Our Staff

Jaimie Kaster, HIS and Owner, is a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist and Manager of Hearing Advantage. Her desire to help people began 18 years ago while practicing in the fields of nursing and social work. Over the last 6 years, her passion towards helping others has been specialized specifically with the hearing impaired. Diagnosed with a hearing loss at the age of 3, Jaimie is able to offer true empathy with her clients during their journey to better hearing. Her philosophy is, “Experience is not what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.” Jaimie enjoys spending time with her husband and 7 children, traveling, fishing, and attending theatrical productions. She is a member of the local Chambers of Commerce, Wisconsin Alliance of Hearing Professionals, and International Hearing Society. The Hearing Advantage Team would describe Jaimie as empathetic, supportive, and extremely inspiring.

Jesse Kaster, BC-HIS, is the proud owner of Hearing Advantage. He knows how important it is to protect and enhance the ability to hear. Jesse is a graduate of UW-Stevens Point, Nationally Board Certified and Licensed as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. He has worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years, and in the hearing healthcare for over 20 years. He currently serves the Northwoods with offices in Rhinelander, Eagle River, Phillips, Minocqua, Antigo and Schofield. Jesse is a member of the area Chambers of Commerce, the International Hearing Society and the Wisconsin Alliance of Hearing Professionals. He cares about his community and supports local businesses, as well as educates the public through hearing health seminars, one-on-one private consultations and volunteering at local healthcare events. Jesse is a long-term resident of Rhinelander and enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, fishing, camping, and biking. 

Lynn Haanstad is a Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist who has been working in the hearing healthcare industry for over 38 years. She prides herself on being an expert programmer who goes above and beyond to solve her clients’ concerns. Lynn is passionate about helping people and improving their lives with better hearing. Her and her husband, Rick, love the Wausau area and are active in the community. Lynn loves spending time with her grandkids, growing beautiful flowers around her home and listening to music – especially that of her husband’s band, Kentucky Blend. Lynn’s coworkers would describe her as: invaluable to the hearing healthcare community, hardworking, knowledgeable, and caring.

Tony Gamboa Jr. is a Hearing Instrument Specialist. He trained as an HIS under Jesse Kaster and graduated with honors from NTC in the realm of business management and operations. Tony has had a speech impediment his whole life. He has trouble with mispronouncing words, not letting words flow smoothly, and difficulty comprehending what is said without repetition. Treating the hard of hearing gives him a whole new insight on what it’s like to have disability, how to cope, and to take small steps at a time. He has learned that it’s okay to have this obstacle in your life because there will always be a helping community that understands what it’s like. Tony is passionate about providing quality care to clients with hearing needs. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, and furthering his education. He is a 1^st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is a member of Wisconsin’s Alliance of Hearing Professionals, International Hearing Society, and previous to Beta Rho Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (the most prestigious honor society for technical colleges).  Tony’s coworkers say: “He is constantly thinking of new and unique ways to do things and is always striving to make the patient experience better. You can see just how much he cares about his patients and is always ready to tackle anything!”

Sarah Shuman is a manager at Hearing Advantage and has worked in customer service her whole life. She is passionate about working with people, making sure they have the absolute best experience possible, and always goes out of her way to make sure everyone’s concerns are heard and resolved. She is the mother of one boy and loves spending time with her family and traveling. She is very creative and loves to design things and come up with new ideas to help make the world a better place. She spent her college career studying Psychology and Business and is always working to learn new things. Sarah adores helping every patient that walks in our doors and making sure that they receive the superior care that they need and deserve. Sarah’s team would describe her as: down-to-earth, supportive, and a team player.

Tia Fredrick is the Patient Care Coordinator in our Rhinelander office. Tia came to Hearing Advantage with a strong passion to help improve the lives of others. Tia says: “I pride myself in managing our schedule and making sure that the needs of our clients are heard and met. I enjoy spending each day here with some of the most kind-hearted and dedicated people I have ever met, as well as helping our patients hear, regain their confidence, and enhance their quality of life.” Tia loves to spend time with friends and family and her pet rabbits. She is left-handed, 4’10’’ tall, and has 3 siblings. She brings joy to our offices and our patients with her bright smile and big heart.

Kayla Kossack is the Patient Care Coordinator in our Minocqua office. Kayla started working with Hearing Advantage because she saw the incredible life changing work that we do here and wanted to be a part of supporting that. She is a very caring and honest person and is constantly putting the best interest of the patient first. She is always willing to help out and is an incredible problem solver. Kayla loves being able to help people hear better and seeing the look on their faces when they realize they can hear again. She loves to paint and go on rides and her favorite color is olive green.