Bellingham Audiologist - Our Staff at the Hearing Health Clinic

Libbie L. Shell, Au.D.

Dr Libby Shell Audiologist Bellingham WA Bio

Libbie L. Shell, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Libbie Shell is the director of the Hearing Health Clinic. She was born and raised in Whatcom County and joined Hearing Health Clinic in 2003. Dr. Shell has more than twenty years experience diagnosing hearing loss and fitting the most advanced digital hearing aid technology. She takes great pride working in the community she grew up in, helping those with hearing loss return to an enriched life of hearing.

Dr. Shell was awarded her bachelors and masters degrees in Audiology from the University of Washington and obtained her doctorate degree from Arizona School of Health Sciences/A.T. Still University. Dr. Shell is an avid horse woman and has competed on a national level for most of her life. She is married and has two children.

“I love being able to offer solutions and opportunities for those struggling with hearing loss. Nothing saddens me more than watching people withdraw from the activities they once loved, isolating themselves from family and friends. I love witnessing their reactions when they are once again able to relax and enjoy the ease of conversation, recognize the songs of birds, catch the punch line of jokes, and enjoy the soft whispers of grand children. This is why I became an audiologist.”

Vanessa Snow, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Vanessa Snow received her Bachelors Degree in Communicative Disorders/Deaf Education and her Doctorate of Audiology from Utah State University. She recently moved to Bellingham after working as an Audiologist in Twin Falls, ID.

Dr. Snow can help patients needing anything from diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid and instrument fittings to Cochlear implants where she has extensive training on Cochlear implant testing and programming. She has a passion for finding the best solution for her patient’s while making meaningful connections. She enjoys working with the latest technology, and actively keeps up to date on current trends in audiology.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Snow enjoys spending time doing outdoor activities in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She resides in Bellingham with her wife and two cats.

Gretchen Freudenheim, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Gretchen Freudenheim joined Hearing Health Clinic in August 2017 after a cross country move. She became interested in audiology after most of her immediate family was diagnosed with hearing loss over several years. Dr. Freudenheim was awarded her Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders & Sciences from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. In June 2016 she graduated with her Doctorate of Audiology from the University at Buffalo. She completed her fourth-year clinical externship at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY.

During her clinical rotations, Dr. Freudenheim was especially interested in the diagnostic aspects of audiology. She also received several years of experience working with patients who use cochlear implants or Bahas. She is thrilled to continue furthering her work in these specialty areas at the Hearing Health Clinic and Bellingham Ear, Nose & Throat.

Dr. Freudenheim was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and is very much looking forward to less snow in the Pacific Northwest! Prior to her move to Bellingham, she worked for over a year with a cat rescue and adoption group, something she remains passionate about. In her free time, she enjoys planning Disney vacations as a part time travel agent and spending time with her own three cats.

Katie Dyer

Audiology Assistant/Patient Care Coordinator

Katie Dyer attended Western Washington University and received her degree in Human Services. As the Audiology Assistant, Katie is a wonderful resource for our patients and our doctors. She can assist patients with everything from cleaning hearing aids to routine maintenance and troubleshooting minor technical issues. Katie is able to answer many of your basic hearing aid related questions and she will often help patients during clinic when our doctors are seeing other patients.

Raised in Redmond, WA, Katie fell in love with Bellingham as soon as she moved here for school. She enjoys reading, adventures, finding new breakfast recipes and spending time with her cat.

Chanda Renner

Patient Care Coordinator

Chanda brings over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She began her career as a receptionist, later transitioning into medical billing before joining Bellingham Ear, Nose & Throat in 2014, where she took on the role of lead patient care coordinator. She then transitioned to Hearing Health Clinic, where she continues to enjoy connecting with patients, scheduling appointments, and answering basic questions. Her time at Bellingham ENT has given her a strong foundation for helping patients determine the best starting point for their hearing journey between the two clinics.

A lifelong resident of Whatcom County, Chanda loves the community she calls home. In her free time, she enjoys sewing and frequently sells her creations at local craft fairs. She also loves reading, baking, and writing short inspirational stories—with hopes of one day completing a novel.