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THE MAGIC OF CHCs

ANNUAL LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
2026

September 22-25
Peoria, Illinois

 

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Agenda

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Hotels

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
501 Main Street
Peoria, IL 61602
The room rate discount expires on August 23, 2026.
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Courtyard by Marriott Peoria Downtown
533 Main Street
Peoria, IL 61602
The room rate discount expires on August 22, 2026.
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Staybridge Suites Peoria-Downtown
300 West Romeo B Garrett Avenue
Peoria, IL 61605
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Who should attend?

Wondering if the leadership conference is for you? We've designed this conference to be ideal for:

  • Health Center Executive Leadership
  • Operations Personnel
  • Medical Directors
  • Clinicians/Providers
  • Clinical Leadership
  • Care Team Members
  • Policy & Legislative Advocates
  • State & Regional Primary Care Partners
  • Health Center Board Members
  • Other community health center key decision makers

1:30–2:30

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Building a Fundraising Infrastructure That Works for FQHCs

Kemi Alli, MD, Co-Founder & Managing Partner; allied executive solutions; Elona Deprez, Ed.D., MA, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, allied executive solutions

1:30–2:30

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Closing the Loop: Advancing Care Coordination through Community Screening and FQHC Data Integration

Rachel DePauw, MPH, CAE, Vice President of Programs, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois; Chidinma Osineme, MD, FAAFP, ABPM, Chief Medical Officer, Chicago Family Health Center

1:30–2:30

Workforce Development

From Doing to Developing: The Leader’s Shift

Dana Ray, MD, Executive Coach, Physician, Proven Executive Coaching

1:30–2:30

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Improving UDS Performance Without New Technology

John Boyer, MD, Director of Quality and Population Health, Hamdard Health Alliance

1:30–2:30

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Putting the EYE in Primary Care Teams

Donna Fishman, MPH, Executive Director, National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health, Prevent Blindness ; Angelica Scanzera, OD, MPH, FAAO, FSLS, Associate Professor Director, Tele-Ophthalmology Service Director, Optometry Fellowship in Medically Necessary Contact Lenses, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at University of Illinois at Chicago; Julie Grutzmacher, MSW, MPH, Director of Patient Advocacy and Population Health Initiatives, Prevent Blindness

1:30–2:30

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Transforming FQHC Addiction Care: A Case Study in Sustainable MAT Operations

Robin Henry, RN, Chief Operating Officer, Solvera Healthcare Center, Inc.; Phil Atteberry, Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, BrightSide Recovery

2:45–3:45

Workforce Development

Building for Resilience: Modern Organizational Design for Today’s FQHCs

Kimberly Chen, BSPharm, RPh, Director, Facktor; Deanna Drake, MPH, SHRM-SCP, Director, Facktor

2:45–3:45

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Clinical Drug Testing in SUD Care: A Compassionate, Evidence Based Approach for Primary Care

Karla Walker, PharmD, DABCC, FACB, Discipline Director, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, Labcorp

2:45–3:45

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

From Fragmentation to Transformation: A Healthy Community Model for Regional Health Impact

Kimberly Hobson, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, South Side Healthy Community Organization; Wendy Thompson, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Friend Health

2:45–3:45

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Protecting Our Patients

Bryan Gooding, CHW, Program Director of Public Health Practice, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago; Summer Worthington, Program Coordinator for HIV and Gender Affirming Care, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago; Suzanne Carlberg-Racich, MSPH, PhD, Associate Professor/Program Director, Master of Public Health Program, DePaul University

2:45–3:45

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Technology in Diabetes Care: Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Beyond

Anila Bindal, MD, U.S. Medical Director, Abbott Diabetes Care

2:45–3:45

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

When Volume Stops Working: Protecting Margins in the Medicaid Reality

Angela Heneise, Account Executive, Visualutions, Inc.

4:00–5:00

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Designing Sustainability for CHWs: Organizational Processes and Billing Opportunities

Tracey Smith, CHW, DNP, PHCNS-BC, MS, Associate Executive Director for Public, Health Practice, Illinois Public Health Association; Rachael Telleen, Executive Director of Workforce Development, The HAP Foundation

4:00–5:00

Workforce Development

From Vacancy to Coverage: Reducing Time to Hire in Rural and Community Settings

Clint Rosser, Chief Client Officer, PracticeMatch

4:00–5:00

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Scaling Patient Engagement in a Growing FQHC: Lessons from Tapestry 360 Health

Meghan Murphy, MSN, RN, CNE, Clinical Informaticist, Tapestry 360 Health

4:00–5:00

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Technology Doesn’t Transform Organizations—Coordinated Discipline Does: Navigating Acceleration in Healthcare

John Wurl, MBA, MPM, Director, Health Informatics and Technology, Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center

4:00–5:00

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in the Primary Care Setting

Donna Rasmussen, PA-C, MPA, MBA, Physician Assistant-Certified, Macoupin County

10:15–11:15

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Building a Home Visiting Nursing Team and Programming

Meghan Nolan, DNP, RN, IBCLC, Director of Reproductive Services, PCC Community Wellness

10:15–11:15

Engage IL

ENGAGE IL: Making Magic with User Experience, Data, and Digital Tools

Karen Iversen, MPH, PCMH CCE, Practice Transformation Manager, Health Choice Network; Rhett Blankenship, Statewide EHR Strategy + Support Coordinator, IPHCA; Naila Al Hasni, MPH, PCMH CCE, Associate Director of Clinical Quality Improvement, IPHCA

10:15–11:15

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Innovative Workforce Solutions to Improve Oral Health Access: ED Diversion and PHDH Programs in Illinois

Janae Price, MPH, Clinical Associate, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (UICOMR); Shannon Miller, RDH, PHDH, Dental Practice Administrator, Eagle View Community Health System

10:15–11:15

Workforce Development

Leading Together: Bringing Peer-Led Leadership Development to Community Health

Molly Robey, PHD, SHRM-CP, Director of Employee Experience, Chestnut Health Systems; Hannah Mesouani, Phd, Learning and Development Specialist, Chestnut Health Systems

10:15–11:15

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Lessons from the Front Lines: What HR1 Means for Medicaid Providers

Courtney Bragg, Founder, Fabric Health

10:15–11:15

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Modernizing Care Coordination: How RPM + APCM Can Help Community Health Centers Improve Outcomes and Strengthen Sustainability

Kathy Boedeker, Vice President, Carematix, Inc.

10:15–11:15

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Turning Tension into Trust: Evidence-based Approaches for Navigating Sensitive Health Conversations

Costadina Aneziris, PharmD, BCGP, Clinical Pharmacist/Academic Detailer, Medicaid Services, Clinical Instructor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Retzky College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Pharmacy Practice Medicaid Services, Illinois ADVANCE

11:30–12:30

Workforce Development

Addressing Healthcare Gaps: Identifying Underserved Areas and Leveraging Workforce Incentives

Kandice Kent, Health Professional Resources Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health; Randy Ralph, Primary Care Office Analyst, Illinois Department of Public Health

11:30–12:30

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Compliance: What is a Want to Have, Need to Have and Required to Have

Ron Boesch, DC, CHC, CHPC, Director of Compliance and Risk Management, Community Health Care, Inc.; Breanna Scherler, BSN, Clinical Compliance Coordinator, Community Health Care, Inc.; Angie Reid, Compliance Coordinator, Community Health Care, Inc.

11:30–12:30

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Cyber Resilience for Community Health Centers: Leadership Decisions That Matter Before, During, and After an Incident

Tom Wojcinski, Partner, Wipfli

11:30–12:30

Engage IL

ENGAGE IL: A Magical Year of Action – Achievements & What’s Ahead

Ollie Idowu, President & CEO, IPHCA; Cheri Hoots, RN, Chief Operating Officer, IPHCA; Alex Romillo, President & CEO, Health Choice Network; Karen Iversen, MPH, PCMH CCE, Practice Transformation Manager, Health Choice Network

11:30–12:30

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Food as Medicine that Pays: Integrating Nutrition into Billable Primary Care

Christina Wells, MD, MPH, MBA, DipABLM, DABOM, Physician, Mile Square Health Center

11:30–12:30

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Optimizing Collaboration between Clinical and Programs Teams for Quality Bonus Achievement

Michelle Byrne, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Population Health and Care Management, Erie Family Health Centers; Josie Llaneza, MPH, Vice President of Population Health, Erie Family Health Centers

11:30–12:30

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Why FQHCs Are the Missing Link in Digital Maternal Health: Expanding Access Through Barrier-Free, Patient-Driven Care

Chidinma Osineme, MD, FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer, Chicago Family Health Center; Mohamed Kamara, MBA, B.S.B.A., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, InovCares

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

AI at Your Health Center: What’s Real, What’s Hype, and What to Ask Before You Buy

Brian Herrick, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Attuned Intelligence

1:45–2:45

Promoting the Value of CHCs

FQHC Model of Care and the integration of Certified Professional Midwives into the Health Care System

Mary Sommers, MPS, CPM, IBCLC, Director of Birth Center and Perinatal Education Programs, PCC Community Wellness Center

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Innovative Models for Obstetric and Women’s Health in Illinois FQHCs

Brogan Bahler, MD, Director of OB/GYN services, Heartland Health Services

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Integrating Population Health Management to Foster a Data-Informed Culture for Quality Improvement

Alli Halvorsen, Senior Director Quality & Population Health, Tapestry 360 Health; Sara Iguodale, MPH, PMP, Director Clinical Transformation, Azara Healthcare LLC

1:45–2:45

Workforce Development

Re-Recruiting: The Talent Strategy You’re Likely Ignoring

John Fagan, HRM, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

1:45–2:45

Engage IL

The Magic of AI: The Reality vs. Smoke and Mirrors

Oscar Perez, Chief Digital Officer, Health Choice Network; Maylee Sanchez, CHPSE, CHCIO, Chief Information Officer, Health Choice Network

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Wanna Bet? Using Prediction Markets as a Forecasting Tool

Ryan Gadia, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Esperanza Health Centers

3:00–4:00

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Expanding Access to Orthopedic Care – An Embedded Partnership Model

Alyssa Sianghio, Chief Executive Officer, PCC Community Wellness Center; Andrew Shadid, Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

3:00–4:00

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Extending Operational Capacity with AI: How a Chicago FQHC Automated Care Gap Closure and Referral Coordination

Allison Paul, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Health Operations Officer, Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness; Sami Malik, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Linear Health

3:00–4:00

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

From Chaos to Clarity: Improving IMAN Health Center’s Operations

Dabeer Hussain, MBA, Practice Manager, IMAN Health Center; Amena Qureshi, MHSA, Director of Operation, IMAN Health Center

3:00–4:00

Workforce Development

Leading Through Change in the Healthcare Environment: Managing and Growing Your Team

Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, MD, MPH, FACP, President, Central Region, CINQCARE; Mark Smith, CINQCARE

3:00–4:00

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Meridian’s Approach to Value-Based Care Partnerships

Ekata Gheewala, MHA, Director, Provider Network Performance, Meridian Health Plan of IL – Centene; Nancy Robinson, VP, Provider Engagement, Meridian Health Plan of IL – Centene

3:00–4:00

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Operationalizing Whole Person Care: The PCH Journey Across Primary Care, Behavioral Health and Community Based Services

Linda Stevens, RN, BSN, MPA, Chief Operating Officer, Pillars Community Health; Jennifer Swoyer, DO, Chief Population Health Officer, Pillars Community Health; Helen Stewart, LCSW, Chief Program Officer, Pillars Community Health

3:00–4:00

Engage IL

Turning KLAS Insights into Action: Health Choice Network’s Epic Success Story

Tim Long, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Health Choice Network; Stephanie Martinez, HC-MBA, LSSGB, Director, Clinical Quality, Health Choice Network; Alan Nebeker, Manager, Clinical Engagement and Quality Initiatives, Health Choice Network

10:00–11:00

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Artificial Intelligence: Future-Proofing Your Health Center While Advancing Your Mission

Sal Kohgadai, CISSP, CHPSE, Virtual Technology Executive, Medicus IT

10:00–11:00

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Beyond the Clinic: How Cross-Sector Partnerships are Transforming Food Access

Christine Dannhausen-Brun, MPH, Senior Research Specialist, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford; Katie Scott, Healthy Communities Manager, Northern Illinois Food Bank; Emily Rios-Madrigal, Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Student, Northern Illinois University

10:00–11:00

Engage IL

Defending the Realm: Cybersecurity Strategies for Health Centers

Christian Sevilla, Director, CISO Services, Health Choice Network; Dennis Owen, Cybersecurity Analyst, Health Choice Network; Maylee Sanchez, CHPSE, CHCIO, Chief Information Officer, Health Choice Network

10:00–11:00

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Establishing Integrated Primary and Behavioral Health Care in a School Based Health Center

Stacy Baumgartner, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Will County Community Health Center; Melissa Sporar, APN, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner for the School Based Health Center, Will County Community Health Center

10:00–11:00

Workforce Development

From Care Gaps to Community Impact: A CES/CHW Stepped-WAVE Model + Population Health Dashboard to Improve UDS & Value-Based Performance

Kenneth Burnett, MHSA, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Community Health Center; Joseph F. West ScD, FACHE, President, KemeticHlth

10:00–11:00

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Message Received: How Strategic Communication Drives Successful Transformation

Kevin Davis, Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, Erie Family Health Centers; Kate Birdwell, Director of Communications, Erie Family Health Centers

10:00–11:00

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Strategic Financial Modeling for Community Health Centers: Turning Data into Sustainable Decisions

Chris Manderfield, CPA, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP; Tom Hammond, Director, Financial Modeling and Consulting, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

11:15–12:15

Workforce Development

Building a Sustainable Workforce: Exemplars for APRN Fellowship program and a transition to practice program, Strengthens Recruitment, Retention, and Quality in Safety Net CHCs

Natalie Raghu, DNP, FNP C, BC ADM, Medical Director Advanced Practice Providers and APRN Fellowship, Erie Family Health Centers, Kiersten Solis, FNP-C, APRN, Program Director Advancing Practice APRN fellowship program, Erie Family Health Centers; Toni Steres, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-C, NEA-BC, AAHIVS, Director of Provider Operations, Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center

11:15–12:15

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Developing a Community Responsive Research Program: Using Evidence Based Data in Research and Service Projects to Transform and Innovate Patient Outcomes

Vida Henderson, PhD, PharmD, Chief of Population Health Research and Evaluation, UI Health Mile Square; Karriem Watson, DHS, MS, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, UI Health Mile Square

11:15–12:15

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

From Risk to Resilience: Leveraging a Little-Known Alternative Benefits Program to Protect Your Health Center Under H.R. 1

Thomas Kim, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer, Esperanza Health Center; Jordan Hatcher, MPH, Chief of Staff, Implementing Contraceptive Access Now (ICAN!); Maria Marquez, Chief Operating Officer, Esperanza Health Center

11:15–12:15

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Governance Gone Wrong: Lessons from a Mock Health Center Board Meeting

Jennifer Genua-McDaniel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Genua Consulting, LLC

11:15–12:15

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Innovate or Stagnate: Strategies for Successful Service Line Expansion

Stacy Agosto, LCSW CADC, BH/SUD Consultant, Illinois Primary Health Care Association

11:15–12:15

Engage IL

The Magic Behind the Platform: Epic Roundtable

Oscar Perez, Chief Digital Officer, Health Choice Network; Maylee Sanchez, CHPSE, CHCIO, Chief Information Officer, Health Choice Network; Tim Long, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Health Choice Network

11:15–12:15

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Understanding Illinois’ Medical Aid in Dying Act

Katie Anderson, Partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP; Danielle Davis, Associate, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Automating Accountability: Low-Cost Analytics and Reporting for Small FQHCs

John Boyer, MD, Director of Quality and Population Health, Hamdard Health Alliance; Shazia Fatima, MBA, Process Improvement Lead, Hamdard Health Alliance

1:45–2:45

Workforce Development

Building the Oral Health Workforce: A Community Health Worker Training Model to Advance Oral Health Equity

Andres Davila, DMD, MSOB, Assistant Professor and Section Head of Oral Medicine and Interprofessional Education, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine; Tracey Smith, CHW, DNP, PHCNS-BC, MS, Associate Executive Director for Public Health Practice, Illinois Public Health Association; Lisa Hinton, Associate Director, State Partnerships, American Cancer Society

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

From Vision to Vehicle: A Roadmap for Mobile Health Program Development

Gab Sauder, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, EDAC, Project Consultant, Capital Link

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Implementing Self-Collection for STIs & HPV: Improving Scores and Reducing Inequity

Sarah Witherington, MS, CGC, Director, Strategy & Solutions, Great Midwest, Quest Diagnostics

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Key Elements of Operational Sustainability

Jenine Vincent, MHA, CMPE, Managing Director, Forvis Mazars; Brian Pavona, CPA, FHFMA, Healthcare Partner, Chicago Health Care Leader, and Regional Healthcare Segment Leader, Assurance and Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars

1:45–2:45

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Leading Through Uncertainty: Value Based Care and Medicaid Risk for Illinois FQHCs

Imani Lewis, MHA, MPH, PCMH CCE, Director, Consulting, Sellers Dorsey; Karen Brach, Managing Director, Consulting, Sellers Dorsey; Paul Frank, Vice President, Government Relations, Sellers Dorsey

1:45–2:45

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Movement as Medicine: APCM’s Role for the Medicare Population

Pete Fronte, MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Altura

1:45–2:45

Engage IL

The Magic Behind the Platform: eClinicalWorks Roundtable

Karen Iversen, MPH, PCMH CCE, Practice Transformation Manager, Health Choice Network

9:45–10:45

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

340B at a Crossroads: Policy Developments and Financial Implications

Hannah Rowell, Director of 340B Services, Draffin Tucker

9:45–10:45

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

AI in Community Health Centers: Turning Innovation into Advantage Without Increasing Risk

Tom Wojcinski, Partner, Wipfli

9:45–10:45

Workforce Development

Competing Without Deep Pockets: How Rural Organizations Win Talent Against Large Health Systems

Clint Rosser, Chief Client Officer, PracticeMatch

9:45–10:45

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Expanding Behavioral Health Services with Compassion and Collaboration

Jodi Rinaldo, BSN, MBA, Behavioral Health Program Administrator, Heartland Health Services; John Mihelcic, MD, FM-OB, Medical Director of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Services, Heartland Health Services

9:45–10:45

Promoting the Value of CHCs

Funding Through Uncertain Times: Building Sustainable Philanthropy at FQHCs

Cathy Junia, Director of Individual Giving and Events, Erie Family Health Centers; Sandra Del Toro, MPP, Senior Director Development, Erie Family Health Centers; Melissa Hilton, MBA, VP, Development & Executive Director, Erie Foundation, Erie Family Health Centers

9:45–10:45

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Using Data to Demonstrate the True Value and Impact of Your Health Center

Gab Sauder, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, EDAC Project Consultant, Capital Link

11:00–12:00

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

AI Powered Productivity: Office and Finance Innovations

Nik Boyer, Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP; Andy Harleman, Digital Growth Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

11:00–12:00

Workforce Development

Beyond the Visit: Aligning Clinical Workflows and Documentation for Value-Based Success at FQHCs

Sirisha Bommireddipalli, CHBC, CPC, COC, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, MedConverge, LLC

11:00–12:00

Transformation + Innovation - Finance

Building High-Performing Health Centers: Lessons from Site Visits to Support Financial and Operational Improvement

Catherine Gilpin, CPA, Partner/Community Health Center Team, Forvis Mazars

11:00–12:00

Transformation + Innovation - Data

Connected Care, Stronger Communities: CHCs in the Data Modernization Era

Andrew Hamilton, RN, BSN, MS, FAAN, Chief Information Officer, AllianceChicago

11:00–12:00

Transformation + Innovation - Operations

Frameworks for Successful and Responsible Implementation of AI Solutions

Fred Rachman, MD, Chief Executive Officer, AllianceChicago

11:00–12:00

Promoting the Value of CHCs

The Human Side of Help… for Healthcare Teams

Becky Gabany, MA, CDE, CDP, CPCHE, Owner & Principal Consultant, ChangeBridge Consulting

11:00–12:00

Engage IL

The Magic Behind the Platform: NextGen Roundtable

Karen Iversen, MPH, PCMH CCE, Practice Transformation Manager, Health Choice Network

11:00–12:00

Transformation + Innovation - Clinical

Transforming Primary & Specialty Care Integration to Achieve Population Health Goals & Decrease Overall Cost of Care

Andrea McGlynn, MSN, APN, CNM, Principal, Prestige Health; Katie Fasullo, DNP, RN, GERO-BC, Senior Manager, Clinical Operations, Community CARE, Endeavor Health; Ashlee Roffe, MS RD LDN CNSC, Director of Nutrition and Community Health, Community CARE, Endeavor Health

For more information, please contact Katie Doolin, Director of Training + Member Services