Speakers

Matt Ashmore

EMS Program Manager
Session(s):
Engage, Simulate, Debrief: A Practical Refresher for EMS Educators  |  Jan 22  |  1:00 pm
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead  |  Jan 23  |  1:30 pm
Wake Up Dorothy! Is it a dream or a TBI?  |  Jan 25  |  10:45 am

Matt has been in emergency services for 30 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.

Kristen Bye

Police Records Technician

Kristen Bye serves as a Police Records Technician with the Lakeville Police Department, bringing more than 13 years of experience from the Minnesota Department of Health. Her public health background spans newborn screening, environmental analysis, and statewide data systems focused on preventing violent deaths and substance misuse. She is known for her strengths in program coordination, data collection, and translating complex information into meaningful insights for partners across Minnesota.

Kristen enjoys work that blends problem-solving, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. Outside the office, she loves reading, walking, cooking, and gardening, and she stays busy with her husband, their two daughters, and the family’s two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Lindzi Campbell

LPCC
Session(s):
First Responder Mental Health "When Should I Seek Help, Why is it Important, and How Do I Get Started?"  |  Jan 24  |  11:30 am

Lindzi Campbell is a psychotherapist with deep, firsthand understanding of the unique stressors faced by first responders. A retired career firefighter and the first woman hired by the Superior Fire Department in 1997, she brings nearly 25 years of experience on the front lines to her clinical work. Her practice focuses on trauma-informed care for active and retired first responders, as well as individuals navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other stress-related challenges. A Duluth native, she built her career on a foundation of public service shaped by her family’s legacy in law enforcement and fire service.

Lindzi holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology and Administration, a B.A.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Superior, and a master’s degree in clinical counseling from the University of Minnesota–Duluth. She joined Northland Psychological Services as an intern and became part of the team in 2025. Outside her work, Lindzi enjoys home improvement projects, custom fabrication, outdoor activities, cooking, gardening, and staying connected with her community—always guided by her passion for improving the wellbeing of others.

Grace Clennon

EMT
Session(s):
Engage, Simulate, Debrief: A Practical Refresher for EMS Educators  |  Jan 22  |  1:00 pm

Grace is a currently an EMT with Essentia Health and a Paramedic Student at Minnesota North College. She also has a Fire Technology AAS from Lake Superior College. Grace's background in fine arts practices combined with her EMS education gave her the skills to become a moulage artist. She has participated in mock and certification classes as well as mass casualty events to create hyper realistic visual effects for providers to assess.

Brandon Drazich

Session(s):
Anatomy Lab and Virtual Reality Lab Combined (1 Full Day) - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  8:00 am
Anatomy Lab and Virtual Reality Lab Combined (1 Full Day) - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

Dr. Brandon Drazich is an emergency physician and EMS medical director specializing in prehospital care, disaster medicine, and health equity. He has served with Essentia Health since 2022, providing EMS medical direction for Duluth and surrounding communities while practicing clinically in emergency medicine. Dr. Drazich previously completed an EMS fellowship and taught as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. His experience includes roles with the U.S. Public Health Service, Missouri 1 DMAT and a wide range of emergency response, outreach, and public health organizations.

Dr. Drazich completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He earned his MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English from Saint John’s University. He is passionate about EMS education, online and offline medical control, scene response, QA/QI, and advancing human-centered, equitable emergency care.

Danyelle Fenner

Hospitalist, East Market Sepsis Medical Director
Session(s):
Suspect Sepsis, Save Lives  |  Jan 23  |  11:30 am

Dr. Danyelle Fenner is a family medicine trained physician who attended medical school at the University of Minnesota in the twin cities and completed residency at St. Mary's Family Medicine Residency in Grand Junction, CO. She has been with Essentia for over 5 years, initially working in Ely in both outpatient and inpatient care then subsequently with the hospitalist and patient flow teams in Duluth since 2021. She joined the sepsis team as the east market sepsis medical director in 2025.

K9 Freyja

Emergency Response Canine
Session(s):
Crisis K9s-The Future of Mental Health in EMS  |  Jan 25  |  10:45 am

K9 Freyja is a certified crisis response canine serving with Arrowhead EMS in Minnesota. Trained to the highest national standards in Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, Freyja provides mental health support and peer assistance to first responders during critical incidents and disasters.

Under the guidance of her handler, Lucas Goodin, Freyja participates in incident debriefings, supports those affected by grief or trauma, and assists with fire control and rehabilitation during live training exercises. Through her work, Freyja helps first responders manage stress, build resilience, and recover from challenging events, demonstrating the unique role therapy dogs can play in emergency response.

Monte Fronk

Emergency Manager
Session(s):
Car Seat 101 for First Responders  |  Jan 23  |  11:30 am

Monte "Awan" Fronk is a 35 year Tribal Public Safety responder and spent his entire career for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe one of the 11 federally recognized in Minnesota. During his career his duties of Tribal Emergency Management broadened into Tribal Community Risk Reduction with implementing culturally competent services and programs to serve all the Tribal Districts and Urban Area of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. This included many partnerships to meet the unfunded needs of Tribal members. Monte is a certified Tribal Emergency Manager, FF I/II, Haz Mat Operations, Fire Instructor I/II, Fire Officer I/II, Public Educator I, YFPI Specialist, MN/Nat Reg EMT. A graduate of the National Fire Academy, EMI and CDP. He holds a Masters degree in Public Safety Executive Leadership.

Geoffrey Galaski

Paramedic Program Director
Session(s):
Engage, Simulate, Debrief: A Practical Refresher for EMS Educators  |  Jan 22  |  1:00 pm

Geoffrey Galaski is the Paramedic Program Director at Minnesota North College, where he also teaches as an adjunct instructor and supports EMS education across the region. With more than two decades of experience in emergency services, he has worked as a paramedic for Essentia Health and Ely Area Ambulance and previously served nearly nine years as Executive Director of the Ely Area Ambulance service. Geoff has also contributed to public safety in a variety of roles, including 911 dispatcher with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, fire chief for the Pike Sandy Britt Fire Department, and parking enforcement officer with the Duluth Police Department.

A longtime educator and EMS leader, Geoff previously spent a decade on faculty at Vermilion Community College and continues to present at EMS conferences and regional events. He is active within the Arrowhead EMS Association through board and committee service, helping advance training, leadership, and high-quality prehospital care across northern Minnesota.

Alison Galdys

MD
Session(s):
Ready for Rare: What Every First Responder Needs to Know About High-Consequence Infectious Diseases  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am

Dr. Galdys graduated from the UMN Medical School. She completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics followed by a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Galdys serves as the Assistant Medical Director of Infection Prevention and as Assistant Hospital Epidemiologist. Her research interests include the use of molecular techniques to detect transmission patterns of bacteria in healthcare settings. In addition to her Infection Prevention roles, Dr. Galdys has a clinical practice that consists of caring for general inpatient and outpatient infectious diseases. Her areas of clinical interest include Clostridioides difficile infection and orthopedic infections.

Mike Gau

Master
Session(s):
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  1:00 pm
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

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

Lucas Goodin

Owner/Director
Session(s):
EMT Refresher (Day 1 of 2)  |  Jan 21  |  8:00 am
EMT Refresher (Day 2 of 2)  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am
Friday (1/23/26) Hands on Approach to Trauma Care (All Day Class)  |  Jan 23  |  9:30 am
Labor and Delivery, This is Not What I Signed Up For  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
Out of the Fire  |  Jan 24  |  3:00 pm
Differences Shouldn't Divide Us They Should Unite Us  |  Jan 25  |  8:00 am
Hyperthermia Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke, Heat Emergencies  |  Jan 25  |  9:30 am
Crisis K9s-The Future of Mental Health in EMS  |  Jan 25  |  10:45 am

Lucas Goodin, NRP, CC-P, FF, brings over 27 years of experience as a Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director in prehospital settings, complemented by 20 years in hospital environments as an Emergency Department provider and Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness. A globally recognized expert, he has delivered advanced care and instruction in austere environments worldwide. Recently, he founded Valhalla K9 Emergency Response, a nonprofit crisis response organization and program of the Arrowhead EMS Association, deploying trauma-informed K9-handler teams to support first responders, healthcare professionals, and communities during critical incidents.

Marlyn Halvorson

Emergency Management Director
Session(s):
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  1:00 pm
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

Marlyn Halvorson has served as the Emergency Management Director for Carlton County since 2020, bringing more than three decades of experience across law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management. Before his current role, he spent 22 years as a Deputy with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, including 10 years as the county’s Emergency Manager. His public safety background includes a decade as a paramedic and 20 years as a firefighter, grounding his leadership in real-world response experience.

Marlyn is an active contributor to regional preparedness and public safety collaboration. He serves as a board member of the Arrowhead EMS Association, Vice-Chair of the Northeast Healthcare Preparedness Coalition Advisory Committee, and President of the Arrowhead Regional Association of Emergency Managers. He has been a Minnesota Certified Emergency Management Director since 2012 and continues to advance regional coordination and resilience across northeast Minnesota.

Russell Hanes

Founder
Session(s):
From Trauma to Triumph: How IWP Builds Community, Healing and Hope  |  Jan 25  |  10:45 am

Russ Hanes is the founder of the Invisible Wounds Project (IWP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health support and community for veterans and first responders—including police, fire, EMS, corrections, and dispatch personnel—and their families. Drawing on his own experiences as a first responder and son of a veteran, Hanes overcame severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation, recognizing a critical need for support systems tailored to those in high-stress, trauma-exposed careers.

Founded in 2018, the Invisible Wounds Project provides access to trauma-informed therapy, builds supportive peer communities, and offers therapeutic activities such as woodworking, art, physical training, and recreational programs like kayaking and fishing. The organization emphasizes that not all wounds are visible, creating a safe, approachable space for individuals to seek help, reconnect with meaningful activities, and address mental health challenges before reaching a crisis point.

John Hansen

Farmer and Paramedic
Session(s):
4 Wheeler and Side by Side Trauma  |  Jan 24  |  1:30 pm
Anhydrous Ammonia and Other Farm Chemicals  |  Jan 24  |  3:00 pm

John Hansen is a veteran paramedic and lifelong farmer from Granville, Iowa, bringing more than three decades of experience to both his emergency medical practice and his agricultural safety instruction. He began his EMS career in 1989, became a paramedic in 2003, and continues to serve with the Remsen and Granville Ambulance Services. A longtime educator, John has been teaching EMT courses since 1991 and represents northwest Iowa on the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association board.

Drawing from his own farm operation—where he raises crops and livestock with his son—John specializes in the unique hazards and high-risk situations found in agricultural settings. He is a sought-after speaker at state and national conferences, known for his expertise in grain bin incidents, equipment trauma, and farm-related chemical exposures. A strong advocate for farm safety, John is driven by a simple guiding principle he shares with others in agriculture: “Is this safe, and will you make it home tonight?”

Addison Hoffman

Medical Student at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus
Session(s):
Methods of Transport to Emergency Departments Due to Unintentional Drug Overdose or Withdrawal  |  Jan 24  |  1:30 pm

Addison is a medical student at the University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, previous experience as an EMT in rural and urban EMS and Emergency departments. Has plans to pursue Emergency Medicine with interests in EMS medical direction and Critical Care Medicine

Latimer Hoke

Paramedic
Session(s):
Supine Position: Mostly Just for Dead People  |  Jan 24  |  11:30 am
Dyspnea, Fear, or Both? Differentiating Breathing Problems from Hyperventilation  |  Jan 24  |  1:30 pm
How to Quit EMS  |  Jan 24  |  3:00 pm
Do It with the Lights Off: How We Overuse Lights and Sirens  |  Jan 25  |  8:00 am

Latimer has worked in rural EMS since 2009 in Vermont and Montana (and a bit in Canada). These experiences involve ambulance/first responder services, fire departments, emergency communications, ski patrol, and search and rescue. He has managed supply ordering, served as training officer, and written policies for multiple workplaces. In addition, Latimer holds a B.S. in Secondary English Education, a M.Ed. in Education Leadership, and Senior Alpine certification with the National Ski Patrol.

Josh Honeyman

DO
Session(s):
Suspect Sepsis, Save Lives  |  Jan 23  |  11:30 am

Dr. Josh Honeyman is an board certified emergency medicine physician at Essentia Health in Fargo, where he has practiced since 2015. He also serves as division chair of in-patient services, medical director of the sepsis program, section chair of emergency medicine, and a is member of the Essentia Health Board of Directors.

Dr. Honeyman earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Kirk Hughes

Professional Educator/Poison Specialist
Session(s):
Drugs of Abuse Update  |  Jan 23  |  11:30 am
Radiation 101  |  Jan 23  |  1:30 pm
Don't Munch on a Hunch  |  Jan 23  |  3:30 pm

Kirk Hughes is an RN working as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information and Education Director for the Minnesota Regional Poison Center since 2000 and has managed over 98,000 tox-related cases. He retired from the Fire Service after 27 years in July 2022 and has been an EMT for 30+ years. He has also worked as an Investigator for the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office and provided Expert Witness services for the Hennepin County Prosecutors office.

Lori Kangas-Olson

Community Development Manager
Session(s):
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Wednesday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 21  |  1:30 pm
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Thursday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 22  |  1:30 pm

Lori Kangas-Olson leads regional systems-change efforts across the Arrowhead. Her work focuses on connecting partners, improving access, and building approaches that honor the real lives of older adults and caregivers. She brings a background in community development, creative facilitation, and practical problem-solving. Lori believes aging systems work best when they’re human, collaborative, and built for long-term resilience that supports people aging where they choose.

Andy Klitzke

Medical Countermeasure Planner
Session(s):
What's a CHEMPACK and Why First Responders Need to Know  |  Jan 23  |  11:30 am

Andy Klitzke is the CHEMPACK program lead for the Medical Countermeasures Team at MN Department of Health (MDH). With 10+ years of experience in public health preparedness and healthcare emergency management, he touts strong relationships as the backbone of any preparedness activity. Prior to joining MDH in October 2023, Andy worked for the Northeast Healthcare Preparedness Coalition in Duluth, MN with a focus on supporting long-term care organizations, managing the regional cache of personal protective equipment, and developing a regional overdose fatality review program. In his spare time, Andy enjoys all things science-fiction and harvesting from his garden.

Melissa Kohn

Emergency Medicine Physician
Session(s):
Anatomy Lab and Virtual Reality Lab Combined (1 Full Day) - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  8:00 am
Anatomy Lab and Virtual Reality Lab Combined (1 Full Day) - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

Dr. Melissa Kohn is a board-certified emergency medicine specialist with over a decade of experience caring for patients in high-acuity, fast-paced clinical settings. She serves on the Emergency Medicine team at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, and practices across multiple Essentia Health emergency departments throughout the region. Known for her patient-centered approach, Dr. Kohn embraces the variety and challenges of emergency care and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for individuals and families in acute need.

Dr. Kohn earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford and completed her emergency medicine residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She further advanced her expertise by completing a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Medicine at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. She is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and brings a blend of clinical insight and community-focused care to her work in the Northland.

John Kreuser

State Emergency Response Teams Coordinator
Session(s):
Your Worst Day is Our Every Day  |  Jan 24  |  3:00 pm

John Kreuser Bio

John Kreuser is the State Emergency Response Teams Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) within the State Fire Marshal Division. With over 10 years of experience at DPS—initially with the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division before transitioning to the State Fire Marshal Division—John plays a pivotal role in educating responders across the state on oil transportation, hazardous materials, safety protocols, and the capabilities of State Emergency Response Teams during emergencies. Additionally, he provides expert technical advice as an on-call member of these teams.
John holds multiple certifications in fire safety, hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), emergency medical services (EMS), and emergency management, demonstrating his broad expertise. Since joining DPS, he has completed numerous specialized training courses and actively participated in conferences focused on public safety.
His dedication to public safety began in 2001, when he volunteered as a firefighter with the Zimmerman Fire Department. Over the years, John served as fire chief in Randall, Minnesota, for more than nine years. His experience also includes roles as an aircraft rescue firefighter at Camp Ripley, an EMT with Mayo Ambulance, and a smoke chaser for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. John remains an active member of the Zimmerman Fire Department.
With more than 23 years of experience in the field, John is passionate about training first responders, including firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement, emergency managers, public officials, and private organizations. He is also a faculty member of the American Heart Association, where he instructs courses in basic life support, EMS, hazardous materials, and fire safety.
John has been a frequent speaker at numerous statewide conferences and events, including the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Conference, the Minnesota State Fire Department Association Conference, Health Coalition meetings, Minnesota Police and Sheriffs Association Conferences, the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers, as well as local, state, and federal agency meetings and exercises.

Meredith Kujala

Social Worker
Session(s):
Differences Shouldn't Divide Us They Should Unite Us  |  Jan 25  |  8:00 am

Meredith Kujala is a social worker and disability advocate based in Cloquet, Minnesota. She serves as Program Coordinator at Advocating Change Together (ACT) and founded the nonprofit Little.NotLess to empower individuals with disabilities. Meredith educates and trains people on self-advocacy, leadership, and inclusion, striving to build accessible communities where everyone can work, play, and learn together. Drawing on her own experiences, she emphasizes a person-centered approach: “We should all focus on the person first and follow their lead toward what they want or need.”

Jess Langer

Outreach and Advocacy Specialist
Session(s):
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Wednesday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 21  |  1:30 pm
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Thursday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 22  |  1:30 pm

Jess Langer is an Outreach and Advocacy Specialist with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging. She leads public education and advocacy efforts on aging issues, engages stakeholders in the Arrowhead region to foster leadership and innovation in aging services, and manages the agency’s digital presence.

Tyler Lupkes

Battalion Chief/Emergency Manager
Session(s):
Anatomy of an Active Threat: EMS Response  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
Anatomy of an Active Threat: EMS Response (Repeat Session)  |  Jan 24  |  1:30 pm

Tyler Lupkes is an experienced paramedic and distinguished Battalion Chief of Special Operations at Hennepin EMS. With a career in emergency medical services (EMS) that began in 2005, Chief Lupkes has built a reputation for his expertise, leadership, and commitment to public safety. In his current role, Chief Lupkes is responsible for overseeing the coordination and execution of specialized emergency response operations. He leads a team of dedicated professionals, ensuring top-tier patient care and effective management of resources in high-pressure situations. In addition to his role at Hennepin EMS, Chief Lupkes serves as the elected Chair of the Minnesota Metro Region EMS System Emergency Preparedness Committee. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in shaping regional emergency preparedness strategies, fostering collaboration among various EMS agencies, and enhancing the overall readiness of the system.

John McClellan

Freeway Operations Supervisor
Session(s):
Highway Safety for Emergency Responders  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am

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.

Todd Messer

Fire Inspector
Session(s):
Humor in EMS, the Good and the Bad  |  Jan 25  |  9:30 am
Back to the Core: Advancing Professionalism in Fire and EMS  |  Jan 25  |  10:45 am

I have over 34 years of dedicated service in Fire and Emergency Medical Services, I have had the privilege of serving in nearly every operational and leadership role within the fire department. Throughout my career, I have been committed to mentoring and developing firefighters and fire officers, always striving to cultivate the best version of a leader in each individual.

My passion for training and leadership development has extended across all levels of the organization, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform at their highest potential. In addition to my fire service experience, I have also devoted over 30 years to public safety communications, further deepening my understanding of emergency operations and coordination.
Mental health awareness, particularly within public safety, is a cause I advocate strongly for. After being diagnosed with PTSD in 2021, I became even more committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes mental wellness, peer support, and resilience among first responders.

Richard Mullvain

STEMI Program Manager & Clinical Pharmacist
Session(s):
STEMI…Staying Current, Staying Focused and Saving Lives  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am

Richard is a clinical pharmacist specialized in Cardiology, and is the STEMI Program Manager for Essentia Health, in Duluth, MN. He has worked at Essentia for 33 years. 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. He also has a fishing problem, and started the Duluth Area Fishing League 27 years ago.

Scott Peterson

Ower
Session(s):
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  1:00 pm
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

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.

Jenna Pogorels

Associate Director of Community Services
Session(s):
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Wednesday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 21  |  1:30 pm
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Thursday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 22  |  1:30 pm

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 twelve years of experience working with families in various settings, including hospital/clinic and community organization settings. Jenna has worked with the Alzheimer’s Association since 2013 and has been focused in the areas of dementia program services, including the management of the support group and early stage programming, as well as the development of relationships and community partnerships in greater Minnesota through education and outreach.

Alyssa Richards

EMS Faculty
Session(s):
Engage, Simulate, Debrief: A Practical Refresher for EMS Educators  |  Jan 22  |  1:00 pm

Alyssa is the coordinator for both the Wilderness & Park Management and Emergency Medical Services Programs at Minnesota North College, Vermilion Campus. She has been in EMS for over 25 years as an EMT; currently working on the Ely Area Ambulance Service and as a Morse-Fall Lake First Responder.

Kevin Rixmann

RN/NRP
Session(s):
Arresting Resuscitation; handcuffing the mindset in cardiac arrest  |  Jan 23  |  1:30 pm

Kevin Rixmann is a flight nurse and base lead with Life Link III, as well as a clinical supervisor at the Center for Resuscitation Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He serves as an administrative leader within the world’s largest and most advanced eCPR program and was named a 40 Under 40 honoree in air medical transport. Kevin has extensive experience in cardiac and trauma resuscitation, air medical transport, and advanced hemodynamic support, with a clinical background that includes cardiovascular surgery, intensive care, emergency medicine, and pre-hospital care.

Brenda Schafer Pellinen

Eldercare Development Partnership Program Coordinator
Session(s):
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Wednesday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 21  |  1:30 pm
Beyond the Call: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers in Community - Thursday (FREE-DOES NOT INCLUDE LUNCH)  |  Jan 22  |  1:30 pm

Brenda Schafer-Pellinen brings over 25 years of experience in legislative work and aging services to her role as Eldercare Development Partnership Program Coordinator with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging. She applies her expertise to help first responders better understand and serve older adult populations, providing guidance on long-term care, healthcare coverage, and resources that support the unique needs of aging community members. Her background in policy, advocacy, and program coordination enables her to connect first responders with tools and information that enhance care, safety, and outcomes for older adults.

Since 2019, Brenda has managed multiple grants and projects under the Eldercare Development Partnership program, fostering partnerships and developing practical resources for public safety personnel. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, she works to ensure that first responders have the knowledge and support needed to effectively respond to the challenges faced by older adults, helping create safer, more informed, and connected communities.

Courtney Serra

Substance Use and Drug Overdose Epidemiologist

Courtney Serra is a substance use and drug overdose epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, focusing on advancing public health understanding and prevention of drug overdoses across the state. As part of the Minnesota Drug Overdose and Substance Use Surveillance Activity (MNDOSA) program, she conducts in-depth epidemiological analyses, collaborates with hospitals and public health partners, and disseminates findings to inform interventions, policy, and prevention strategies. Courtney’s work supports the Injury and Violence Prevention Section and the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action initiatives.

Prior to joining MDH, Courtney gained extensive public health experience analyzing opioid misuse and substance use trends in Tennessee and New York, developing surveillance systems, and providing technical assistance for public health responses. She earned her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University at Albany, SUNY, and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Courtney is committed to using data-driven insights to support community health, inform first responders, and improve outcomes for individuals impacted by substance use and overdose.

Terence Sheehy

Deputy Chief
Session(s):
Scattered, Smothered, and Covered: Leadership Lessons from the House That Never Closes  |  Jan 24  |  11:30 am
Hot Debriefs and Cold Truths: Building a Culture of Learning After the Call  |  Jan 24  |  1:30 pm
Leading with Bounderies: How to Support Others Withoug Breaking Yourself  |  Jan 24  |  3:00 pm
Don’t Give Up the Ships  |  Jan 25  |  8:00 am

Deputy Chief Terence Sheehy brings more than 27 years of experience in emergency services to Dare County EMS, overseeing daily operations across the Outer Banks and ensuring high-quality EMS care for residents and visitors. His leadership extends to multi-agency planning for large events, marathons, and severe weather response, including hurricane preparedness. A veteran of fire, EMS, and technical rescue, he previously served with Kitty Hawk Ocean Rescue, earning recognition from the U.S. Secret Service for contributions to their rescue swimmer program.

Deputy Chief Sheehy also serves as Chairman of the Dare/Currituck Regional Local Emergency Planning Committee and Co-Chair of the Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, contributing to statewide EMS initiatives such as the redevelopment of North Carolina’s ambulance strike team model. A recognized speaker and mentor, he trains and guides EMS leaders at regional, state, and national events. He holds a B.S. in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University and an MPA from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Nick Simpson

Session(s):
Anatomy of an Active Threat: EMS Response  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
Anatomy of an Active Threat: EMS Response (Repeat Session)  |  Jan 24  |  1:30 pm

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

Rick Slatten

Instructor/Captain
Session(s):
The Curtain Falls Rescue Mission, May, 2024  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am

Rick Slatten has served as Captain of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, an all-volunteer search and rescue organization in northeastern Minnesota, since 2014. A lifelong volunteer, he first joined the squad in 1986 and carries on a family legacy of service—his father was one of the squad’s original charter members. Rick is a recognized expert in wilderness search techniques, including drone operations and heat signature technology, and frequently speaks to the public and media about safety, survival, and the challenges of rescues in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). He has led complex operations, including high-profile rescue missions in the BWCAW, and is known for sharing practical advice for hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

David Smith

Community Paramedic

I started my EMS journey in the US Army as a medic. After 8 years, 2 deployments and several moves I exited the military and went to paramedic school. I worked at several agencies across Minnesota, covering both rural and urban areas. I am currently the community paramedic for Essentia Health in the Brainerd Lakes Area. When I'm not bridging medical gaps or decreasing hospital readmissions, I'm spending time with my family and enjoying the outdoors.

Joan Somes

Educator & Safer Senior Driver Grant Manager
Session(s):
Is It a "Stroke Code" or a "Stroke Zebra"  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
Using Your Four-Plus One-Senses to Assess A Patient  |  Jan 24  |  11:30 am

Joan Somes; PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN,NRP worked as an emergency dept. nurse and dept. educator for 40 years in a suburban and then a metro hospital. During that time she also worked as a paramedic for a suburban ALS service (9 years) and as an EMS educator. Joan continues to teach for Regions hospital EMS, manages an older driver safety grant for MN DPS/OTS, consults and does stroke site visits for MDH, and owns her own teaching company. Joan is the chair of the MN Emergency Nurses Association Quality, Safety, and Injury Prevention Committee. She is also as the geriatric section editor of the Journal of Emergency Nursing and has been published numerous time.

Neal Stocker

Session(s):
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Friday  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Saturday  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am

I have 25 years of service on Le Center Volunteer ambulance. Following in my family’s footsteps. I have been a PEPP Coordinator since 2016 and an EMS educator since 2013.

Martin Sullivan

Educator
Session(s):
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Friday  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Saturday  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
EMS Alphabet Soup  |  Jan 25  |  9:30 am

Marty has been an EMT for 22 years starting out on a volunteer service and for the last 7 years working full time for Ridgeview Medical Center. I have also coordinated medical coverage for the local BMX track along with covering other events and Fire rehab with South Central MN EMS. I have been helping MSR with training for last 11 years. I am also the owner of Superior Event Medical and Sales LLC where we are currently providing event medical coverage in Southern MN. I have a passion to provide high quality care and compassion for all pts.

Marvin Sullivan

Educator
Session(s):
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Friday  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Saturday  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
EMS Alphabet Soup  |  Jan 25  |  9:30 am

Marvin Sullivan has worked in EMS as a Volunteer EMT for 20 years and as an Educator for the past 12+ years. Marvin's fulltime career is working in a secure Mental Health facility. Marvin has a strong passion for provider safety and taking care of our own!!

Muhammad Fareed Suri

Doctor
Session(s):
Current Management in Acute Stroke and the Role of EMS  |  Jan 24  |  11:30 am

Dr. Muhammad Fareed K. Suri is a board-certified interventional neurologist specializing in stroke care and thrombectomy procedures. He serves as the Stroke Program Medical Director at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, and is a provider with the Aspirus Medical Group. Dr. Suri also holds an academic appointment as Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and is licensed in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

His clinical expertise spans interventional neurology, neurocritical care, acute ischemic stroke management, and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. He has particular interest in cerebral aneurysms, carotid stenosis, arteriovenous malformations, and cerebrovascular dissections. Dr. Suri has contributed to numerous research studies, including work on prehypertension and cardiovascular risk, medication safety in acute stroke, and COVID-19’s impact on thrombectomy outcomes.

Pete Tanghe

Medical Director
Session(s):
Anatomy Lab and Virtual Reality Lab Combined (1 Full Day) - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  8:00 am
Anatomy Lab and Virtual Reality Lab Combined (1 Full Day) - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

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.

Johanna Thompson

Flight Paramedic and Clinical Educator
Session(s):
Lost in the OB Desert  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am
Pediatric Sepsis, Are You Prepared?  |  Jan 23  |  1:30 pm

Johanna Thompson is a flight paramedic and clinical logistics specialist with over a decade of experience in critical care transport. She currently serves with Life Link III in Bloomington, Minnesota, and contributes as an educator and content writer for FOAMfrat. Johanna has extensive teaching experience, including more than 20 years as an adjunct EMS instructor at Northwood Technical College, and holds multiple specialty certifications in flight, critical care, community, tactical, neonatal, and pediatric transport.

In addition to her clinical and educational work, Johanna is active in professional EMS organizations and has presented at national conferences, including CCTMC and AMTC Elevate. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Northern Kentucky University and an Associate of Science in Paramedicine. Committed to service and advancing prehospital care, Johanna applies her expertise in leadership, education, disaster management, and clinical operations to support EMS providers and improve patient outcomes.

Shane Troumbly

Fire Fighter/First Responder
Session(s):
Millimeters Any Direction  |  Jan 23  |  3:30 pm

Shane Troumbly serves as a Public Health Educator for Itasca County, where he promotes health and wellness through community education, preventative programs, and emergency preparedness initiatives. He coordinates local coalitions, including the Itasca County Safe Roads Coalition and Highway 169 Task Force, and provides training and outreach to both the public and first responders on topics such as traffic incident management, disease prevention, and disaster readiness. Shane also analyzes health data to inform programming and supports policy initiatives that enhance community safety.

In addition to his public health work, Shane is a firefighter and first responder with Trout Lake Fire Department. He responds to emergencies ranging from fires and vehicle accidents to medical calls, providing critical aid, fire suppression, and hazard management. He engages in public education on fire and safety awareness, supports volunteer recruitment, and collaborates with local EMS services to ensure coordinated, effective responses to incidents in the community.

Dex Tuttle

Injury Prevention Program Manager
Session(s):
Car Seat 101 for First Responders  |  Jan 23  |  11:30 am

Dex spent 10 years in higher education as a student affairs administrator planning events, hosting conferences, and advocating for the diverse needs of the students. Looking for a change, he became and EMT in 2011 and began work as an Emergency Room Technician at a busy Level 1 trauma center. Combining these unique experiences, he found his way to Children’s Minnesota where he is currently the Injury Prevention Program Manager. He holds a Masters of Education from Penn State University and a BA in Computer Science from NDSU. He’s been a Child Passenger Safety Technician for since 2013 and a CPST instructor since 2014. He also teaches the Safe Travel for All Children course on strategies for safety transporting children who can’t be safely and comfortably transported in a retail-available car seat. He’s regularly consulted on complicated patients in the hospital and in the community and has developed resources aimed at addressing cultural gaps and language barriers.

Ty Wiegman

Educator
Session(s):
Advanced Stroke Life Support – Prehospital Provider Course  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am
Advanced Stroke Life Support – In-Hospital Provider Course  |  Jan 22  |  1:00 pm
Advanced Stroke Life Support – Prehospital Provider Course (Repeat Course))  |  Jan 22  |  2:30 pm
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead  |  Jan 23  |  1:30 pm

Ty Wiegman is an educator with North Point Training in Minnesota, where he specializes in training and developing EMS providers. Drawing on extensive field experience as a flight paramedic and firefighter, Ty focuses on preparing prehospital care teams with practical skills, scenario-based training, and best practices to improve patient outcomes. He is passionate about fostering knowledge and professionalism in EMS, helping both new and seasoned providers strengthen their capabilities in the field.

He has more than 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.

Allen Wolfe

Senior Director of Education
Session(s):
Airway First-Tackling Challenging Facial Trauma Case Studies - Friday  |  Jan 23  |  3:30 pm
Airway First-Tackling Challenging Facial Trauma Case Studies - Saturday  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am

Allen Wolfe is the Senior Director of Clinical Education at LifeLink III in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has 40 years experience in Critical Care. He was the Clinical Specialist MedSTAR the renowned trauma resusciation unit at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. 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 medical providers. He is the leading expert in prehospital management of LVADs in the US.

Tony Yeley

Risk/Safety/EMS Manager
Session(s):
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Wednesday  |  Jan 21  |  1:00 pm
Self-Defense for EMS Personnel - Thursday  |  Jan 22  |  8:00 am

Tony Yeley brings over 16 years of EMS experience, including work with mining companies and local ambulance services, to his role as Risk, Safety, and EMS Manager at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino. He previously served as EMS Coordinator at Cleveland Cliffs Minorca Mine and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Behavior from the College of St. Scholastica. Tony is an American Heart Association BLS/CPR Instructor, certified firearms instructor, and a licensed pilot, with a military background as an Armor Crewman and Nuclear Biological and Chemical Specialist.

Passionate about EMS training, safety, and mental health advocacy, Tony has trained over 2,100 individuals in the past decade, specializing in emergency response, firearms, and active shooter preparedness and response. He regularly speaks to first responder groups, tribal employees, and community organizations, sharing practical strategies and promoting mental wellness.

Tony decided to speak publically about trauma, PTSD, and real life struggles after coming perilously close to suicide in 2023. Tony reflected, "So many of the people giving presentations on mental health were speaking from an academic perspective, I talk from the position having been there and succesfully seeking professional help and arriving at a healthy level of healing." Tony's recent speaking engagements have included multiple sessions with Bois Forte Tribal Government employees, the Fraternal Order of Police, St. Louis County 911 Dispatch, and Fortune Bay Resort Casino Directors and managers.

Based in Mountain Iron, MN, with his wife, Tony enjoys solo long-distance motorcycling.

Tiffany Zemke

Clinical Educator/Infection Preventionist
Session(s):
Engage, Simulate, Debrief: A Practical Refresher for EMS Educators  |  Jan 22  |  1:00 pm

Tiffany Zemke serves as Clinical Educator and Infection Preventionist at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, where she develops and delivers training to ensure safe, effective patient care and staff competency. She actively engages in workforce violence prevention, earning a state award for her contributions, and leads internal education on infection control, including hand hygiene and protective equipment use. Tiffany also participates in community outreach, such as Healthcare Career Days and wellness initiatives, helping to educate and inspire future healthcare professionals while promoting public health in the Ely area.

Brad Zinniel

EMS Educator/Owner
Session(s):
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Friday  |  Jan 23  |  10:15 am
BLS SIM Challenge - Brad Zinniel (All Day Class) - Saturday  |  Jan 24  |  10:15 am
CPAP for Prehospital Providers  |  Jan 25  |  8:00 am
EMS Alphabet Soup  |  Jan 25  |  9:30 am

Brad received his EMT certifi cation 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.