Flipbook_AccredX2024_Program : simplebooklet.com

AgendaConference Check In4:00PM - 6:00PM JW Grand Ballrooms 1-5, 3rd floorWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27:00AM - 8:00AMConference Check In and Exhibitor Set Up JW Grand 2-4THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS8:00AM - 11:00AM8:00AM - 11:00AM Program Director Training (3 CEs) Jerad Claytor, MSHE, CSTJohn Hadley, BSN, RN, CST Jennifer Lloyd, BS, HCM, CSFA, CSTStefanie Vaughn, BAS, CST, FASTJoin fellow program directors for this 3-hour session as we discuss how to confidently and effectivelymanage your program from both an operational and compliance perspective. Learn techniques tobalance the wide spectrum of responsibilities of the academic position. Workshop will focus onleadership skills, organization, budgeting, admissions/marketing, curriculum requirements, programassessment, and how to develop an effective Program Advisory Committee, draft disclosures requiredin Standard V, advocate for resources, and more!JW Grand 5Site Evaluator Training (3 CEs)Alicia Buck, MS, CST Janice Grewatz, BS, CSFA, CSPDT, CST, FASTKristy Pierce, BS, CSTThe Site Evaluator session is designed with new and seasoned evaluators in mind. This session willdive into the Site Visit process and what to expect. The Confidential Report will be discussed, alongwith how to formulate visit findings. Standards and policies will be reviewed and aligned to ConfidentialReport questions. This will be an interactive session, with current evaluators leading scenario-basedactivities. JW Grand 2-48:00AM - 11:00AM JW Grand 1Clinical Coordinator Training (3 CEs)Pam Siggers, BS, CST Candice Spencer, AAS, KCSA, CDEI, CSFA, CSTJoin fellow clinical coordinators for this 3-hour session as we discuss how to confidently and effectivelymanage the clinical aspects of the program from an educational, operational and complianceperspective. Gain a greater understanding of the multifaceted role and techniques to balance theresponsibilities of the position. Workshop will focus on organization, supervision, and assessment ofstudents in the clinical environment as related to ARC/STSA policies; creating and maintainingeffective relationships with preceptors and hospital staff, and more!7:00AM Breakfast (Registered Pre-Conference Attendees Only)Exhibitor Check In and Set Up Through 10:00AMAttendee Check In Through 1:00PM

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2:50PM - 3:00PMBreak 1:50PM - 2:50PMDemystifying Artificial Intelligence in Allied Health Education, Standard IIIRobbie K. Melton, PhDThe dynamic and nationally renowned AI expert, Dr. Robbie Melton, will shock and amaze you withopen access artificial intelligence tools to advance research, engage students, and assist educatorsin lesson preparation. 1:30PM - 1:50PMWelcome to Indy - Opening AccredX Session!JW Grand 512:00PM - 1:30PMJW Grand 2-4Sneak Peek Exhibit Hours Open to all AccredX AttendeesLearn how to integrate advanced simulation technologies to transform educational programs.Participants will gain hands-on experience with simulation tools to optimize students’ learningenvironments, improve competencies, and ensure improved preparedness for real-world scenarios.Explore practical strategies and innovative solutions designed to elevate program effectiveness andmeet the evolving needs of educational institutions.Surgical Science: Leveraging Simulation to Enhance Program OutcomesSimulab: Clamp, Clamp, Cut, Tie, Tie!Learn how to use surgical simulation for an effective and efficient assessment of studentcompetencies prior to clinical assignments. Incorporate laparoscopic and open procedures toevaluate multiple skills in just 15 - 30 minutes per student.Anatomage: Incorporating Virtual Dissection in Surgical ProceduresLearn how to use Anatomage technology to assist students in visualizing anatomic structures anddifferences in surgical approach for anterior vs. posterior cervical laminectomy and discectomysurgery. See how to incorporate interactive 3D simulation in your laboratory instruction using variousexamples such as spinal and cranial procedures. 11:00AM - 12:00PMHands-on Learning Labs and Educational Sessions (1 CE)Open to all AccredX Attendees - rotate through all 3 labs JW Grand 2-4Fostering Mutual Respect and Continuous Learning in the Perioperative Environment,Standards III & IV, sponsored by First Case - The Operating Room NetworkChris Blevins, BSCJ, AAS-ST, CNA, CST Jennifer Parrott, RN, CNORMelanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM In this panel, we will explore the critical role of mutual respect and interdisciplinary collaborationwithin all of Perioperative Services. By combining the perspectives of the Surgical Technologist, theOR Circulator, and Sterile Processing Practitioner, we will discuss how to instill these values in thenext generation of perioperative professionals. We will also discuss the importance of understandingthe "why" behind actions and learn how to turn mistakes into teachable moments for continuousimprovement.3:00PM - 4:10PM

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8:10AM - 9:00AMMaking the Right Call – Developing Ethical Responsibility from the Classroom to Clinical, Standard IIMike Miller, EdD, RN, NPRMedical personnel frequently confront ethical dilemmas involving patient care. Educators are generallywell equipped to address patient care related ethics, but what about ethics for the educator? Theethical challenges in the classroom may be even more daunting because we rarely discuss them. Howmuch should you help students? Is there a line where “helping” may actually become an unfairadvantage, or dare I say cheating? Should you be friends with your students? Is it okay to “fudge” agrade, just a little, so a student passes? What are your ethical responsibilities to the profession and thebroader community? Ethics and ethical behavior belong to everyone, including educators, and themany roles he or she has in and out of the classroom.8:00AM - 8:10AMWelcome Back to AccredXJW Grand 57:00AM - 8:00AM Full hot breakfast & exhibitor Mix and Mingle, sponsored by ASTJW Grand 1-4FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4Dinner with AccredX Exhibitors (full dinner buffet) 5:30PM - 7:30PMJW Grand 1-44:10PM - 5:00PMBuilding Confidence with Learning Styles: A Simulation Approach, Standard IIICortney Hartman, MBA, CST, FASTThis presentation delves into the integration of learning styles within surgical education, emphasizinghow understanding and applying these styles can enhance training effectiveness. We will explore howdifferent learning styles can be leveraged to build confidence in surgical skills through simulation-basedtraining.9:50AM - 10:00AM Meeting Students Where They Are: An Individualized Approach to Outcomes AssessmentExaminations, Standard IV Michael Glenn, BA, CSTThis session will explore how to approach Accreditation Standard IV from not only a psychologicalperspective but a data-driven approach. The core of outcomes assessment examinations is rooted instudent success, and a pivotal factor in that success is an individualized, analytical strategy.Identification of the optimal combination for students has a direct and positive impact on Standard IVfrom an accreditation perspective.9:00AM - 9:50AMDeveloping Apprenticeships with State and Federal Support, Standards I, VClaire Berger, MS Teresa Hess, MSJeanne Rieger, MSEd, CSTThis session will provide information on state and federal funding, expansion and resources that canbe utilized. Indiana Department of Workforce Development's Regional Director of the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship will share how states work with the federal government toapprove and support workforce programs. Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis’ SurgicalTechnology Program Director and Assistant Vice President of Apprenticeships and Work-BasedLearning will provide an institutional perspective of how to successfully initiate an apprenticeshipwithin your college.10:00AM - 11:00AMBreak

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2:10PM - 3:00PMCommunity Projects – Learning Through Immersion, Standard III Eboni Saurage, EdD, MS, ASST, CST, FASTKristy Pierce, BS, CSTAge-specific projects, such as the teddy bear clinic, are a way to introduce children to various careerchoices in the operating room. Ideas will be shared on how to initiate and fund community programs. 2:00PM - 2:10PM Break12:30PM - 2:00PM Ask -the Experts Roundtables (Topic descriptions provided after the agenda)11:00AM - 12:30PM JW Grand 1-47:00 AM - 8:00 AM AFE check in & Breakfast (Registered AFE Attendees & Exhibitors Only)JW Grand 1-4Accreditation Fundamentals for Educators (AFE) Workshop (8 CEs)SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024Organization Collaboration – Working Together to Support Our Educators Jodi Licalzi, BAGina Scarboro, DBA, MMSc, CAARon Kruzel, MA, CAE, CST, FASTLinda Stewart, ICE-CPPStaff leadership of long-standing partners ARC/STSA, CAAHEP, AST, and NBSTSA share theircommon mission to advance the professions through quality education, professional credentialing,growth, greater public understanding and recognition.5:00PM - 5:30PMAll Hands On Deck – Interdisciplinary Training, Standards I, III, IVKristina Vines, MSCTE, CSTWe will discuss the silos that exist in the healthcare industry and how to break down barriers betweenprofessions through engaging multiple disciplines in a live simulated disaster. All Hands-on Deckreviews Gateway Technical College’s simulation event, the value of this training, and students’experience during the simulation. Students learn the value of the patient’s journey and the numeroushands involved in the patient’s care. Students also explore the intricacies of communication betweendisciplines, the teamwork necessary to provide high level patient care and ultimately gain a deeperappreciation for a variety of professionals that are intregral to their patient’s well-being.4:00PM - 5:00PM3:50PM - 4:00PMTackling Retention Head On – Student Success Strategies from Enrollment toCertification and Beyond, Standard IVAlicia Buck, MS, CSTThis session takes a holistic look at strategies that increase retention and lead your students to success.Though Standard IV: Outcomes/Retention is the focus, this holistic look can apply to several otherCAAHEP Standards and help your students reach their goals and full potential. Break2:10PM - 3:00PMLuncheon & Exhibitor Mix and Mingle, sponsored by NBSTSA6:00PM- 7:30PM Trivia & Treats Game Night Sponsored by Platinum Education Group Come have fun with your friends at this free event, sign up at the check in booth or exhibit hall! JW Grand 58:00 AM - 4:00 PM AFE Workshop, including full lunch buffetJW Grand 1-5

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Dean's Discussion (Standard I)Ellen Colbeck, EdM, RT(R)(ARRT)Are you a dean/department chair or program director and not sure how administration should support Surgical Technologyprogrammatic accreditation? If so, bring your questions/concerns to discuss during this roundtable. Ask the ARC/STSA Staff (Standards I-V)Ronald Kruzel, MA, CAE, CST, FAST, and Kayla Tufano, AABring questions for the ARC/STSA staff regarding applications, annual reporting, policies, responding to findings letters, and more. Prepping Students to Land Their Dream Job (Standard IV)Dana Grafft, BS, CST, FASTIn this discussion, resources will be provided to guide educators in assisting students with job seeking strategies, includingresume and cover letter writing, career searches, behavioral interviews, and networking. Transition from Practitioner to Educator (Standards I, III)Alicia Buck, MS, CST Making the transition from operating room as a practitioner of surgical technology to the role of a surgical technology educator canbe difficult and quite the culture shock. Come review and discuss ways you can assist your new faculty in the adjustment.Student Clinical Residencies & Scholarships (Standard III)Jeanne Rieger, MSEd, CST, and David Wiseman, AAS, CST Partner with your local hospital affiliates to provide a career track and/or funding opportunities for your students while solving yourcommunity’s workforce shortage challenges.Federal & State Apprenticeships (Standard III)Claire Berger, MS, and Teresa Hess, MSGovernment and university workforce specialists will answer your questions about federal and state apprenticeships. *Participants will rotate between 15 tables with the opportunity to participate in up to 5 roundtables. Ask the Experts – Accreditation Roundtable Discussions Preparing for a Site Evaluation Kristy Pierce, BS, CST Preparing for a site visit this year? Learn the process, what is required, how to upload documentation, and everything in between.Student Engagement (Standard III)Karen Chambers, MHA/Ed, CST, FAST, and Denelle White, BS, CSTStudent engagement requires Reflectiveness-Resilience-Meaning-Motivation, which are driven by the following steps: challenges,character, choices, collaboration, communication, connections, controversy, cooperation, creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity. Obtaining Grant Funding – Enhance Program Resources and Funding Opportunities (Standard III)Brooke Oliver, MEd, CST, FAST, ACUE, and Jay Chambers, BS, CSTGain strategies for identifying funding opportunities and crafting compelling proposals. Learn how to align grant objectives withprogram needs to enhance educational and training resources.

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CAAHEP Updates (Standards I, III)Gina Scarboro, DBA, MMSc, CAA Meet with CAAHEP Executive Director Gina Scarboro to get the latest information about recent CAAHEP activities, annual program growth,and new resources for programs coming in 2025. Platinum Educational Group – Testing Assessment (Standard IV)Emily Runions, MaED, CSPDT, CST, FAST Learn what goes into developing a good test for your classroom. Explore how you can review and validate your results with thehelp of digitizing information and reporting. Sterile Processing Program 411 (Standard I)Lisa McKown, DrPHc, PhDc, MBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, MBTI, ISO 9001Antoinette Trujillo-Fergus, MBA, CRCST, CSTGet the 411 on how to start or expand a sterile processing program. Learn about the student benefits and synergy of offering bothSP and ST programs. NBSTSA – Credentialing Organization Updates (Standard IV)Linda Stewart, Interim Executive Director, NBSTSA, ICE-CCP, with staffers Vanessa Rivera and Talea Chlumsky NBSTSA Updates and Q & A AST – CEs & Resources (Standard III)Jodi Licalzi, BA, and Heather Bieske, MHA-ED, CST Visit with AST staff leadership to discuss continuing education opportunities and resources to support educators and students. Distance Education & Separate Instructional Sites (Standards I-V)Christy Baily-Byers, MBA, APRLearn more about the ARC/STSA distance education and separate instructional site policies, application policies, and visits. SpeakersClaire Berger is the Regional Director of the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship withinthe Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Claire is a workforce professional with more than15 years of experience in developing and delivering workforce training programs specializing inRegistered Apprenticeship. For the past three years, she has helped national and local businessesdevelop internal processes to manage and promote apprenticeship programs. Specifically, she hasworked to design business strategy around training and recruiting; led teams in the management ofapprenticeships; connected businesses with strong educational partners across the United States;analyzed metrics to monitor training efficacy; and managed relationships with internal and externalClaire Berger, MSapprenticeship stakeholders. Claire’s background in education and workforce development started at the community college levelwith Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. There, she held progressive positions as Program Chair; Dean of the School ofTechnology; and Director of Apprenticeships, Internships, and Workforce Alignment. Now at the Indiana Department of WorkforceDevelopment, she works closely with the US Department of Labor’s Indiana Office of Apprenticeship to take all that she learned inher past experiences to the broader Indiana community. Claire passionately believes in apprenticeship and other work-based learningmodels as a way to help people pursue a career while earning a living wage.

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Alicia Buck, MS, BAAS, CST Alicia Buck is the program director and associate professor of the surgical technology program at TempleCollege in Temple, Texas. She has been a surgical technologist since 2011 and continues to practice PRN atBaylor Scott & White Memorial. Her background of practice is cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery, alongwith plastics and trauma surgery. She worked as a CNA and a dental assistant before finding her truepassion for surgery. She has been a surgical technology educator for more than 11 years, while at the sametime advancing her education, receiving her Master of Science in Organizational Learning and Technologyfrom Texas A&M University in 2019. She has served on committees for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, actively serves as an advisor on several academic committees at Temple College and has served as an ARC/STSA SiteEvaluator since 2022.Jerad Claytor, MSHE, CSTJerad Claytor has been the program director at Marion Technical College in Marion, Ohio, since 2019. Claytorworked to start the surgical technology program at MTC, which achieved CAAHEP initial accreditation in 2021.Claytor sits on the EdAccred Management Board as well as the ARC/STSA Newsletter Committee. When noton campus he enjoys playing competitive volleyball and dancing with a local ballet company in Columbus, Ohio.Janice Grewatz, CSFA, CSPT, CST, FASTJanice Grewatz is the Program Director and Associate Professor at Parkland Community College inChampaign, IL. Grewatz earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education degrees inWorkforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University with a concentration in curriculumand instruction, online learning, and learning systems design and technology. Grewatz has been a CertifiedSurgical Technologist for 30 years, is a Certified First Assistant, as well as certified in Sterile Processing.Additionally, she served on the revision panel for the 7th edition of the Core Curriculum in SurgicalTechnology, has actively participated in the profession through state assembly leadership, as a member ofthe ARC/STSA Board of Directors and as President, and as a site evaluator for the ARC/STSA. Michael Glenn, BA, CST Michael Glenn is currently a full-time faculty member in the Surgical Technology and Central SterileProcessing Programs at Nashville State Community College in Nashville, TN. She has a bachelor's degree inpsychology from the University of Memphis where she began her research career in cognitive psychologystudying how students learn and process complex anatomical systems. She then expanded her research anddata analytic skill set by devoting five years to oncology research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute inNashville. Upon electing for a more hands-on patient care approach in 2017, she became a surgicaltechnologist and worked for a few years in cosmetic surgery. She began teaching full-time in the fall of 2020and has since then prioritized advocacy for patient safety through educating the next generation of surgicaltechnologists. She is also a wife and a mother of two vivacious boys who challenge her critical thinking andproblem-solving.Chris Blevins is the co-host of First Case Podcast and Senior Department Chair of the Surgical TechnologyPrograms at South College throughout the United States. She has served AST in several capacities andspeaks regularly about her passion for education and care of the surgical patient.Chris Blevins, BSCJ, AAS-ST, CNA, CST, FAST

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Cortney Hartman is a senior specialist in portfolio marketing for Stryker on the Upper Extremities Shoulderline and has been a surgical technologist for more than 18 years, specializing in cardiovascular, thoracic,peripheral vascular, robotic lungs, heart transplants, and ventricular assist devices. In 2016 Cortney becamethe first Surgical Technology Educator for the Parkview Health System in Northeast Indiana; and in 2019,she finished her MBA with a focus in Healthcare Management and joined the Advanced Medical SimulationLab at the Mirro Center for Research and Innovation to develop a surgical simulation program. She was alsoan instrumental part of the team who worked to achieve American College of Surgeons Cortney Hartman, MBA, CST, FAST Accredited Education Institute (AEI) accreditation for the Advanced Medical Simulation Lab. Cortney has held academic appointments withfive local colleges/universities. She enjoys serving on professional committees including the AST Bylaws, Resolutions and ParliamentaryProcedures Committee; volunteering in her local community; and presenting abstracts on the topics of surgical safety and simulation.Teresa Hess has been with Ivy Tech Community College for 25 years focusing on Apprenticeshipinitiatives. As the Assistant Vice President of Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning, she works to alignacademic programs, workforce, and economic development throughout the state. She has developed andhas oversight of numerous training programs including traditional skilled trades and workforceapprenticeship programs. She provides leadership to the statewide system on the operation of the AASDegree program in Apprenticeship Technology. With over 10,000 apprentices, the program is a modelcollaboration between the college and industry partners that combine he strengths of higher education andapprenticeship programs to provide an educational pathway of upward mobility. In addition to managing astate appropriated apprenticeship grant, she is currently overseeing the leadership of a USDOL ABA -Teresa Hess, MS Apprenticeship Building America grant. She assists with outreach and recruitment of workforce partners to promote training and educationconnections between the college and various industry sectors. The primary focus is on creating employer partnerships to build talentpipelines and retention strategies through various apprenticeship initiatives. Teresa is a founding member of USDOL-RegisteredApprenticeship Community College Consortium Workgroup, USDOL Ambassador liaison, Executive Board member of the Indiana StateBuilding Trades Directors Association, Hoosier State Apprenticeship Executive Committee and SMACNA Executive Board. She wasappointed by Governor Holcomb to the Indiana Education Savings Authority Board of Directors.Since 2015, Ron Kruzel has served as Executive Director of the Accreditation Review Council onEducation in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. A Committee on Accreditation within CAAHEP,the ARC/STSA provides accreditation services to more than 400 surgical technology and surgical assistingprograms around the country. Prior to joining the ARC/STSA, Ron was the CEO of the National Board ofSurgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the credentialing board for the profession. Ron began hiscareer as a Certified Surgical Technologist at a Level II Trauma Center, then moved into higher educationas a surgical technology faculty member and program director. He earned his Master of Arts Degree inEducational Administration from California State University, Northridge. Ron holds the Certified AssociationRonald Kruzel, MA, CAE, CST, FASTExecutive Credential and volunteers on numerous professional committees for both programmatic accreditation and competencyassessment.John Hadley is the Program Director for Surgical Technology at Des Moines Area Community College inDes Moines, Iowa. He graduated from the Surgical Technology Program in Rochester, Minnesota in 1988and spent 30 years working at the Mayo Clinic. John primarily worked in cardiac, vascular, and thoracicsurgery. He was also a member of the heart and lung transplant team, and the liver transplant team. In2014, he became a faculty instructor for Des Moines Area Community College and has been the ProgramDirector since 2017. John lives in Johnston, Iowa, and enjoys remodeling homes, adventurous travel, and allthings outdoors. His passion is in giving back to the field of Surgical Technology and providing educationalopportunity for new surgical technologists. John Hadley, BSN, RN, CST, FAST

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Michael Miller is the assistant director of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for theEmergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), where he shares his experiences as a formerprogram director and teacher with over 700 paramedic programs across the United States. Previously,Mike served on the faculty of the Creighton University Paramedicine Program for 19 years, attaining therank of associate professor. He has practiced as a paramedic and registered nurse, and held positions asparamedic shift supervisor, field training officer, quality improvement coordinator, EMS system programdirector, and trauma program coordinator. MIke has served on numerous national boards and committeesin the field, and worked on EMS-related projects in Trinidad, Tobago, and Saudi Arabia. He has served asa contributing author and reviewer for several EMS publications; and holds a Doctor of Education in Michael Miller, EdD, RN, NPR Interdisciplinary Leadership, Bachelor of Science in EMS, and a Master of Science Degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.of a Mobile App Resource Center. She is currently advocating for Open Education Resources (OER) for global access to education content.Plus, serving as an Education Technology Trainer for Malawi and various countries in South Africa in promoting worldwide that “EveryoneCan Code and Create” and a passionate advocate for empowering underserved populations, especially Black females, in becominginnovators and entrepreneurs for the digital world. Robbie K. Melton, Interim Provost/VP Academic Affairs and VP Technology Innovations for the SMARTGlobal Technology Innovation Center and tenured professor at Tennessee State University, serves as aglobal researcher and international consultant for Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Education and EmergingIOE (“The Internet of Everything”) Smart Mobile Technology of mobile devices, smart phone-tablets,wearables, smart gadgets and tools, and mixed reality of VR and AR. She formerly served as theAssociate Vice Chancellor for Emerging Technologies for the Tennessee Board of Regents and theprimary developer and chief administrator for the system-wide Regents Online Degree Programs. She isknown as an ‘Appologist’ for her extensive research of best practices with mobile devices and the creationRobbie K. Melton, PhDJennifer Lloyd is the Director of the Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program at TrineUniversity in Fort Wayne, IN. Jennifer has been in the medical field for 38 years, of which 37 have been asa surgical technologist. Her career includes tenures at St. Joseph Hospital, Parkview Hospital, the VANorthern Indiana Health Care System in Fort Wayne, as well as working privately for a group ofcardiothoracic and vascular surgeons. Jennifer was one of the first three people in Fort Wayne to obtaincertification as a surgical assistant. She has been a tireless advocate and promoter for the use of theCertified Surgical First assistant (CSFA) in Fort Wayne. She was the first, and to date, the only surgicaltechnologist in the area to perform endovascular vein harvesting. In addition to working for TrineUniversity, Jennifer is a member of the Health Science Advisory Board for Fort Wayne CommunitySchools Career Academy, Society of Thoracic Association of Surgical Technologists, and Association ofSurgical First Assistants.Jennifer Lloyd, BS, CSFA, CST, HCM Jodi Licalzi, BA Jodi Licalzi is the Chief Executive Officer for the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Beforeserving as CEO, she spent the last 13 years as a trusted leader within the organization offering herexpertise in various marketing and communication roles including AST’s Director of Marketing &Communications. Prior to her time at AST, she honed her craft of delivering persuasive and influentialcommunications campaigns as a journalist. Jodi looks forward to leading AST in its next chapter as itadvances education and resources for its members and the surgical technology community whilecontinuing to champion the critical role of surgical technologists in safe surgery.

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Jeanne Rieger, MSEd, CST Jeanne Rieger is the Program Chair for Surgical Technology at Ivy Tech Community College inIndianapolis. She graduated from Parkland College, Urbana IL, with a Certificate in SurgicalTechnology and later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University Bloomington.With 19 years of teaching experience at Ivy Tech, Jeanne is dedicated to inspiring students to pursuecareers in Surgical Technology. She has been advising students regarding hospital based clinicalresidencies and apprenticeships for the last five years. She resides in Downtown Indianapolis with herhusband and enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren. In her leisure time, Jeanne isan avid participant in CrossFit and Pickleball.Kristy Pierce, BS, CST Kristy Pierce is the Accreditation Manager for the ARC/STSA. Prior to joining ARC/STSA, Kristyserved as the Program Director and Academic Chair for the School of Healthcare at PittsburghTechnical College, Oakdale, PA. She worked as a full-time faculty member in Surgical Technologyand Allied Health Science Education, and a Clinical Coordinator while at PTC. Kristy enjoys applyingall her experience in previous endeavors to assist with site visits and assisting with accreditationinquiries for more than 400 surgical technology and surgical assisting programs across the country.Kristy’s career began at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, then continued in her technicaladvancement as a surgical technologist at UPMC Shadyside specializing in neurosurgery. In her spare time you can find Kristy alongside her husband at the theater, volleyball court or baseball field, supporting their two children.Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR-ORTHO, CSSM Melanie Perry, is an OR Nurse who is passionate about helping others learn the 'why' behind the thingsthat we do. When we understand why, we're more likely to do things the right way. She has 22 years ofexperience as an RN and has worked in Neonatal ICU, Mother/Baby, Med/Surg, Pain Management, andthe Operating Room. When Melanie started working in the OR in 2011, she finally found her calling. It isdefinitely a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, and she loves every minute of it. Melanie is the co-founder and Chief Nursing Officer of First Case Media. Their educational podcast reaches everyone in theperioperative world with relevant conversations about the topics that are important to the operating room.Through their podcast and social media channels, they are committed to bringing together the people, processes, and products that aremoving the perioperative industry forward. She is involved with the AORN e-Chapter and has served on the Board of Directors since 2023.Melanie is also currently serving as a member of the 2024-2025 AORN Nominating Committee.. Jennifer Parrott is the Quality Improvement Manager, Sterile Processing Manager, and ClinicalEducator for the Knoxville Orthopedic Surgery Center. She has more than 18 years of nursingexperience with 14 of those being within the surgical setting. Jennifer specializes in qualityimprovement measures, along with several other areas, and is responsible for educating thosearound her. She has served in several capacities for her local AORN East Tennessee Chapter whilecurrently holding the title of Chapter President. Additionally, she works alongside her localcommunity colleges by serving on their Program Advisory Committees. Jennifer is a mother to twoboys (Alex and Logan) and one dog (Cody). She enjoys reading murder mystery novels, working onpuzzles, gardening, and hiking as well as working with charity and non-profit organizations.Jennifer Parrott, RN, CNOR

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Pamela Siggers is the Director and instructor of the Associate of Science Surgical Technology program atBaptist Health Sciences University, Memphis, TN. Before bringing her passion to the classroom, Siggersworked for over six years at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare as a sterile processing tech and CST,specializing in labor and delivery. When she's not teaching, Siggers is an avid poetry writer and loves toDANCE! Pamela Siggers, BA, CST Candice Spencer graduated from the Bowling Green Technical College Surgical Technology program in2009. Candice then went to work at The Medical Center at Bowling Green as a Certified SurgicalTechnologist. While working at Medical Center, Candice pursued an education at Meridian Institute ofSurgical Assisting to become a surgical assistant and earned the Certified Surgical First Assistantcredential in 2015. After gaining several years of surgical assisting experience at Professional SurgicalAssistants, she assumed the role of Clinical Externship Coordinator for Meridian Institute of SurgicalAssisting.Candice Spencer, AAS, KCSA, CDEI, CSFA, CSTGina Scarboro, DBA, MMSc, CAAGina Scarboro is the Executive Director of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health EducationPrograms. Prior to her role as the chief staff officer for CAAHEP, Dr. Scarboro was Associate Professor andDean for the College of Health Professions at South University. Dr. Scarboro’s professional service rolesinclude: Chair of the Association of Anesthesiologist Assistant Educational Programs, President of theAmerican Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and member of the Physician Assistant Committee forthe Georgia Composite Medical Board. In 2018, she received a Distinguished Alumni award from the EmoryUniversity Master of Medical Science Program in Anesthesiology. In addition to her higher education andservice activities, Dr. Scarboro continues to practice as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant. to serve on numerous regional, state, and national committees for surgical technology and education.Dr. Eboni Saurage is a surgical technology educator with over 15 years of experience as a CST. She holdsdegrees in Surgical Technology, Health Science, Academic Administration and Healthcare Education andOrganizational Leadership. She is an Assistant Professor of Surgical Technology and Dean of Nursing andAllied Health at Baton Rouge Community College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was awarded theLouisiana Community and Technical College System's Presidents Faculty Fellowship Award foroutstanding professional educator. Dr. Saurage serves her profession as President of the Louisiana StateAssembly of AST and Vice-Chair of the U.S. Chapter of The Operating Room Global (TORG). Her passionfor advancing safe perioperative patient care through fundamental and continuing education has driven herEboni Saurage, EdD, MS, ASST, CST, FAST

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Kristina Vines has been a CST since 1993, and earned her master’s degree focusing on online education.She currently serves as an educator and Program Director at Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, WI.Kristina entered the teaching profession after finding enjoyment working with students in the OR. Whenthe opportunity presented itself to teach, she knew it was the fit having her two passions in life cometogether. Kristina worked for 12 years in the surgical field as a CST from 1993-2005, entered education in2004, and has served as the program director since 2006. Kristina has served on multiple professionalcommittees including the Surgical Technology Education for the 21st Century Summit in 2018 and theWisconsin Technical College State Alignment for Surgical Technology Curriculum.Kristina Vines, MS, AAS, CST Linda Stewart currently serves as the Interim Executive Director for the National Board of SurgicalTechnology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). With extensive experience in credentialing and a strongbackground in meetings and marketing management, Linda is dedicated to advancing the standards andrecognition of surgical technologists and surgical assistants. Her leadership and strategic vision areinstrumental in guiding NBSTSA’s mission to promote excellence in surgical technology and surgicalassisting through certification and professional development. Linda’s commitment to the field and herexpertise have made her a pivotal figure in the organization’s ongoing success.Linda Stewart, ICE-CCPThank you to our speakers!Stefanie Vaughn is the Program Director of Surgical Technology at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas.She earned an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology, a Bachelor of Applied Science inSurgical Services Management, and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Applied DigitalLearning and Leadership. Stefanie is actively involved in professional organizations, serving on the ASTEducational Programs and Standards Committee, and previously holding various roles with the ASTTexas State Assembly. She has contributed to the field as an author, textbook reviewer, and speaker atnational conferences. With a 23-year career spanning various surgical specialties, Stefanie's primarypassion lies in helping others. She has discovered a passion for teaching, where she focuses on shapingStefanie Vaughn, BAS, CST, FASTthe future of surgical technologists and mentoring new program directors and instructors.

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Jay Chambers, BS, CSTVP, ARC/STSA Board of DirectorsAssistant Professor of Surgical TechnologyNashville State Community CollegeChristy Baily-Byers, MBA, APRDirector of Education ARC/STSAClaire Berger, MSRegional Director, Office of Work-Based Learning &Apprenticeship, Indiana Department of WorkforceDevelopmentHeather Bieske, MHA-ED, CSTManager of Continuing EducationASTAlicia Buck, MS, CSTProgram Director/Department ChairSurgical TechnologyTemple CollegeKaren Chambers, MHA/Ed, CST, FASTProgram Director of Surgical TechnologyEastwick CollegeEllen Colbeck, EdM, RT(R)(ARRT)ARC/STSA Board of DirectorsTeresa Hess, MS Assistant Vice President Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning Ivy Tech Community CollegeDana Graft, BS, CST, FASTSourcing Specialist-Surgical Services,Human Resources Mayo ClinicRonald Kruzel, MA, CAE, CST, FAST Executive DirectorARC/STSAJodi Licalzi, BSExecutive DirectorAST Roundtable Discussion Leaders Lisa McKown, DrPHc, PhDc, MBA, CRCST,CIS, CHL, MBTI, ISO 9001Manager, Research & Development, Beyond Clean

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