SimTech Up Conference

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. Matthew recently finished the Texas Water Safari in a two-man canoe, paddling 230 miles in 51 hours.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jordan Wilson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CNEcl is the current Simulation Program Coordinator for Parkland Health in Dallas, Texas; and has been a practicing RN for the last 10 years. Jordan has practiced in multiple nursing specialties including: Psych inpatient and Psych ED, Adult and Pedi ED, Med/Surg, Inpatient Hospice, Public Health (National and International), Executive Nursing, Nursing Research, VR Simulation Creation, Clinical Education and Academia.

Jordan also holds specialty certification in Nursing Professional Development, Academic Nurse Education in the Clinical Setting, and Med-Surg Nursing. Jordan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Lubbock Christian University and a Masters in Nursing Education from the University of Texas Medical Branch as well. Jordan Wilson is married and has 2 kids (3 y/o and 1.5 y/o) and currently lives and works in the DFW area. Jordan Wilson is a current Fellow in the Texas Christian University EBP Fellowship, a Winner of the D Magazine Excellence in Nursing Award, an Eagle Scout, and an accomplished Nurse Educator from Local to International groups alike.

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. 

Dee is a Nursing Education Specialist at Elsevier with over 27 years of diverse nursing experience. She began her career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and has held various roles, including staff nurse in women’s services and pediatrics, family practice nurse practitioner, and clinical faculty. Dee earned her BSN and MSN from Texas Woman’s University, followed by a DNP from Walden University and an MBA from Western Governors University, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Passionate about nursing education, Dee has extensive experience in curriculum development, student success initiatives, and leadership across multiple nursing programs, including LVN/LPN, ADN, and BSN. At Elsevier, she provides invaluable guidance to faculty in implementing active teaching strategies and utilizing digital resources effectively. With a strong focus on nursing simulation, Dee has developed and facilitated numerous simulation-based learning experiences aimed at enhancing clinical skills and decision-making. Her expertise spans lab, clinical, simulation, and didactic instruction, and she advocates for the integration of clinical practices into the classroom to improve students' critical thinking and clinical judgment. Dee is committed to ensuring that nursing faculty have the resources they need to help their students succeed, ultimately making a significant impact on healthcare through higher education.

Teresa Taylor is a committed Simulation Technologist at Western Governors University (WGU), where she specializes in developing and implementing innovative simulation experiences in nursing education. With a strong educational background, Teresa combines technical expertise with a deep passion for enhancing clinical training through simulation methodologies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Houston and has amassed considerable experience in operating high-fidelity manikins, designing realistic clinical scenarios, and integrating advanced technology into nursing curricula.

Teresa is dedicated to creating immersive learning environments that promote critical thinking, clinical judgment, and teamwork among nursing students. In her role at WGU, Teresa collaborates closely with faculty to ensure that simulation activities are aligned with educational objectives and effectively equip students for real-world patient care. She also plays a vital role in faculty training and support, assisting educators in maximizing the potential of simulation as a powerful teaching tool. Outside of her work in the simulation lab, Teresa is passionate about advancing simulation technology and actively engages in professional development through workshops and conferences. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of simulation education drives her to continually seek innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for nursing students.

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.

Michelle D. Kiser, Ed.D. is a seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of experience in academic administration, interprofessional education, student success, and faculty development. She currently serves as the Associate Managing Director for the Office of Interprofessional Education (IPE) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), where she leads the planning, implementation, and strategic integration of IPE initiatives across multiple campuses. Her portfolio includes cross-institutional program design, data-driven evaluation, budget oversight, and the facilitation of faculty training to support collaborative, team-based care education.

Dr. Kiser holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Texas Tech University, with research focused on developmental education and academic self-efficacy. Throughout her career, she has directed university-wide student retention programs, developed interdisciplinary curricula, and served as principal investigator and co-investigator on multiple state and institutional grants. Her scholarly interests include the institutional impact of IPE, faculty identity development in interdisciplinary teaching, equity in team-based learning, and the use of AI and simulation in health education. Dr. Kiser has presented nationally on innovations in IPE and has contributed peer-reviewed publications on developmental education, student success strategies, and academic support models. In addition to her academic contributions, she has served as a long-standing Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and remains active in state and regional educational leadership initiatives.

Renée Bogschutz, PhD, CCC-SLP, FNAP, is the Associate Provost for Interprofessional and Collaborative Curriculum at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). As the Founding Director of the Office of Interprofessional Education, she led the development of the university’s IPE infrastructure and now provides executive leadership and institutional oversight for interprofessional education and curriculum integration.

Dr. Bogschutz is dedicated to fostering innovation in interprofessional teaching and learning and building faculty capacity through engaging trainings for faculty, staff, residents, and preceptors. She has consulted with institutions nationwide, presented at major conferences, and served on national committees that have advanced the field of IPE. She currently chairs the Board of Directors for the Texas Interprofessional Education Consortium. Dr. Bogschutz earned her PhD from the University of Iowa and is a member of the graduate faculty at TTUHSC, where she has taught and practiced in multiple collaborative care clinics.