Debbie Baerlocher, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA
Clinic Manager
Meridian
Dr. Baerlocher received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing from Elmira College in 1996, and her Doctorate in Audiology from Central Michigan University in 2000. She has worked for the Elks Hearing & Balance Center since 2000. Her doctoral research project was published in the Journal of Educational Audiology in 2000. She specializes in diagnostics, auditory evoked potentials, hearing aids and manages the Newborn Screening Programs for St. Luke’s hospitals in Boise and Meridian. She is also the audiology consultant for the Idaho Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, providing training to hospitals and physicians about newborn hearing screening and hearing loss.

Erika Blanchard, M.S., CCC-A, F-AAA
Audiology Program Manager
Eagle
Erika received her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology with an emphasis in developmental disabilities and teaching English as a Second Language from University of Nevada, Reno. She earned her Masters degree of Science in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked in private practice and in medical otolaryngology settings prior to joining the Elks Hearing & Balance Center in 2004. She specializes in pediatric and adult diagnostics, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation, central auditory processing disorders and tinnitus assessment and management. Erika holds current Audiology licensure in Oregon and Idaho. She serves on the Idaho Hands and Voices Advisory Board, and the Publications Committee for the American Academy of Audiology. She contracts with Utah State University as a Network Audiologist for the National Center of Hearing Assessment and Management. She acts as a mentor to pediatric audiologists throughout the country.

April Fagerson, Au. D.
Clinic Manager
Boise
Dr. Fagerson earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Speech and Hearing Sciences/Audiology from Washington State University. She completed her clinical doctorate in audiology from Salus University in 2009. She has been with the Elks Hearing & Balance Center since 2006. Dr. Fagerson’s professional interests include adult and pediatric diagnostics and amplification, tinnitus management, and vestibular testing. Outside of work she enjoys Idaho sunshine on the ski hill, lake, or swimming pool.

Gayle Hynes, PT
Certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation
Balance and Vestibular Program Manager
Boise
Gayle received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She graduated with her degree in Physical Therapy in 1993. She has been a physical therapist with the Elks Rehab System for 15 years with an emphasis in balance and vestibular rehabilitation. Gayle has achieved competency degrees in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Cervicogenic Dizziness.

Tyler Jepson, DPT, GCS
Clinic Manager
Ontario
Tyler graduated from the University Of North Dakota with a doctoral degree in physical therapy. Prior to graduate school he volunteered as an aide to children with cerebral palsy by assisting with homework and recreation. After graduating Tyler began working for the Elks Rehab System practicing orthopedics in Eagle. After practicing with a primarily geriatric population he was able to become a Board Certified Geriatric Specialist. This certification sets Tyler apart from others as one of the few certified specialists in the area that focuses on geriatrics.
Dr. Jepson has also been teaching for the past 3 years at Boise State University. Many patients have complimented Tyler on the extra time he spends educating them on their diagnosis and the rehab process.
Tyler works in the Ontario location as the clinic manager and as one of the treating physical therapists. The close knit team of audiologists and physical therapists strive to create an environment where our patients can live life to the fullest.

Paul Lancaster, Au.D., F-AAA
Clinic Manager
Nampa
Dr. Lancaster received his Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University in 2003, and his Doctorate in Audiology from Utah State University in 2007. He completed his residency program in a private practice in Northern California, after. He published his dissertation on tele-health in audiology in the American Journal of Audiology in 2008 and he continues to have interests in research. Dr. Lancaster has specific interests in vestibular diagnostics testing and adult amplification.

Mike Sturmak, M.S. CCC-A F-AAA
Chief Operating Officer
Eagle
Michael received his Bachelor of Science from Murray State University in 1976, his Masters degree of Science in Audiology from Idaho State University in1987 and is currently working on his Doctorate Degree from Central Michigan University; He has worked both in private practice and Hospital based Audiology. He has worked at the Elks Hearing & Balance Center since 1987.

Michael holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), is a Fellow in the American Academy of Audiology (F-AAA) and remains active in the Idaho Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA); He holds current licensure in both Idaho and Oregon. He has been an affiliate Faculty member of Idaho State University Since 1995, and has taught numerous college and professional courses, as well as made many professional and public presentations. He was a member of the Idaho State Licensing Board for two terms and was Board Chair for three years. He is published in several professional journals including the American Journal of Audiology and the British Journal of Audiology.

April Ward, Au.D., F-AAA
Clinic Manager
Eagle
Dr. Ward received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Idaho State University in 2000, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In 2002, she received her Masters degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. Dr. Ward completed her Clinical Doctorate Degree in Audiology at A.T. Still University in August of 2009. Previously, Dr. Ward has worked as the Director of Audiology at Biltmore Ear, Nose and Throat in Phoenix, Arizona. After moving back to Idaho, she joined the team at the Elks Hearing & Balance Center in 2006.

Katie Yates
Support Services Manager
Nampa
Katie Yates has been with Elks Hearing & Balance Center since 2004. Katie manages Support Staff services as the Support Service Manager. She develops and reviews best practices, policies and procedures for all of Elks Hearing & Balance Center support services. She is actively involved in training the secretarial staff to improve their knowledge in the areas of Audiology and Vestibular treatment and assessment to ensure the highest quality in patient care. Katie also serves the department as our representative on a variety of system councils and committees including: Quality and Compliance. In addition, she participates on a team with other hospital managers to take our department into the future with the best patient care possible.