2025 Conference Schedule

Attendee Registration
Wilderness Foyer Pick up badges and wrist bands. Onsite registration available.

Student Sputum Bowl & Career Fair
Wilderness 2 & 5 Moderated by WSRC President - Theresa Meinen
View the full student schedule.

Vital Signs: What Students NEED to Know
Wilderness 2 & 5 Moderated by WSRC President - Theresa Meinen
Learn more about the AARC House of Delegates, AARC Membership, the NBRC Credentialing Process & Licensure

All Participant Trivia
Wilderness 2 & 5 Hosted by the Sputum Bowl Committee

MSRC Board Meeting
Wilderness 4 All Minnesota RT's are welcome to attend.

WSRC Board Meeting
Wilderness 1 All Wisconsin RT's are welcome to attend.

EVENT: MSRC & WSRC Awards Ceremony followed by the Presentation of Colors
Tundra

EVENT: Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
Sandstone

Attendee Registration
Wilderness Foyer

Education

Caffeine & Conversation: An Education-Focused Panel Discussion
Tundra Kellie Carroll, MPA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, C-ELBW
Dani Cook, MS, CST
Alicia Stock, B.S. RRT
James Coutley, BSRT, RRT
Moderated by Theresa Meinen, MS, RRT, CHSE, this session is for anyone interested in the current landscape and future direction of respiratory therapy education.

[x] Kellie Carroll, MPA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, C-ELBW Kellie is the Assessment Coordinator at the NBRC. She works with a panel of RTs from around the country to develop the Credential Maintenance Program assessments. She has been an RT for 14 years, and she previously served as the vice president of the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care. Kellie continues to work as a respiratory therapist at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City.

[x] Dani Cook, MS, CST Dani Cook serves as the Director-Health Sciences for the Wisconsin Technical College System, where she provides statewide leadership and support to health science programs across 16 technical colleges. Her roles involves ensuring program quality, accountability, and efficiency, as well as managing grants and compliance with instructional policies. Previously, Dani was the Surgical Technology Program Director/Clinical Coordinator and faculty at Moraine Park Technical College for 16 years. Dani holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Postsecondary, Technical and Adult Education from UW-Oshkosh.

[x] Alicia Stock, B.S. RRT Alicia has been in the field of Respiratory for over a decade, she’s worked with many different types of patients ranging from Adults to NICU. In her time as a staff RT she spent a fair amount of time precepting new hires and working with students. It was in these experiences that she found her passion for education. She moved from working in the hospital setting to educating at St. Catherine University and is now in charge of their bachelors’ program as the Program Director. She continues to strive to better the education of their students through advancing her own education by obtaining a Masters in Organization Leadership which she is set to graduate in May.

[x] James Coutley, BSRT, RRT Jim Coutley has been the Director of Clinical Education and a full-time instructor for the Respiratory Therapy Program at Moraine Park Technical College since 2022. Prior to his current role, Jim worked as a Respiratory Therapist at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. During his time at Froedtert, Jim served as a staff therapist, preceptor, senior therapist, and department operations coordinator. Jim received his Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2015, and his Bachelor of Science of Respiratory Therapy degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 2017. Throughout his career, Jim has been passionate about training and educating respiratory therapy students and staff, and advocating for the professional and educational advancement of respiratory therapists.

Breakfast
Wilderness 3 & 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5

Education

Oh, the Places You'll Go! Professional Engagement in Respiratory Care
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Samantha Davis, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS, CHSE-A, FAARC
Gabrielle Davis, MPH, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, TTC, LPC, NCC, FAARC

[x] Samantha Davis, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS, CHSE-A, FAARC Samantha is a neonatal-pediatric registered respiratory therapist, simulationist, and researcher based in the United States. She holds positions at Henry Ford Health, Boise State University, and Thomas Jefferson University. Samantha is deeply committed to the advancement of the profession and serves in professional societies including the American Association for Respiratory Care, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, International Council for Respiratory Care, Michigan Society for Respiratory Care, and the Interprofessional Education Collaborative.

[x] Gabrielle Davis, MPH, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, TTC, LPC, NCC, FAARC Gabrielle Davis is a registered respiratory therapist and licensed professional counselor. Gabby spent the early, and majority, of her adult career working in ICUs in Michigan, Illinois and Idaho over the past 16 years. Gabby has earned a graduate degree in both public health and in counseling. Currently, Gabby is the owner and sole counselor of Equitable Counseling & Consulting and serves as the Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Manager in the national co-op grocery sector. In her free time, Gabby looks for additional ways to leverage her privilege to support the futures of Black, Brown and queer RT students. Gabby lives in Michigan with her wife and her wife’s dog and she’s always looking for good trouble. Community is Gabby’s love language.

Manager-Only Exhibit Hall Time
Sandstone

Ethics

Is Resistance to Change Impacting the Quality of Patient Care?
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Greg Morgan, MBA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, CPFT
Sponsored by Monaghan

[x] Greg Morgan, MBA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, CPFT Greg has been a Respiratory Therapist for almost 20 years. He is currently the President of the Arizona Society for Respiratory Care and a Past President of the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care. Throughout his career, Greg has worked in acute critical care with all patient populations, long-term critical care, home care, management, academia and as an ECMO Specialist. He is not only an advocate for patients, but also for the RT profession.

BREAK

Exhibit Hall
Sandstone

Education

Excellence Defines Us: An Update from the NBRC
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Kellie Carroll, MPA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, C-ELBW
Sponsored by NBRC

[x] Kellie Carroll, MPA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, C-ELBW Kellie is the Assessment Coordinator at the NBRC. She works with a panel of RTs from around the country to develop the Credential Maintenance Program assessments. She has been an RT for 14 years, and she previously served as the vice president of the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care. Kellie continues to work as a respiratory therapist at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City.

LUNCH
Sandstone & Tundra

Ethics

Supporting Neurodiversity with Students, Staff, and Colleagues
Wilderness 1 & 4 Gabrielle Davis, MPH, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, TTC, LPC, NCC, FAARC

[x] Gabrielle Davis, MPH, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, TTC, LPC, NCC, FAARC Gabrielle Davis is a registered respiratory therapist and licensed professional counselor. Gabby spent the early, and majority, of her adult career working in ICUs in Michigan, Illinois and Idaho over the past 16 years. Gabby has earned a graduate degree in both public health and in counseling. Currently, Gabby is the owner and sole counselor of Equitable Counseling & Consulting and serves as the Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Manager in the national co-op grocery sector. In her free time, Gabby looks for additional ways to leverage her privilege to support the futures of Black, Brown and queer RT students. Gabby lives in Michigan with her wife and her wife’s dog and she’s always looking for good trouble. Community is Gabby’s love language.

Adult Acute Care

Nebulization in Viral Illness: Evidence Based Review
Wilderness 2 & 5 Ron Pasewald, BS RRT, RRT-ACCS AACVPR
Sponsored by Theravance Biopharma

[x] Ron Pasewald, BS RRT, RRT-ACCS AACVPR Ron is a Respiratory Therapist with 20 years of clinical experience, currently serving in the role as Medical Science Liaison for Theravance Biopharma. Ron is deeply committed to advancing the field of Respiratory Care and advocating for the needs of Patients and Practitioners. He is the past president for the WSRC and currently chairs the Compact License Task force for the AARC.

Ethics

Balancing Innovation and Ethics: AI's Role in Respiratory Care
Wilderness 1 & 4 Samantha Davis, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS, CHSE-A, FAARC

[x] Samantha Davis, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS, CHSE-A, FAARC Samantha is a neonatal-pediatric registered respiratory therapist, simulationist, and researcher based in the United States. She holds positions at Henry Ford Health, Boise State University, and Thomas Jefferson University. Samantha is deeply committed to the advancement of the profession and serves in professional societies including the American Association for Respiratory Care, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, International Council for Respiratory Care, Michigan Society for Respiratory Care, and the Interprofessional Education Collaborative.

Adult Acute Care

Prehospital Trauma Management in the Adult
Wilderness 2 & 5 Ethan Young, DO, NRP, FAEMS

[x] Ethan Young, DO, NRP, FAEMS Dr. Young is a flight physician with the University of Wisconsin and a community EMS physician in the Eau Claire, WI region providing medical direction for multiple fire departments and EMS agencies. He is double board certified in emergency medicine and emergency medical services. He also holds the prestigious designation of Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services (FAEMS) through the National Association of EMS Physicians.

BREAK

Adult Acute Care

Difficult Airway: A Dual View Approach to Intubation
Wilderness 2 & 5 Kimmie Hall, RRT
Sponsored by Verathon

[x] Kimmie Hall, RRT Kimmie has worked for Glidescope as a Clinical Specialist for over 3.5 years. Prior to working for Glidescope she worked as an RRT for 6 years at hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. She completed her training as a Respiratory Therapist in 2015 from St. Paul College in St. Paul, MN.

Clinical Practice

Ultralight UPS Battery for Transport, Emergency Backup, and ICU Mobility
Wilderness 1 & 4 Strong Huang, BS Chemical Engineering, MS Manufacturing Systems
Sponsored by Zopec Medical

[x] Strong Huang, BS Chemical Engineering, MS Manufacturing Systems Strong Huang is an inventor and the CEO and Founder of Zopec Medical based in Blaine, Minnesota. Currently, he serves as a delegate on the Minnesota Governor Trade Missions and volunteers as the MedTech Industry Advisor for the Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA). Strong leads his team in designing lightweight and long runtime medical grade UPS batteries for Critical Care Transport, Emergency Backup and ICU Mobility. Their cutting-edge technology empowers clinicians to deliver uninterrupted bedside care without the access to wall electricity. In 2023, Zopec Medical introduced the groundbreaking "UPS 90 Pure" battery, the world's smallest hospital-grade UPS battery. This innovation allows hospitals to take critically ill patients outside the ICU for physical therapy, enhancing patient care and mobility. Additionally, air medical and ground ambulance services can now offer improved care and safely transport more patients to their final destination hospitals. His company is dedicated to delivering innovative, safe and effective medical products to improve patient care and ultimately save lives. Strong received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Wisconsin - Madison and Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Clinical Practice

Why We Fly: Respiratory Therapy on the Go
Wilderness 1 & 4 Matthew Anderson, RRT, RRT-NPS

[x] Matthew Anderson, RRT, RRT-NPS Matt earned an associates degree from Mid-State Technical College. He has worked as a staff therapist at Marshfield Medical Center since 2010. He has worked on the NICU transport team since 2013, and currently serves as the co-chair of the NICU transport team. He has worked as an ECMO specialist since 2019. Matt has been working to promote respiratory therapy in Marshfield to expand the role to work at the top of their licensure. He is active in education as an NRP instructor, training new staff, as well as working with local EMS/transport partners.

Adult Acute Care

IPV Therapy in Adult Critical Care
Wilderness 2 & 5 Bradley Sexauer, MBA, RRT-NPS
Sponsored by Sentec

[x] Bradley Sexauer, MBA, RRT-NPS Brad Sexauer has over 10 years of respiratory care experience at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, which is designated as a level one pediatric trauma center by both Missouri and Illinois, as well as a level four neonatal intensive care unit. Working there allowed Brad to develop his skills and knowledge as a respiratory therapist. Brad is a credentialed neonatal pediatric specialist and currently has a role as a Clinical Education Specialist at Sentec, where he educates fellow clinicians about the importance and benefits of transcutaneous CO2 monitoring and IPV therapy. Brad received a bachelor's degree of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy at the University of Missouri and a Master of Business Administration at Webster University. He is a current member of the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), and the Missouri Society of Respiratory Care (MSRC).

EVENT: May the 4th Still be with You!
Sandstone

Attendee Registration
Wilderness Foyer

Management

Caffeine & Conversation: A Manager-focused Panel Discussion
Glacier Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
Jessica George, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
Anne Uttermark, MA, BSRT, RRT, LRT
Heather Faucher, RRT, RRT-NPS
Moderated by Andrew Rowe, MBA, RRT-NPS, C-NPT, this session is for anyone interested in the current landscape and future direction of the respiratory therapy workforce.

[x] Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Sarah is the Respiratory Services Manager at Advocate Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. Passionate about mentoring RTs, she has launched two RT residency programs at major academic centers. She also serves as secretary for the National RT Residency Collaborative (NRTC) which supports leaders in developing sustainable programs. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, interior design, and audiobooks.

[x] Jessica George, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Jessica George is the Manager of Respiratory Care at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, with 13 years of experience in adult critical care. She is dedicated to improving patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and focusing on resource allocation and value-based care. Jessica holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Boise State University. A 2024 graduate of the AARC Emerging Leaders Program, Jessica also serves as part-time faculty at Milwaukee Area Technical College, where she mentors the next generation of respiratory therapists.

[x] Anne Uttermark, MA, BSRT, RRT, LRT Anne Uttermark is the Respiratory Therapy Manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota with over 20 years of adult critical care and leadership experience with a passion for patient safety and advancing the practice of Respiratory Therapy. She also serves as the President-Elect of the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) and has also served as Treasurer for the MSRC. Anne holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University and a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from North Dakota State University.

[x] Heather Faucher, RRT, RRT-NPS Heather Faucher is the Director of Respiratory Care at St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare and President of the MSRC. She graduated from the Respiratory Therapy program at St. Paul College in 2016 and later obtained her Bachelor of Science Management and NPS specialty credentials. Over the years, Heather has gained experience working with all patient populations at North Memorial, Children's Minnesota, Maple Grove Hospital, Allina, and CentraCare working in various roles from bedside, education, project management and leadership. With over 13 years of leadership experience, Heather has held numerous leadership positions, demonstrating her strong commitment to quality and safety initiatives, program development, culture building, recruitment, and retention. She is passionate about building effective teams and fostering a positive work environment.

Breakfast
Wilderness 3 & 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5

Neonatal-Pediatric

Breathing Easy with Acute Asthma Exacerbations
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Christopher Amato, MD, FACEP, FAAP
Sponsored by Aerogen

[x] Christopher Amato, MD, FACEP, FAAP Dr. Amato is active in graduate medical education with appointments on National Conference Planning Committees as well as lecturing both locally and nationally. He has published chapters and peer reviewed research in areas including toxicology, trauma, fluids/electrolytes, psychiatric issues, COVID, and orthopedics. He has been on staff at Morristown Medical Center since 2001. He is the Director of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship and the pediatric medical director for Atlantic Ambulance.

Clinical Practice

Half of Everything We Know About COPD is Wrong: But Which Half?
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT
Sponsored by COPD Foundation

[x] Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT Mike is the Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs for the COPD Foundation as well as the chair of the AARC Ambulatory & Post-Acute Care specialty section. He is a past president of the Michigan Society for Respiratory Care is the 2024 recipient of the AARC Charles Serby COPD Research Fellowship

BREAK

Neonatal-Pediatric

Every Second Counts – Improving Pediatric Emergency Skills in the Emergency Department
Glacier Lisa Knigge, MEd, RRT-ACCS, AE-C

[x] Lisa Knigge, MEd, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Lisa Knigge has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for over 10 years. She has a passion for education and has worked as a clinical preceptor and as an instructor for respiratory therapy students. She holds a Master's degree in Education in addition to credentials as a Adult Critical Care Specialist and Certified Asthma Educator.

Management

Shaping the Future Through RT Residency Programs
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C

[x] Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Sarah is the Respiratory Services Manager at Advocate Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. Passionate about mentoring RTs, she has launched two RT residency programs at major academic centers. She also serves as secretary for the National RT Residency Collaborative (NRTC) which supports leaders in developing sustainable programs. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, interior design, and audiobooks.

Clinical Practice

Adventures in Advocacy
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT
Sponsored by COPD Foundation

[x] Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT Mike is the Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs for the COPD Foundation as well as the chair of the AARC Ambulatory & Post-Acute Care specialty section. He is a past president of the Michigan Society for Respiratory Care is the 2024 recipient of the AARC Charles Serby COPD Research Fellowship

Neonatal-Pediatric

Improving Homecare for Children with Technology Dependence Through Web-Based Education
Glacier Gretchen Cunningham, B.S., RRT
Anne O'Kane, BSN, RN, CPN

[x] Gretchen Cunningham, B.S., RRT Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UW- Eau Claire. Graduated from Madison Area Technical College with degree in Respiratory Therapy in 2015. Gretchen has been employed at UW Hospital as a student respiratory therapist in 2014 and began her career at the American Family Children's Hospital in 2015 as a staff therapist and now works in Respiratory Therapy Discharge Planning. Areas of interest: Pediatric tracheostomy and ventilation

[x] Anne O'Kane, BSN, RN, CPN Anne has been a pediatric nurse for 20 years, 18 have been at the American Family Children's Hospital. She worked at the bedside until 2020 when she transitioned into the role of Tracheostomy Coordinator where she coordinates the care of pediatric patients receiving a newly placed tracheostomy, educates families and caregivers on how to care for children with a tracheostomy, coordinates appropriate follow up upon discharge and provides care coordination for patients in the ambulatory setting. Anne provides education in the community setting by teaching the pediatric Trach/Vent Certification course at UW Health Care Direct and hosts in person education sessions for EMS. Anne's passion is for providing care and advocating for patients and families with tracheostomies with the goal to improve the care they receive, not only in the hospital setting but also in the community.

LUNCH
Sandstone

Clinical Practice

Enhancing the RT & Medical Director Dyad
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Huzaifah Salat, MD

[x] Huzaifah Salat, MD Dr. Salat is a triple US board-certified physician with expertise in pulmonary and critical care medicine, currently serving as the Medical Director of Respiratory Care for all three Advocate Health hospitals in the metro Milwaukee area. In addition to his leadership role, he is an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Adjunct) at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine & Public Health. Dr. Salat is passionate about advancing lung cancer screening and the field of advanced bronchoscopy, striving to improve patient outcomes and promote awareness of respiratory health.

Neonatal-Pediatric

A Little Wiggle Goes a Long Way; HFOV in the NICU
Glacier Taya Haas, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS

[x] Taya Haas, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS Taya Haas is a Transport Respiratory Therapist at Children’s Minnesota and works per diem at Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire. She earned her RRT in 2019 from Chippewa Valley technical college, a BSRT in 2021 from Boise State University, and will complete her MBA in 2025 (because why not add some business knowledge to the mix?). As a board member of the WSRC, Taya is passionate about advancing the respiratory therapy profession and supporting her fellow therapists. With a specialty in neonatal care Taya has been part of the neonatal transport industry through multiple programs since 2020. When she's not on the job, Taya enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, baking her famous sourdough cookies (no, seriously, they’re famous), and embracing her role as a full-time "silly goose" to her energetic 3-year-old. Taya believes in the power of teamwork, continuous learning, and a little bit of humor to get through even the busiest days.

Clinical Practice

Bronchiectasis
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Susan Grinde, Assoc. Director--Medical Affairs
Sponsored by Insmed

[x] Susan Grinde, Assoc. Director--Medical Affairs Susan started as a trained Microbiologist and began a career in the Pharmaceutical and Bio-Tech industry 35 years ago. Her recent role involves supporting clinical research in the area of rare diseases, with a focus on Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial infections.

Neonatal-Pediatric

The Medicine Stars and the Breathtaking Adventure
Glacier Mark Schnellinger, MD

[x] Mark Schnellinger, MD Calming fears and making children feel more comfortable is a huge part of Dr. Schnellinger's job as a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's Minnesota. The Medicine Stars is an extension of that. A natural with kids, Dr. Schnellinger has been providing compassionate care at a fast-pace for almost two decades. Through his passion for teaching about illness and injury through storytelling, Dr. Schnellinger believes he can deliver even more healing through heartfelt adventure stories- utilizing the passion, love, hope, and light of; The Medicine Stars.

BREAK

Clinical Practice

I Thought Everyone Felt This Way
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 John R. Kleven

[x] John R. Kleven John R. Kleven is an Associate Dean of Business Arts, and Sciences at Chippewa Valley Technical College. He's currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Contextual Leadership program at Trinity Bible College. John earned a Master of Science in Career and Technical Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Education with a minor in Business Administration from UW Stout. He also received an Associate in Applied Science degree in Marketing from CVTC. John enjoys spending time with his wife and boy/girl twins. He's an avid outdoorsman and advocate for the environment.

Closing Remarks & Prizes
Wilderness 1, 2, 4 & 5 Must be present to win!

Educational Dinner
Sponsored by Inspire