Agenda - SimTech Up Conference
2026 Agenda
Take a peek below to view upcoming sessions and learn more about our presenters.
September 9, 2026
7:45 – Registration/Check-in
7:45 – Morning Grind (Coffee) Sponsored by Education Management Solutions
8:30 – Opening Remarks: Education Management Solutions
8:45 – Keynote Presentation: Lights, Camera, Action: Lance Baily, BA, EMT-B
10:30 – SSH Accreditation for NewBs: Shelley Burson, M.Ed.
10:30 – Simulation and Medical Jargon: Peter Villa, BS, CHSOS
11:30 – Gaumard Sponsored Lunch
12:30 – ECG Interpretation CRASH Course: Matthew Adams, LP, NREMT-P, FP-C
12:30 – Beginning Moulage Hands-on Workshop: Jessi Wills, CHSOS
1:30 – Roadmap for the Successful Development and Utilization of a Task Trainer or
Simulator: Guy Gilbert, MSM, MSOL, CHSOS-A, CHSE
1:30 – How to Encourage Administration to Hire a Sim Tech: Lance Baily, BA, EMT-B
2:30 – Simulation Expo: A showcase of posters, inventions, and ideas
4:30 – Tour of TTUHSC Simulation Program
September 10, 2026
8:00 - Morning Grind (Coffee)
8:30 – Information Technology Security: Matthew Pierce, MS, NREMT, CHSOS; Daniel Backlund,
PhD, CHSOS, CHSE
8:30 – New to Simulation? Avoid these Rookie Mistakes: Moses Valle, BAS, CHSOS
9:30 – The Building Blocks of IRR: Daniel Backlund, PhD, CHSOS, CHSE
9:30 – Laerdal Hands-on Session: Peter Villa, BS, CHSOS; Rolando Badillo
10:45 – 3D Printing Hands-on Workshop: Knee-cap Know How: Kate Seralde, M.A.; Whitney
Atwood; Roger Smith
10:45 – Escape Rooms in Simulation: Jarrod Jones, MBA, NREMT, CHSE, CHSOS
12:00 – Education Management Solutions Sponsored Lunch
1:00 – Vendor Hall
September 11, 2026
8:00 – Morning Grind (Coffee)
8:30 - Simulation Experts Meet Content Experts: The Importance of Collaboration for
Summative and High-Stakes Assessments in Simulation Education: Kyle Johnson, PhD,
RN, CHSE, ANEF
8:30 – Standardized Patients Topic: TBD
9:30 – Staffing Adequacy: Matthew Pierce, MS, NREMT, CHSOS; Daniel Backlund, PhD,
CHSOS, CHSE
9:30 – Gaumard Hands-on Session: Peter Villa, BS, CHSOS; Rolando Badillo
10:45 – Human-AI Teaming For the Golden Time in Medical Emergency: Implications of
Large Language Models as a 9-1-1 Operator; Changwon Son, PhD, CSP
10:45 – Advanced Moulage Workshop: Austin Toppert; Keith Cherek, CHSOS; Rolando Badillo
12:00 – Laerdal Sponsored Lunch
12:45 – Justification and ROI on 3D Printing in Healthcare Simulation: Kirk Atkinson,
CHSOS, AS
12:45 – Public Speaking for People Who Hate Public Speaking: A No-Stress Guide to
Presenting: Jarrod Jones, MBA, NREMT, CHSE, CHSOS
2:00 – Simulation IT: Daniel Backlund, PhD, CHSOS, CHSE
3:15 – Closing
We are experts in simulation operations
Our simulation team is packed with experts in the field of operations, data-driven strategies and realistic applications. Read more about our conference presenters below.
Bio coming soon!
Kirk Atkinson is a Senior Clinical Simulation Operations Specialist, educator, and U.S. Navy veteran with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare simulation, medical training, and operational leadership. He currently serves as a Clinical Simulation Educator and Simulation Technician at the UT Southwestern Simulation Center in Dallas, Texas, where he manages advanced medical simulation systems, supports faculty and learner training, and leads innovation initiatives in simulation technology and additive manufacturing.
With deep technical expertise, Kirk Atkinson programs, maintains, and operates high-fidelity simulation platforms valued at more than $5 million, delivering immersive clinical training experiences to over 2,500 healthcare professionals. His work focuses on advancing simulation-based education through emerging technologies, including 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and custom task trainer development. He frequently presents on practical applications of additive manufacturing in healthcare simulation and innovative approaches to improving realism and accessibility in medical training.
Before entering academic healthcare simulation, Kirk Atkinson served 11 years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Medical Instructor, and Lead Medical Simulation Technician. During his military career, he developed and implemented simulation-based trauma training programs across multiple commands and supported more than 20,000 student training hours. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as Lead Shock Trauma Corpsman with Bravo Surgical Company, where he provided critical care for more than 150 wartime casualties. For his service and professionalism, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Kirk Atkinson is an active contributor to the healthcare simulation community and has presented at major industry conferences including IMSH and SPOT. His work has also been published on HealthySimulation.com, where he has written about topics such as 3D printing in simulation, birthing simulators, and the use of AR and VR in healthcare education.
He holds an Associate of Science degree from Brookhaven College and maintains several professional certifications, including Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. He also completed training in Innovation in Additive Manufacturing and Design through MIT, further advancing his work at the intersection of simulation technology and medical education.
Bio coming soon!
PhD, CHSOS, CHSE
Daniel Backlund is the Senior Director for Simulation IT Integration for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Simulation Program. He is in charge of monitoring, assessing, and maintaining the IT infrastructure at all locations that belong to the Simulation Program. This includes the computers used for daily work as well as computers, servers, and special A/V equipment that is a part of our integrated A/V system.
Daniel’s simulation experience began in the Fall of 2010 when he joined the simulation team at TTUHSC after completing his PhD in theoretical semiconductor physics. He learned about the different different sim modalities by observing simulation and becoming involved in the setup and execution of simulation-based activities. Throughout that time, he managed the A/V system for certification courses, OSCEs, and other forms of simulation and continues to support the program through other means such as web development, application evolution, and nurturing existing relationships with the other team members at TTUHSC and vendors.
Rolando is a Simulation Technician at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. As a Lubbock native, he is a graduate of Lubbock High. Rolando came to the field of simulation with 8 years of experience as a phlebotomist. Additionally, his work experience consists of patient transport, teachers aid, and catering. From diffusing a difficult situation or scheduling conflict, he utilizes the acquired skills from each of those paths to keep simulation activities running smoothly.
In the spirit of healthcare, Rolando has not stopped learning. He has completed (and mastered) moulage training. He is currently working on obtaining his CHSOS certification and is excited to attend SimGHOSTS this year. He looks forward to continued growth with the Simulation Program.
BA, EMT-B
Lance Baily, BA, EMT-B, is the Founder / CEO of HealthySimulation.com, which he started in 2010 while serving as the Director of the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas. Lance also founded SimGHOSTS.org, the world’s only non-profit organization dedicated to supporting professionals operating healthcare simulation technologies. His co-edited Book: “Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Operations, Technology, and Innovative Practice” is cited as a key source for professional certification in the industry. Lance’s background also includes serving as a Simulation Technology Specialist for the LA Community College District, EMS fire fighting, Hollywood movie production, rescue diving, video gaming, and global travel. He and his wife live with their three amazing children in Las Vegas, Nevada.
M.Ed.
Shelley Burson, M.Ed. is the Accreditation and Special Projects Manager for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Simulation Program.
Shelley has decades of experience with submitting accreditation applications for the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) and was the first non-nurse site visitor selected by ANCC. She also served on a very select team of TTUHSC individuals charged with the initial institutional accreditation application submitted to the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Shelley helped guide and facilitate the successful SSH accreditation of the Simulation Program in 2018 in the area of Teaching/Education, the mid-cycle accreditation in the area of Assessment in 2021, and the re-accreditation of the Simulation Program in 2023.
CHSOS
Keith Cherek is a Senior IT Support Technician for the Simulation Program and he began working at TTUHSC in January 2020. Prior to working in simulation, Keith worked as an Engineering Technician in Wisconsin before moving to Abilene, Texas. In 2023, Keith became CHSOS certified through SSH. At TTUHSC, he is directly involved in the programming of manikins, computers, AV equipment, healthcare equipment, moulage, and telehealth. He has also been utilizing a newly acquired 3D printer to make supplies and parts for the sim center. Keith has become a regional expert in managing the A/V equipment and simulation sessions through SIMULATIONiQ.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
BS
Monte joined the TTUHSC Simulation Program in 2015 as Standardized Patient Program Manager. His role quickly expanded beyond Lubbock to managing the program at all TTUHSC sites. In his role, Monte oversees the hiring and scheduling of standardized patients at all sites across the Simulation Program. In order to do so, he leads an amazing team known as the SP Division. As a team, the division works closely with educators on all aspects of simulation activities integrating standardized patients.
Guy Gilbert serves as an Instructional Designer for the School of Veterinary Medicine where his primary role consists of systematically developing instructional materials and experiences to promote the acquisition of knowledge. He has worked for Texas Tech in the field of clinical simulation since 2009. Guy’s rich professional tapestry allows him to draw from a wealth of experience and allows him to apply a remarkably diverse skill set to innovate and develop valuable educational solutions. Guy completed a bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, and two master's degrees from Colorado State University, an MS in Organizational Leadership and an MS in Management with a specialization in Instructional Design.
Guy is counted among a small number of individuals world-wide to be both, a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist - Advanced (CHSOS-A), and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society of Simulation in Healthcare.
Guy comes from a heritage of ranching in New Mexico and Colorado where his family raised foundation bloodlines of American Quarter Horses. His upbringing fostered many of his personal interests in outdoor activities like ultramarathons, mountaineering, backpacking and fly fishing. Guy enjoys taking outdoor excursions with his wife Rebecca and their 4 children.
PhD, MBA, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, FAARC
Albert J. Heuer, PhD, MBA, RRT-ACCS RPFT, FAARC, joined Rutgers University in 1996, where he currently holds the rank of Professor. He is an adjunct faculty within the Respiratory Care Programs at Rowan University (NJ), Rush University (Chicago, Illinois) and County College of Morris (NJ). He currently designs and teaches courses related to health care quality and administration as well as respiratory care. Dr. Heuer co-authors one textbook, co-edits two others, including the world renowned, Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. Dr. Heuer is also a consulting research scientist within Atlantic Health System’s Simulation Lab where he has accelerated their scholarly output related to simulation. Furthermore, Dr. Heuer has published numerous articles and book chapters, and has conducted many invited presentations relating to health care administration, clinical simulations and respiratory therapy. Dr. Heuer is a Fellow in the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC) and is past recipient of the Rutgers Master Educator Guild and the Rutgers Excellence in Teaching Awards.
PhD, RN, CHSE, ANEF
Kyle Johnson is the Executive Director of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Simulation Program, a multi-site Society for Simulation in Healthcare accredited interprofessional simulation program in Teaching/Education and Assessment, with 7 sites extending from West Texas to the Dallas-FW Metroplex. Kyle also is a Professor in the School of Nursing and the Covenant Health Systems Endowed Chair in Simulation and Nursing Education
His program of research centers on best practices for learners in observer roles and the impact of debriefing in simulation based experiences. His research publications on the observer role and debriefing have been recognized as articles of influence to the simulation community by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and he received the Debra Spunt Doctoral Research Award from the National League for Nursing. He most recently co-authored the newest revision of the Healthcare Simulation Standard of Best Practice: The Debriefing Process that will be published in 2025.
MBA, NREMT, CHSE, CHSOS
Jarrod has held many positions within the TTUHSC Simulation Program. In 2005 Jarrod began working part time as a Standardized Patient. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree from TTU he started working full time at TTUHSC as the Standardized Patient Program Manager. After this initial full-time role, he has acted as a Simulation Technician and the Simulation Operations Manager.
In 2018 he graduated with his MBA from the TTU Rawls College of Business and eventually transitioned into his current role of Associate Managing Director of Finance and Operations. Jarrod is a nationally registered EMT, an AHA Certified BLS Instructor, and has completed his CHSOS and CHSE certifications through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
Bio coming soon!
M.Ed, RN, CHSE
Terran Krake serves as the Director of Standardized Patient Education and Interprofessional Simulation at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. With over a decade of experience in simulation-based education and a professional background in nursing, Terran brings both clinical insight and operational expertise to her role.
Terran began her journey in simulation at the TTUHSC Abilene campus, where she played a key role in assisting with simulation logistics and managing a robust standardized patient program. Her leadership has since expanded to encompass oversight of SP education across all TTUHSC campuses, where she ensures consistent training, standardization, and quality assurance for SP-based assessments.
In her current role, Terran helps guide strategic efforts to enhance interprofessional education (IPE) and integrate SP methodologies into multidisciplinary simulation experiences. She works collaboratively with the Office of Interprofessional Education, faculty, simulation center staff, and other institutional stakeholders to promote best practices in simulation.
MS, NREMT, CHSOS
Matthew is the Director of Simulation Data Strategy, Program Evaluation, and Accreditation for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Matthew leads the TTUHSC American Heart Association Training Center and currently serves as an accreditation site reviewer and on the SSH STORM editorial board for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. He holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. Matthew is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist and a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician.
Matthew championed the integration of electronic health records into simulation activities at TTUHSC, subsequently co-authoring several works related to EHR. His professional hobbies include teaching, advanced spreadsheets, and data visualization.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
PhD, CSP
Dr. Changwon Son is an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, & Systems Engineering at Texas Tech University. Dr. Son’s research is focused on human-technology interactions including computer systems, artificial intelligence, and robot. Also, Dr. Son has deep expertise in safety through his professional and academic career. He was selected as Early-Career Research Fellow of National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Gulf Research Program. Also, he received George T. and Gladys Abell-Hanger Award from Texas Tech University College of Engineering for his excellence in teaching and service.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
BAS, CHSOS
Moses began his career in Simulation in 2019. Prior to simulation, he worked as a medication technician and a correctional officer. In his time at TTUHSC he has contributed to many quality improvement projects for the program. Most notably, he completed a detailed guide of all disposable supplies and their indicated use in healthcare. In addition to the guide, he re-organized the supply room and developed a collaborative working document for managing inventory levels of supplies.
As a Simulation Specialist, he wears many hats including being an AHA Basic Life Support Instructor. As a BLS instructor one of his favorite activities is leading teams through friendly competition in the high-quality CPR race. For the activity, he has created a “wall of champions” complete with trophies for winning competitors. In other areas, Moses has proven innovative by manipulating lines, drains, and other supplies to enhance the realism of task trainers and scenarios. He attributes his growth as an operations specialist to attending multiple conferences. Additionally, Moses had the opportunity to complete the NLN SIRC courses and acknowledges their contribution to his growth.
In 2024, Moses obtained his CHSOS certification. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics from Wayland Baptist University. He is currently working on completing his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Wayland. Moses keeps current with simulation as a member of Simulation Professionals of Texas (SPOT) and looks forward to SimGHOSTS every year. As he is fascinated by the film and production industry, outside of work and school, he is often found at the cinema. He also enjoys attending concerts. Most recently, he attended Coldplay, Gary Allan, and Beyonce.
BS, CHSOS
Peter Villa is a Simulation Operational Specialist at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. He was born and raised in Chicago Illinois and moved to Texas in his early twenties. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas Tech University. He started his simulation career in 2012 as a Standardized Patient. After participating in numerous patient encounters with students from School of Medicine and Nursing, he joined the team as a Simulation Technician in 2013.
As a Simulation Technician at TTUHSC, he completed a Military Moulage course near Washington D.C.. Peter has been a member of SSH since completing his CHSOS certification in 2016. Upon completion, he was promoted to Simulation Center Specialist. As a Specialist, his knowledge in the world of healthcare simulation has continued to expand. He has since completed advanced moulage training courses and now serves as a moulage instructor for the TTUHSC Simulation Program.
Peter attributes his knowledge and skills to the multiple conferences he has attended throughout the years. These opportunities have allowed him to expand his knowledge of simulation pedagogy and scenario development. Further, they have enhanced his ability to work with various schools (Medicine, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Allied Health and Pharmacy) to deliver impactful simulation. Peter’s personal goal is to advance the field of Simulation. He deeply values the way healthcare simulation was done in the past. Though he has seen many advances in simulators beyond using oranges for injections, he believes we can all still do better to enhance the fidelity and quality of healthcare education.
Bio coming soon!
CHSOS
Jessi Jo Wills is the Section Supervisor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Simulation Program – Permian Basin, overseeing simulation operations in Odessa and Midland, TX. In 2016, she started at TTUHSC Simulation Program as a Standardized Patient while obtaining her Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology with a specialization in makeup artistry and barbering.
In 2021, Jessi joined the Simulation Team full-time as a Coordinator. Jessi obtained her CHSOS certification in 2023 and was promoted to her current role as Section Supervisor in 2024. The path has allowed her to merge her passions for healthcare and special effects makeup.
Jessi lead the Permian Basin Simulation Team to a 1st place win in the SimGHOSTS It’s Alive Halloween Contest. Additionally, she has altered task trainers to meet the needs of learners. These alterations utilize upcycled simulation supplies and have allowed learners to practice skills, such as feeding with G-tubes and applying tourniquets to an active bleed. Jessi is currently working with a team on the development of a task trainer for pericardial effusion. If accepted, she looks forward to showcasing the task trainer at IMSH SimVentors.