Speakers

Michelle Anderson

Director of Administration
Session(s):
Financial Leadership for EMS-Presented by SafeTech Solutions - EMS Leadership & Supervisor Academies  |  Jan 15  |  9:00 am
Leading Others and Ourselves: A Safetech Leadership Academy Refresher  |  Jan 16  |  9:00 am

Michelle Anderson, BA, NREMT-B, Director of Administration. Michelle joined the Lakes Region EMS family as an EMT-B in 2008. She served in this role for 6 years and transitioned into the Education and Community Outreach Manager in 2014. While serving as an EMT, she was awarded the American Ambulance Association Star of Life Award, in 2011. Michelle took on the role of the Director of Administration in 2019. In this role, she has increased efficiencies and streamlined processes by reorganizing workload and vetting new opportunities. Her dedication to EMS has led to serving on the Workforce and Cost Data Collection committees through the American Ambulance Association.

Matt Ashmore

Matt has been in emergency services for 29 years. He has spent time as a paid-on-call firefighter and EMT for Eveleth, MN; a firefighter/EMT for West Des Moines Fire; a Battalion Chief/Paramedic for Hibbing Fire; and a brief stint as Chief of the Cloquet Area Fire District. Currently, he works for Essentia Health EMS Education, an instructor for Minnesota North’s Paramedic program and is the NAEMT Training Coordinator for Minnesota.

Kenneth Collins

Senior Officer of Dangerous Goods
Session(s):
Railroad Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials Awareness Training (Session 1)  |  Jan 16  |  8:00 am
Railroad Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials Awareness Training (Session 2)  |  Jan 16  |  1:00 pm

Ken Collins started his career out of high school in 1986 by joining the fire service on a department down south. During his tenure he worked with hazardous materials response companies for more then 20 years. After retiring from the career fire department in 2012 he took a job in Pueblo, Co. at SERTC as a hazmat instructor teaching responders and contractors as well as railroad personnel on how to handle emergency responses to highway, rail and intermodal response. In 2015 Ken was hired by CN (Canadian National) as a Dangerous Goods Officer based out of Stevens Point, WI. His response territory covers the Midwest division for CN. Ken is also a captain at a combination fire department in central Wisconsin holding a rank as Captain as well is a member of Waupaca County Hazmat team.

Dan Craigie

Strategic Development Director

As the Director of Government Strategy at GeoComm, Dan leads all government affairs activities to include legislative initiatives and engagement with elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. Prior to GeoComm, Dan was the 9-1-1 Program Manager and Deputy Director for the Emergency Communication Networks Division at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and worked with a variety of stakeholders including State and County partners on all aspects related to 9-1-1 including the statewide GIS project for NG9-1-1.

Kerry Degen

Deputy Chief of Education

Kerry is the Deputy Chief of Education with Hennepin EMS. He has been involved in EMS for over 30 years, serving in several capacities including paramedic, flight paramedic, supervisor, manager and college faculty. He continues to work in the clinical environment as a Flight Paramedic with Life Link III.

Jason Dush

Paramedic
Session(s):
Hands On Approach to Patient Care  |  Jan 18  |  9:15 am
It's In Our Back Yard: Domestic Terrorism on the Rise  |  Jan 19  |  9:30 am

Jason works as a paramedic in the ER at a large children's hospital and returned to his passion serving the critically sick and injured as a critical care flight paramedic in 2022. Jason previously served 7.5 years as the Operational Medicine Unit Manager for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Prior to working for DPS, he was the Chief Operating Officer for a national ambulance transport company. He previously worked as full-time Firefighter Paramedic for the Arlington Fire Department for 10 years where he also served as the EMS Clinical Coordinator for 3 years. Jason's resume includes 30 years of paid EMS/Fire with 2 different large metropolitan departments and 13.5 years as a Critical Care flight paramedic. Jason has been an active commissioned police officer and Tactical Paramedic since 1997, currently commissioned as a Detective with the Valley Mills Police Department. Jason is passionate about EMS education and is a known speaker locally and nationally over the last 20 years for bringing a sense of motivation, humor, passion, energy, leadership, and practical experience to his audience.

Sophie Fuller

Paramedic

Sophie Fuller, CC-P NREMT-P, A.A.S

Sophie Fuller is a paramedic out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee–- you may also be familiar with her as Paramedic Sophie from the social media platform, TikTok. Sophie has worked in the prehospital setting for 5 years and continues to work for a mixed urban and rural EMS service as a paramedic and field training officer.
Sophie is passionate about promoting accessible education, empowering young people in EMS, and advocating for positive culture and first responder mental health.

Now, as Sophie always says, “Go change someone's world.”

Social Media: @ParamedicSophie
Email: paramedicsophie@gmail.com

Mike Gau

Master

Mike is a Certified Master Instructor with over 20 yrs. experience at
Tae Kwon Do
Hapkido Instructor, Womens Self Defense, Itasca Comm Col. Mother/Teen Self Defense
United States Marine Corps Recruit Special Training.
Representing Northland Tae Kwon Do

Lucas Goodin

Owner
Session(s):
EMT Refresher (Session 1)  |  Jan 15  |  8:00 am
EMT Refresher (Session 2)  |  Jan 16  |  8:00 am
Peds Toxicology: One Pill Can Kill  |  Jan 17  |  1:30 pm
Hands On Approach to Patient Care  |  Jan 18  |  9:15 am
Neonatal Resuscitation  |  Jan 19  |  10:45 am

Lucas Goodin, NRP, CC-P, FF, has over 25 years experience as a Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director working in the prehospital setting along with 20 years in the hospital setting in both the Emergency Department and as the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness. He has worked all over the world teaching and providing advanced care in austere environments.

Reed Groth

Flight Paramedic

Reed Groth, a dedicated flight paramedic, has made significant contributions to the field of emergency medical services (EMS). Let’s delve into his remarkable journey:
•Background and Early Career:
◦Reed embarked on his EMS career in 2002, driven by a passion for helping others during critical moments. His commitment to patient care led him to pursue paramedic certification, which he achieved in 2005.
◦In the early years, Reed worked tirelessly on the streets of Bismarck, North Dakota, serving with both Metro Ambulance and FM Ambulance in Fargo. These experiences honed his skills and solidified his dedication to saving lives.
•Taking Flight:
◦In 2016, Reed transitioned to a new chapter in his career—the world of aeromedical transport. Joining Sanford AirMed, he became a flight paramedic, responding to emergencies from the skies. The unique challenges of flight medicine fascinated him, and he embraced this high-stakes role with enthusiasm.
•Certifications and Expertise:
◦Reed’s commitment to excellence led him to pursue advanced certifications. He holds the prestigious Flight Paramedic Certification (FP-C), demonstrating his mastery of critical care in the air.
◦Additionally, Reed completed Safety Management Training through the Association of Air Medical Services. This knowledge equips him to handle complex situations while ensuring safety protocols are rigorously followed.
•Beyond the Cockpit:
◦Reed’s passion extends beyond the cockpit and medical equipment. He is also a private pilot, combining his love for aviation with his life-saving mission.
◦When he’s not in the air or on duty, Reed cherishes quality time with his wife and three boys. Whether at the lake, coaching wrestling, or baseball, family remains at the heart of his life.
Reed Groth’s unwavering dedication to EMS, aviation, and family exemplifies the spirit of a true paramedic. His impact reaches far beyond the clouds, touching lives when seconds matter most.

Marlyn Halvorson

Emergency Management Director

Marlyn has been the Carlton County Emergency Management Director since June of 2020. Prior to that, he was a Deputy with the Itasca County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. During that time, he served as the Itasca County Emergency Manager for 10 years. He has 34 years in the public safety sector. In those 34 years of public safety, Marlyn served 10 years as a Paramedic and 20 years as a Firefighter. He continues to expand on his public safety knowledge and as a leader in the public safety community. His professional affiliations include the following: Board Member of the Arrowhead EMS 2016 -Present Vice-Chair of the Northeast Healthcare Preparedness Coalition Advisory 2018 - Present President of the Arrowhead Regional Association of Emergency Managers (AREMA) 2016-Present MN Certified Emergency Management Director 2012 - Present Paramedic 1988-1998 (Retired)

Greg Hayes

EMS Coordinator

Greg Hayes began his distinguished career in the Public Safety field in 1992. In 2012, he was appointed Director of Public Safety for a Tribal Nation, where he served selflessly for nine years. Throughout his career, Greg has held various roles, including Firefighter/EMT, line officer, assistant chief, assistant director of emergency management, public health official, and leader within the Minnesota Type 3 Incident Management Team. He currently serves in a critical public safety interagency coordination role within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan region for the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, which comprises the 10-county metro area, including the City of Minneapolis.
Greg's professional education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on Homeland Security, from which he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, he holds certifications as an Emergency Manager, in Incident Management Team positions, as a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer, Instructor, Inspector, and Hazardous Materials Technician.
Known for his energy, engagement, humility, and servant leadership, Greg has led organizations to achieve high levels of success. Driven by organizational mission and values, he is recognized for his engaging presentations on motivational leadership, where he emphasizes the importance of an individual credo. One notable example of his leadership includes co-leading a Public Health team tasked with building a Tribal public health department at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Utilizing his command skills from public safety, he rapidly created a situational status structure focusing on future trends, which informed tribal elected leaders in implementing new policies. This enabled the Tribal Nation to lead the State of Minnesota in safely reopening public venues such as businesses, golf courses, and entertainment facilities.
Greg's 32 years of service and his exceptional leadership have helped many individuals and organizations achieve a higher level of public safety service.

Latimer Hoke

Advanced EMT
Session(s):
I wish I’d learned it that way the first time!  |  Jan 18  |  11:30 am
Not just squiggly lines: ECG overview for BLS providers  |  Jan 18  |  1:30 pm
Tick-talk, lub-dub: Lyme-induced heart failure  |  Jan 19  |  8:00 am

As an Advanced EMT and EMS instructor, Latimer Hoke has worked in rural EMS since 2009, working for and with dozens of emergency service organizations in Vermont and Montana, as well as in Canada. These experiences involve volunteer and career EMS agencies, fire departments, law enforcement, emergency communications, ski patrol, and search and rescue. He has managed supply ordering, served as training officer, and written policies for many workplaces. In addition to EMS, Latimer holds a B.S. in Secondary English Education, a M.Ed. in Education Leadership, and Senior Alpine certification with the National Ski Patrol.

Kirk Hughes

Education Director/Poison Specialist

Kirk is the Education Director and a Poison Specialist at the Minnesota Regional Poison Center since 2000. He is a retired Firefighter with 27 years of experience and continues to also work as a NREMT for the last 29 years. He has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journal such as Clinical Toxicology and The Journal of Neonatology and has worked as a Death Scene Investigator for the Hennepin County Medical Examiners office.

Mark Johnston

Burn Nurse
Session(s):
Top 10 things for rural providers to know about Burn Injuries  |  Jan 17  |  10:15 am

Mark Johnston is the Manager for the Burn Center Program at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Mark graduated from nursing school in 1991 and started working in the burn center as a staff nurse shortly after. Mark has experience as the clinical educator, clinical supervisor and EMS instructor. Mark has long been involved in education and enjoys teaching EMS providers and hospital staff about burn injuries. He has recently retired as a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Inver Grove Heights Fire Department.

Michael Juntunen

Coordinator of Community Paramedicine

With 20+ years in prehospital medicine, Michael Juntunen has held a variety of roles that give him a broad perspective of the healthcare system in the United States as well as a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Michael has worked as front-line Paramedic in both the hospital and pre-hospital settings, has been a site supervisor and a regional manager; but most recently has taken on the role of building and expanding Mayo Clinic’s Community Paramedic service. In addition to his role at Mayo Clinic, he is also an instructor, speaker, and sits on a variety of regional and state EMS committees; one of which is a recent appointment as President of the Minnesota Ambulance Association.

Katy Kressin

West Central TZD Program Coordinator, Paramedic

Katy Kressin is the West Central Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths Program coordinator. As a former Flight Paramedic with 20+ years in emergency medicine, she brings a wealth of experience to her work in traffic safety. Katy is also a dedicated educator, training first responders and healthcare professionals across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Alex Lacey

MD

Dr. Alexandra Lacey is a Burn Surgeon at the Regions Hospital Burn Center in St. Paul, MN. She specializes in Critical Care, surgery, rehabilitation and reconstruction for burn and frostbite patients as well as patients with various other skin conditions.
Dr. Lacey attended medical school at the University of Minnesota and graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha honors in 2014. She completed her general surgery residency at Hennepin County Medical Center specializing in trauma, burn and critical care. She went on to complete a critical care and burn fellowship at the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Burn Center. She worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Burn/Acute Care/Trauma and SICU surgeon and was active in resident education and curriculum development.
She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutritional Science.
In 2022 she accepted a position as a Burn Center attending at Regions Hospital Burn Center.
Dr. Lacey is considered an expert amongst her peers in the treatment of Frostbite injuries. She has many publications on the treatment of frostbite injuries and the surrounding sequala. Most recently she served as the Course Director on Frostbite: Current controversies and care at the American Burn Association’s annual meeting in 2023.
She is an avid roller derby competitor and has competed in many roller derby bouts since medical school. She also enjoys spending time skiing and biking with her husband and 2 boys.

Matthew Lange

Paramedic

Growing up in Madelia MN, I have always had a strong need to help others. I attended Ridgewater College for Law Enforcement. During that time I was employed by the City Of Willmar Police Department as a Community Service Officer. After a fire devastated my home town in 2016, I moved back to the area to call Truman MN Home. Here, I joined the Truman Fire Department, received my firefighter 1 & 2, education and certification, and obtained my Emergency Medical Responder. I would go on to obtain my NREMT through South Central College and join the Truman Ambulance Service. During the fall of 2018 I accepted a full time career with Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service in Fairmont MN. I would obtain my Paramedic Certification through the School of EMS in Sioux Falls SD and currently serve in a paramedic role with Mayo Clinic Ambulance. I am the EMS Education Coordinator and Instructor with SASCS in Minnesota Lake and an Instructor for the South Central EMS Region. I sit as an advisor on the South Central EMS Regional Board as a representative for Martin County Fire and EMS.

I currently reside in Truman MN with my wife Kristen, (an EMT also!) and our mixed family. We have 6 children between the two of us. I have a real passion for Fire, EMS, EMS education, practice, community education and outreach. I am still serving the local community of Truman as a Firefighter and Paramedic for the Truman Ambulance as a volunteer member and the Assistant Director of Operations and Training Officer.

Nick Larson

Coordinator of Surgical Research

Nick Larson BA, NREMT is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a Bachelors in Physiology. He currently works as the Research Coordinator for the Department of Surgery at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, MN where he manages all investigator-initiated work for the Departments of Surgery, Trauma, and Burn.

Spencer Lewison

Community Paramedic

I began my career in EMS over thirteen years ago, working as an EMT and then finishing Paramedic school shortly after. I have held paramedic positions for multiple EMS ambulance services in the Twin Cities throughout my career, while also gleaning as much knowledge as possible from other roles such as emergency departments, clinic rapid response, communications, and dispatching. I also obtained my critical care certification and held the role of flight paramedic for a Twin Cities flight service. I currently work in the role of a Community Paramedic within Mayo Clinic Ambulance, specifically as a Care Team Assistant, to ensure our new patient referrals for the Community Paramedic Service are assessed, a care plan is made with the referring medical team and patients are then accepted to our service for further out-patient care.

Tyler Lupkes

Battalion Chief

Advocate for the team members and customers. Experienced paramedic with a demonstrated history of working in multiple disciplines of the public safety arena, including medical, fire, law, 911 dispatch, and emergency management. Dedicated healthcare services professional with completed coursework focused in EMS Management from Creighton University and Emergency Management through Minnesota Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Metro Region EMS Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair, Regional Response Board EMS Representative, and National Football League Fire/EMS Committee Member. Strong leader with exemplary record of departmental and industry promotion.

John McClellan

Freeway Operations Supervisor

John McClellan is the Freeway Operations Supervisor at MNDOT’s Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC). John has worked for the DOT since 2002. John’s group is responsible for monitoring 1,400 Minnesota freeway traffic cameras; locating incidents, deploying overhead signs, coordinating response with State Patrol and dispatching the Freeway Incident Response Safety Team (FIRST). John is a regular presenter to first responders on highway safety and emergency traffic control.

Sarayna McGuire

Medical Director, Quality and Research
Session(s):
Prehospital Workplace Violence: Rethinking Scene Safety  |  Jan 17  |  10:15 am
It's Time to Talk to Prehospital Clinicians: Improving Patient Follow-Up and Feedback to EMS  |  Jan 17  |  11:30 am

Dr. Sarayna McGuire is a practicing physician in both EMS and emergency medicine, and is active in education, clinical medicine, and research. 

She is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where she served as a military police officer, which has led to interests in tactical medicine, mitigating workplace violence, and improving integrated system collaboration, such as between the prehospital and hospital environments. 

An assistant professor at the Mayo Clinic, she is completing a Postdoctoral Masters in Research while continually working to improve communication and safety throughout all facets of healthcare through research and quality improvement. She serves as Associate Medical Director of Quality and Research for Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service.

Todd Messer

Fire Inspector

I started in the fire service in 1986 at the age of 16. I have worked my up through the ranks and held every title but a chief officer. I have served as a FAO, FTO, Lieutenant, Station Officer, Training Officer, Instructor for class room, live burn and examiner, both locally and statewide. I have served as a Captain for administration and Operations and have participated in officer development training for many years. I have strived to promote firefighters up through the ranks, bring out the great qualities our people have and worked to build them up for success in the public safety Industry.

Scott Moore

Owner

Scott Moore, Esq. is the owner of Moore EMS Consulting, LLC and an active EMT for over 33 years. Scott has held various executive positions at several ambulance services in Massachusetts. Scott is a licensed attorney, specializing in Human Resources, employment law, reimbursement, and compliance matters. Scott is the Human Resources & Operational Consultant to the American Ambulance Association (AAA). Scott created Newton 360, a performance feedback and operational efficiency mobile platform designed specifically for EMS agencies. Scott is a licensed attorney and is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the State of Illinois, the State of Texas, and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. In addition, Scott holds certifications as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Society for Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer (CACO). Scott currently serves as the legal representative on the Panel of Commissioners for the Commission on the Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). Scott serves as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor for the University of Maryland Baltimore County EHS Graduate Program. In addition, Scott is currently serving on the Board of Directors for The Savvik Foundation, The Code Green Campaign, and the Employers Against Domestic Violence.

Ryan Mueller

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist

I am a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist at Hennepin County Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma hospital here in Minnesota. At HCMC, we treat both chronic, and acute emergent cases. We are one of the few facilities nationwide that is on-call 24 hours a day. I am also a local, full-time Twin Cities Firefighter/EMT. In addition to being a first-responder, I also enjoy working in our department's ALS ambulance crews alongside my paramedic partners. I have been involved with Hyperbaric Medicine for over 5 years, and love the practice. I am encouraged by the positive outcomes I have seen in patients, and, love to educate others in healthcare about the accessibility and many benefits of this treatment. My unique perspective allows me to see patients, both, in the prehospital setting, as well as in-hospital receiving their treatment.

Richard Mullvain

STEMI Program Manager & Clinical Pharmacist

Richard is a board certified cardiology pharmacist, and is the STEMI Program Manager for Essentia Health. Richard is a well known educator in the Northland, and was the Co-Chair of the AHA Minnesota Mission Lifeline Project. He has 19 publications related to heart attack care. Richard has dedicated his career to improving STEMI Systems of Care, and saving lives. He also has a fishing problem!

Lindsay Pacey-Allen

Director of Anatomy Labs

Lindsay Pacey-Allen received her M.S. in Clinical Anatomy from Creighton University, her M.Ed. from the College of Saint Scholastica (CSS), & her MSMEd from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She is the director of anatomy labs & a lab instructor for
undergraduate students at CSS.

Scott Peterson

Owner

Scott has been involved in martial arts for 33 years, have conducted numerous self-defense courses, was previously certified as a PPCT (pressure point control tactics) instructor, and has instructed classes for marine recruits.

Aaron Peth

Special Instructor
Session(s):
That’s the Stuff Nightmares are Made of: Lessons Learned from Challenging Airway Cases  |  Jan 18  |  10:15 am
Suffering in Silence: One Paramedic's Journey Through Post-Traumatic Treatment  |  Jan 18  |  11:30 am

Aaron maintains a full-time clinical role while serving as a Special Faculty member in Creighton University’s Department of Paramedicine. Aaron is also a frequent speaker at local, state, and regional continuing education events. He has over fifteen years of experience in various levels of emergency medicine including clinical, urban, suburban, rural, and austere international environments. Additionally, Aaron was a sworn law enforcement officer for five years for both rural and urban law enforcement agencies. Aaron holds a Master’s degree in Paramedicine and Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Services, both from Creighton University. His research and professional interests include prehospital airway management, bringing critical care level care to the prehospital environment, and first responder mental health.

Jenna Pogorels

Associate Director of Community Services

Jenna Pogorels is the Associate Director of Community Services in Northern MN for the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter based out of Duluth, MN. Jenna received her Master in Social Work from the University of Washington, Tacoma, and is licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Jenna has over ten years of experience working with families in various settings, including hospital/clinic and community organization settings. Jenna has worked with the Alzheimer’s Association for 11 years and has been focused in the areas of dementia program services, including the management of the support groups, as well as the development of relationships and community partnerships in greater Minnesota through education and outreach.

Anthony Pojman

DPM
Session(s):
Sepsis/Diabetic Foot and Lower Extremity Infections. How to Identify and Manage in the Pre Hospital Setting  |  Jan 18  |  1:30 pm

I am a Podiatric Physician with 35 years of experience, currently practicing at Park Nicollet Clinic in the Twin Cities. My interest was in diabetes/ulcerations and diabetic limb salvage procedures. I am Board Certified in Foot Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Over my career, I have worked at Methodist Hospital and Saint Francis Medical Center and maintain a busy clinical practice with plans to retire in 2025.

In addition to my medical career, I am a veteran of the United States Navy, where I served as a Hospital Corpsman. My assignments included the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, where I managed the ship's 54-bed inpatient ward and 3-bed ICU and was part of the emergency medical response team. I was also stationed at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Philadelphia, working as an EMT on the ambulance, responding to calls on the Naval Base and shipyard.

Community service has always been a passion of mine. I retired after 33 years with the Eagan, Minnesota Fire Department, where I was deeply involved, serving on various committees and as the Health and Safety Officer for eight years. Additionally, I served as a part-time licensed deputy with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office for 11 years, performing patrol and water patrol duties.

Currently, I am an Emergency Medical Responder with the South Aitkin First Responders.

Aarron Reinert

Executive Director and Partner

Aarron Reinert holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and is the Executive Director for Lakes Region EMS. Lakes Region EMS is a rural ambulance service serving Minnesota and Wisconsin composed of 85 full-time staff with a Paramedic/EMT staffing pattern. Previous to Lakes Region EMS, Aarron was the Field Services Manager for the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. At the EMSRB, his projects included creating and implementing a statewide web based data collection system, developing statewide EMS communication systems, and coordinating EMS bioterrorism preparedness.

Aarron has become nationally known as a leader, master teacher and expert in management, leadership, system design and applied best practices in rural and small town emergency medical services systems. Aarron has been involved in emergency medical services for more than 29 years and is the executive director of an emergency medical service in central Minnesota. He is well known for asking tough questions and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. Using such tools as the Balanced Scorecard, Aarron helps organizations recognize the necessary balance between finance, customer service, employee satisfaction and community awareness. Aarron’s recognized understanding of current emergency services issues led to him serving on numerous national boards and projects and to an appointment as chairperson of the National EMS Advisory Council by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Frederick Rogers

Director of Research
Session(s):
The Pregnant Trauma Patient in Extremis- What to Know for the Prehospital Provider  |  Jan 17  |  1:30 pm
Filling in the Gaps of the American Trauma System  |  Jan 17  |  3:30 pm

Professor of Surgery, University of Minnesota
Frederick B. Rogers, M.D. ’81 is a former Senior Trauma Research Consultant and former Division Chief and Trauma Medical Director, Program Director General Surgery Residency, and Director of Research at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. He has been a dedicated trauma surgeon for more than 30 years. He holds appointments as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Surgery at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine and Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine as well as Professor of Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Following his medical education at The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, he completed his General Surgery Residency at The University of Illinois at Chicago and Trauma Fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Rogers collaborates extensively in trauma surgery, critical care, education and research. His research interests include trauma system development with a focus on Level IV trauma centers, geospatial mapping of variance within organized trauma systems, and inferior vena cava filters in severely injured patients. Recently, he was published in the coveted New England Journal of Medicine, A Multicenter Trial of Vena Cava Filters in Severely Injured Patients, a Randomized Control Trial of over 240 trauma patients which is a most significant contribution to the trauma arena. This adds to his 290 publications in peer-reviewed journals pin addition to 329 presentations and lectures on various trauma care, critical care and trauma system development topics.

Rachel Rouse

Founder

Rachel Rouse, the compassionate founder of EmergeCoaching, brings her rich background in early childhood education, K-12 special education, psychology, and neurodiversity to the world of emergency medical services. Driven by her belief that every family deserves a joyful, understanding home environment, Rachel has developed a wealth of practical tools and strategies that she now shares with first responders. Her engaging presentations focus on best practices for interacting with neurodivergent patients, helping EMS professionals create more inclusive and effective care experiences.

As an educator and advocate for neurodivergent youth, Rachel's expertise spans from developing nationwide teacher onboarding programs to bridging the gap between families, caregivers, and emergency responders. Her unique approach, combining deep knowledge of child development, critical thinking, and inclusive practices, proves invaluable in high-stress situations. Rachel's gentle guidance and practical insights continue to touch lives across various settings, fostering spaces of joy, understanding, and effective support for all, especially in the vital realm of emergency medical services.

Jeffery Schultz

Jeff Schultz began his EMS career in 1982 as a volunteer EMT. He transitioned to a full-time EMT in 1984 and continued both full-time and volunteer EMS. He completed his paramedic education in 1987 at Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan and went to work for Croswell EMS in Croswell, Michigan. During this time, he was awarded paramedic of the year in 1989 and 1990. In 1997, he began a career as a paramedic/instructor at Tri-Hospital EMS in Port Huron Michigan. Currently he works as a paramedic and an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. He is the Program Director for the Paramedic Program and for the Community Paramedic Program at Mayo Clinic. He attended Rochester Community and Technical College for an associate degree in Intensive Care Paramedicine and Oregon State University for his B.S. in Natural Resource Management.

Mark Scott

Trauma Medical Director

Dr. Scott is the trauma medical director of Essentia Health - St. Mary’s Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center in Duluth, MN. He graduated from Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine, then completed residency in general surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN and a fellowship in surgical critical care at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.

Brenda Shafer-Pellinen

Eldercare Development Partnership Program Coordinator/Board Member, Minnesota Elder Justice Center
Session(s):
Elder Abuse 101: Education, Prevention & Resources  |  Jan 18  |  1:30 pm

Brenda has worked for the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging (AAAA) since 2016 and is a planner working primarily under the Eldercare Development Partnership (EDP) grant through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. EDP staff work with service providers, local governments, and other partners to explore and develop innovative programs, pilot system changes, or utilize technology or informal resources to meet the growing and changing needs of the long-term care system. One of the EDP challenges is to look at service gaps and unaddressed issues impacting the older population in our region and strategize how to bring individuals and organizations to the table across the sectors to address those needs. Brenda’s primary areas of focus include workforce issues and housing options in the region. EDP staff also provide technical assistance to partners; grantees and potential grantees for Title III federal dollars as well as recipients of Minnesota Department of Human Services Live Well at Home and Dementia grants.

Prior to working with the AAAA, Brenda had almost 20 years’ experience working in the state legislative sector strategizing on policy initiatives and helping stakeholders work together to alleviate points of controversy.

Brenda received her Bachelor of Arts in Aging Policy and Advocacy from Metropolitan State University. In addition, Brenda completed both the Certificate in Aging and Disabilities and Care Transitions Training Program through Boston University Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research. Brenda also completed leadership training through the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs (University of Minnesota).

Brenda is a member of the Minnesota Elder Justice Center Board of Directors.

Nick Simpson

Chief EMS Medical Director
Session(s):
Double Sequential Defibrillation  |  Jan 17  |  11:30 am

Nick Simpson is the Chief Medical Director for Hennepin EMS in Minneapolis. He also works as an Emergency Physician at HCMC in Downtown Minneapolis. He is Assistant Program Director of the EMS Fellowship at Hennepin Healthcare and Associate Medical Director of the ECMO Program at Hennepin Healthcare. He is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Joan Somes

Educator; Senior Driver Grant Manager
Session(s):
Old MacDonald Drives a Truck - Two Ways to Use Information How Aging Affects Driving and Helping Older (age 60+) Drivers  |  Jan 19  |  10:45 am

Joan Somes PhD, RN-BC, FAEN, worked for 40 years as an emergency nurse. She currently works part-time for the MN Dept. of Health, MN Dept. of Public Safety, Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services, and as an independent instructor. She is the grant manager for the DPS/OTS Older Driver Safety Project that was awarded to MN Emergency Nurses Association. Joan is also the geriatric section editor for the Journal of Emergency Nursing and has been published several times, including an article on developing a program that can be used to increase older driver safety. Joan is chair of the Minnesota Emergency Nurses Association ‘s Quality, Safety, and Injury Prevention Committee and a member of the Minnesota Toward Zero Death Coalition. Joan has presented on the emergency assessment and care of patients and injury prevention locally, regionally, and nationally.

Pete Tanghe

Medical Director

Pete is the Chief Medical Director with North Memorial Health Ambulance Services. His work includes operational support of North Memorial’s Air Care, Community Paramedics, Emergency Dispatch and Ground Ambulance Services. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Systems. His clinical work includes attending at a Level 1 trauma center and Community and Rural Critical Access Hospitals. As an EMS physician he provides in person and telemedicine care with the 911, interfacility and Community Paramedic team. His role allows him to see a broad spectrum of how people experience a variety of issues in diverse situations and settings. He appreciates working with a team to solve complex problems and care for others. He is a current Bloomberg Fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health focusing on the topic of addiction and overdose.

Sean Trebiatowski

Officer of Dangerous Goods

Sean Trebiatowski recently became the new Dangerous Goods Officer for CPKC in May of 2024. His Territory covers Minnesota, North Dakota portions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Mr. Trebiatowski started his career as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Chaska, MN. He has spent the last 12 years working as an Emergency Response Manager and Director of Emergency Response for hazmat contactors in the
Twin Cities Area. He has experience ranging from chemical spills/releases, large scale fires to
emergency medical response. He’s lead teams through major train derailments, industrial service
maintenance projects, spill clean-ups and various product transfers including but not limited to
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Anhydrous Ammonia, various Crude Oils as well as Kosher and Food Grade Products.

Ben Wasmund

Director of Operations

Ben has been the Director of Operations since 2011. Prior to becoming the director, he held numerous roles within this organization including, EMT, Paramedic, Field Lead, Supervisor and Manager. Ben has more than 24 years of diverse experience in emergency medical services and has held positions in EMS operations in both paid and volunteer EMS organizations. He began his career in a small rural BLS ambulance service and through the years helped to advance this service to a combination full time/volunteer ALS system. He recently celebrated over 24 years with this department where he still works as a Paramedic. In addition to his volunteer and front line EMS experience, he has been a firefighter and has worked and trained in the Fire and Rescue arena including: Vehicle Extrication, High Angle Rope Rescue, Dive Rescue Operations and Tactical EMS. Ben brings his leadership experience as a Director and personal experiences of working at all levels of systems as a volunteer working for different EMS systems across multiple states.

Ty Weigman

Partner Engagement Manager
Session(s):
The Disaster March: SALT Mass Casualty Triage  |  Jan 17  |  11:30 am

Ty has 20 years in EMS. He spent the first part of his career in Grand Forks as a paramedic for the hospital and SWAT team. After that he moved to Hibbing, MN where he worked as a firefighter/paramedic. Currently, he works for Lifelink III, starting as a flight paramedic and worked his way up to Partner Engagement Manager. He also currently works for Essentia EMS as a casual paramedic, and teaches EMS as well. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and numerous certificates in EMS.

Douglas Wildermuth

Director of EMS

Doug is currently employed by Clarkson University as its first Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He accepted this challenge after being involved with EMS for 30 years. His passion for EMS education started in 1992 when his college advisor encouraged him to take an instructor course for every EMS course he took. After graduating from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s in Health Science, he continues to instruct EMS courses in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and EMS leadership programs. His career also includes a distinguished 20 years as a New York State Trooper. Doug was responsible for equipping all the New York State Troop vehicles with AEDs and training over 6,500 employees in CPR and AED use. Building a new forty-hour EMS program for the trooper academy that the academy still uses today was also another one of his proud achievements. After serving eight years in a special Emergency Management position as a Sergeant that oversees the dismantling of clandestine drug labs, he retired in the Spring of 2022 to better utilize his EMS expertise at Clarkson University. While maintaining his nationally registered paramedic skills on several local ambulance services in the region, he also continues his EMS ambitions by leading E5 Support Services, LLC. E5 has been supporting local ambulance agencies in staffing, training, and consulting for over 14 years. Doug is happily married for the past 24 years and resides on a small farm in Canton, NY with nearly 50 animals!

Allen Wolfe

Senior Director of Education
Session(s):
Bizarre and Unusual Clinical Case Studies 2025  |  Jan 17  |  3:30 pm
Bizarre and Unusual Clinical Case Studies 2025  |  Jan 18  |  10:15 am

Allen Wolfe is the Senior Director of Clinical Education at LifeLink III in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a Critical Care Clinical Specialist from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. He is the author of multiple research articles and books. He is the co-editor of the Principle and Practice textbook, the industry's biggest-selling publication for air and prehospital clinicians. He is the leading expert in prehospital management of LVADs in the US. He has received the Katz-Mason (2007), the Community Service Award (2010), the Jordan Award in 2009, the Barbara A. Hess Award (2010), and in 2017 he received the prestigious Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the president of Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association (2014) and sits on the Board of Certification for Emergency Nurses as its Chairman.

Aimee Zeinert

Community Paramedic

I am a Community Paramedic for Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. I have been in EMS for nearly 20 years. Starting as a volunteer First Responder, onto EMT and Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic to my current role as a Community Paramedic. I am a champion for EMS and for the patients I serve. I am honored to be an advocate for our patients and have found a passion in diabetes education.

Brad Zinniel

EMS Educator/Owner

Brad received his EMT certification in 1991 as a volunteer for the Sleepy Eye Ambulance. In 1995, Brad graduated from the Intensive Care Paramedic Program at South Central College. Brad then worked as a paramedic for North Memorial Ambulance for 22 years. Currently, Brad is an NRP for Ridgeview Ambulance.

Brad has performed many roles in his over 30 years as an EMS provider. He has been involved with local and statewide EMS issues. As a paramedic he was an FTO and site coordinator. His passion is education and QA Specialist. Over the years he has had the pleasure of being an educator with South Central College and North Memorial Ambulance. In 1998, Brad started his own EMS training center, Medical & Safety Resources. He is currently an educator for MSR, South Central Mn EMS, and Ridgeview Ambulance. His goal as an educator is to promote high quality, compassionate care.