Elise Whalen, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC
As an advanced practice provider at Texas Children's Hospital, Elise believes that clinical practice is both an art and a science. Patients and families come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and it is important to understand their beliefs and values when approaching their healthcare management. She seeks to provide evidence-based care and works closely with the multi-disciplinary team. She strives to be each patient's greatest advocate and works to empower families and patients with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to reach their goals. Her clinical interests include congenital diaphragmatic hernia, patient and family support in the setting of a chronic illness and she has published extensively on those topics. 

Dr. Raysa Morales-Demori
Dr. Morales is a cardiac intensivist at Texas Children's Hospital. She believes the journey that a patient with congenital or acquired heart disease takes is complex and unique and is humbled to share that journey with each patient by providing safe and high-quality care. She believes that family/primary care takers play a key role in patient's clinical progress, for that reason, she makes sure that each family understands their child's condition and listens to care taker's input. Her clinical interests include the management of pulmonary hypertension and/or right ventricular failure in patients with congenital heart disease and she has published extensively on these topics.

Dr. Nidhy Varghese
As a pediatric pulmonologist at Texas Children's Hospital, Dr. Varghese's specific area of interest is pulmonary hypertension. She is actively involved in a number of national and international organizations dedicated to the care of children who suffer from this disease. She considers it her honor to advocate for pediatric PH, strive to deliver the best care possible and educate the world about PH. Her other areas of interest include chronic respiratory failure and pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease. Family-centered care and transparency are big parts of her care delivery model, to ensure each child thrives. Her clinical interests include pulmonary hypertension, chronic respiratory failure, pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease, and general pulmonology. She is extensively published. She is a great collaborator and partners in the care of patients from all over. 

Brooks Wilkening, MAMFT and Life Coach
Brooks is dedicated to helping people silence self doubt and built lasting confidence. She believes each one of us has so much goodness inside yet we sometimes get burdened by worries, negative self talk and insecurities. She would love to help you, or help someone you love, crush anxiety, stop negative thinking, and become your best self. Brooks is a mother of four, youth specialist, speaker and blogger who began coaching twenty years ago with a passion to help people thrive. She helps teens, young adults, and parents uncover obstacles, manage self talk, and develop lasting confidence. She holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Confidence Coaching Certification. 

Latina LeFlore
With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, Latina is a Licensed Cosmetology School Manager and Licensed Cosmetology Instructor at Minnesota Brow Lash and Med Spa Academy. She holds a Cosmetology license, Instructor license, and School Manager license and has specialized training and advanced education. She is dedicated to shaping the future of beauty professionals. As an independent educator, Latina brings a passion for hands-on learning and a commitment to helping students achieve their professional goals. She has trained hundreds of aspiring professionals, many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in the industry. Latina's teaching philosophy is rooted in empowering students with both the technical skills and confidence needed to excel in their craft.

Additional Speakers

Alicia Little, MT-BC, Music Therapist, Children's MN Music Therapy

Chandra Castro, MD, Anesthesiologist, Children's MN CVOR

Heidi Shafland, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-P, CCRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Children's MN CVICU

Jamie Heil, BSN, RN, CCRN, CLAC, Discharge Education, Children's MN CVICU

Marko Vezmar, MD, Medical Director Interventional Cardiology, Children's MN Heart Clinic

Natalie Lu, MSN, RN, CPPS, Quality and Safety Coach, Children's MN Value & Clinical Excellence

Nicole Johnson, BSN, RN, Clinical Educator, Children's MN CVICU

Polina Lipnik, PharmD, BCPPS, Primary Clinical Pharmacist, Children's MN CVICU

Sarah Murphy, MSN, RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist, Children's MN Infection Prevention

Tristessa Johnson, MSW, Health Equity Coach, Children's MN Value & Clinical Excellence