Meet the Instructors

Ms. Ackerman earned a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University. She also completed a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition at Rush University. Ms. Ackerman has 20 years of experience as a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator working in a variety of setting including large in-patient, teaching hospitals; community hospitals; county health departments and outreach networks. She currently serves as the coordinator of a disease management program and medical nutrition therapy services for a community hospital and is also the diabetes educator responsible for community and professional diabetes education for a regional outreach network.

Ms. Ackerman is also an experienced lecturer, presenting educational programs in a variety of settings. Her professional associations include the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Bill Appelgate grew up on a tenant farm in north central Iowa near Clarion and attended a one-room country school through the eighth grade. Following high school, he graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in agriculture. He later earned a M.A. degree from Loyola University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in public policy and higher education from Southern Illinois University.

His early professional work included service as a director of a university research center, a college foundation director, a community college president, and C.E.O. of two comprehensive and innovative, healthcare systems, in Wisconsin and Iowa. During the 1980’s he received recognition as the Outstanding New Professional in Aging Services in North America from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Prior to his work with Des Moines University, he was active in community service as President of the Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the Black Hawk County Government Study Committee, and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cedar Falls Utilities. Statewide, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Health Policy Corporation of Iowa, the Iowa Health Data Commission, the Iowa 4-H Foundation, President of Iowa Dollars for Scholars, Central Iowa Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, Iowa Rural Health Association, Iowa Center for Medical Ethics & Pain Management, Wellness Council of Iowa, and the Board of Directors of United HealthCare of River Valley, a multi-state health plan based in Moline, Illinois. In 1998, he was recognized by the membership of the American Public Power Association as the Outstanding Public Official in North America for his leadership in the field of public power and his public initiative to create the first “fiber optic community” in the United States in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Ten years ago, he joined Des Moines University and served as its Vice President for Planning & External Relations through August of 2009. His areas of responsibility included planning, marketing & communications, information technology, state and federal government relations, community relations, institutional research, accreditation and quality advancement, development and alumni relations. He was chosen to shepherd an ambitious effort to advance the University as a technological leader in graduate medical education. He was the University champion for its successful $13M comprehensive campaign to improve its facilities and scholarship programs. During his work with the University, he also spearheaded the creation of the Iowa Chronic Care Consortium in 2004.

Beginning September 2009, he moved to full time as the Executive Director of the Iowa Chronic Care Consortium, a collaborative statewide effort among health care providers, private employers, state government and health plans to offer population chronic care strategies and demonstrations. The Consortium has led the Iowa Medicaid in deploying statewide chronic disease programs in heart failure and diabetes to its members. These statewide programs in Iowa and other regions have improved quality of life for individuals and saved millions of dollars for Medicaid, health plans, hospitals and patients. Most recently, the Consortium has embarked upon a Center for Disease Control (CDC) multi-year health and wellness program with Iowa Farm Bureau members, ages 50 through 64, to improve or stabilize their health risks and health status prior to entering the Medicare rolls at age 65. The Consortium is actively involved in chronic health care cost reduction strategies provided for within recently enacted health care reform legislation.

Bill and his wife Joyce live in Cumming, Iowa. They have three grown children. Bill is an active outdoor enthusiast, historian and auto restoration expert.

Jessica L. Banko, Ph.D., M.S., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine and the Associate Director of the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. The Institute is dedicated to the treatment, prevention and care of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and in her role, Jessica oversees the discovery research laboratories, clinical services departments and education and outreach divisions. She has experience over the past decade performing translational research, managing multidisciplinary dementia care clinics and developing education programs for graduate students, healthcare professionals and family caregivers of persons with dementia. Jessica has authored several scholarly publications in the field of learning and memory. She serves on the grant review panel for multiple foundations and is called upon to provide expert peer-review for numerous academic medical and research journals. She has considerable speaking experience on Alzheimer’s disease research and clinical care.

Jessica is a classically trained neuroscientist in the field of learning and memory. She received her Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and did her post-doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Recently, Jessica received her business masters degree from the University of South Florida.

Her professional affiliations include the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), Fellow and Committee Chair and Illinois Society of Cardiopulmonary Health and Rehabilitation, President. Laura has also managed accreditation for JCAHO and the AACVPR. She has also presented professional seminars for a variety of private and healthcare organizations.

She currently works as a consultant to hospitals, planning wellness and fitness facilities, as well as assisting corporations and schools develop health risk appraisals including program planning, implementation and evaluation. Ms. Bishop-Greenberg also continues to hold a position with a large medical center as an exercise physiologist with Phase II and phase III programs and is a health instructor at a local community college. She is also affiliated with the ACSM and the AACVPR and a published author of continuing education programs.

Ms. Braxton is the founder of the Ambulatory Nurse Managers of Western PA, which has represented the needs of twenty-two hospitals since 1986. During that time she has presented associated topics throughout the region and has provided a forum that supported education and networking for the development of efficient and effective ambulatory practices. Recently, Ms. Braxton led a task force that developed sedation policies, competencies and performance improvement programs for a noted Eastern healthcare facility. Ms. Braxton's wealth of experience and education combine dramatically in offering a workshop meant to educate, motivate, and re-energize today's healthcare provider.

Dr. Callahan has a broad base of practice experience as an educator, clinician, administrator, and consultant. She has written numerous publications and is widely known as a continuing education lecturer in the field of anesthesia, pain management, and the sciences. She is a Past-President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Dr. Callahan remains clinically active, and enjoys teaching both in the college classroom as well as her nationally presented seminars.

A Certified Diabetes Educator and registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science degree with a coordinated program in Dietetics and a Bachelor of Business and Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. She has over 17 years of experience as a diabetes educator. Ms. Carlson has been a National Lecturer and Content Expert with Academy Medical Systems for over 7 years. She has also been a guest lecturer in various academic settings and provides continuing education programs for nurses and dietitians for the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Network of Michigan.

Ms. Carlson is a Diabetes Program Coordinator for a hospital and physician's office based practice and also works within a Pediatric Endocrine Specialty Clinic. She is also an insulin pump trainer and has been wearing a pump for several years. Her seminars include an advanced level approach to a variety of topics including oral hypoglycemic medications, injectable medication options for treatment of diabetes, carbohydrate counting, insulin pumps and new technologies.

Ms. Constance earned a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and Master of Arts degree in exercise physiology from Michigan State University. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator and a Master Trainer for the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management program.

Ms. Constance has worked in a variety of settings including hospital, cardiac rehab, outpatient and clinic. She currently serves as the Director of a community based diabetes program that works to strengthen diabetes care and support across a rural 15 county area. In addition, she has acted as a consultant on a variety of health care projects. Ms. Constance has also worked as a seminar leader across the country and has delivered many presentations at state and national conferences and for community groups.

Along with Cecilia Sauter, Ms. Constance recently authored a book entitled Inspiring and Supporting Behavior Change: A Food and Nutrition Professional’s Counseling Guide. She also co-authored the Northshore Diet, a book with healthful eating tips and recipes for the general public, and has had several articles published in peer reviewed journals.

Renee Cordrey is a licensed physical therapist with over 15 years experience and board certification in wound care. In 2000 she earned a Masters in Public Health from UCLA concentrating in health education and health promotion, and is currently writing her dissertation for her PhD at Nova Southeastern University, studying the impact of emotional stress on chronic wound healing.

She has served diverse populations working in acute care, trauma, long-term care, and outpatient clinics, and has volunteered abroad. She has developed an outpatient wound clinic and three inpatient wound care programs. She has taught physical therapists, nurses, physician assistants, and physicians at the university and graduate levels and in continuing education. She has a commitment to professional and community service.

She is a frequent speaker and writer on wound care and related topics and has over 70 presentations, posters, articles, and book chapters. Her professional affiliations include the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), the Wound Care Global Alliance, the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN), the American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM), and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). She represents the APTA on the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders’ Panel on Wound Care Evidence-Based Research (POWER) and the Clinical Advisory Committee.

She serves on the Wound Management and Lymphedema Steering committee for Health Volunteers Overseas. She served two terms as a member of the AAWC Board of Directors. She was honored with the AAWC Distinguished Member award in 2007 and again recognized in 2010 for her work as editor of their Advancing The Practice project.

After completing a Visiting Professorship of Physical Therapy at The George Washington University in Washington, DC she returned to clinical wound care at a long term care facility.

Ms. Cotera brings to her workshops a rich, multidisciplinary background, both supervisory and educationally, in various healthcare settings including critical care units, maternal child health, quality management and managed care. She also brings to her audience many years of medical record review experience in the areas of legal, healthcare auditing, and utilization/case management /discharge planning.

Ms. Cotera is currently a candidate for the Juris Doctorate Degree and is a member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants as well as the American Association of Nurse Attorneys. She is also a member of ANA, ACCN, FNA, FURA and is President of the consulting firm of Olga Cotera & Associates, Inc.

Tamara Duker Freuman is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN). She holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and completed her clinical training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Her Manhattan-based private practice is affiliated with Eric S. Goldstein, MD, a leading internist and gastroenterologist. While Tamara helps clients with a diverse array of health concerns, she specializes in medical nutrition therapy for digestive disorders and is an expert in celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Other areas of focus include dietary management of IBD, IBS, GERD, fructose intolerance, gastroparesis, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, adult Cystic Fibrosis and pre/post-operative counseling for Bariatric surgery.

In addition to her clinical work, Tamara is a prolific health writer. She hosts a popular blog devoted to healthy eating and gluten-free living at www.tamaraduker.com, and has a weekly byline for US NEWS & WORLD REPORT'S health blog, eat + run. Formerly, she served as Nutrition Editor and a contributing writer for fyiliving.com. Her nutrition advice has been featured on National Public Radio and in leading print and online media such as The Huffington Post, Women's Health, Natural Health magazine, Health.com, Cosmo.com, iVillage.com and thenest.com.

Kim E. Eppen, PT, PhD, is a licensed practicing Physical Therapist with over 19 years of experience. She has devoted the past 17 years to specializing in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, more specifically, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, at a large Midwestern University Hospital. She is considered a Clinical Specialist in the area. Kim is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa with primary involvement in the Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics and Differential Diagnosis courses. Dr. Eppen routinely serves as a Clinical Supervisor for undergraduate students in the Department of Health and Human Physiology and as a Clinical Instructor for Doctoral students in Physical Therapy from various academic institutions.

Kim earned multiple academic degrees from the University of Iowa including her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy, and her PhD Degree in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science with an emphasis in Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics. She routinely presents at continuing education seminars and courses, serves as a guest lecturer, is a published primary author in an academic, peer-reviewed publication, and has co-authored a chapter in a book on Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (2007). Kim has been involved in clinical research throughout her years of practice and has primary interest in evaluating clinical outcomes in the context of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. She is also an active member of the IACVPR, AACVPR, and APTA.

In addition to her primary professional career as a Physical Therapist, Kim has over 26 years of fitness-related experience ranging from coaching to serving as a group exercise instructor in health clubs to being a competitive athlete for most of her life in a variety of sports. Her academic, professional, and personal experience gives her a unique perspective to be able to serve as an educator.

Sherrie brings 30 years of clinical experience in the field of exercise physiology to her presentations. After completing her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University she went on to complete a Master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her professional background includes cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, breast cancer rehabilitation, and hospital, community and corporate health promotion. Sherrie has been involved with conducting and publishing research and has served as a college instructor. She is an experienced public speaker, an invited presenter by professional organizations, has authored two books, and produced multiple exercise videos with an emphasis on clinical populations.

Currently, Sherrie is clinically active as a long term employee in a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program for a large northwestern urban hospital and is also an approved instructor for ACSM Personal Trainer certification (cPT) workshops. She owns Onward! Productions, a company that provides presentations, resources, and consulting in theareas of exercise science. Sherrie continues to race as an experienced competitive Olympic-distance triathlete.

Denise’s professional affiliations include The American Dietetic Association, The American Public Health Association, The Indiana Nutrition Council, Past President, and The Central Indiana District Dietetic Association, Past President.

Dr. Ferguson has extensive experience in classroom and clinical teaching, has presented at numerous Institutional Conferences and Invited Lectures and has served as primary or contributing author of more than 35 scholarly publications, books and abstracts.

Dr. George is an Assistant Professor for the School of Nursing for a large University System. She is also a Certified Asthma Educator and a Pulmonary Clinical Nurse Specialist. Dr. George was the Coordinator of a University based hospital’s Comprehensive Asthma Care Program for 7 years.

She completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing (Pulmonary Clinical Nurse Specialist) and her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. Her professional affiliations include: Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Association of Asthma Educators, and Sigma Theta Tau. Dr. George has authored and co-authored numerous articles published in scholarly, peer reviewed journals. Their topics include: asthma, allergies, and other pulmonary related disorders. In addition she has provided a variety of presentations on the topic of asthma, as an invited lecturer for many professional organizations across the United States and Mexico.

He currently works for a large, progressive cardiology practice where his responsibilities have included performing diagnostic stress tests. Mr. Greenwell received his undergraduate degree from Murray State University in Exercise Science and completed his graduate work at the United States Sports Academy. He has taught at the university level and has been an instructor for the American College of Sports Medicine.

Dr. Hayes completed his undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework and Doctor of Pharmacy program at Creighton University. He completed a Cardiology Specialty Residency at Ohio State University Medical Center in 2009 and has been employed as a Cardiac Clinical Pharmacist at Saint Luke’s Hospital. He also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Dr. Hayes has presented numerous lectures specific to cardiopulmonary medications and treatments and has participated in numerous research studies. He also serves or has served on the following committees: The Cardiovascular Evidence-Based Practice Team, and The Mechanical Circulatory Support Committee both at St Luke’s Hospital; The Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Device Quality Committee at Ohio State University. Dr. Hayes was awarded the St. Luke’s Hospital PGY1 General Practice Residency Preceptor of the Year, 2010/2011.

Jody Hereford has served as Clinical Project Consultant for the Iowa Chronic Care Consortium (ICCC) since summer of 2010 and has been a primary consultant in the development of the curriculum and design of content for the Clinical Health Coach™ training program. She also serves as faculty for the program in health coaching techniques in the clinical setting, clinical care management and leadership.

Jody, who resides in Boulder, Colorado, is a certified Health Coach, a Registered Nurse/Exercise Physiologist and has completed a Cardiovascular Fellowship through the American Hospital Association's Health Forum. She has worked with hospitals as an expert in quality patient care including chronic illness care and reducing patient complications, readmissions and avoidable deaths. Jody has published extensively and spoken frequently on topics including innovative programmatic redesign, current business models and policies and procedures.

With a broad base of experience in the field of cardiopulmonary health, rehabilitation and management services, she has been involved with hospital and community-based programs, residential disease prevention programs and corporate- based employee health and rehabilitation services. She also is a Past President and Fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), was the inaugural Chair of their Disease Management Task Force, served on their Committee for Telemedicine/Telehealth, and is also past chair of the Education Committee.

Currently Jody continues as the founder and principal in a consulting practice that provides education, expert resources and design work in the field of health management services. Her passion centers around creating health for all individuals where they live and work through effective patient engagement, health promotion and chronic care management strategies.

He also currently services as the Director of Pulmonary Outpatient Clinics, Director of TB Chest Clinic, Director of Clinical Services and Medical Advisor to Respiratory Therapy Department, UIHC. Dr. Hornick has presented more than 35 continuing education presentations since 2000 and has been the primary or contributing author of 50 scholarly publications, books, abstracts, and reviews.

Dr. Kaplan is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Clinically he has provided in- and out-patient care of ESRD/dialysis patients and worked as a hospital consultant with a service that served over 1000 dialysis patients. For the last 8 years he has served as an Assistant Professor in Nephrology at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and is the head of inpatient dialysis at University Hospital in Newark.

After graduating from Yale University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, cum laude Dr. Kaplan completed his Medical Degree at Cornell University. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at NYU/Bellevue Hospitals and a Nephrology Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Kaplan has co-authored numerous articles on renal disease published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals as well as chapters for academic text books. He has also served as a primary investigator in a variety of research projects focusing on renal issues.

Carl earned his Bachelor of Science from Wake Forest University in Health Education, Physical Education in 1970, a Master of Art from Appalachian State University in Exercise Science in 1972, and his Doctor of Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Exercise Physiology in 1979.

His professional affiliations include the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), Fellow and Past-President; the American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Program Director; and the American Heart Association. He is a national invited lecturer, presenting a variety of Cardiopulmonary topics to Professional organizations. Carl is also an author of abstracts and articles, published in peer-reviewed journals. He is the recipient of a variety of awards, most recently the L. Kent Smith Clinical Practice Award, AACVPR, 2007.

Mr. Kitchen has over 15 years experience in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation field including all aspects of Phase I – IV. He earned his Masters in Health & Exercise Sciences with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1995 and his Bachelor of Education Studies from the same university in 1993.

Recently Chuck developed and supervised a new Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program for an established southwestern medical center. His recent clinical experience in the Cardiopulmonary Rehab field includes one-on-one patient education, performing graded exercise testing, recruiting and training interns in the area of exercise science, directing the External Counter Pulsation (ECP) program, and directing a Cardiac Rehab program. He also has extensive experience working with patient populations including those with congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, orthopedic limitations and obesity.

Chuck is active in the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation on the state and national level as well as the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine, His experience as an instructor includes developing and presenting lectures at a local community college, providing training for staff development purposes, and individual and group patient education settings.

Jane is an Advanced Practice Nurse and the Program Supervisor for the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. She has experience over the past twenty years in the field of pulmonary health, rehabilitation and management. Previous experience includes general medical nursing, respiratory intensive care nursing, staff education in critical care nursing, and teaching in academic settings. She has considerable speaking experience on pulmonary health and disease management.

Jane has served on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (IACPR) since 1994, and also serves as chair of the affiliate Standardization Committee and as Pulmonary Reimbursement Contact Person. She served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation as Pulmonary Nurse, and served on the AACVPR Membership Committee and Program Committee. She currently serves as the AACVPR J-5 MAC Liaison. Jane received her MA and BSN in Nursing from the University of Iowa, and is a certified asthma educator.

Academically, Mr. Kopps received both his BS degree in nutrition and MS degree in exercise science from Western Illinois University. He currently works as coordinator of a Midwestern hospital in both the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs keeping them compliant with both Medicare and AACVPR guidelines for program certification. He is also responsible for creating and instituting effective weight loss protocols for clients involving nutrition, exercise and behavior modification.

Ms. Kunath has over 30 years of experience in the health care field including Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Manager, Cardiology Health Educator, and Cardiovascular Community Outreach/Special Projects Coordinator. She has worked extensively toward health promotion in the areas of heart disease and stroke including representing the Iowa Health System on the Iowa Cardiovascular Risk Re-education Coalition and serving as a lead grant-writer on behalf of the Iowa Department of Public Health. Currently Ms. Kunath is involved in development and management of new and ongoing Iowa Chronic Care Consortium project proposals and plans. Her position also includes providing staff leadership in demonstration projects, coordination of the Physician Office Health Coach Training Program, development and marketing of the FLEX CARE Training Program.

In addition, Kathleen is a certificated Preventive and Rehabilitative Exercise Program Director (certification through the American College of Sports Medicine). She has also completed educational workshops in preparation for Project Management Certification from the Iowa Chapter of the Project Management Institute and completed the Cardiovascular Health Fellowship from the Health Forum (a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association). She currently serves on the Speakers’ Bureau as well as the Chair of the Iowa Pulbic Affairs Committee for the American Heart Association. She is also an active and founding member of the Iowa Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation serving through the years on various committees and the Board of Directors.

Ms. Lester currently holds the position of senior nurse consultant, specializing in case management of occupational and non-occupation head injury, catastrophic injury and disease, neurological and orthopedic disorders and life care planning for adults and pediatrics. She has also served as the Director of Continuum of Care; Vice President of Clinical Operations for National Case Management/CIAS; Utilization Review Specialist/Human Resources Department; Utilization Review Department Assistant Manager; Public Health Nurse; and Staff Nurse. She is an invited speaker by professional associations on the topic of Outcomes Assessment and is a published author of a scholarly report in a peer-reviewed, academic journal.

Dr. Litchford has worked in the field of dietetics for over 30 years and in long term care settings with wounds for 22 years. She is president of CASE Software & Books, a professional and educational resource company. Dr. Litchford has built a national reputation for her many presentations, published articles, textbook chapters and reference books on leading-edge clinical nutrition topics. She has authored advanced level continuing education courses for nutrition professionals. She is also the author of Advanced Practioner’s Guide to Nutrition & Wounds (2010) and other professional reference texts used in hospitals, extended care facilities and universities. Dr. Litchford has received numerous national awards for her contributions to the field of clinical nutrition. Dr. Litchford has recently been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.

Dr. Litchford has worked in the field of dietetics for over 30 years. She has worked in long term care with wounds for 22 years. In addition, she has written 39 professional reference books, 18 instructional software programs for dietetics students, contributed to numerous college textbooks and referenced scholarly articles, and other professional and consumer oriented publications. She was a member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics evidence analysis work group on nutrition and wounds.

An invited international lecturer, Ms Lounsbury has delivered over one hundred presentations on a variety of cardiac topics to regional, national and international conferences, universities and currently serves as an adjunct instructor, University of Iowa, College of Nursing and Emergency Medical Services. She has also authored and coauthored articles in peer-reviewed, professional journals, as well as abstracts, book reviews and poster presentations. Ms. Lounsbury has also coauthored two books on Cardiac Rhythm Disorders.

Karen Lui is an RN and exercise physiologist, currently employed by GRQ Consulting, LLC as a legislative and regulatory analyst for a health care consulting firm that specializes in the needs of pulmonary and cardiac professional and patient organizations. Prior to this, her experience included 9 years directing hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programs, 15 years directing cardiology practice-based cardiac rehab programs, cardiovascular screening programs, and a physician-based InterVent risk education program.

Karen serves on the executive staff for NAMDRC, a national pulmonary physician professional organization, and for NHOPA, a national continuous oxygen use patient advocacy group. Prior to her current consulting role for the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), Karen served 12 years on the AACVPR Board of Directors, including President, and on numerous committees. In addition to several publications, she is active as a presenter on various cardiac and pulmonary issues throughout the country.

Mr. Maynard has been associated with the AADE (American Assoc. of Diabetes Educators), having earned a certification as a diabetes educator (CDE) in 1988, is the past-instructor Exercise Course for ASIDE and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for The Diabetes Educator journal. Mr. Maynard is also associated with the ACSM as a certified clinical program director, lecturer and is a member of ACSM National Committee for the Certification and Registry Board. He earned his BS from IL Wesleyan University in Secondary Education and his MS degree from the US Sports Academy in Health Fitness Management. Mr. Maynard currently directs an AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehab Program.

Ms. McCloskey is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist. She has been employed as an exercise physiologist in a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department for the last 17 years, working extensively with a large variety of patient populations. Her clinical background also includes serving as an exercise physiologist in the following areas: Community Health Education Department, Health and Wellness Department, Fit City, Bariatric Department, and the Center for Parkinson’s. She is responsible for all aspects of patient care in a Phase II-IV Cardiopulmonary Rehab Center including exercise prescription, exercise leadership, day-to-day operations, patient education, as well as develop, review and updating policies and procedure, recruitment and training of interns in the area of Exercise Science, and providing educational lectures. Janelle has also worked as a graduate instructor at the University of Arizona, Tucson and participated in research on strength training outcomes for Cardiac Rehab.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from Creighton University and her Masters of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences from the University of Arizona. Janelle’s professional affiliations include the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

She has participated in on-site health assessments for national firms, and continues to provide health programs in Houston businesses. She has also held the position of dietitian/adherence counselor of a Lipid Research Clinic. Brigid has served as an instructor in a coordinated undergraduate program in Dietetics and a School of Nursing Program. She has presented a variety of lectures to professional audiences as an invited speaker, as well as nutritional presentations broadcast on television and radio programs. Brigid has also authored several educational publications and articles and has been involved in a variety of research projects.

Brigid earned her Masters of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences from University of Wisconsin in 1976 and completed a lipid preceptorship in 2002. She also received a certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management in 2004. Brigid was also the recipient of the Award for Excellence in 2004 by St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. She has held numerous offices in local and state dietetic associations.

Ginger brings a wide range of experience to her continuing education presentations. Her professional experiences include serving as the nutrition coordinator for a large Florida health care system. She was also an adjunct college professor for 6 years. Ginger also provides individual nutrition and weight management consultations and is a certified personal trainer with the American Council of Fitness.

In additional to providing continuing education webinars and live seminars, she has appeared on television as a nutrition expert and authored a weekly newspaper column on nutrition/wellness for six years. Ginger is an invited speaker for professional organizations such as the American Association of Cardiovascular Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and has co-authored the nutrition segments of published texts/manuals.

Ginger completed a PhD in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Psychology. She is a Registered and Florida Licensed Dietitian and received the Florida State Dietetic Association Public Service Award.

Eric completed his degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Kinesiology at Auburn University in 2006, completing research that focused on the independent and combined influence of nutraceutical and pharmacological agents with aerobic exercise on blood glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. He has a vast background as a lecturer at a top tier university in a variety of topics including nutrition, health, clinical exercise physiology, and pharmacotherapy. Eric has authored or co-authored over 50 publications including articles for peer-reviewed professional journals, book chapters and abstracted publications. His professional affiliations include the American Heart Association, Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program as an Investigator, The American Physiological Society, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Ms. Preston currently serves as a senior consultant for a case management and life care planning consultant firm and is an associate professor and instructor for several universities. She has also served as a Director of Professional and Clinical Services; Quality Assurance Manager; Rehabilitation Supervisor, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Coordinator; Community Health Nurse; Health Maintenance Nurse; and Public Health Nurse. In addition to her academic instruction Ms. Preston is also an invited international guest speaker and consultant for professional associations and health care agencies. She has authored or co-authored 14 scholarly articles published in academic, peer-reviewed journals. Ms. Preston's professional affiliations include Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, International Academy of Life Care Planners, American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, Association of Workers' Compensation Professionals, Case Management Society of America, American Nurses' Association - California, Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing; and the Journal of Life Care Planning Editorial Board.

Rodney brings an extensive, multi-focused background to his presentations. He has been a Nurse Practitioner for the last 11 years in a General Neurology Practice and a Multi-Specialty Internal Medicine Practice. He founded and served as a Director of the Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease and Anemia Management Clinic and also is a founder of the MGH Walking and Balance Center. Rodney is currently in program development for a Regional Medical Center. He is/has been Clinical Faculty to Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistant Students for several Universities, currently serving as a clinical preceptor for University of Cincinnati. Prior to becoming a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Rodney worked as an RN for 6 years in ICU/CCU.

Rodney has presented lectures on various topics in Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Program Development across the Midwest. His current special interests are sport neurology, neurovascular, headache management and Program Development. He is certified in Stroke, Botox Therapy, ACLS, and PALS. Rodney professional memberships include the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Academy of Neurology, and Sigma Theta Tau International. He is also a member of the Sports Neurology and Headache Committees.

Along with staff development and community outreach Marsha has also held the position of Clinical Instructor at a local community college. She has also presented numerous programs in a variety of topics as an invited speaker at conferences hosted by professional organizations. Marsha is also a published author of a variety of articles found in peer reviewed, professional journals.

In 1991 Marsha earned her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the East Carolina University and her Certification in Advanced Oncology Nursing in 1998. She is also a Certified Pain Management Nurse and is a Fellow with the American Academy Of Pain Management Certified Pain Practitioner since 1996. Her professional affiliations include the American Academy of Pain Management, the Oncology Nursing Society, the North Carolina Nurses Association and the North Carolina Caner Pain Initiative-Charter member and serves as a consultant on their advisory committee.

Ms. Sauter earned a Bachelor of Science in dietetics with a minor in clinical nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. She completed a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition at Texas Woman’s University in 1994 and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Ms. Sauter has over 17 years of clinical dietitian and diabetes educator experience. She has worked in a variety of settings including community outreach clinics, hospitals and as the coordinator for the outpatient diabetes education program at a large teaching hospital. She currently serves as the project lead in training nurses, dietitians and PharmDs in helping patients with chronic diseases set self-management goals as well as developing education programs on chronic disease management of heath professional staff. Ms. Sauter is also an experienced lecturer, presenting educational programs in a variety of settings.

Along with Ann Constance, Ms. Sauter recently authored a book entitled Inspiring and Supporting Behavior Change: A Food and Nutrition Professional’s Counseling Guide. In addition, she has served on the board of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, acts as a reviewer for The Diabetes Educator and has been involved with other diabetes editorial boards.

Dr. Schmidt has held the position of Professor of Medicine with the University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine, since 2006. He has served as a lecturer in over 20 educational presentations and courses and acted as primary author or contributing author to more than 135 scholarly publications, books, abstracts and reviews.

Rose holds a Masters Degree in Nursing Leadership and received her Cardiac Rehab Nurse Certification through the ANCC. She has been active in her regional professional association as a founding member and past president of the Northwest Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab. She also served the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab as co-chair of both the Public Education and Marketing committees for 5 years. She also had the honor of participating as a Cardiovascular Health Fellow through the AHA Health Forum. She has presented at numerous local, regional, and national meetings of professional associations.

Ms. Smith has been a guest lecturer for various universities on wound care as well as providing continuing education programs for West Tennessee Healthcare. She has also presented numerous wound care seminars for Academy Medical Systems during the last 9 years. She is a Certified Wound Specialist and is an active member of the American Academy of Wound Management, the American Physical Therapy Association and the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association. Hollie is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Her responsibilities as a renal dietitian at Eastern Maine Medical Center include providing nutritional care in three hemodialysis centers and a peritoneal dialysis clinic. Mona is responsible for the day to day management of the bone protocols in collaboration with the unit physicians. As a renal dietitian, she is constantly revising and updating renal nutrition information for patient education purposes and supervising dietetic interns during their renal rotation. She has been a frequent presenter for Grand Rounds at the Medical Center and participates in the CKD program including implementing policies and procedures. Mona has also held the position of Clinical Nutrition Manager with responsibilities including managing dietitians, diet technicians and nutrition assistants, supervising the dietetic internship program, and creating the Nutrition Steering committee in conjunction with 5 other hospitals that resulted in the development of work tools, policies and procedures that were used throughout the system.

Mona has been an Adjunct Professor at Husson College and Eastern Maine Community College teaching nutrition courses to nursing students and culinary arts students.

Academically, she received her Doctorate Degree in Health and Human Services from Columbia Pacific University, her MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and her BSN from Southern Connecticut State College. Dr. Sparso is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and formerly served on the President’s Council of the National Association of Quality Assurance Professionals.

She currently is a nurse manager for a behavioral health center working with adults in an educational and research based large metropolitan hospital. Many of the patients have mood disorders and medication management and Electroconvulsive Therapy are a large part of treatment. Janet also is a clinical instructor and guest lecturer for BSN students attending Texas Woman’s University. Janet also served as the Director of Education responsible for developing educational programs for all hospital departments, serving as a mentor for a variety of positions, and nurse planner for a Corporate Nursing CEU program. In addition she held the position of Chief Clinical Officer overseeing Quality Development and the day to day operations of the Nursing Department. Janet has also served as a Behavioral Health Consultant, a JCAHO Consultant, Director of Nursing and Risk Manager.

Janet has taught a variety of continuing education/training programs and is a published author of textbooks and authored the Medical/Surgical Policy and Procedures Manual with Psychiatric Addendums published by Academy Medical Systems.

Debbie has been featured in such publications as Shape, Fitness, Health, Self, WebMD, Cooking Light, Woman’s World, Associated Press, The New York Times, Turner South, and local television news broadcasts. Debbie obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. In addition, she received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama. Debbie has a certificate of training in Adult Weight Management from the American Dietetic Association.

Jackie has 35 years of counseling, teaching, writing, and health education experience, plus 18 years of experience teaching at college level. For 12 years she was heard regularly on New York Radio, first hosting a 2-hour Saturday morning call-in show, and later as the writer and performer of On Fitness, health education spots heard 12 times per month. Her articles have appeared in Women's Sports & Fitness, New Body, Prevention's Lose Weight Guidebook, and Grolier's The New Book of Knowledge. She has also been a contributing reviewer to the Journal of Nutrition Education.

Jackie graduated Cum Laude from New York University, and was the recipient of The Founders Day Award for outstanding scholarship. Her professional affiliations include the American College of Nutrition, the American Nutraceutical Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

She also teaches continuing education seminars for health professionals for Academy Medical Systems, and for fitness professionals through National Fitness Trainers Association. Her practice specialties include Clinical & Behavioral nutrition, Eating disorders, Sports Nutrition, and Alternative Medicine.

Jeremiah is an assistant professor within the Physical Therapy Department at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His teaching responsibilities include gross anatomy, lower extremity orthopedics, pathology, and movement disorders.

His research interests focus on ACL injury prevention, lower extremity biomechanics following joint replacement, and limb length inequality. Jeremiah has co-authored numerous research articles and abstracts published in peer reviewed, scholarly journals and has presented at several national, regional, and state meetings.

Jeremiah received his master’s degree in Human Movement Science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2005 and PhD in Biomechanics and Sports Medicine from The University of Tennessee in 2010. He brings over 13 years of Physical Therapy experience to his presentations and currently practices outpatient physical therapy at Summit Physical Therapy in Hixson, TN.  Jeremiah has over 10 years of clinical experience in the fabrication of custom foot orthotics.

Dr. Thomas has presented in more than 90 continuing education programs and educational lectures for healthcare professionals including medical student, residents and fellows. He has also served as the primary and/or contributing author for over 25 scholarly publications, books, abstracts and reviews.

Ms. Van Steelandt is also an Adjunct Faculty Member of California State University, Long Beach where she has developed and presented lecture and lab instruction for post-graduate students in a program entitled, “Current Concepts in Wound Healing”. She has been a lecturer for Academy Medical Systems for three years.

She has been a Certified Wound Specialist since 1998 and was awarded the Best Practices Award, for Outstanding Use of the HCFA Quality Indicators in the field of Skin Care by the California Healthcare Association in 2000. Ms Van Steelandt has been a member of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care, since 1996.

For the last 10 years Ms. Williams has worked in the private sector as an Advanced Practice Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist Consultant in the life care planning and case management fields. She has also served in a variety of positions including Director of Staff Development; Case Manager Consultant; Rehabilitation Nursing Supervisor; Rehabilitation Clinical Coordinator and Director of Education; Clinical Instructor; Cardiology/Neurology Head Nurse; and Clinical Specialist for Med/Surg Units. Ms. Williams is also an invited international speaker for seminars, sponsored by professional associations and healthcare agencies, on topics including clinical rehabilitation, rehabilitation concepts and case management. Ms. Williams professional affiliations include Case Management Sociaty of Nursing, and Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.