MEET THE GUIDES
Our Guide By Your Side Program serves the entire state of Illinois. This map represents our color coded regions. Many of our guides serve families statewide, some stay within their color region. See the Parent Guide Bio's and color regions below.
Carrie Balian
Program Coordinator
Carrie Balian is the mother of five children. Her oldest, Jack, was born deaf. Carrie and her family reside in Island Lake, IL. She is the Coordinator of the Guide By Your Side program in Illinois. Carrie has presented to groups nationwide and co-authored several publications including the NCHAM e-book. Carrie has served or is currently serving as a board member for the Illinois Genetic & Metabolic Diseases Advisory Council, , an editor for the JEHDI publication and participated on the Illinois Universal Newborn Hearing & Screening Advisory Board and Illinois Deaf Task Force. She also participated as a parent professional on the NICHQ national and statewide learning collaborative teams. Carrie has been recognized and awarded both nationally and locally for her support, commitment and leadership in the field. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management.
