Hi! I’m Mel!

I love people, hearing, technology and connection!

I’ve been an Audiologist for 13 years and have seen the hearing healthcare world from many perspectives.  I love what I do, and I love reconnecting people to their worlds through better hearing. 

I started off in grad school as a research assistant, being an “ear nerd” (term of endearment) studying the newest technologies and fitting strategies. I have worked in ENT, medical settings, educational audiology, private practice and for a hearing aid manufacturer. With that time, I’ve seen what I love about hearing healthcare… and, I’ve seen big voids in the consumer experience.

The biggest challenges I’ve witnessed are in the areas of accessibility, affordability and shattering the stigma around hearing loss and hearing technology. These core challenges fueled me in creating a different path for consumers engaging in hearing healthcare.

When new legislation allowed OTC devices to enter the market, I was excited to see hearing healthcare expand it’s reach. Patients had two paths: OTC options that provide an equivalent to reader/cheater glasses, or a traditional clinic model for prescription hearing aids.

I saw a huge void for consumers in the middle. What about those who need prescription help, but didn’t want to engage with the traditional clinic model? What about those that want to be actively engaged in their own healthcare? What about empowerment through choices and options? What about the skeptics and those who distrust doctors and whitecoats?

That’s why I created BLUEMOTH. I wanted a place where consumers led the journey for their own hearing wellness, not a “doctor knows best model.” I wanted there to be Audiologic oversight, so that consumers would have the best in quality hearing healthcare, but in a way that was fun and convenient. 

Mostly – I love the freedom and transparency that comes from choice! I don’t like the amount of confusion and misinformation that is out there, and I really don’t like the awkward power dynamics of a patient being told what’s best for them.

With BLUEMOTH, we take the information you provide us, along with your hearing test results and we send you three sets of premium prescription technology to test drive in your own life – so YOU can determine the benefits and which you prefer. That’s radically new and different. And, I feel passionately that it’s needed – it’s what consumers deserve.

I want hearing to be a sense of pride and empowerment, not a sense that brings about shame and hiding.

It’s time to live out loud!

– Dr. Melanie K. Hecker

Leela is the Chief Operating Officer and an Audiologist at BLUEMOTH Hearing, bringing 15 years of experience in hearing healthcare. Her career has grown from direct patient care into leadership, operations, and business development, while keeping her connected to the clinical work she loves. She combines her expertise in audiology with a passion for finding better, more innovative ways to deliver hearing care.

Why I Love What I Do
“I love helping people hear and communicate better, but I also love solving problems and finding better ways to deliver care. Being able to combine audiology with leadership and innovation means no two days are quite the same.”

Outside of Work
“Most of my time outside of work is spent with my husband and our three kids. I love sports and anything competitive, whether I’m coaching one of my kids’ teams, watching a game, or getting in on the competition myself.”

Fun Fact
“I’m a lifelong New York Jets fan, so resilience is basically one of my core competencies.”

Rhea brings a unique background to BLUEMOTH Hearing, with two degrees in physics and experience in entrepreneurship and biotechnology. She applies her problem-solving skills and analytical mindset to overseeing operations at BLUEMOTH and helping keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. She loves being part of a team that isn’t afraid to have fun, challenge the status quo, and take a different approach to hearing care.

Why I Love What I Do
“Hearing connects people to the hobbies and loved ones that matter most. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that joy return to people’s lives through great hearing care.”

Outside of Work
“Outside of work, I love reading thrillers, playing board games, and spending time with my two younger brothers.”

Fun Fact
“I’ve been an avid rock collector since childhood and still love cracking open geodes!”

Dr. Thompson is a licensed audiologist who began her career in pediatric audiology before joining BLUEMOTH Hearing. A hearing aid wearer since age four, she brings a dual perspective to her work which fuels her commitment to best practices in hearing healthcare. She holds a Certificate in Tinnitus Management from the American Board of Audiology and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Outside of clinical work, she enjoys time with her family, two furry companions, and exploring new craft hobbies.

Sienna is the Social Media Manager and Audiology Assistant at BLUEMOTH Hearing. She combines her love for creativity and connecting with people with her growing experience in hearing healthcare. From creating content and sharing the BLUEMOTH story to supporting patients throughout their hearing journey, Sienna loves helping make hearing care feel approachable, personal, and accessible.

Why I Love What I Do
“I love getting to connect with people and be part of something that can make such a meaningful difference in their everyday lives. Being able to combine my creative side with hearing healthcare makes what I do even more rewarding.”

Outside of Work
“When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time with my husband and our three dogs, taking a dance class, or planning our next adventure. I love traveling, exploring new places, and making the most of any chance to get away!”

Fun Fact
“I consider myself a master snorkeler, and I’ve been known to fly to Disney just for the day!”

Nicholas moved to Seattle from Australia in 2018 and studied Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington. During his time at UW, he gained experience in both clinical and research audiology, with a particular focus on Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and electroacoustics. Nicholas joined BLUEMOTH Hearing in early 2026 and brings his background in hearing science, curiosity, and love for connecting with people to his role.

Why I Love What I Do
“I get to interact with such a wide variety of people every day, from our team at BLUEMOTH to the patients we meet. I love being able to give each person the time, care, and attention they deserve while providing the best service and support I can.”

Outside of Work
“Outside of work, I’m a huge music enthusiast and spend a lot of my free time making or listening to music. I also love staying active, whether I’m at the gym or playing basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, or pretty much any sport I can get involved in.”

Fun Fact
“I was born and raised in Australia and naturally have a pretty strong Aussie accent. Before moving to Seattle, I taught myself an American accent, and I’d like to think I can pass as a local now! If we ever meet, see if you can catch my Aussie accent slipping through.”

Sam is the Fulfillment and Inventory Specialist at BLUEMOTH Hearing. With a background in Music and Audio Production, he brings a detail-oriented approach and a passion for all things audio to his role. From managing inventory to helping ensure patients receive what they need, Sam plays an important part in creating a smooth hearing care experience.

Why I Love What I Do
“I love knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives and health through the world of audio and hearing.”

Outside of Work
“In my free time, I’m involved in the Seattle music scene as a drummer and band member. I have a deep love for music and enjoy being part of and supporting my local arts community.”

Fun Fact
“I love Italian food! Send me your favorite Italian restaurant recommendations!”

Nina manages Finance and HR at BLUEMOTH Hearing, helping keep the people, processes, and numbers behind the business moving in the right direction. A natural problem-solver, she brings clarity, organization, and a sense of calm to complex situations while supporting the team behind the scenes.

Why I Love What I Do
“Much of my work happens behind the scenes, but it ultimately supports our team in helping patients experience a better quality of life through better hearing. Knowing my work contributes to something so meaningful is what makes it truly rewarding.”

Outside of Work
“Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our pets and nurturing the land we call home on Whidbey Island. I also love dancing, traveling, being near the water, and finding little ways to bring more creativity and magic into everyday life.”

Fun Fact
“I’m a bladesmith and fire dancer, because sometimes life calls for a little extra sparkle!”