Dr. April Grace is a visionary leader in Oklahoma public education, with a career spanning over 35 years dedicated to transforming learning environments and empowering educators. Currently serving in a leadership role at the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC), Dr. Grace brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the operational and strategic levers that drive educational excellence.

Since beginning her career in 1989, Dr. Grace has served in nearly every facet of public education—from classroom teacher to site-level administrator, assistant superintendent of human resources, and ultimately, district superintendent. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to innovation, equity, and collaboration, earning her recognition at both the state and national levels, including being named the 2021 Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators. She also received a National Magna Award for innovative leadership with the implementation of telemedicine clinics in her district, the first to do so in the State of Oklahoma– positioning the district uniquely to serve the community during COVID and COVID recovery.

Known for her out-of-the-box thinking and ability to connect vision with execution, Dr. Grace has led strategic initiatives in curriculum design, policy development, and leadership training. She has consulted with the Marzano Evaluation Center, contributed to university-level curriculum for master’s and doctoral programs, and served in key roles across numerous education organizations—including a historic term as president of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, only the second woman to hold that position in the 90 year history of the organization.

Dr. Grace’s warm, engaging presence and her ability to foster meaningful dialogue make her a natural speaker for education groups. She brings not only expertise but also empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for the diverse voices shaping the future of education.

Wade Huntsman is the Owner of Lice Clinics of America (LCA) – Midsouth, which manages five regional clinics in four states. Over the past decade Wade’s clinics have treated tens of thousands of Oklahoma children. Wade serves on the Executive Committee for LCA nationally, is the company’s representative at the NASN Conference, and is the developer of LCA’s Mini-Clinic Program. Prior to his work with LCA, Wade worked in global marketing and product development in the medical industry specializing in medical product innovation and sterilization methods.

Like every lice clinic owner, Wade has a dual degree in Political Science and Soviet Studies from the University of Arkansas as well as a Masters in International Marketing from Suffolk University in Boston.

At the age of 19 Wade married his high school sweetheart Susan to whom he has been married for 33 years. They have two highly accomplished daughters and one dog who sometimes sits when you ask her to.

Jessie Foley is the Director of Clinics for Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth, where she has served full-time for the past eight years. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced significant growth, expanding from two clinics to five across the region. In addition to strengthening clinic operations, Jessie has been instrumental in launching innovative Mini Clinic programs in rural and underserved school districts, increasing access to safe, effective lice treatment and prevention services. 

Jessie has also played a key role in establishing strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and industry leaders, positioning Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth as a trusted resource in public health and school support services. Her commitment to operational excellence and community outreach has contributed to the organization being named Clinic of the Year twice, in 2021 and 2023.

Born and raised in Tulsa, Jessie holds degrees in Advertising and Public Relations, as well as Veterinary Medicine Nursing. She currently serves as President of her local TCPAAA group. Outside of her professional work, Jessie enjoys life with her husband Kevin—whom she met on Valentine’s Day—their two children, and their four pets, all named after characters from NCIS.

Dr. Stocco is the Medical Director for the Child Neurology program at Bethany Children's Health Center where she is involved in several multidisciplinary clinics which serve many children with complex medical conditions.  These clinics include the Movement Disorder Clinic, the Deep Brain Stimulation Clinic, the Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry Collaborative Clinic, and others.

She graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed a dual Residency in Pediatrics & Child Neurology through Baylor College of Medicine, mainly at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. She also did short stents of training in programs in Ireland, England, India, and Guatemala. 

Historically Dr. Stocco served as Director of the Pediatric Movement Disorder Clinic and Co-Director of the Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), as well as starting the TCH Tourette Clinic at a satellite location in Clear Lake, Texas. She also co-founded the TCH Deep Brain Stimulation program. Then Dr. Stocco joined the Pediatric Neurology team at INTEGRIS Pediatric Specialties in Oklahoma City, OK prior to her joining Bethany Children’s.

Linda Mace is a seasoned professional and the Associate Director of Alternative Education; Behavior Supports for Norman Public Schools, bringing 28 years of experience in public education to her role. Throughout her career—which includes positions as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and director—Linda has remained steadfastly focused on doing what is best for every student. Linda specializes in interpreting behavior as a form of communication, using data to inform effective, compassionate support systems for both students and the adults who guide them. She is an advocate for the integration of health data into school-based mental health and behavioral focused Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Teams to ensure holistic, proactive decisions. By analyzing physical health trends and behavioral data simultaneously, the team ensures interventions are responsive, trauma- informed, and effective for the whole child. 

As a speaker, Linda uses a blend of high-energy delivery, humor, and relatable stories of success and failure to share best practices and "out-of-the-box" thinking. Her message is one of empowerment and personal growth, prompting audiences to laugh, think deeply, and reignite their commitment. When she’s not focused on students, you’ll find Linda with her husband enjoying the outdoors, riding in their jeep, or watching/participating in a sporting event with one or more of their 8 children, 14 grandchildren, or their dog, Boone.

Charles currenlty serves as the outreach coordinator for the Heart Institute at Arkansas Children’s, this includes Project Adam and the Arkansas Heart-Safe School Initiative.

His roots are in emergency medical services having spent a large portion of his life working as a Firefighter-Paramedic at multiple agencies in the state of Arkansas.

As a Pediatric Nurse, he has been fortunate to have served in the Pediatric Intensive Care, Emergency Department, Angel One Transport and the Operations Center at Arkansas Children’s.

His Mission: Preparedness in the community to care for life threatening emergencies in the pediatric population.

Dr. Kristie Edelen is a board-certified clinical toxicologist and the Managing Director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Children's Hospital at Saint Francis in Tulsa.

With over a decade of experience in toxicology and poison center operations, Dr. Edelen has played a vital role in public health education, clinical research, and emergency response. She is an active educator, serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and providing toxicology training to healthcare professionals statewide. Her research contributions include numerous publications and national conference presentations on topics ranging from envenomations to pediatric toxicology. 

Dr. Edelen is frequently sought after for media interviews, offering expert guidance on poison prevention and emerging toxicological concerns. She remains dedicated to advancing clinical toxicology and improving patient outcomes through education, research, and advocacy.

Jane Nelson CAE, has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) since 2002, where she leads efforts to engage nurses in advocacy, professional advancement, and education. With nearly 40 years of experience, Jane brings extensive expertise in marketing, association management, public and legislative relations, and event planning at both state and national levels. She earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives in 1999. Jane holds a master’s degree from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. Though not a nurse herself, Jane has built a deeply meaningful career with ONA, working closely with its members to ensure clear understanding of key healthcare issues and to effectively advocate on their behalf with lawmakers and the public. Her passion for public health was inspired by her mother, a physician who served for over 35 years as Health Commissioner in Summit County, Ohio. From an early age, Jane learned the vital connection between community health and overall societal well-being. Jane resides in Oklahoma City with her husband, Tony Hutchison, a higher education consultant and former Senior Vice Chancellor at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. They have two adult daughters.

Kacy Aderhold is a clinical nurse specialist with board certification in advanced diabetes management and over 10 years of experience in adult endocrinology as an APRN. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with special academic distinction in 2023. Kacy is also a certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified nurse educator and faculty of the OU College of Nursing in the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

Her recent honors include national recognition with the Advancing the Vision Award in 2025 by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and acceptance into the American Diabetes Association Women’s Interprofessional Network in 2025. Kacy is passionate about patient education and utilizing pharmacotherapy and technology to improve outcomes and reduce burden for her patients. She stays busy with her 3-year old, and likes to read and travel.

Rebecca Allen is the Diabetes Education and Technology Manager with the Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic at OU Health. She works with a diabetes team of pediatric endocrinologists and staff to provide diabetes education services as part of the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Children’s Program here in Oklahoma City. She’s a Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Board Certified in advanced Diabetes Management and has been involved in both clinical care and research support focused on diabetes management and education since 2007. Rebecca also serves on the American Diabetes Association’s safe at School Working Group that helps to provide diabetes best practice updates, training, and resources for Health care professionals, schools’ staff and parents.

Kristin Weis has dedicated nearly 23 years to the global fight against child trafficking. A seasoned expert in the field, her diverse background includes specialized training as a private investigator and the distinct honor of serving on a Presidential appointment. As a devoted survivor advocate, Kristin’s leadership has been most evident over the past 13 years as the Founder and Executive Director of The Demand Project. Under her guidance, the organization has become a cornerstone in the battle to protect the vulnerable and support those on the journey to restoration. She brings a wealth of frontline experience and strategic insight to every stage she graces.

David Teuscher has been employed with Norman Public Schools (NPS) since 2021 and serves as the district’s Emergency Management Coordinator.  As Coordinator, David is responsible for a wide range of duties including assisting in the development of school safety plans and crisis management plans for all schools within the district.  In addition, he collaborates with other local agencies regarding safety information which could impact local schools. He serves as the liaison between NPS and law enforcement with respect to the School Resources Officer (SRO) program. David is also tasked with coordinating training drills, including fire, weather and mock emergency drills and he coordinates periodic assessments and audit of NPS facilities and grounds to identify potential safety and security issues.  

Prior to working for NPS, David was employed with Norman Police Department (NPD).  During his time with NPD, he worked as a Patrolman, Detective, Investigations Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor and retired as the senior Major.  While with NPD, David attended and graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy and the Police Executive Research Form’s Senior Management Institute for Police. He retired from NPD in 2021 after twenty-three years of service.

Gayle Black is the School Health Coordinator at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), a position she has held since September 2018. She brings 30 years of nursing experience to her role, with a strong background in public health and school-based health services. Gayle began her nursing career in 1996 after earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Hobbs, New Mexico. She went on to complete her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) at New Mexico Junior College in 1998.

Before relocating to Oklahoma, she served as a Public Health Nurse for the New Mexico Department of Health in Lea County for two and a half years. In September 2005, Gayle joined OSDH as a Public Health Nurse. Her work has included assignments in school health settings and serving five years as the Coordinating Nurse for Canadian and Kingfisher Counties. In May 2016, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Oklahoma City University, further solidifying her commitment to advancing health care for Oklahoma's communities. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing with Emphasis in Community/Public Health 2026.

Shawna Blackburn, MSN, RN, is a state-level leader in school health systems, currently serving as Project Manager for School Health Services at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and President of the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma. She is currently overseeing a $16 million, five-year statewide initiative supporting Oklahoma’s 542 school districts, focused on improving district resources and funding by transforming how student health services are delivered, documented, and funded. Her work centers on implementing electronic health record systems, expanding Medicaid reimbursement, and building sustainable, compliant infrastructure for school-based health services at scale.

Her prior experience as both a principal and classroom teacher gives her a distinct, systems-level understanding of how education and health services intersect in real school environments, allowing her to effectively bridge the gap between instructional leadership and student health needs. With a career spanning clinical nursing, health career education, and executive program leadership, Shawna brings a system-level perspective to improving student outcomes. She has led multi-program operations, managed budgets and personnel across healthcare training programs, and built strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, state agencies, and community organizations.

Known for translating complex policy into practical implementation, Shawna equips districts and school nurses with the tools, training, and frameworks needed to move from fragmented care to coordinated, fundable systems. Her current work includes leading statewide education and updates on Department of Education initiatives, advancing Medicaid integration in schools, and mentoring the next generation of school nurses through leadership panels and professional development.

Marina Fielder received her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Executive Nurse Leadership from the University of Texas Medical Branch and is currently working as a Senior Manager at Public Consulting Group. In addition, she serves as a school nurse subject matter expert (SME) to districts around the country leveraging her 10 years as a school nurse and nurse administrator.  A strong advocate for efficiency, equity in access to services, and data-driven decision-making, she involves her teams in process improvement initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning projects that align with organizational goals. Her professional interests focus on school-based Medicaid programs, health service delivery in educational settings, and leveraging technology to improve operational outcomes, and her current projects include developing streamlined workflows for Medicaid reimbursement, integrating electronic health records into school health systems, and supporting policy advocacy efforts. She also was granted her Certified Pediatric Nurse certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

Jeni Robison, a Consultant at Public Consulting Group, boasts over two decades of expertise in the realm of special education. Over the past eleven years with PCG, her primary focus has been on managing special education data, ensuring compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and facilitating Medicaid reimbursement for schools at both state and district levels. In Oklahoma, Mrs. Robison spearheads school-based Medicaid business development, oversees project management initiatives, and aids in resource development efforts. Her proficiency extends to the implementation of PCG’s specialized data management systems, EDPlan™ and EasyTRAC™, which are tailored to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, meet compliance standards, and enhance educational outcomes for students. Beyond this, Jeni collaborates with state and local education agencies to refine protocols for special education services and Medicaid reimbursement. Her vast portfolio encompasses diverse projects encompassing special education, data management, Medicaid, claims processing, system integration, and training. Public Consulting Group currently supports 540+ school districts across Oklahoma. Jeni holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Mollee Speichinger, BSN, RN, has dedicated her career to helping Oklahoma’s students stay healthy. She began working with Norman Public Schools in 2017 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), gaining valuable experience caring for students. In 2022, she became the District Supervising Nurse, leading clinical practice, developing nursing practices, coordinating health programs across the district, and supporting other school nurses. She earned her Registered Nurse (RN) license in 2023 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in June 2026. Mollee is always eager to learn and find new ways to improve school health services.

With both parents working as lifelong educators, Mollee understands how important public education is for building strong communities. This experience motivates her to ensure every student has access to quality healthcare at school. She works to advance school nursing through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and continuous learning, with a focus on expanding health services in Oklahoma schools. Mollee serves as Secretary of the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma (SNOO) and collaborates with school nurses, teachers, and community partners to improve school health across the state.

Nyomi Barrick-Wommack, serves as the Science Education and Outreach Manager for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). In this role, she leads the development and delivery of medical cannabis education focused on public health and patient safety, while building partnerships across healthcare and community systems throughout Oklahoma. She represents OMMA in national and professional spaces, contributing to organizations such as ASTM International and Cannabis Regulators Association, and frequently speaks on the intersection of cannabis science, policy, and patient safety. Nyomi holds a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Sciences and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences from Oklahoma State University. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Beal University teaching in the Medicinal Plants and Cannabis Sciences program. She was recognized with the NextGen Under 30 Award for Policy and Public Service in 2022.

Trish Winters is a dedicated advocate for individuals and families impacted by type one diabetes and currently serves as Chapter Director for Breakthrough T1D, the world’s leading funder of type one diabetes research. As the mother of two children living with type one diabetes, Trish brings both personal experience and professional leadership to her work supporting the diabetes community across Oklahoma.

For more than a decade, Trish has been actively involved in advocacy efforts focused on advancing type one diabetes research, awareness, and public policy initiatives. She has regularly traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for federal funding and legislation that supports those living with type one diabetes. In Oklahoma, she has been involved with the Oklahoma Diabetes Caucus for nearly 10 years and has co chaired Oklahoma Diabetes Awareness Day at the State Capitol alongside state legislators for the past three years.

Through her leadership, Trish works to connect families with education, resources, and community support while helping advance critical research efforts aimed at improving lives and accelerating breakthroughs toward cures. She is also passionate about the importance of strong partnerships between families, schools, and healthcare professionals. With both of her children attending Piedmont Public Schools, she understands firsthand the vital role school nurses and educators play in supporting students living with chronic conditions.

Jessica Milberger, CHES, has been with the Oklahoma State Department of Health for seven years, bringing experience in health education and community-based programming. She has served as a Health Education Supervisor, Health Equity Specialist, and as the Community Health Worker (CHW) Supervisor for District 4, where she supported frontline staff and expanded community outreach efforts.

In her current role as CHW Workforce and Program Development Consultant, Jessica focuses on program development, implementation, and strengthening systems that support CHWs across the state. Her work also includes advancing workforce development initiatives and providing technical assistance to partners and organizations to build sustainable, effective CHW programs. She is passionate about improving access to care and advancing initiatives that address community needs at the local level.

Mike Starchman is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Public Accountant and serves as the Deputy Executive Director for the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Mike currently serves on the Finance Committee for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Mike is responsible for agency budget/finances, nurse licensing and regulation, nursing practice, and pre-licensure nursing education program regulation. He has over 24 years of state government experience including auditing/regulatory experience and has also worked as an RN in the Cardiovascular ICU setting. Mike is dedicated to the agency’s mission of protecting the public through nursing regulation and works diligently to be an informed resource for nursing professionals, future nursing professionals, and other stakeholders.

Paula Deyell serves as the IIS Manager for the Oklahoma State Department of Health Immunization Service. She has worked in the Immunization Service since 2002. Over the last 24 years, Paula has spent most of her time working with the IIS in various capacities including help desk technician and IIS Coordinator. She has worked with the vaccine team assisting the Vaccine Manager with compiling information for the vaccine spend plan and ordering vaccine. Paula has also worked in VFC management as a Regional Immunization Consultant.

Stephanie Natt has been with the Oklahoma State Department of Health for over 30 years. During Stephanie’s tenure she has served in various roles with Immunization Services. Beginning in 1992, Stephanie served as an Immunization Field Representative, in 2000 Stephanie took the opportunity to lead the African American Immunization Disparity Project as a Project Coordinator with the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality (PRO). In 2002 Stephanie returned to OSDH as the Influenza and Adult Immunization Coordinator, 2006 she became a Regional Immunization Coordinator and has supervised 14 Immunization Field Consultants covering the Central, South, and West quadrants of the state. In 2012, she served as the OSIIS Coordinator and in 2015 she took on the role as the Exemption and Yellow Fever Coordinator. 

Paula is the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Coordinator for the state of Oklahoma and is supervising 12 field staff. She has been an Immunization Field Consultant since 2002 starting with Oklahoma City-County Health Department and then moving to cover Canadian, Logan, Kingfisher, Blaine, Washita and Custer for OSDH. Paula was the Regional Immunization Coordinator for the western half of the state before becoming the VFC Coordinator. 

Taylor graduated from OU with a B.S. in biology in 2018, then earned her MPH in epidemiology from OU in 2022. She has worked at the Oklahoma State Department of Health since 2022 on the Infectious Disease Prevention and Response Team. She typically conducts investigations of reportable infectious diseases and outbreaks and also serves as the lead investigative epidemiologist for vaccine-preventable diseases.

Rooney Virgin is an attorney and the Director of Government Affairs for the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Oklahoma’s public schools and school board members through advocacy, training, and a range of essential services. Since joining OSSBA in 2012, Rooney has been a leading voice in state education policy, working to ensure that local school boards are empowered and public education is prioritized at the Capitol.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Rooney earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University in 2005 before returning home to attend the University of Oklahoma College of Law, graduating in 2008. She began her legal career at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office, gaining invaluable courtroom experience and a deep commitment to public service.

Beyond her professional work, Rooney is actively involved in the Downtown Exchange Club of Oklahoma City and passionate about community engagement. She lives in Norman with her husband Jeff, their daughters Annabelle and Claire, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and one very charismatic hermit crab. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family—embracing the joyful chaos of a full and lively household.

Julie L. Miller is Deputy Executive Director & General Counsel for the Oklahoma State School Boards Association ("OSSBA"). Mrs. Miller has been employed by the OSSBA since 1996 and has served as a legal clerk, staff attorney, and Director of Policy Services prior to her current position. Mrs. Miller also directs policy services for the organization working with over 387 of Oklahoma's public school districts and charter schools. Mrs. Miller has been serving as an adjunct professor teaching school law courses for Southern Nazarene University in the Masters of Education Administration Leadership program since 2002. In 2016, Mrs. Miller taught an education law course in the PhD program for Oklahoma State University at the Oklahoma City campus. Mrs. Miller graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse in 1992, the Denver Paralegal Institute in 1993, and Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1997. Mrs. Miller is a past president and current member of the Oklahoma School Board Attorneys Association, is a member of the National School Attorneys Association, in 2019 received the NSBA Council of School Attorneys' Distinguished Service Award for her service to public education. Julie is currently the chair elect for the National School Attorneys Association and will take office as chair in October of 2025. Julie is married to James (Jim) Miller, and they are the parents of Melissa and Sam. Melissa is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma, Sam is a student at SF High School in Edmond and received his Eagle Scout recognition in March of 2025.