New Board Members

Idaho H&V recently elected new members to the Board of Directors.

Our former President, Renee Higbee stepped down from her position in April, 2011. Renee has an exciting new career ahead of her as she will be graduating from Idaho State University in May with a degree in Educational Interpreting. Her dedication to improving services and providing family support to Idaho's deaf and hard of hearing children is unmeasurable. We greatly appreciate all she has done for Idaho H&V and look forward to her continued service as an educational interpreter. We wish Renee the best of luck in her new endeavors!

Shannon Garlitz, mother of three young children with hearing loss, was elected as the new acting President. Shannon brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the Board and hopes to encourage new parents to get involved. She has been working on updating the website and building a comprehensive, central Directory of Services. Her main objective for 2011 is to grow membership and create awareness about Idaho's pediatric deaf and hard of hearing community.

Laura Bainbridge, mother of a deaf child, was elected to fill the vacant position of Vice President. Originally from the Midwest, Laura and her husband have lived in Idaho for the last 11 years. Laura spent ten of those years working as a physical therapist assistant. She graduated from Idaho State University's fast track nursing program in 2010 with her bachelor's degree as an RN. She looks forward to helping family participation in Idaho H&V.


Karrie Pargman, Au.D., F-AAA is coming to the Board as a Pediatric Audiologist. She received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Utah and Bachleor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Vermont. Karrie has been working at the Elks Hearing & Balance Center since May 2007.

We welcome our new Board members and look forward to the year ahead!