This Year's Speakers

Dr. Adrian Proumen is a board-certified anesthesiologist. He currently serves as a staff anesthesiologist, Division Officer for Trauma Anesthesia, and Associate Program Director. He completed his medical education at VCOM– VA (2019) and anesthesia residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2023. He has been involved with EMS since 2009 with multiple local agencies and currently serves as an MD02 for the VBEMS.

Dr. Soult is an Assistant Professor and part of the EVMS Surgery Residency team. She specializes in critical care medicine and surgery.

ED RN for more than twenty years. Pediatric clinical nurse specialist for three years. Currently supporting best practice and high-quality pediatric care in the ED of a free-standing children's hospital and level I trauma center in the Midwest.

Amy Woods has volunteered for The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation for many years as a Board Member. In 2023, she accepted the position of Program Coordinator after retiring from her position as Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Richmond. Amy has educated young and old for over 27 years. She is a certified trainer of safeTALK, Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), and Soul Shop. She is also trained in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).

I am an emergency physician with EPT. I am EM and EMS board certified and am the associate director for the EVMS EMS Fellowship. I work in the community with VBEMS as and MD2 and am the medical director for Coastal Events Medical Management.

I own an ambulance company that provides ALS and BLS medical transportation for Sentara and nursing facilities throughout Hampton Roads. I was a EMS supervisor for the city of suffolk for a while and a volunteer ALS provider at Nsvrs for 10 years.

see CV

Bradley began exploring the career of Emergency Services at the age of 13 as a junior member at Thomasville Rescue in Thomasville, NC. Following high school, he entered the military and while serving, he earned a degree in Emergency Medical Sciences, Biology and Chemistry, a Bachelor in Business, and attended graduate school at Wake Forest University. Today he serves as the Battalion Chief over the Training Division for Rowan County Emergency Services in Salisbury, NC.

Dr. Caren Herring is an award winning emergency room nurse in Virginia. Caren has been in healthcare for 20 years and a nurse for 15 years. She has a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) and master's degree in nursing with an emphasis in education. Caren is a nurse specialist for HHS on the VA-1 DMAT. She is a lead instructor at the DHS Center for Domestic Preparedness specializing in CBRNE mass casualty events.

Chad is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, attorney, and public speaker dedicated to empowering individuals to lead more effective, purpose-driven, and fulfilling lives. A proud father of six and holder of two doctoral degrees, Chad honed exceptional time management skills and developed strategies for thriving amid life's demands. Chad shares practical tools to help individuals uncover their true purpose, balance competing priorities, and achieve meaningful personal and professional goals.

Chris, has been involved with EMS in Lunenburg County VA since 1993. Also an Instructor with VAVRS and VDFP, Regional Coordinator for Virginia First Responder Support Services. Chris is Still active with Victoria Fire & Rescue as a volunteer, and employed by the Department of Military Affairs as a Firefighter/Medic at Fort Barfoot.

Chris has been a career Paramedic/Firefighter for over 18 years and in EMS for over 24. He has been in pre-hospital and in-hospital education for the past 18 years. His last assignment before returning to operations was as the EMS Training Captain in charge of continuing education programs and certification. He is the owner and lead instructor of LifeLine EMS Training and Consulting LLC.

Chris, a NRP with 33 years in Fire-EMS, primarily in leadership & management, including commercial, governmental, volunteer, career, & combination agencies. Formerly a DoD Firefighter-Paramedic and a County EMS Coordinator, now is the EMS Systems Planner for OEMS. Chris served the Advisory Board's Workforce Development Committee; EMS Officer; Standards of Excellence Workgroups and continues to as OEMS Staff. An experienced EMS FTO, Education Coordinator, EMS Council Executive Board & CISM team.

Christopher P. Holstege, M.D. is a University of Virginia Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics within the School of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology, and is Director of the UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center. Dr. Holstege clinically provides care for poisoned patients serving 48 healthcare Virginia facilities and served 30 years as an emergency medicine physician. He has numerous ongoing research projects in clinical, basic science, and epidemiologic arenas.

Christopher Kendall is a dedicated professional in emergency management and public safety with over 16 years of experience. His journey spans EMS, structural and wildland fire services, municipal and healthcare emergency management, and incident management. Currently with St. Joseph's Health, NJ Forest Fire Service, and NJ EMS Task Force, he continues to grow as an instructor, manager, and leader, showcasing expertise across diverse areas of emergency preparedness.

Captain Moore has over 30 years as a first responder and is a national touring speaker. Chris was formally diagnosed with PTSD in 2018. In 2019 he started sharing his journey in a completely open, honest and transparent format by speaking at conferences and symposiums across the country. Chris is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress and First Responder Suicide Prevention.

Dennis Lunde, MPA, BHA, NRP. I am employed by Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center as the EMS Logistics Manager and oversee Special Operations including medical coverage for Red Bull Soccer, concerts, Canine Support Unit. I have been a paramedic for over 25 years with over 30 years of service in EMS and Emergency Management. I hold a Master of Public Administration and inducted to the Order of Sword and Shield Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Derek Fuller is a Paramedic with Virginia Beach EMS. He holds several instructorships and has taught a variety of classes over the years. He holds an associate in applied sciences in EMS from Tidewater Community College. As well as a bachelor’s degree in leadership from Old Dominion University with an emphasis in public service.

As a registered nurse, I have worked in the PICU at Georgetown University Hospital and the Pediatric ED at VCU. In 2011, I started as a flight nurse with VCU LifeEvac. I recently graduated with a Masters of Nursing degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and have been hired as an NP in the VCU Burn ICU.

Dr. Joseph Lang, MD is an emergency medicine specialist in Virginia Beach, VA and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2001. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and Sentara Leigh Hospital.

Dusty has over 25 yrs. experience in NICU, Peds ED, Pediatric CVICU, ECMO & trauma. She became a NREMT-P while serving as EMS Outreach coordinator at Children’s National in DC. Her focus has been on resuscitation & education of the critical ill and injured. She has served on EMS committees in DC, Md & Va. Dusty has presented at national seminars & has taught internationally, in Ukraine, Belarus, Haiti & Ecuador. Dusty now serves as the Training Director at the Thomas Jefferson EMS Council

Same as last year

Elizabeth Bower, M.D., is a Board Certified Primary Care Physician with Mercy Personal Physicians at Ellicott City, a Mercy Medical Center Community Physician Site. Dr. Bower offers comprehensive primary care services to adults 18 years and older who live and work in the Columbia, Marriottsville, Elkridge and Ellicott City areas.

Dr. George McDaniel is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. His primary practice is management of dysrhythmia in pediatric patients and adult patients with congenital heart disease. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, American Board of Internal Medicine, and International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners. He is a speaker on pediatric heart rhythm topics nationally and internationally.

Hugh Greenbaum is a Paramedic and EMS Educator with Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad. He has nearly 40 years of volunteer EMS experience and is the author of Emergency Capnography.

Experienced Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program manager who developed an innovative model of community-centered, people-focused healthcare designed to reduce reliance of 9-1-1 services and navigate citizens to the appropriate level of care. Manages a team of professionals who operate in expanded roles by assisting with primary healthcare, public health and preventive services to underserved populations in the community.

After working in a variety of settings, to include in-patient hospital care, the emergency department, interfacility transport, and 911 agencies, I have begun a passion for EMS Education. I am currently in the process of earning the certification of Education Coordinator, as well. After over four years as an EMT, I have recently gained my Paramedic certification in January of 2024 and am currently working in a 911 agency.

I am a board-certified flight paramedic with 30 years of experience in 911, critical care, search and rescue, EMS education, and public speaking. I am a member of the National Association of EMS Educators and the Association of Air Medical Services. I previously served on the Board of Directors for ICAPP. I have presented at the AMTC and CCTMC and contributed to the Critical Care Core Curriculum (2nd edition). I am employed by Novant Health and Lenoir Community College in NC.

Capt. Jeff Matthews has been employed with Suffolk Fire & Rescue for 15 years. He is currently assigned as EMS-2, the EMS street supervisor position for the Harbour View, Driver, and Chuckatuck sections of Suffolk. Jeff enjoys working closely with the Training Bureau to help craft and deliver ongoing educational opportunities. Jeff has always enjoyed attending the Virginia EMS Symposium and TEMS Expo over his entire career, and is honored to give back as a presenter.

John Sammons is an Advanced Practice Paramedic with Wake County EMS in Raleigh, NC. With more than 24 years of experience in emergency services, he is an experienced educator, writer and speaker. He is a graduate of the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program, and was recently accepted as a mentor. John is also an active member of the Wake County EMS Peer Support Team, and is the founder of the Patient Centered Paramedic Blog and Podcast.

Justin Preddy, BS, Paramedic, has had a dream of becoming a paramedic since the ripe age of 7 years old. Achieving that dream at 19, he then had to ask himself how else he can contribute to the EMS profession beyond his initial dreams. Justin earned his master of health science degree from Western Carolina University in 2024. Having served in various roles, Justin is a strong advocate for the advancement of the EMS profession and strengthening the values for which made EMS his dream job.

Well versed in infection control practices for fire/EMS and law enforcement personnel. Presents on a national level has multiple publications

Kelsey first started her career in EMS as a volunteer with the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, before going to work for the Fredericksburg Fire Department where she rose through the ranks to Master Technician. Most recently, Kelsey worked for the REMS Council, and flies for Healthnet Aeromedical Services as a Critical Care Paramedic.

Kirk Smith is an educator, and ventilation consultant with over 25 years of experience in respiratory therapy in the transport arena. He has a strong commitment to advancing respiratory care in emergency medical services (EMS), focusing on the integration of advanced ventilation technology. Throughout his career, Kirk has been dedicated to educating EMS providers on ventilation techniques and advocating for improved patient outcomes.

W Lawrence (Larry) Daniels is the director of outpatient mental health services for the James Barry-Robinson Institute in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a pediatric nurse practitioner board certified in primary care and pediatric mental health. He currently has a personal patient load of over 700 youth that he sees for mental health conditions. He is serving his 50th year as an EMT and has 45 years as an ALS provider. Thirty of those were with Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad.

A paramedic since 2009, now he spends his time as a pediatric emergency medicine fellow in Inova- Fairfax Virginia. Although out of the EMS scene for the last 7 years, his passion still falls in EMS provider education and improving care for pediatrics in the pre-hospital setting.

Lucian has two decades of experience as an EMS provider, leader, and educator. He has served as a firefighter/paramedic, EMS supervisor, emergency management coordinator, training officer, and paramedic program director. He has presented at numerous conferences and has authored several textbook chapters and journal articles. He holds a master’s in education and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Virginia. He currently serves as the EMS Coordinator for Albemarle County Fire Rescue.

Marybeth is a volunteer with Sterling Rescue. She brings 20+ years of mental health experience to the table and is a leading advocate for patients and providers. She is also an Advocate trainer for the NFFF.

Matthew R. Streger, Esq., is a Member of the firm Keavney & Streger. Matthew has more than thirty eight years of healthcare and legal experience and focuses his practice on the needs of healthcare providers and agencies, primarily in the EMS industry. Matthew started his career as a volunteer EMT in Westwood, New Jersey, in 1986. Matthew completed his Paramedic Training at the UMDNJ School of Health Related Professions in Newark, New Jersey.

Matthew R. Streger, Esq., is a Member of the firm Keavney & Streger. Matthew has more than thirty eight years of healthcare and legal experience and focuses his practice on the needs of healthcare providers and agencies, primarily in the EMS industry. Matthew started his career as a volunteer EMT in Westwood, New Jersey, in 1986. Matthew completed his Paramedic Training at the UMDNJ School of Health Related Professions in Newark, New Jersey.

Dr. Megan Powers is a PGY1 in Emergency Medicine at EVMS. She is the founder and director of Redflags to Freedom which has trained over 200 students and doctors on trauma informed care practices since its inception in 2021. She is also the co-founder of EVMS Blue Heart which provides trauma-informed care to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. She also works with a local team creating clinic protocols and response plans to support patients affected by violence.

Dr. Owens is an Emergency Physician at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and an Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University. He received his medical degree from the Ohio University, MPH from the University of Massachusetts, and completed his Emergency Medicine residency as Chief Resident at Michigan State University. Currently he is the Physician Advisor for the Eastern Virginia Healthcare Coalition and Teaching Faculty for the Tidewater Center for Life Support.

My name is Michael D. Peters, Jr. and I have been in Emergency Services for the past 17 years with service medically for the past 16 years, I held Certifications of EMT-B, EMT-Enhanced, EMT-Intermediate, and currently Nationally Registered Paramedic. I am also a certified Firefighter, I actually got my start within the Fire Department in Hillsville. I later transferred over to Pipers Gap Rescue Squad. I have worked professionally at Carroll County Fire Rescue, and I am a current employee at Galax-Grayson EMS. At Galax-Grayson EMS I am a supervisor, with the rank of Sergeant. I also serve as DICO, Training Officer, MHRO, CISM. I am also a Training Center Representative for our Training Center through NAEMT. I also served within the United States Army Reserve for 12 years with the rank of Sergeant, serving within a Transportation Company as an Operator, as well as the NCOIC of Medical for the unit. I am also a sworn Auxiliary Police Officer for Galax Police Department, serving as a Medic for the SERT Team. I also serve on the Nursing Advisory Board for Carroll County High School. I hold Instructor status in many disciplines, however my favorite discipline to educate is Mental Health. I am married to my Hero and Beautiful wife Kelsey where we are blessed with three children Michael, Jailyn, and Isaiah.

Dr. Michele Lee coordinates the Emergency Department Transition to Practice Program with Sentara Healthcare, where she is responsible for educating and mentoring new Emergency Department (ED) nurses for. She has been an ED nurse for the past thirty-four years, with the last fourteen years in education and leadership. As a Certified Emergency Nurse and a Certified Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Dr. Lee is passionate about growing and mentoring all nurses, but especially ED nurses.

Mindy is a registered nurse with 22 years of nursing experience, mostly in cardiac. She has been a coordinator with the Advanced Heart Failure Program for 15 years, and assumed the educator roll 4 years ago. She is certified in Transplant and VAD and uses her experience and knowledge to provide VAD education to a variety of audiences both inside the hospital and out in the community.

Dr. Natalie Ebeling-Koning is an emergency medicine physician in Greenville, South Carolina and is affiliated with Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton-Jefferson Health. She received her medical degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Completed medical school and Emergency Medicine residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. Currently the EMS Fellow with EVMS.

Raphael M. Barishansky is currently an independent consultant providing his unique perspective and multi-faceted public health and EMS expertise to various organizations, his most recent position before this was as the Deputy Secretary for Health Preparedness and Community Protection at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, a role he recently left after several years.

Started EMS in 2003 and became an ALS provider in 2005 as an EMT-Enhanced. Volunteered with Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS) and achieved life member status. Currently a captain in Prince William County DFR with over 17 years. Was the lead instructor for EMT and the paramedic class for over 5 years. Former paramedic and EMT program director for over 4 years. Completed a Bachelors in EMS at EKU. Complete a Maters in Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology at the UAB.

Terence Sheehy has over 25 years in EMS, currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations for Dare County EMS, NC. Deputy Chief Sheehy began volunteering at his local fire department when he was just 17 years old and over the last 20+ years he has held various roles working in technical rescue, fire, and EMS. He has earned a BS in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University, and a MPA at UT Arlington.

Teri Diloy, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CEN, CPEN is a nursing professional development specialist for Sentara Health as the Emergency Department transition-to-practice coordinator. She has been in the ED setting since 2000 and is passionate about incorporating engaging strategies into education. In 2023, she won the ENA Nurse Educator Award and is on the Virginia ENA board of directors as treasurer.

I have been a Certified Dementia Trainer over 10 years, working in multiple areas of Healthcare for over 20 years. My consulting business, Living Active Dementia’s goal is to share knowledge and resources through informative and energetic workshops to First Responders, Healthcare Workers and Community members who are interested in learning more about cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Dementia.