is the founder and owner of Hear 4 Kidz, Inc. and co-owner of Hear 4 U Panama. Prior to venturing on her own, she served as a pediatric audiologist and rehabilitative services manager at the Miami Children’s Hospital. Dr. Couture-Souvenir graduated with a B.S. from Central Michigan University in 1990, received a M.A. in Audiology from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1992, a M.S. in Health Care Administration from Barry University in 1996, and a Doctorate in Audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2002. She is a member of ASHA and AAA, and holds a State of Florida professional license in Audiology.

Besides her many educational achievements, Dr. Couture-Souvenir has a passion for pediatric audiology and a tenacious drive towards humanitarianism. She has promoted an active involvement in two separate international humanitarian projects helping hearing impaired children around the World.

Sonia Velez
Office Manager

Was born and raised in South Florida.  She has a niece who is hearing impaired.  This is how Sonia and Dr. Couture-Souvenir met.  Her niece was diagnosed with a hearing loss by Dr. Couture-Souvenir.  Since this time, Sonia had a passion to work with Hear 4 Kidz.  Prior to working with Hear 4 Kidz, Sonia worked in customer service for 8 years.

Enrique I. Chévere, Jr.
Co-Owner/Operational Director

Enrique I. Chévere, Jr., is co-owner and operational director of Hear 4 U Panama. He is a retired U.S. Army Paratrooper and a retired JROTC Army instructor.

He served on active duty for 20 years and continued his service as an Army Instructor for 7 additional years until he retired in July 2009.

His assignments in the Army include the following tours:

• 1st Battalion 508th (PIR) Parachute Infantry Regiment 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
• 1st Battalion 6th Infantry, Germany
• 1st Battalion 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment 82nd Airborne Division as a Team Leader and Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Non-Commissioned Officer, Fort Bragg, N.C.
• Opposing Forces Airborne Infantry Squad Leader for the 1st Battalion 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Joint Readiness Training Center at Little Rock Air Force Base and Fort Chaffee, Arkansas
• Platoon Sergeant for the 1st Battalion 503rd Air Assault Infantry, Camp Casey, South Korea
• Platoon Sergeant for the United Nations Command Honor Guard, South Korea. He was responsible for 3 high level security buildings including the home of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea
• Senior Drill Instructor with the 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Infantry Training Brigade
• Operations and Training Manager for the Theater Support Brigade (TSB). He was part of the task force assigned to create the Theater Support Brigade which assumed responsibility for all units still remaining in the country at that time. Other duties included managing an Emergency Operations Center, planning, coordinating, closing, and the turnover of military installations to the Panamanian government in 1999
• Prior to retiring after 20 years of Active Military Service in July 2002, he served as a Military Science Instructor and Operations Sergeant at Columbus State University
• In addition, Enrique attended all primary, basic and advanced military leadership courses and has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice.

Lic. Ivonn Arauz
Fonoaudiologist

Ivonn Arauz is a licensed Fonoaudiologist in the Republic of Panama.  She received her degree in 2005 from Universidad Especializada de las Américas.

She comes to Hear 4 U with experience in diagnostic audiology (pediatric and adult), hearing aid programming/fitting/orientation, and in aural rehabilitation.

Lic. Isabel Batistat
Secretary/Receptionist

Isabel Batista is the receptionist at Hear 4 U Panama. She joined Hear 4 U with education and experience in English Studies, Graphic Design, and customer service.