Meet the Instructors

Ms. Ackerman has 20 years of experience as a clinical dietitian and 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 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 Michigan Organization of Diabetes Educators, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the American Dietetic Association.

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.

Ms. Carlson is a Diabetes Program Coordinator for a hospital and physician's office based practice. She is also a 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.

Currently, Renee is the Wound Care Coordinator at St Francis Hospital in the Los Angeles metro area. Her responsibilities include patient care, staff education, policy writing, performance improvement, program development and quality assurance. She teaches wound care in the Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate programs at three local universities.

Renee is a frequent speaker on wound care topics and has published several book chapters and articles in peer reviewed journals. She is board certified in wound care through the American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM). Her professional affiliations include the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Wound Care Global Alliance, and serves on the Wound Management Steering committee for Health Volunteers Overseas. She has served two terms as a member of the AAWC board of directors and edits their website www.advancingthepractice.aawconline.org. She was also named an AAWC Distinguished Member in 2007.

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.

Kim earned multiple academic degrees from the University of Iowa including her Master’s Degree in Fitness and Wellness and Health Promotion, 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, is a published primary author in an academic, peer-reviewed publication, and recently co-authored a chapter in a book on Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Kim has been actively involved in clinical research throughout her years of practice and has primary interest in evaluating clinical outcomes in the context of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for a variety of patient populations to help establish guidelines for evidence based practice.

In addition to her primary professional career as a Physical Therapist, Kim has over 25 years of experience serving as a group exercise instructor in health clubs and has been 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recently Chuck developed a new Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program for an established southwestern medical center which recently openeed. 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.

Ms. Knipper is active in the American Assoc. of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. She is also active in the state affiliate society, the Iowa Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, currently serving on the board of directors, Chair of the Standardization Committee, and Co-Chair of the Reimbursement Committee. Ms. Knipper’s enthusiasm for improving the quality of life for those with pulmonary disease and her easy-going presentation style will make for a dramatic day of learning.

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. 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.

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 has been very active with the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), serving on numerous committees throughout the years, 12 years on the Board of Directors, including the 2004-2005 President. In addition to several publications, she is very 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.

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.

Eric completed his degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Kinseiology 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.

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.

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 8 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.