The Team Behind Your Better Hearing

Dr. Dena J. Riso

Doctor of Audiology, Owner

Au.D.

Dr. Dena, owner of Peninsula Hearing & Balance Center, is a native San Diegan. She has worked with the hearing-impaired for over twenty years and prides herself on continuing the care of the community she calls home. She received her bachelor's in Communicative Disorders from San Diego State University (SDSU) and her Doctorate in Audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences (AT Still University). Dena’s experience includes a variety of healthcare settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, and as an educational and occupational Audiologist. She has the capability to properly assess any individual’s hearing needs, no matter their age, budget, lifestyle, or type of hearing loss. She has been married for over 20 years to her soulmate, Mike. They have two daughters who now attend college in Central California and Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys taking her dogs to the park, doing yoga with her husband, and supporting the San Diego Seals.

Dr. Sarah Hernandez

Doctor of Audiology

Au.D.

Dr. Sarah Hernandez is a San Diego native who previously worked at PHBC as an audiology assistant from 2014 to 2017 before earning her Doctor of Audiology degree from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. During her clinical training, she developed a strong interest in balance disorders and now performs vestibular evaluations at our Point Loma location. If you're experiencing dizziness or balance concerns, she's happy to help! Outside of work, Dr. Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Luis, and their two children, Louie and Layla. Some of her favorite activities include visiting the San Diego Zoo, skiing in Colorado, and exploring National Parks.

Ruby Sortillon

Director of Patient Relations / Front Office Lead

Ruby Sortillon is a native San Diegan who married her high school sweetheart and currently lives in Chula Vista. She has two adult children and is a proud Glammy to her grandson, Joey Grey. Working in the hearing industry since 2007, Ruby met Dr. Dena early in her career. She is highly knowledgeable in hearing aids, hearing loss counseling, and insurance billing, and is always available to assist patients with their needs. When managing the Point Loma office, Ruby can also help patients with cleaning, repairing, and understanding their hearing aids if Dr. Riso or Dr. Sarah are unavailable. Outside of the office, Ruby enjoys watching her love, Joey Grey, play both Little League and Travel Baseball.

Joan Zacholl

Practice Coordinator

Joan is the newest addition to the Peninsula Hearing & Balance Center team, having recently relocated from Upstate New York. She began her career in audiology two years ago at a private practice, where she developed her skills in hearing aid cleaning, repair, and hearing loss counseling. When she is not in the office, Joan enjoys running with her fiancé, strolling through farmers markets, and, she hopes very soon, learning to surf. Warm and eager to keep learning, she looks forward to helping patients with all of their hearing aid needs at both the Point Loma and Coronado offices.