Sarah Gornik

Idaho’s Parent Training and Information Center and Family to Family Health Information Center Sarah is a Boise native and has remained in the Treasure Valley where she raised her three boys. Sarah has spent the last 17 years (and counting) navigating Medicaid, health care and special education and services in Boise and West Ada. Her son Truman was born at 26 weeks gestation and due to complications from his traumatic birth he was diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy at approximately 16 months of age, Seizure Disorder, dysphagia, uses a feeding tube for nutrition and medication delivery. Truman has had a spinal fusion from T2-pelvis to correct his scoliosis (90 degree curve) among other health care issues associated with the complications he has acquired over the years. Sarah continues to advocate for her children and other families with children who have special health care needs and disabilities and the professionals who serve them. Sarah has a passion for helping others and developing relationships that will enhance care, understanding of services and an overall sense of community. She was also a founding member of the St. Luke’s NICU Family Advisory Committee. She also participates on Idaho’s Transition Team, representing families and students as they make the move from high school to adulthood.

In addition to her work at IPUL, Sarah was the head Cheerleading Coach at a local high school where she ran a fully inclusive cheer program for 7 years. Her love of life, family values and appreciation for diversity and humanity are evident in the work she does and makes it easy for her to touch man lives. Sarah has worked in the field of education, and early childhood education for over 20 years. She graduated from Boise State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in Family Studies and will begin her journey towards a master’s degree in non-profit management this summer (2023) Sarah is in her 6th year at Idaho Parents Unlimited and participates on many councils, committees and workgroups related to children with disabilities and special health care needs in Idaho.