2026 Conference Schedule

Early Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

🫁 Student Sputum Bowl Competition
Wilderness Ballroom 1
Think fast, breathe easy, and bring the hype! Come cheer on the teams, rep your program, and see who takes home the bragging rights and earns a WSRC sponsored trip to AARC Congress in New Orleans.

🏛️ WSRC Board Meeting
Glacier A-D
All are encouraged to attend — this open meeting offers members and guests an opportunity to learn more about Society initiatives, upcoming priorities, and how to get involved. WSRC scholarships will be presented as we recognize and celebrate students and future respiratory professionals from across the state.

🎤 AIRWAYS AFTER HOURS
Monk's Bar & Grill at the Wilderness
Warm up those vocal cords and kick off the conference weekend with an informal gathering. No lectures, no slides — just conversation, camaraderie, and maybe a few sing-along moments. Drop in when you arrive, grab a seat, and connect with colleagues from across the state. Whether you’re a student, first-time attendee, or long-time member, consider this your opening number before the main show! (Food and beverages are available for individual purchase.)

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks & Presentation of Colors
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Clinical Practice

KEYNOTE: The Future Begins Today – Updates on AARC Strategic Initiatives
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Dana Evans, MHA, RRT,RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP
Sponsored by AARC

[x] Dana Evans, MHA, RRT,RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP Dana is honored to serve as the 2025-2026 President of the AARC. She is also the Regional Respiratory Care Director for the Illinois and Wisconsin divisions of Advocate Health supporting respiratory care teams in 28 hospitals. Dana received a bachelor's degree in respiratory care and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Missouri. She has served the respiratory care profession in many roles, including neonatal/pediatric critical care, adult critical care, transport medicine, program faculty, and as an RT leader. She is a board-certified healthcare leader as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a distinction that has been achieved by less than 8500 healthcare leaders, and is also a Fellow of the AARC and National Academies of Practice.

PRESENTATION: RT of the Year & President's Award
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

BREAK

Pulmonary Function

COPD/ILD criteria updates for lung transplantation
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Michael Eberlein, MD PhD
Sponsored by Hamilton Medical

[x] Michael Eberlein, MD PhD Michael Eberlein, MD, PhD is a Professor of Medicine at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr. Eberlein received his MD and PhD equivalent degrees from the Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. He did his internal medicine residency as well as chief residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine through a joint program from the NIH and Johns Hopkins University. Dr Eberlein is a lung transplant pulmonologist and the medical director of the advanced pulmonary service at the University of Wisconsin hospital in Madison. He published over 140 articles and received numerous awards, leading to promotion to full professor status in recognition of his accomplishments. He is recognized for his innovations in the field of thoracic organ transplant size matching and pulmonary physiology, having extensive publications in both lung as well as heart transplantation.

Exhibit Hall - Manager's Only
Sandstone Ballroom

PRESENTATION: RT Student of the Year
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Exhibit Hall Open
Sandstone Ballroom

Clinical Practice

Optimizing COPD Management Strategies
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT
Sponsored by AARC through educational grants from: Linde, Verona Pharma, Viatris, Takeda, Grifols and Olympus

[x] Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT At the COPD Foundation, Mike leads oxygen therapy access improvement initiatives including World Oxygen Day, observed each year on October 2 ("O-2"). In addition to those duties, he currently serves as chair of the AARC Ambulatory and Post-Acute Care section and is celebrating 20 years in respiratory care this year.

LUNCH

Management

Organizational Culture
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4
Peter Gertonson, D.O.

[x] Peter Gertonson, D.O. Dr. Peter Gertonson is a board certified psychiatrist with a longstanding passion for wellness, resilience, and the human factors that shape individual and group performance. A former officer in the United States Army, Dr. Gertonson brings a unique perspective on leadership, team cohesion, and the cultural dynamics that influence both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness. Drawing on clinical expertise and firsthand leadership experience, Dr. Gertonson focuses on strengthening organizational culture, enhancing psychological safety, and improving team dynamics. With a deep commitment to fostering environments where people can grow and thrive, Dr. Gertonson works at the intersection of mental health and leadership to help organizations build healthier, more resilient cultures.

Clinical Practice

Capnography for the RT: From Airway Verification to Advanced Monitoring
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Mike Montgomery, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
Sponsored by Nihon Kohden

[x] Mike Montgomery, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS Mike has been a Respiratory Therapist for 19 years, with clinical focus on adult and neonatal critical care. After many years of bedside patient care, Mike transitioned into industry roles that focus on supporting products developed for RT's and other clinicians that care for critically ill patients. Mike currently serves as a Clinical Applications Specialist for Nihon Kohden's mechanical ventilation portfolio.

Adult Acute Care

“Lary & the HMEs” - Featuring the Surgically Altered Anatomy & Cares of a Laryngectomy Airway
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Tara Managan, BSRT, RRT-ACCS
Sponsored by Atos Medical

[x] Tara Managan, BSRT, RRT-ACCS Tara Managan has been a Respiratory Therapist since 2008. She has held various positions such as bedside staff, Lead, Department Education Coordinator, Respiratory Therapy Clinical Instructor and now Clinical Navigator. She has been trained in several procedures including arterial line insertion, intubation, esophageal balloon placement and Edi catheter insertion. She has been part of several interdisciplinary teams for adult acute and critical care. She has had decades of experience and is a great resource on artificial airways. Tara's previous speaking engagements include the 2019 AARC Congress. Tara was the Education Co-Chair on the Wisconsin Society for Respiratory Care for approximately 5 years. Tara made the transition to Atos Medical in 2025 to become a Clinical Navigator on the Case Management team. She currently specializes in Laryngectomy cares for outpatients. She is also a resource for LTAC, SNF and Rehab centers caring for patients with a Laryngectomy. She continues to bring her passion and knowledge of respiratory therapy to those around her.

Clinical Practice

Changing the Game: The How and Why for Asymmetrical Nasal High Flow
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4
Chris Hutchinson, PGDip, BE
Sponsored by Fisher & Paykel

[x] Chris Hutchinson, PGDip, BE Chris Hutchinson is the Director of Clinical Affairs for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Inc based in Irvine, California. His career with F&P began in Auckland, New Zealand with research and product development, and today focuses on peer-to-peer education, society engagement and clinical research. His primary research interest is noninvasive respiratory support including nasal high flow. He is a Member of AARC, Affiliate Member of ACEP & ATS and Associate Member of SCCM. Chris is also a self-confessed caffeine enthusiast.

🎧 SOUND CHECK: Exhibit Hall & Sponsored Learning
Sandstone Ballroom
This focused, non-compete time in our Exhibit Hall is all about learning and networking. Explore the hall and engage with our exhibitors while learning more about the products and innovations shaping respiratory care today. You can also visit the "Karaoke Stage" for mini AARC-style presentations sponsored by our exhibitors and grab a drink at the cash bar.

Adult Acute Care

IPV Therapy to Restore Vital Capacity: Clinical Scenarios and Outcomes (1530 - 1600)
Jessica Hensley, BSRT, RRT-NPS

[x] Jessica Hensley, BSRT, RRT-NPS Jessica Hensley is an experienced Respiratory Therapist with more than a decade of clinical expertise spanning Adult Critical Care, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her work at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center strengthened her capabilities in advanced respiratory care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical leadership. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Respiratory Therapy from Pima Medical Institute. She is an active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and continued advancement within the field. A passionate educator, Jessica is dedicated to supporting bedside practitioners through high‑quality continuing education, evidence‑based practice, and hands‑on clinical mentorship. She remains focused on fostering patient‑centered improvements and helping teams adopt innovative approaches that enhance respiratory care delivery

🎛️ TURN UP THE VOLUME: Mix-and-Mingle
Sandstone Ballroom
As the evening continues, relax and enjoy mixing and mingling with exhibitors and colleagues from near and far. Stop by the "Karaoke Stage" for an Open Forum featuring poster presentations recently shared by Wisconsin teams at AARC Congress 2025 in Phoenix. Heavy appetizers will be served, and, of course, the cash bar remains OPEN for business.

Clinical Practice

Advancing Respiratory Care Across Wisconsin: Research & QI Poster Presentations (1800 - 1830)
Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C

🎤 MIC DROP: Karaoke in the Exhibit Hall
Sandstone Ballroom
The spotlight shifts fully to fun as the Exhibit Hall becomes "Karaoke Central." Grab the mic, cheer on your colleagues, and keep the connections going with music, laughter, and late-night networking.

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Clinical Practice

The Greatest Hits: A WSRC Year in Review Featuring RCIC Updates, New Student Council Spotlight & Future Priorities
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Theresa Meinen, MS, RRT, CHSE
Ron Pasewald, BS RRT, RRT-ACCS
Anja Dreps, RRT, RPFT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
Jessica George, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C

[x] Theresa Meinen, MS, RRT, CHSE Theresa Meinen is the Simulation Education Manager at Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Clinical Simulation Center in Eau Claire and River Falls, Wisconsin. She designs and leads simulation experiences for nursing, respiratory therapy, and allied health students, with an emphasis on teamwork, communication, and patient safety. Theresa currently serves as President of the Wisconsin Society for Respiratory Care and is the Speaker Chair for the Wisconsin Respiratory Education Symposium, WiRES. She is passionate about advancing the respiratory care profession through advocacy, member engagement, and initiatives that support students, practicing therapists, and the future of respiratory care in Wisconsin.

[x] Ron Pasewald, BS RRT, RRT-ACCS Ron is a licensed RT in Wisconsin since 2005, currently serving in the role as MSL for Liquidia. Ron is the past president of the WSRC and current chair of the RCIC - Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Task Force.

[x] Anja Dreps, RRT, RPFT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Anja Dreps, became a Respiratory Therapist while serving in the US Army Reserves. After completion of the 91V Respiratory Specialist program, she completed some coursework to earn an ASRT degree in Respiratory Therapy from Moraine Park Technical College, a BSRT from the University of Southern Indiana, and a Master of Science in Respiratory Care from Boise State University. Anja worked at Wheaton Franciscan- St Joseph Campus for fourteen years, specializing in adult critical care, pulmonary function testing, and neonatal intensive care, and eventually took a role as a department supervisor. Anja left her role with Wheaton Franciscan HC to take a Supervisor of Respiratory Care/Neurodiagnostics position with Aurora Health Care before becoming the Program Director at MPTC in 2020.

[x] Jessica George, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Jessica George is the Manager of Respiratory Care at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and President-Elect of the Wisconsin Society for Respiratory Care. She is actively engaged at the national level, chairing an AARC Clinical Practice Guideline development team and serving on the AARC Safe & Effective Staffing Guide Committee. A graduate and mentor of the AARC Emerging Leaders Program, Jessica is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in respiratory care. She also serves as part-time faculty at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Jessica is dedicated to advancing value-based, evidence-driven respiratory care while championing professional growth and building a strong, sustainable workforce.

Welcome Remarks

Management

Elevating Your Practice: Professional Growth for Respiratory Therapists
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Dana Evans, MHA, RRT,RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP
Sponsored by AARC

[x] Dana Evans, MHA, RRT,RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP Dana is honored to serve as the 2025-2026 President of the AARC. She is also the Regional Respiratory Care Director for the Illinois and Wisconsin divisions of Advocate Health supporting respiratory care teams in 28 hospitals. Dana received a bachelor's degree in respiratory care and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Missouri. She has served the respiratory care profession in many roles, including neonatal/pediatric critical care, adult critical care, transport medicine, program faculty, and as an RT leader. She is a board-certified healthcare leader as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a distinction that has been achieved by less than 8500 healthcare leaders, and is also a Fellow of the AARC and National Academies of Practice.

Adult Acute Care

Advanced Mechanical Ventilation Monitoring and Application
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
David Grooms, RRT, MSHS
Sponsored by UW Health Transplant Center

[x] David Grooms, RRT, MSHS David has been a respiratory therapist for 25 years and currently serves as the Clinical Operations Manager for Hamilton Medical. David has publishe in peer and non-peer reviewed journals, along with textbooks, and lectures nationally and internally on mechanical ventilation.

BREAK

Education

Simulation Design Workshop
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Shannon DiMarco, MSHS, CHSOS, FSSH
Gina Tranel, RN, MSMS, CHSE
Sponsored by Laerdal Medical

[x] Shannon DiMarco, MSHS, CHSOS, FSSH Shannon DiMarco has been involved with healthcare simulation methodology and research since 2014. With an undergraduate background in communication and a strong interest in adult learning theories, Shannon transitioned into healthcare simulation research under Dr. Carla M. Pugh at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she helped lead well-funded research assessing clinical performance and skills retention. Shannon earned her Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2020. Recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Student in her cohort and an Alpha Eta inductee, she utilized her communication expertise and interest in faculty development to implement new training systems for her capstone project. Currently, Shannon is the Administrative Director of Emergency Education and Clinical Simulation at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a joint effort between UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health. She sits on the External Relations Committee of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, served as a planning co-chair for IMSH 2025, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at UW–Madison. In partnership with Gina Tranel, she provides simulation facilitation training on a global scale, grounded in best practices in simulation frameworks, curriculum development, and debriefing.

[x] Gina Tranel, RN, MSMS, CHSE Gina Tranel has been working within the Clinical Simulation Program since 2013. Starting as a student intern her passion for simulation education development and after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edgewood College, she joined UW Health on the D6/5 acute medical and progressive care unit while simultaneously serving as a part-time simulation educator. In 2018, Gina transitioned to a full-time role as a simulation educator and, in May 2021, she graduated with her Master of Science in Medical and Health Care Simulation degree from Drexel University. She is particularly passionate about the development of simulation facilitators and has collaborated with Shannon DiMarco to design innovative simulation facilitator modules and in-person courses. In partnership, they provide simulation facilitation training on a global scale, grounded in best practices in simulation frameworks, curriculum development, and debriefing.

Adult Acute Care

Reducing Post-Operative Pulmonary Complications Using PAP and People
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4
Melissa Olson, MHA, RRT-ACCS
Sponsored by Monaghan Medical

[x] Melissa Olson, MHA, RRT-ACCS Melissa obtained her BSRT from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Melissa has served in various adult critical care roles since then, as a staff and charge RT at the University of Minnesota East Bank, as the RT supervisor at the Bethesda Covid hospital, and since 2021, as Clinical Educator for Respiratory Care at M Health Fairview. She also served as adjunct instructor at St. Catherine University. Melissa serves on the MSRC as a past BOD member, and chairs the HOSA and Student Affairs committees. Melissa graduated with a masters degree in healthcare administration from Briar Cliff University and is always on the lookout for better, quicker, and less expensive ways to deliver excellent patient care.

Adult Acute Care

High Flow Therapy: Techniques and Best Practices for Effective Use
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4
Lisa Knigge, MEd, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
Sponsored by Aerogen

[x] Lisa Knigge, MEd, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C With a Master’s degree in Education and over 10 years of experience in respiratory therapy, Lisa is an experienced educator and clinician dedicated to developing the next generation of respiratory professionals. She has served as both a lecturer and clinical instructor for respiratory therapy students and currently works as a Respiratory Practice Specialist at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. An accomplished presenter, she has delivered engaging, high-impact education to audiences of all sizes—from small teams to large national stages.

LUNCH

Education

Stop Calling It "Just a Project": Sharing your work at AARC Congress
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Amanda Perera, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, AE-C

[x] Amanda Perera, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, AE-C Amanda Perera has been a respiratory therapist for 13 years and currently serves as a Respiratory Practice Specialist at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. She brings diverse clinical skills and a strong focus on education and quality initiatives, including a multidisciplinary trach team. Amanda is also part-time faculty at MATC working wiht students in a clinical setting as well as werving as Co-Chair of the Education Committee for the WSRC.

Respiratory Implications of Cardiac Defects
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

Education

From Bedside to Podium: A Masterclass in Public Speaking
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Lisa Knigge, MEd, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C

[x] Lisa Knigge, MEd, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C With a Master’s degree in Education and over 10 years of experience in respiratory therapy, Lisa is an experienced educator and clinician dedicated to developing the next generation of respiratory professionals. She has served as both a lecturer and clinical instructor for respiratory therapy students and currently works as a Respiratory Practice Specialist at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. An accomplished presenter, she has delivered engaging, high-impact education to audiences of all sizes—from small teams to large national stages.

Neonatal-Pediatric

The Role of the RT in Pediatric Palliative Care and End of Life Care
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4
Chelsea Cornelius, BS, CCLS
Catherine Stevens, DNP
Brianna Van Bogaert, BS, CCLS

[x] Chelsea Cornelius, BS, CCLS 'Chelsea Cornelius (M.Div, BCC) is the Pediatric Chaplain at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, WI and part of the Pediatric Palliative Care Team, ED-Trauma Team, and the Donation Liaison for Pediatric Organ Donation.

[x] Catherine Stevens, DNP Catherine Stevens (DNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) is a provider on the Pediatric Palliative Care team at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Outside of this clinical role, she is invested in educating about Pediatric Palliative Care and is a member of the hospital ethics committee.

[x] Brianna Van Bogaert, BS, CCLS Brianna VanBogaert is a Certified Child Life Specialist at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, WI and part of the Pediatric Palliative Care Team, and facility dog handler to Cola.

BREAK

Pulmonary Function

Demystifying Lung Transplant and Dispelling Myths
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5
Robert Guzy, MD, PhD
Sponsored by UW Health Transplant Center

[x] Robert Guzy, MD, PhD Robert Guzy, MD, PhD, is a UW Health Pulmonologist and Critical Care medicine doctor. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and is the Medical Director of the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Lung Transplant Program. Dr. Guzy treats adults with advanced lung diseases, including those who need or have had lung transplant surgery. As part of a multispecialty team, Dr. Guzy works with other practitioners to develop comprehensive treatment plans. He listens to his patients’ concerns, explains complex conditions, and discusses test results and treatment options. He enjoys telling patients when they can go back to work, traveling or other activities they couldn't do because of their illness. In his free time, Dr. Guzy enjoys playing trumpet and cornet in brass bands and other community bands and orchestras.

Closing Ceremony
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5