud member of the Valdosta High School Marchin’ Cats, Lynn performed in both the marching and concert bands, a testament to her dedication and love for music.

Before transitioning to the hearing industry, Lynn worked as a real estate secretary for 21 years. However, her love for meeting people and helping others led her to a natural fit as a Patient Care Coordinator at American Hearing Aid Center. With her well-organized nature and her passion for making meaningful connections, Lynn takes pride in delivering exceptional service to her customers while helping them navigate their hearing health needs.

In August of 1976, Lynn married Ronnie, whom she met through their shared connection at church. Family plays a central role in Lynn’s life. She and Ronnie are proud parents to three daughters and grandparents to seven grandchildren, as well as a great-granddaughter. Their household is also blessed with two rescue fur babies, Charlie and Lucy. In her free time, Lynn enjoys attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, sharing meals with her family, and celebrating holidays together.  Lynn also has a deep affection for animals, often joking with Ronnie about needing at least 10 acres to accommodate more rescue animals. Lynn has a strong love for God and her country.  She is proud to be an American!

Edward Vonier was born on his mama’s birthday.  Along with his five siblings, he was raised on a farm just 4 miles west of Pavo, Georgia. Edward spent many hours helping in the fields, tending to the animals, and plowing the mule alongside his dad.  After graduating from Central High School in 1969, Edward worked various jobs, including manufacturing mobile home roofs and assisting a veterinarian. In his free time, he indulged in his passion for drag racing, enjoying the thrill of racing the quarter mile in his Chevelle.

In April of 1971, Edward was drafted into the United States Army, where he trained as a Medic. He served his country during the Vietnam War, spending 14 months in Korea. After returning home, he began working at Kinro Manufacturing in 1973, where he built windows. Edward furthered his education by attending night classes for two years at The University of Georgia Extension Center. Through his hard work and dedication, he was promoted several times and ultimately became the Plant Manager. He held that position for 27 years until his retirement in 2007.

In 2009, Edward assisted with opening American Hearing Aid Center, where he has worked as a bookkeeper and “Jack of all Trades” ever since. One memorable encounter at the office occurred when a lady who had just received hearing aids came back into the office after hearing a buzzing noise from her car when placing the key into the ignition switch. Edward went with her to the car and discovered that she had never been able to hear that sound before, a moment that highlighted for him the importance of helping people rediscover the sounds of everyday life.

Edward is deeply committed to his community. He served on the Thomas County Board of Education for 16 years and the Thomas County Elections & Registrations Board for 3 years. He currently volunteers as an Election Poll Worker for Thomas County. Edward enjoys helping the elderly in the neighborhood by making Handicap ramps for those in need. Edward has also contributed his time and skills to various committees at his church, with his main responsibilities being the Treasurer and the Cemetery Committee.

In his personal time, Edward enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Kay, have been married since May 1974, and together they have a daughter, Heather, and a son-in-law, Jason. Edward also has a special bond with his grand-dog, Cotton, and enjoys showing his playful side with him. Beyond family time, Edward is fond of working outdoors, making handcrafted projects, and feeding his fish.  Edward is thankful for God’s blessings over the years and being by his side every step of the way!

Heather, an only child, grew up in Pavo, Georgia surrounded by a loving family and community.  From a young age, she loved to swim, roller skate, and ride four-wheelers for fun.   She learned rhythm and movement by taking gymnastics and dance classes, singing in the choir, and playing the saxophone.   As her love of music and dance grew, Heather trained to perform with the Thomas County Band and Dazzlers, the Dance Academy, and Music and Drama Troupe in Thomasville, Georgia.  During her Senior year, Heather participated in Thomas College Post-Secondary Options (PSO) program.  Heather graduated from Thomas County Central High School in May 1999 as Valedictorian. 

In fall of 1999, Heather enrolled in the two-year Pre-Pharmacy Program at Mercer University College of Liberal Arts in Macon, Georgia.  Upon completion, she moved to Mercer’s Atlanta Campus to pursue her professional education in pharmacy.  In 2005, Heather graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.  While in Atlanta studying, a classmate introduced Heather to a handsome fellow, Jason Murphy.  In 2005, they married, moved to Valdosta, Georgia, and began their individual careers.  For 13 years, Heather worked as a full-time retail pharmacist in Valdosta.    

In 2009, Heather embraced Jason’s dream of owning a hearing aid business.  With much guidance, they opened American Hearing Aid Center in Thomasville, Georgia.  Heather ensures the office is equipped with the necessary tools for staff to provide the best hearing aid care.    As a team, Heather oversees business operations and Jason delivers customized hearing aid care to every patient.  Together, they strive to strengthen their business by going above and beyond customer expectations.

In her free time, Heather loves making memories with family, especially gathering for a home-cooked meal.  Heather looks forward to daily walks and time spent with her husband, Jason, and their fur-baby, Cotton.  Nights are full of entertainment with visits from Cotton’s Husky friends, Jax and Mav.  Heather prefers a tidy house decorated seasonally especially for Christmas.  She enthusiastically awaits family beach trips.  Heather has grown to love Saturdays in Athens, Georgia.  She anticipates the chilling Battle Hymn trumpet solo and Larry Munson’s narration “Glory, Glory to ole’ Georgia” as Bulldog Nation stands ready to yell two simple words… “Go Dawgs!”

Cotton Murphy is the Company Mascot for American Hearing Aid Center.  Cotton, a Siberian Husky, was born in Hazlehurst, Georgia, with 6 littermates.  After his adoption, Cotton’s home became Valdosta, Georgia, with his new pet parents, Jason and Heather.  Cotton attended PetSmart Training Classes receiving multiple doggie achievement awards for good behavior and manners.  His charming personality and handsome features landed him a position as the Mascot for American Hearing Aid Center.

Cotton loves to socialize and meet new friends helping reinforce the positive experience American Hearing Aid Center strives to provide.  Cotton also enjoys practicing his howling skills, which can test your hearing.  But for accurate results, he recommends a complete and thorough hearing evaluation with his dad, Jason, at American Hearing Aid Center. 

At home, Cotton is affectionately referred to as “Rotten” Cotton.  His days consist of morning walks, sniffing everything possible, licking peanut butter, belly rubs, long naps, and nightly play dates with his best buds, Jax and Mav.   Cotton looks forward to visiting with his grandparents.  His extra special activities include swimming at the beach and strolling through campus in Athens, Georgia.  Cotton is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan like his family.  So, if you see Cotton be sure to say Hello and Go Dawgs!