Your Care Team

Dr. Ted Mau is a board-certified, fellowship-trained laryngologist with Stanford Health Care Ear, Nose, and Throat. He is also a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and chief of the Division of Laryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Mau came to Stanford in 2025 following 17 years at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where he was director of the Voice Center and vice chair of research for the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Mau’s clinical practice focuses on disorders of the voice, airway, and swallowing. He has particular interest in vocal fold and laryngeal lesions, voice problems, vocal fold paralysis, recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, and laryngeal dystonia. He is an expert in microlaryngeal surgeries, including laser surgeries of the larynx and airway. He also has extensive experience with laryngeal framework surgery for the treatment of vocal fold paralysis, as well as in-office procedures for vocal fold and larynx lesions. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Mau engages in clinical and laboratory research in voice science and voice disorders. He has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on several National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded projects, including computational voice simulation, development of ultrafast laser microlaryngeal surgery, sensory contributions to voice disorders, and central neuromodulation as a treatment for recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries. Dr. Mau was a site investigator for a DNA therapeutic vaccine clinical trial for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. He has served on several NIH study sections. Dr. Mau served as associate editor of laryngology for The Laryngoscope, a leading journal in the field of otolaryngology. He has published articles in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Voice, The Laryngoscope, and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Mau is a fellow of the American Laryngological Association (ALA) and the Triological Society. He is also a member of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association and the secretary of the ALA Council.

Dr. Damrose graduated from Yale University in 1991 cum laude, earning a BS in Biology. He attended the UCLA School of Medicine, earning his MD in 1995 and completing a doctoral thesis on laryngeal biomechanics. He remained at UCLA for training in general surgery from 1995 to 1997, was nominated "Physician of the Year" by the UCLA staff, and completed his residency in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck surgery in 2001. He remained with UCLA from 2001 to 2003, serving as Clinical Instructor in Laryngeal Surgery and completing a two-year clinical and research fellowship in laryngology/bronchoesophagology. Dr. Damrose joined the Stanford faculty in 2003 and currently serves as Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery and, by courtesy, of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine; Chief of the Division of Laryngology; Director of the Stanford Voice & Swallowing Center and the Fellowship Program in Laryngology; Immediate Past Chief of Staff/Stanford Health Care and Medical Director for Professionalism/Stanford Health Care. He also serves as Chair of the Department Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Program and leads the Improvement Capability Development Program. He is a member of the Stanford Cancer Center, a fellow of the Stanford Medicine Center for Improvement, and serves as preceptor for the Stanford University Early Clinical Engagement Program and the Stanford School of Medicine Immersion in Medicine Program. Dr. Damrose is a member of the Society for Head and Neck Anesthesia; The Triological Society (for whom he has served as a panelist, moderator, and member of its Program Committee); the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (for whom he has served on its Program Committee); the American Laryngological Association (for whom he has served as a member of its Education and Awards Committees); the American Bronchoesophagological Association (for whom he has served as Program Chair, Councilor at Large, and Clinical Practice Guidelines Chair); the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (for whom he has served as a member of the Credentials and Membership, Medical Devices and Drugs, and History and Archives Committees); the American College of Surgeons, and the American Head and Neck Society( for whom he has served a member of the Program, Quality of Care, History, and Ethics and Professionalism Service Committees). He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Voice, and served as a Guest Editor for Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology. From 2010 to 2014, he served as Medical Director of the International Association of Laryngectomees, and from 2010 to 2022 as Medical Advisor to the Foundation for Voice Restoration. Dr. Damrose serves as a Captain in the United States Navy Reserve. He has held numerous leadership positions in the Navy, including that of Otolaryngology Specialty Leader in which he served in an advisory capacity to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery on otolaryngologic matters. In 2020 he mobilized to Guam to support the 7th Fleet during the Navy's response to the COVID 19 pandemic. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and various other service medals. His clinical interests include complex airway reconstruction; surgical treatment of spasmodic dysphonia; surgical treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer; laryngeal framework surgery; and the surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal and esophageal diverticula. He has pioneered novel approaches in the treatment of laryngeal chondrosarcoma and endoscopic resection of Zenker’s diverticula. His research interests include elucidating the pathogenesis of idiopathic subglottic stenosis and the development of technologies to restore voice in patients with vocal cord paralysis and laryngeal cancer.

Dr. Elizabeth DiRenzo is a clinician scientist with a subspecialty interest in the behavioral assessment and treatment of laryngological disorders. She completed her undergraduate and clinical graduate degrees at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana specializing in speech-language pathology. Following her clinical degrees, she remained at Purdue and earned a PhD in laryngeal physiology. She then completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying vocal fold biology. Clinically, Dr. DiRenzo is a practicing speech-language pathologist in the Stanford Voice and Swallowing Center. Her specific interests include the behavioral evaluation and treatment of patients with voice, resonance, upper airway, and swallowing disorders. In conjunction with her physician colleagues, Dr. DiRenzo has has implemented a team-based patient assessment approach between laryngologists and speech-language pathologists and standardized multidimensional evaluation procedures to characterize normal and pathological voices for clinical and research purposes. Dr. DiRenzo's research goal is to advance patient care and improve treatment outcomes through study of both normal laryngeal function and the pathophysiology of voice disorders. To achieve this overarching objective, Dr. DiRenzo’s laboratory utilizes a highly collaborative, multifaceted approach consisting of basic science and clinical research techniques. Outside of work, she prioritizes spending time outdoors enjoying the beautiful California terrain with her husband Dan and their children Lucas and Clara.

Dr. Jiang is a board-certified, fellowship-trained laryngologist with Stanford Health Care. She is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Laryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Jiang completed a fellowship in laryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Jiang specializes in helping patients with all conditions affecting the throat and neck, including vocal cord disorders, hoarseness, chronic cough, and swallowing difficulties. She is skilled at treating even the most complex conditions using the latest techniques and advanced technology. Offering surgical and nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Jiang is passionate about tailoring each care plan to meet the needs of her patients. Her research interests include outcomes in vocal fold paralysis caused by intubation and from unknown causes (idiopathic). She also studies practice patterns of otolaryngologists in the United States. She has evaluated the effectiveness of in-person versus telemedicine care in otolaryngology and the disparities in speech therapy for voice disorders among English-speaking and non-English-speaking patients. Dr. Jiang has also explored how using a digital otoscope can reduce the use of antibiotics in children with ear infections. Dr. Jiang’s articles have appeared in many peer-reviewed publications, including Laryngoscope, Otology and Neurotology, and American Journal of Otolaryngology. She edited a chapter on gross and radiographic anatomy in Anesthesiology and Otolaryngology. She has also reviewed articles for Laryngoscope and Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. Dr. Jiang has presented her research findings in the United States and Canada. She has been invited to speak at dozens of conferences about a range of topics affecting the ears, nose, and throat. She has served as principal investigator on many studies, including how using artificial intelligence can improve patient care and how to reduce opioid use following otolaryngology surgery. Dr. Jiang is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the Society of University Otolaryngologists, and the American Broncho-Esophagological Association.

Brian Nuyen, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon and fellowship trained laryngologist who developed a keen interest and passion for head and neck gender affirmation for transgender/gender-nonconforming communities during his residency at Stanford Medicine. He completed his James Thomas, MD Voice Surgery Fellowship 2021-2022 in Portland, Oregon subspecializing in gender-affirming voice medicine and surgery. He was a visiting Fellow in Summer 2022 with Dr. Hyung-Tae Kim at the Yeson Voice Center in Seoul, South Korea with a focus on international perspectives on gender-affirming endoscopic vocal surgical innovation. Dr. Nuyen is a clinical assistant professor with the Stanford School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology. Dr. Nuyen specializes in managing vocal fold disorders, with a particular interest in gender affirmation voice surgery. Dr. Nuyen completed two fellowship programs focused on gender affirmation voice surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Nuyen completed his residency at Stanford School of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Nuyen is a prolific author and researcher in his field. Multiple peer-reviewed journals have published his work and he has authored several textbook chapters. His recent articles focus on gender affirmation voice surgery. He also peer-reviews research manuscripts for the Journal of Voice. He has presented his insights and research at various medical conferences. Dr. Nuyen speaks Spanish fluently. In his free time, he is an avid instrumental musician, singer, and swing dancer.

Dr. Sung is a laryngologist in the Department of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery who specializes in voice, swallowing and airway disorders, and is also the Residency Program Director. Dr. Sung graduated from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA with a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry with a minor in music. He earned a master’s of science degree in organic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. He attended the State University of New York – Downstate Medical Center and obtained his MD in 2004. He completed his internship in general surgery at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City in 2005. He continued at Mt. Sinai to finish his residency in otolaryngology – head & neck surgery in 2009. Following residency, he completed a fellowship in laryngology at Harvard Medical School – Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with Ramon A. Franco, Jr., MD in 2010. Dr. Sung joined the Stanford faculty in 2010 as Assistant Professor. He is also a staff physician at the Veteran’s Administration Palo Alto Health Care System. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Sung worked extensively as a professional singer and actor for several years. He attended drama academy in New York City and performed in productions off-Broadway, in regional theaters, and in national and international tours. He has also performed with the Stanford University Symphonic Choir. He regularly lectures to voice and vocal pedagogy students in the Department of Music, in which he holds a courtesy appointment. His clinical interests include the care of professional voice users; phonomicrosurgery; treatment of vocal fold paralysis with laryngeal framework surgery and injection techniques; diagnosis and Botox treatment of spasmodic dysphonia; office-based laser surgery; treatment of recurrent laryngeal papilloma; treatment of essential laryngeal tremor; and treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Xueying Cao, MS, BSN, PA-C, graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2016 from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, USA, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Honors Society of Nursing. After working as an RN for 2 years in cardiothoracic surgery, Xueying went to Stanford University in Stanford, CA, USA, earned her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies and became a Board-Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) in 2022.

Xueying joined Stanford Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Department in 2022 after graduating from her PA program. Clinically, she specializes in laryngology, rhinology, and sleep surgery divisions. Xueying is passionate about providing high-quality evidence-based care to her patients. She is competent in performing ENT related procedures and seeing patients with complaints of nose, throat and sleep issues.

In addition to patient care, Xueying is interested in teaching, medical innovation, clinical research, and leadership focusing on healthcare administration.

Jennifer Cleary, MS CCC-SLP (she/her/zie/hir), is a voice-specialized Speech-Language Pathologist, with a Master's of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Cal State East Bay.  Prior to joining the Stanford Voice and Swallow Center in Emeryville, Jennifer provided treatment and assessment for voice, upper airway and swallowing disorders in outpatient and acute care at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA.  She also treated a range of cognitive-linguistic disorders, including Aphasia and TBI, as well as motor speech and fluency disorders.   

With over 15 years' experience as a singing coach and 20+ years as a professional singer and actress, Jennifer has a deep passion for supporting professional voice users.  She has specialized skills in rehabilitation of the injured singing voice and uses her training in Alexander technique, Feldenkrais and somatic-awareness modalities to support all voice users in finding their way back home to a healthy voice. Jennifer has a profound commitment to supporting the transgender community and an expertise in Gender Affirming Voice Care (GAVC).  As a founding member of the Trans Voice Initiative, she has developed educational opportunities and advocacy for gender diverse SLPs and voice coaches and has presented on best practices for (GAVC) at ASHA, CASHA and special interest groups around the country. 

At Stanford Voice and Swallow Center in Emeryville, Jennifer partners with Dr. Nancy Jiang to treat a wide range of voice, swallowing and upper airway concerns. She understands how profoundly voice and swallowing difficulties can affect a person's identity and overall quality of life. Her goal is to treat the whole person and help people get back to doing the things they love.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking in nature, cooking vegetarian meals, and performing at cabarets around the Bay Area. 

Adam Fry, MM, MA CCC-SLP, is a voice specialized speech language pathologist. He earned his Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. Before joining Stanford, he completed his clinical fellowship at the Lakeshore Professional Voice Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Prior to his career in Speech Pathology, he received his Master of Music from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati followed by a 10 year career as an opera singer singing with companies such as Pittsburgh Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Dayton Opera, Union Avenue Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Erie Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony, Cincinnati May Festival and Annapolis Opera.

Adam’s particular clinical interests include voice care for singers and professional voice users, respiratory retraining for chronic cough and upper airway disorders, and dysphagia therapy for swallowing disorders. Adam performs Modified Barium Swallow Studies and FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow) and combined voice and swallow evaluations with Dr. Brian Nuyen.

Outside of the clinic, Adam continues to keep his ties to the opera world helping singers in distress. He also enjoys exploring the California coast, craft breweries and looking for the next best donut.

Ann Kearney holds a Clinical Science Doctorate and brings more than 35 years of clinical experience in major academic medical centers, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, UC San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, and Stanford University.

She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa before moving to San Francisco, where she became Director of the SLP Department at San Francisco General Hospital, an affiliate of UCSF. During this time, she developed a strong interest in post-laryngectomy speech rehabilitation and trained with Mark Singer, MD. While in Boston, Ann worked closely with Kitty Verdolini, PhD, Marvin Freed, MD, and Stanley Shapshay, MD..

Ann is Board Certified in Swallowing Disorders, has served on the faculty of the IAL/Voice Institute, and holds additional training in Buteyko Breathing (Level 2) and Myofascial Release for the head and neck. Her interests include post laryngectomy rehabilitation, voice therapy in the professional voice user, swallowing disorders, breathing disorders (ILO-EILC-PVFM), chronic cough, and obstructive sleep apnea/snoring.

For over two decades, she has directed continuing education courses at Stanford, where she has also contributed to peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and invited lectures nationally and internationally.

Since 2003, she has worked in the Laryngology and Sleep Surgery divisions of the Department of Otolaryngology at Stanford, where she continues to combine clinical practice, teaching, and mentorship with her dedication to advancing patient care.

Betsy Stickels, MS CCC-SLP (she/her), is a voice specialized speech language pathologist. She earned her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the Loyola University of Maryland. Previously, Betsy worked for Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Voice and Swallow Program until 2023 when she joined the Stanford Voice and Swallow Center, expanding services to Emeryville, Ca. At Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Betsy started their Gender Affirming Voice Care program.

Betsy’s particular clinical interests include gender-affirming voice care and voice therapy for professional voice users and singers. As part of Stanford Voice and Swallow Center, Betsy sees voice, swallow, and upper airway patients. She also joins Dr. Brian Nuyen to provide multidisciplinary gender-affirming voice care initial evaluations.  Betsy provides follow-up therapy as well as runs a free group for gender-diverse patients and community members looking for extra support and practice while working on their voice transition. 

Outside of the clinic, Betsy is an avid singer and voice teacher. She also enjoys reading, live music, and a good cup of coffee.