If you’ve been in the clinic in the past few months then you may have noticed some new faces on our team: Dr. Darla McDonald (audiologist), Robyn Yang, MA (fourth year audiology doctoral extern), and Bethany Lockhart, BA (business services coordinator). Please read on to learn more about our new staff!
The UNC Hearing and Communication Center is excited to announce the addition of our new hearing aid and vestibular specialist: Darla McDonald, AuD, CCC-A
Dr. McDonald joined the faculty of the Division of Speech and Hearing Science at UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2025. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology (cum laude) from University of Maryland- College Park and then her Masters of Education in Science Education from NC State University.
Dr. McDonald worked for 15 years as a high school science teacher and school administrator before embarking on a career in audiology. She enjoys working with older adults to improve their ability to communicate with friends and family. Additionally, she has a passion for helping patients with chronic dizziness and vestibular dysfunction. Outside of audiology, she enjoys running, reading, g
ardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Bethany serves the Department of Health Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill as Business Services Coordinator. She splits her time between two clinics: UNC Hearing and Communication Center and University Physical Therapy. She serves as one of the front desk associates that helps with scheduling, administrative support, face-to-face patient service, and simply keeping our clinics running smoothly!
In 2023, she received her Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill with an interest in child psychopathology and development. In addition, she has earned over 6 years of customer service experience and counting in her role as a Target Team Member. Bethany’s interests outside of work include listening to music, going to the lake, and taking spontaneous road trips with her friends. She also enjoys 90s sitcoms, adventure movies, and pet videos.
Robyn is the Audiology Doctoral Extern for the 2025-2026 academic year at the UNC HCC. Robyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and International Studies (magna cum laude) from the University of Oregon and then her Masters in Linguistics from Tulane University. She is currently in her fourth and final year of her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). As part of her final year, she will complete a full-year clinical externship with us at UNC.
Before beginning her clinical career, she worked in higher education industry and federal government while leading a volunteer-based non-profit in her spare time. In her past career, research, and service-related roles, she worked extensively with the senior population, varying from veterans to immigrants, who struggled with hearing loss. This experience ignited her passion for hearing healthcare. While attending UF, she had the honor of completing a pediatric internship at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), as part of the federally funded Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. The LEND internship has since inspired her to commit to providing audiology services to all ages.
Please join us in welcoming our new team members. If you see Dr. McDonald, Bethany, or Robyn in the clinic, please say hello! On behalf of the entire UNC HCC team, we look forward to working with you soon!