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Specialties

Hearing and Balance

Our audiologists provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the causes and most appropriate treatments for hearing loss. We offer the most technologically advanced hearing aids and extensive follow-up services to keep your hearing aid at its peak performance. We also provide the state's only cochlear implant program for patients with profound hearing loss. 

Vestibular physical therapists use computerized testing to assess disorders involving balance, dizziness, vertigo, or a history of falls. They design a custom physical therapy plan to address your needs. 

Speech-language pathologists provide auditory rehabilitation for all ages, from newborns with hearing loss to seniors managing hearing degeneration.


Highlights & Resources

  • Audiology

    Biography

    Debbie Baerlocher, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA is our clinic lead in pediatrics, focusing on evoked potentials, diagnostics, and amplification. She is coordinator of the newborn hearing screening program at St. Luke’s Meridian and serves on the team of consulting audiologists for the state Early Hearing and Detection program—Idaho Sound Beginnings—providing training to hospitals and physicians about newborn hearing screening and hearing loss. 

    Dr. Baerlocher earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Central Michigan University; her doctoral research project was published in the Journal of Educational Audiology.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    LeaAnna Baker, AuD, CCC-A has a special interest in implantable devices, evoked potentials, and assessment of hearing loss for adults and children. 

    Dr. Baker earned her bachelor's degree in speech science technology from Northern Arizona University and her doctorate in audiology from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Baker completed her doctoral externship in Cheyenne at a private practice that specializes in diagnostic evaluations for adults and pediatrics and cochlear implant services.

    In her free time, Dr. Baker spends time camping and hiking with her family. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Speech Therapy

    Biography

    Joshua Barnes, SLP has professional interests in aural rehabilitation, literacy, and auditory processing delays, with both pediatric and adult populations. He earned his master's degree in speech-language pathology from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Samantha Brumbach, AuD has professional interest in cochlear implant rehabilitation, pediatric and adult diagnostics, pediatric and adult amplification and central auditory processing disorder. She has research experience in several areas including studying the effects of cardiovascular disease risk factors on the hearing system and in developing tools to assist in testing children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

    Samantha received her doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Colorado Boulder and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. She completed her doctoral fellowship at St. Luke’s Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Hillary Carlson, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA specializes in pediatric diagnostics, auditory evoked potentials, and amplification. She is also an audiology consultant for the Idaho Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, where she assists and provides training to hospitals and physicians with their newborn hearing screening programs and about hearing loss.

    Dr. Carlson earned her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in biology from The Ohio State University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Jessica Clark, AuD specializes in pediatric diagnostics, auditory evoked potentials, and hearing aids as well as services for adults. She is also an audiology consultant for the Idaho Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, where she assists and provides training to hospitals and physicians with their newborn hearing screening programs and about hearing loss.

    Dr. Clark earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Minot State University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Russell Clark, AuD spent 13 years in private practice before joining St. Luke's and has special interests in adult diagnostics and amplification.

    Russell earned a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and a master's in audiology, both from Idaho State University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Florida.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Corinne Coleman, AuD received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Brigham Young University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Utah State University. During her graduate work, she completed an emphasis in listening and spoken language and pediatric audiology focusing on enhancing collaboration efforts between audiologists, speech-language pathologists and deaf-education professionals in order to better facilitate the success of every child with hearing loss across the age spectrum. Her research centered on counseling behaviors in audiologists including missed opportunities and patient-centered care was published in Seminars in Hearing. Her doctoral externship in Kentucky fostered a passion for assisting pediatric populations in rural areas; she is thrilled to be able to do the same in her home state. 

    Dr. Coleman is currently a member of the advisory committee for the National Technical Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs (EDHI) to help children who are deaf or hard of hearing reach their full potential by working to improve EHDI systems of care. 

    Originally from Idaho, Dr. Coleman loves spending time in nature, biking and paddle boarding. She is an avid athlete and loves playing basketball, ultimate Frisbee and competing in triathlons. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Jacob Diller, AuD has a special interest in cerumen removal, adult diagnostics and helping patients with concerns regarding dizziness and vertigo.  

    Dr. Diller earned his bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders with an emphasis in pre-audiology from Idaho State University. He earned his doctorate degree in audiology also from Idaho State University. During his schooling, Dr. Diller received the ASISU Student of the Year Award and the Meridian Student of Excellence Award. Outside the clinic, Dr. Diller has travelled to Peru to provide audiology services with the Idaho Condor Humanitarian Inc.

    In his free time, Dr. Diller enjoys traveling, hiking, roller-skating and continuing his search for Boise’s best French fries.


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Alison Faber, AuD has professional interests in pediatric and adult diagnostics, auditory evoked potentials, amplification, and cochlear implants. She also serves as an audiology consultant for the Idaho Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (Idaho Sound Beginnings) where she assists and provides training to hospitals regarding their newborn hearing screening programs.

    Alison earned her bachelor's degree in communicative disorders from the University of Alabama and her doctorate in audiology from Central Michigan University. She completed her residency at Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    April Fagerson, AuD is the program manager for audiology at St. Luke's. In addition to her administrative work, she enjoys helping patients who have concerns with tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, and poor balance.

    Dr. Fagerson earned her bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology from Washington State University, where she also earned her master's degree in audiology. She earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Salus University.

    In her free time, Dr. Fagerson loves to travel and spend time with her husband and two sons. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Jill Galanter, PT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation, and works to help people with dizziness and balance problems. She enjoys working as a team member of St. Luke's Outpatient Brain Injury Program and has prior experience in acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and home health physical therapy. She has a certification of competency in both vestibular rehabilitation and cervicogenic dizziness. 

    Jill received her master's degree and certificate in physical therapy from Duke University and her post-professional doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Dana Gladd, AuD, CCC-A, AIB-CVAM has professional interest in vestibular testing, adult and pediatric diagnostics, hearing aids, tinnitus, and cochlear implant rehabilitation. She has research experience in several areas including the effects of noise on workplace environments, galvanic vestibular stimulation, and cochlear implants. She earned her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and her doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She completed her doctoral fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Kaitlyn Goetz PT, DPT is a vestibular physical therapist who treats a variety of conditions involving dizziness and imbalance. She holds an advanced physical therapy certification from the American Institute of Balance. 

    Kaitlyn earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the College of Idaho and her doctor of physical therapy degree from Idaho State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time being active and in the outdoors with activities such as hiking and camping. She also likes reading and looks forward to cooking/baking for her friends and family.

  • Audiology

    Biography

    Shannon Gower, AuD has over 20 years' experience in providing exceptional patient care for adults. She has specializes in diagnostic evaluations and amplification for adults.  

     

    Shannon earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Salus University and master’s degree in audiology from Idaho State University. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Dayna Huntwork, PT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. She has received certificates of competency in vestibular rehabilitation and pediatric vestibular rehabilitation, and is an American Physical Therapy Association-certified clinical instructor. Dayna provides treatment for patients with dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues; and works with patients through St. Luke’s Outpatient Brain Injury program. She also has experience in orthopedics and acute care.

    Dayna earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Gayle Hynes, PT is the physical therapy program manager for the Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center. She specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. Gayle has completed certifications in vestibular rehabilitation from Emory University, and is a member of the Vestibular Disorders Association. She works closely with a team of vestibular audiologists and physical therapists to provide comprehensive assessments and treatment.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Tyler Jepson, PT is board certified in geriatrics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and has experience in a variety of outpatient settings. He has worked in a variety of specialties, including vestibular, balance, neurological, and orthopedic disorders. He also works with sports and work related injuries.

    Tyler earned his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Dakota, and has taught at Boise State University, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Carrington College, and Idaho State University-Meridian.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Speech Therapy

    Biography

    Susie Jones, MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She earned her master's degree from Idaho State University and has experience in both pediatric and adult communication disorders. She has extended training in aural rehabilitation and treatment of auditory processing delays, and is a certified listening and spoken language specialist. Susie is a founding member of Idaho Hands and Voices, a member of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, and past board member of Idaho Sound Beginnings.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Heather Kurth, DPT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. She enjoys collaborating with audiologists and other physical therapists to provide the best care for her patients. She participates in balance screenings at local health fairs and throughout the community, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA).

    Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the College of Idaho and her doctorate degree in physical therapy from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Larissa Mann, AuD, CCC-A specializes in auditory evoked potential testing, diagnostics, and amplification for adults and children. She earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Central Michigan University and completed her residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Andrews University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Sydney Mecham, AuD has professional interests in pediatric and adult diagnostics and amplification, central auditory processing disorder, auditory evoked potentials testing, and cochlear implant rehabilitation.

    Dr. Mecham received both her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders and her doctorate degree in audiology from Idaho State University. She completed her doctoral fellowship at St. Luke’s Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance.

    In her free time Dr. Mecham enjoys spending time outside with her dog or teaching herself a new craft.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Brenda Mecier, AuD, CCC-A specializes in adult hearing device fittings and vestibular testing. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her master’s degree from Utah State University. She earned her clinical doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Florida, and holds the certificate of clinical competence (CCC) in audiology with the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Brenda has served on the Idaho Speech and Hearing Services board and has supervised Idaho State University audiology students during clinical rotations.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Sarah Mooseau, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA has professional interest in adult diagnostics and amplification services.

    Sarah earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and her doctorate from the University of Tenessee, Knoxville. She completed her fellowship at VA Medical Center in San Francisco.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Skylar Muniz, AuD, CCC-A has professional interests in vestibular diagnostics and rehabilitation, auditory implant technology, evoked potentials, central auditory processing, tinnitus evaluation, and medical audiology. She enjoys working with patients and their families to improve their communication abilities and quality of life. 

    Skylar earned her bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science at the University of Iowa and her doctorate of audiology at the University of Memphis. She completed her doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She has research experience in multiple areas including hearing aid outcome measures, listening effort, and speech perception testing for Spanish speakers.


  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Linda Owen, PT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. She has experience in outpatient orthopedics, specializing in manual therapy. She earned her advanced certification in orthopedic manipulative therapy (COMT) and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMT). Linda earned her physical therapy degree from the University of Alberta, Canada.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Karrie Pargman, AuD, F-AAA has professional interest in cochlear implants, evoked potentials, assessment of hearing loss, and hearing aids for adults and children. She has research experience in speech-evoked auditory brainstem response testing for diagnosis of auditory processing disorders.

    Dr. Pargman earned her doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Utah and her bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Vermont.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Sam Peterson AuD, F-AAA earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from Idaho State University, where he also earned his doctorate degree in audiology. He completed his doctoral externship in southern New Mexico at a private practice that specializes in diagnostic audiometric testing for adults and children, hearing aid assessment and fitting, and ear wax removal. While in graduate school, Dr. Peterson’s capstone project focused on techniques for better assessing middle ear function, to assist in more accurate identification and treatment of middle ear disorders.

    Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He is the proud father of three children, and enjoys watching football and exercising in his spare time.


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Suzanne (Suzy) Reed, AuD, CCC-A focuses her clinical practice on pediatric diagnostic hearing testing and amplification, auditory evoked potentials, and vestibular testing. She received her bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders from Utah State University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Utah State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Lydia Rubalcava, PT, DPT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation and treats patients dealing with imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo.

    Lydia earned both her bachelor's degree in exercise science and her doctorate in physical therapy from Eastern Washington University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Carmen Schmidt, MPT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. She is dedicated to problem-solving and helping patients overcome balance and dizziness concerns. She has earned vestibular competency, vestibular function testing competency, and advanced vestibular competency. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

    Carmen earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Jenna H. Sellers, AuD focuses on cochlear implant rehabilitation, evoked potentials, and pediatric evaluation and rehabilitation. She has unique research experience in several areas including the use of cochlear implants together with hearing aids and hearing loss in the percussionist population. She earned her doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Louisville and her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. She was a clinical fellow for one year at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona before joining Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Kristie Smith, AuD has professional interests in adult and pediatric diagnostics, amplification, auditory evoked potentials, and vestibular diagnostic evaluations.

    Kristie earned her bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology from Idaho State University, and her doctorate in audiology from A.T. Still University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Jessica Stich-Hennen, AuD, PASC specializes in pediatric diagnostics and amplification, auditory osseointegrated implants (i.e. BAHA), Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) evaluations and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) evaluations. Dr. Stich-Hennen works as the primary audiologist for the Idaho Cleft Palate and Craniofacial team. She serves on Idaho Hands & Voices (IDHV) Board, Idaho’s Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) Advisory Committee and several committees for Idaho Speech Hearing Association (ISHA). 

    Dr. Stich-Hennen has given numerous professional presentations on various topics in pediatric audiology and co-authored a chapter in the EHDI e-book titled “Risk Monitoring for Delayed-Onset Hearing Loss.”

    Dr. Stich-Hennen earned her doctorate in audiology from Idaho State University and her bachelor's degree in business administration from North Dakota State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Tobie Strong, PT, DPT, OCS specializes in vestibular rehabilitation, providing treatment for imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo. She has experience in outpatient orthopedics, with a particular interest in posture and movement dysfunction. She has a certification of competency in vestibular rehabilitation, is board certified in orthopedics, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

    Tobie earned her degree in physical therapy from the University of New Mexico and her post-professional doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Laurie Stucki, AuD performs diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and vestibular assessments. She enjoys interacting with patients from all age groups. She earned her doctorate degree in audiology from PCO School of Audiology and her master's degree in audiology from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Rebecca Taylor, AuD specializes in hearing evaluations, hearing device fitting, and vestibular diagnostic evaluations for adults. She earned her master’s degree in audiology from Syracuse University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Salus University.


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Theresa Trimarco, AuD has professional interest in assessment of hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for adults. She earned bachelor’s degrees in speech pathology/audiology and Spanish from Marquette University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Central Michigan University. Before joining the Hearing and Balance Center, she worked for private practices and non-profit hearing centers in Chicago.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Christine Wallace, AuD, CCC-A has special interest in aural rehabilitation and central auditory processing disorders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Northwest Nazarene University, her master’s degree in audiology from Idaho State University, and her doctorate degree in audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    April Ward, AuD, is the director of Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center at St. Luke’s. In addition to her administrative work, Dr. Ward thoroughly enjoys working with patients to help identify why they are struggling with their hearing and identifying appropriate and effective treatment solutions.

    Dr. Ward earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Idaho State University, graduating summa cum laude. She also earned her master’s degree from ISU. She earned her clinical doctorate degree in audiology from A.T. Still University. Dr. Ward is currently affiliate faculty at Idaho State University, where she enjoys supporting future audiologists and teaching occasional classes.

    In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and playing in a band where she sings and plays guitar, bass, and ukulele.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Derek Wood, DPT is a licensed physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. He treats a variety of disorders and helps people overcome dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance issues. Derek enjoys collaborating with other practitioners in providing the best care possible.

    Derek earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Brigham Young University and his doctorate in physical therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients