Mary Susan Thornton grew up in Frostproof, Florida.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1983 from the University of Georgia. She graduated with her Master of Education Degree in Audiology also from the University of Georgia in 1985. She obtained her clinical doctorate of audiology from Arizona School for the Health Sciences in February 2005. Mrs. Thornton completed her clinical fellowship with Vestibular Laboratories in Tallahassee in 1986. In 1987, Audiology Associates of North Florida employed her. Audiology Associates joined Tallahassee Ear, Nose & Throat in 1994 and Mrs. Thornton has remained with the practice ever since, making her the senior audiologist. She holds national and state certification in both Florida and Georgia. She obtained her clinical doctorate of audiology from Arizona School for the Health Sciences in February 2005.