CASLPO News

Registrant Spotlight: Bernice McKenzie – Inspiring the Next Generation of Audiologists

How mentorship is shaping the future of audiology—one registrant at a time.

Bernice McKenzie (AUD) knows the power of mentorship. Over the past 18 years, she’s drawn on the guidance and inspiration of her own mentors and now gives back by mentoring others.

As part of CASLPO’s Mentorship program, Bernice supports new registrants through a structured six-month process designed to build confidence, ensure safe and ethical practice, and verify that mentees are meeting minimum standards of care. In doing so, she plays a vital role in supporting CASLPO’s mandate to protect the public.

We asked Bernice about what inspired her to become a mentor, what she finds most rewarding, and why she believes mentorship is essential to the future of audiology.

What motivated you to volunteer as a mentor?

“When I was in school over twenty years ago, I had the privilege of learning from some truly incredible mentors. I was fortunate enough to be guided by Brad Stach, Au.D.—yes, the student of James Jerger himself—as well as Sarah Flatt, Au.D., Lisa Miller, Au.D., and Karen Finn, Au.D.. These audiologists shaped not only my clinical skills, but also my understanding of where our profession has been and where it could go. Their passion, generosity, and vision left a lasting impact on me. After having such inspirational mentors, I honestly can't imagine not giving back. Hosting students a few times a year is my way of paying it forward, and I hope it's something my team members will come to enjoy and carry on long after I retire.”

What do you find most rewarding about this experience?

“Hands down, it's the transformation. Watching mentees go from feeling uncertain and tentative to confident and capable is incredibly rewarding. That growth—especially when it clicks for them that they can do this—is the magic of mentorship.

I also secretly hope that this experience will ignite a bigger dream. I’d love for every audiologist to envision themselves in private practice—running their own clinic and delivering the kind of personalized care that first inspired them to enter this field. Too many new grads are funneling into manufacturer-owned chains or retail giants, and I don't think that’s what any of them imagined when they started school. My goal is to help them see that private practice isn’t just possible—it’s worth it.”

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?

“I think mentoring is one of the most powerful ways we can shape the future of audiology. It’s not just about clinical skills—it's about mindset, passion, and vision. My hope is that mentees leave the experience not only as better clinicians, but also as future leaders in our profession. And if they’ve picked up even a fraction of the inspiration I once got from my mentors, then I know we’ve done something right.”

Why is mentorship important?

Mentorship is a key part of how CASLPO fulfills its public protection mandate. It ensures that mentees—initial registrants and in some cases for general registrants—demonstrate the ability to meet the minimum standards of practice in a safe, ethical, and competent manner. Mentorship is not just about guidance—it’s about accountability, assessment, and professional development.

During the six-month program, mentors and mentees work closely together, engaging in regular communication and using CASLPO’s Mentorship Self-Assessment Tool (MSAT) and Clinical Reasoning Tool to assess the mentee’s clinical decision-making and overall performance.

Mentors must meet specific Criteria to Mentor, including having the required experience and being in good standing with the College. They are responsible for completing two formal evaluations:

• A Midterm Report, which can only be submitted once the mentee has been in mentorship for at least three months and achieved a minimum of 250 patient care hours, and 24 mentored hours.
• A Final Report, submitted after the mentee completes at least six months of mentorship, 500 patient care hours, and 48 mentored hours.

Through this process, mentors like Bernice serve a critical regulatory role while also helping mentees develop confidence and clarity in their practice.

Thank you, Bernice, for your leadership and commitment to mentorship. Your generosity and vision are helping to ensure that the next generation of audiologists are not only competent and ethical clinicians but also inspired professionals who will carry the profession forward.