Moderators & Panelists

Kevin Bagley, DHA

Kevin Bagley, DHA, is passionate about finding ways to improve the systems of care that support Medicaid participants across the country. Kevin currently works as a Senior Medicaid and Human Services Advisor at Healthy Together and previously worked as an independent consultant assisting clients to make a more meaningful impact for Medicaid staekholders. Kevin served as the Medicaid Director for the state of Nebraska under Governors Pete Ricketts and Jim Pillen. Prior to serving as Nebraska’s Medicaid Director, Kevin served as the Director of LTSS for the state of Utah’s Medicaid program.

Kevin served on the Board of Directors at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, the Nebraska Health Information Technology Board, and currently serves as the board chair of a Nebraska FQHC. Kevin earned his Doctor of Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University and his Master’s in Business Administration from Utah State University. Kevin has four children, two dogs, an incredible wife and currently resides in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Ama Bikoko, MHA, MPH

Ama Bikoko is an Epidemiologist III with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, where she leads work focused on strengthening vital records data systems, improving data quality, and using public health data to support decision making. With more than seven years of experience across state and nonprofit public health, she brings a practical approach to translating complex data into actionable insights and improving how public health data are used.

Dez Brandt

Dez serves as the Deputy Director of Maternal & Child Health Services at Panhandle Public Health District, where she provides leadership for programs and initiatives focused on improving the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families across the rural Nebraska Panhandle.

Dez has extensive experience in community-based public health programming, including home visiting, family support services, care coordination, and building partnerships to address barriers to healthcare access. Her work focuses on connecting families to resources, strengthening local systems of care, and developing innovative approaches to meeting the unique needs of rural communities.

Currently, Dez is helping lead the planning and development of a Maternal & Family Health Mobile Unit through Nebraska's Rural Health Transformation initiative. This work includes exploring how Community Health Workers can help bridge gaps in care, strengthen connections between healthcare providers and communities, and bring essential services closer to rural families.

Dez is passionate about collaboration, empowering the public health workforce, and creating sustainable solutions that ensure individuals and families have access to the care and support they need, regardless of where they live.

Quentin Brown, MPA

Educare Lincoln, Executive Director

Anna Burbach

Anna Burbach is a Maternal and Child Health Epidemiologist who coordinates the Nebraska Child Death Review Team (CDRT). She also supports data needs of the Division of Public Health especially as they relate to children and infants.

Maria Cantu Hines, MD, MPH

Maria Cantu Hines, MD, MPH, is a physician-trained public health professional, and systems-builder with more than 25 years of experience in population health, community engagement, care coordination, program development, and cross-sector collaboration. Trained as a physician in Mexico and later earning a Master of Public Health in the United States, her professional foundation is rooted in Social Medicine and in understanding health as the product of clinical, social, environmental, behavioral, and structural conditions. Throughout her career, she has worked to bridge healthcare and public health through prevention, education, community partnership, and practical systems of care.

Maria currently serves as Community Health Worker Program Manager at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, where she assists on the development and integration of Community Health Worker services across healthcare and community settings, with particular emphasis on maternal and child health, chronic disease management and health equity. Over the course of her career, she has designed and managed public and population health initiatives, trained and supported more than 130 Community Health Workers, led community engagement and health education efforts, and contributed to strategic planning, community health assessment, partnership development, and state and federal grant activities. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and brings a strong emphasis on cultural responsiveness, systems thinking, and translating strategy into practical action.

Maria and her husband, Ernest, have two wonderful college-aged children, Roberta (“Bert”) and Ernest (“Ernie”), who live in Lincoln. They also share their home in Polk, Nebraska, with Tucker and Fletcher, their beloved furry family members.

Erika Fuchs, PhD, MPH

Erika Fuchs, PhD, MPH, is an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health. As a maternal and child health (MCH) epidemiologist, she supports the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services as a senior epidemiologist and provides technical assistance and training through CityMatCH. Her major projects include analyzing quantitative data from Nebraska PRAMS and vital records, using Nebraska WIC data to examine trends and health outcomes among participants, leading state maternal and child health emergency preparedness and response activities, designing and conducting data linkages, and providing subject matter, technical, and epidemiologic expertise to internal and external partners. In addition, Dr. Fuchs provides mentorship to MCH and epidemiology staff, students, interns, and community partners to promote workforce development and epidemiologic capacity.

Dr. Fuchs has previous experience working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the Minnesota Department of Health. Dr. Fuchs received her BS in biology, MPH in maternal and child health, and PhD in epidemiology all from the University of Minnesota.

Masoomeh Hajizadeh Oghaz, PhD

Masoomeh Hajizadeh Oghaz is a Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) program manager at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS). PRAMS is a surveillance program gathering information on mothers’ health, behaviors and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. Nebraska PRAMS is a small team of three people under the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCH-Epi) group at DHHS. With almost 4 years of experience, Masoomeh has successfully led Nebraska PRAMS data collection, data use and dissemination in Phase 9 (2023-current). Masoomeh earned a PhD in Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Angela Johnson, MSW

Public Health Solutions, Children & Family Wellness Manager

Max F. Lydiatt, MD

Dr. Lydiatt is a psychiatrist at Methodist Women's Hospital. He is fellowship trained in consult-liaison psychiatry, a specialty focused on conditions at the intersection of medicine and psychiatry. His clinical interests include mental health during pregnancy and the perinatal period, addiction treatment, and helping patients navigate serious medical diagnoses while maintaining the highest possible quality of life.

He believes that trust is the foundation of the patient-provider relationship, and he works to build it by listening, asking questions and partnering closely with patients. He wants every patient to feel heard and empowered, recognizing that they know themself best and should play an active role in their care.

Kayla McKain, RN, MSN

Kayla is a registered nurse with more than 15 years of experience in pediatrics, pediatric hospice, and women's reproductive health care. As the nurse abstractor for the Nebraska Maternal Mortality Review Committee, she works to ensure that the lives of women who died during or after pregnancy are honored, and that their experiences guide statewide maternal health improvement efforts.

Kelly Nielsen, MPH, MS, CPH

Omaha Pathways Community HUB, Director

Todd Pankratz, MD

Todd A. Pankratz, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with over 25 years of experience dedicated to advancing women’s health care in Nebraska. A senior partner at Obstetricians and Gynecologists, P.C. in Hastings since 1998, Dr. Pankratz previously practiced in Iowa City after completing his OB/GYN residency at Truman Medical Center/St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, where he served as Administrative Chief Resident. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and a B.A. with distinction in Psychobiology from Hastings College.

Dr. Pankratz has held numerous leadership roles in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, currently serving as District VI Treasurer and having twice chaired Nebraska’s section. He is a founding board member and medical director of Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, overseeing the state’s Title X services, and contributes to statewide maternal health efforts through the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative.

At Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital, Dr. Pankratz has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Medical Staff President (2020–2022). His long-standing service to the Nebraska Medical Association includes terms as President and extensive legislative committee involvement.

An active community member, Dr. Pankratz sits on the board of Five Points Bank, mentors pre-med students, and has supported numerous civic organizations. His career is distinguished by numerous awards, including the AMA Foundation Leadership Award and Alpha Omega Alpha induction.

Dr. Pankratz is committed to access to health care in rural Nebraska, maternity and primary care deserts, and advancing equitable reproductive health services across Nebraska.

Briley Patterson, BSN, RN, AMB-C

Briley Patterson is the Manager of EMBRACE, a maternal health transformation program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Working alongside program founder and OB-GYN Chair Dr. Sarosh Rana, Briley partners with rural hospitals and care teams across Nebraska with a shared goal: making sure every mom receives the care she deserves, no matter where she lives.

Through EMBRACE, Briley leads simulation-based training for rural nurses and ultrasound technologists, the launch of preeclampsia biomarker testing, and a postpartum blood pressure program. She also coordinates EMPOWER Hour, a monthly OB-GYN education series, and EMBRACE's regional STORK education days. Before joining EMBRACE, Briley served as manager of the outpatient OB-GYN clinic and brings a background in emergency department nursing, which gives her firsthand insight into the many points where moms enter the healthcare system. She is a passionate advocate for women and children and is dedicated to building healthy moms for a strong Nebraska.

Sarosh Rana, MD, MPH, FACOG

Dr. Rana is a Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology the University of Nebraska. She founded the EMBRACE program (Excellence in Maternal Birth Outcomes through Rigorous Assessment and Community Engagement). This program aims at improving outcomes of mothers and babies all across Nebraska. Dr. Rana engages with federally qualified health centers and critical access hospitals to develop systems of care and processes to improve access to OB care and support services for patients within these areas. Dr. Rana is an internationally recognized expert in management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. She takes care of pregnant and postpartum patients with high-risk conditions such as preeclampsia, hypertension, kidney transplant, heart failure and obesity. Dr. Rana performs translational research. For the past 20 years her lab has worked on angiogenic biomarkers and treatment of preeclampsia. She is particularly interested in elucidating the role of angiogenic biomarkers in the prediction of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Dr. Rana is also very interested in reducing health disparities by quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Rana conducts national and international research. She trains medical students, residents and fellows and is also the Program Director of OB/GYN translational research fellowship. Dr. Rana has published over 140 papers (has over 17800 citations with Hi Index of 55). Her work is supported by variety of sources including NIH, NICHD, AHA, Gates foundation, March of dimes, industry and philanthropy.

Bob Rauner, MD, MPH, FAAFP

Dr. Rauner is the President of Partnership for a Healthy Nebraska. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy at Creighton University, a medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a master’s degree in public health at Johns Hopkins University, studying how to systematically improve the health of Nebraskans. Dr. Rauner’s past health system and policy experience includes past roles as the Chief Medical Officer of OneHealth Nebraska Accountable Care Organization and serving as the past president of the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians. He also currently serves on the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education, the advisory board for the Center for Professionalism and Value in Healthcare, and previously served on the board of directors of the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations.

Derek Ross, BS

Derek Ross oversees the Nebraska Birth Defects Registry and maintains the data therein for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Derek attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology; he is currently working towards completing a Public Health Certificate through the University of Nebraska Medical Center and intends to continue on to complete a Master of Public Health degree.

Marisa Schaffer, MSN, RNC-MNN, C- EFM, C-ONQS

Marisa Schaffer, serves as a Perinatal Quality Nurse Specialist with the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPQIC), where she partners with hospitals across Nebraska to advance maternal and newborn outcomes through education, quality improvement, and clinical practice support. With more than 15 years of experience in perinatal nursing education and quality initiatives, Marisa brings a passion for simulation, interactive learning, and building strong relationships with healthcare teams across the state. Through her work supporting Rural Health Transformation efforts, she has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to strengthen obstetric and neonatal readiness, improve care processes, and expand access to evidence-based care. Marisa also serves as Nebraska AWHONN Co-Chair, leading professional development and advocacy efforts for perinatal nurses. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, cheering from the sidelines at their sporting events and practicing yoga.

Jessica Seberger, MA

Jessica Seberger is the Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health program manager at the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services. Ms. Seberger’s current work projects of note include coordinating the Title V Action Plan implementation and supporting Rural Health Transformation Program implementation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and birding.

Kailey Snyder, PhD

Dr. Kailey Snyder is an Associate Professor in the School of Health & Kinesiology. She is a behavioral health researcher with expertise in mixed methodologies and program evaluation. Dr. Snyder provides program evaluation for projects related to early childhood health and well-being and parental health. Her research interests focus on the utilization and expansion of doula care, breastfeeding self-efficacy and pelvic health. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles which have been featured in top outlets such as Women’s Health, International Breastfeeding Journal and Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Snyder has been cited as a content expert in media outlets such as Redbook and Parents Magazine.

Tiffany Uher, MPA

Tiffany Uher has served as Executive Director of MilkWorks since 2022 and has nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily supporting programs in child welfare and juvenile justice. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Following the birth of her two sons, Tiffany discovered a passion for helping women navigate the transition to motherhood. She and her husband, Micah, live in Lincoln with their two young boys, Levi and Silas. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and being outdoors.

Sara Voss

Sara’s career journey includes five years as a first-grade teacher at a Title I school, followed by a transition to early childhood education after she realized the high cost of quality childcare for her own family. This personal experience sparked her passion for helping families afford and find quality childcare.

Prior to joining Lincoln Littles, she served in child care administration for 20 years. Additionally, she worked as a trainer for the Department of Education and as a Step Up to Quality Coach and Observer.

Paul Zeiger, MHA

Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Program Manager

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