February 13, 2025 – We are so excited to announce that our 2025 scholarships are open! The WSRC is so proud to be able to support education for new and licensed Respiratory Therapists! Applications are due by March 15th, 2025! https://www.wsrc.online/current-students

February 12, 2025 – Last and certainly not least we have Jessica L. George, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS running for president elect! Check out her bio below! AARC Tenure: • Tenure: Member since 2010 Current Place of Employment and Position: • Manager, Respiratory Care Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee • Part-time Faculty, Respiratory Therapy Program Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee Past & Present WSRC Activity: • WSRC Activity: o Presenter, WSRC District 4 Journal Club, 2023 ▪ “Aerogen Ultra in the Emergency Department” o Panelist, WSRC District 4 RT Symposium, 2024 ▪ “Pathway for Respiratory Therapy Careers – A Panel Discussion” • AARC Activity: o AARC Emerging Leaders Program, 2024 o AARC Congress Open Forum Participant, 2024 ▪ “A New Era in Asthma Treatment: Enhancing Emergency Department Strategies with Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers” ▪ “Rapid Availability: Do Disposable Bronchoscopes Drive Increased Use?” o Contributor, AARC Safe & Effective Staffing Guide, 2025 o Leadership & Management Specialty Section Member o Adult Acute Care Specialty Section Member Education: • Master of Science, Healthcare Administration, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK — 2022 • Bachelor of Science, Respiratory Care, Boise State University, Boise, ID — 2019 • Associate of Applied Science, Respiratory Therapy, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI— 2012 Nominee’s Reason/Interest for Position: I’m deeply committed to advancing the respiratory care profession and supporting those who dedicate their careers to improving patient outcomes. As President-Elect of the WSRC, I would have the opportunity to amplify the voices of respiratory therapists across Wisconsin, advocate for evidence-based practices, and foster innovation in our field. It’s important that we continue evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our profession and the patients we serve, and I’m excited to help lead that change. Through my leadership and teaching roles, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that education, mentorship, and collaboration can have on professional growth. This past year, I had the privilege of participating in the AARC’s Emerging Leaders Program, where I gained valuable insights into the future direction of our profession and how local engagement can drive meaningful, lasting change. I’m passionate about supporting our members, creating opportunities for growth, and building a stronger respiratory care community in Wisconsin. By continuing to learn from those who have paved the way before me, I’m eager to contribute to a future where we not only meet the needs of our patients but exceed them. Issues to be addressed by WSRC Board of Directors: • Membership Recruitment and Retention: Prioritize the recruitment and retention of student members by demonstrating the value of WSRC membership. Offering targeted benefits, such as low- or no-cost access to events and virtual engagement options, will help students see the long-term benefits of involvement and encourage them to stay engaged in the organization. • Raising Awareness: It is essential to raise awareness about the respiratory therapy profession and the value of WSRC membership. Through strategic use of social media, we can engage a broader audience by sharing informative content, promoting events, and highlighting the impact of respiratory therapists. Additionally, partnering with organizations like HOSA provides an excellent opportunity to introduce respiratory therapy as a career option to students early in their education, helping to spark interest in the profession and ensure a strong future workforce. • Expanding Educational Opportunities: To provide the best care possible, respiratory therapists must evolve with the times, moving beyond “the way we’ve always done it” and adopting evidence-based practices. By expanding educational offerings—such as evidence-based medicine workshops, journal clubs, and professional development courses—we can ensure that our members are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. This commitment to continuous learning not only improves patient outcomes but also strengthens the role of respiratory therapists in the healthcare system. Emphasizing the value of education allows us to demonstrate our expertise and the crucial contributions we make to patient care. • Healthcare Reform and Increasing Reimbursement for Respiratory Services: Advocating for healthcare reform, including increasing reimbursement for respiratory therapy services, is crucial. A recent example is the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act of 2024, which aims to improve Medicare reimbursement for oxygen services and recognize the important role of respiratory therapists in managing oxygen patients. The WSRC can support such bills by raising awareness, encouraging members to contact legislators, and advocating for better reimbursement and recognition of respiratory therapists in healthcare policy. What does it mean to you to be an AARC/WSRC member? Being a member of the AARC and WSRC means being part of a community committed to advancing the respiratory care profession and advocating for the essential role we play in healthcare. I love being a respiratory therapist, and these organizations have been pivotal in my professional growth, providing access to valuable resources, educational programs, and a network of peers who share a dedication to excellence. Through my membership, I’ve stayed informed on the latest trends in respiratory care and have been able to contribute to the ongoing improvement of our field. Most importantly, my membership gives me the opportunity to give back to the profession that has shaped my career, ensuring that future generations of respiratory therapists continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact on patient care. Thanks for working with the WSRC Jessica!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! Nick Goldberg is running for District 2 Representative! Check out his bio below! "I have been a member of the AARC since 2003 and am the current District 2 representative and have been the district 2 representative for the past 2 years. My current place of employment is Mid-State Technical College where I am the Respiratory Therapy Program director. I have worked at Mid-State since 2020. I graduated from the Mid-State Technical College Respiratory Therapy Program in 2003 and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Career and Technical Education from UW Stout. I am Running for District 2 representative to continue to support and promote the profession of Respiratory care. I Want the BOD to continue promoting the profession, and to help people to understand what we do for our patients. Seeing the decline in our program enrollment over the past couple of years is concerning and I feel that part of that is most people don’t even realize that Respiratory Care is a profession in healthcare. I am proud to be a member of the AARC/WSRC and showcasing what we do." Goodluck Nick and thanks for working with the WSRC!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! Running for secretary is Crystal Anne Lockard, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS! Check out her bio below! AARC Tenure: • Member since 2011 Current place of employment and position: • UW Hospital – Pediatric Respiratory Therapy Education Specialist Past & Present WSRC Activity: • WSRC Secretary 2019-2021, 2021-2023, 2023-2025 • NRRCC Planning Committee Member – 2019- present o Registration Committee 2022-present o Exhibitor Committee 2019, 2020 o Social Media/Website Co-Chair 2021 • Bi-Annual UW Health/WSRC Conference Organizer Education: • Purdue Global - Master of Science in Health Education & Promotion - Currently pursuing • Cardinal Stritch University – BSRT 2021 • Madison College – ASRT 2012 Nominee’s Reason/Interest for Position: • I would like to continue to have an active role in furthering and promoting our profession. Issues to be addressed by WSRC Board of Directors: • Finding creative ways to further foster cohesiveness of RTs throughout the state, enhance support to our profession by means of legislation and continue to provide exciting continuing education opportunities. What does it mean to you to be an AARC/WSRC member? • Being a member of our state society brings personal gratification knowing that I am playing an active role supporting and furthering the profession of respiratory therapists in the state of Wisconsin Thanks for working with the WSRC Crystal!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! Running for Delegate Elect is Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C! Check out her bio below! AARC Tenure: Member since 2013, with 12 years of active involvement in the respiratory care community. Current Place of Employment and Position: Current Employer: Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and St. Luke’s South Shore Position: Manager, Respiratory Services Past &Present WSRC Activity: WSRC Past Activity: o Co-led and facilitated the WSRC District IV Respiratory Care Symposium—September 2023 and 2024 o Presenter for WSRC District IV Respiratory Care Symposium—September 2024 1. “RTs Bring Value: Strategies to Reduce Resp. Device-Related Pressure Injuries” o WSRC Legislative Committee Co-chair—May 2023 through April 2024 o Representative for WSRC at AARC Respiratory Fly-in, Washington, DC—September 2023 o Presenter for NRRCC—April 2023 1. “Adult Tracheostomy Emergency Care: PDSA It!” AARC Past Activity: o AARC Emerging Leader Program—March 2024 through November 2024 o AARC Speaker Academy—March 2024 through November 2024 o Presenter at AARC Congress—November 2024 1. “Saving Face: Strategies to Reduce Respiratory Device-Related Pressure Injuries” AARC Current Activity: o AARC Education Advisory Council—August 2024 to current o AARC Sections: Adult Acute Care Section, Education Section, Leadership and Management Section o Respiratory Care Journal Intern—Upcoming July 2025 through December 2025 Education: Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Rush University, Chicago, IL—December 2023 Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI—December 2019 Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, WI—May 2013 Nominee’s Reason/Interest for Position: In 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the inaugural cohort of the American Association for Respiratory Care’s Emerging Leader Program. One of the most impactful experiences during this program was attending a session of the House of Delegates at the Summer Forum. The experience was both inspiring and enlightening, as it deepened my understanding of the crucial role the House of Delegates plays in shaping the future of our profession. The opportunity to engage with key decision-makers reinforced my desire to advocate for respiratory therapists, our profession, and the patients we serve. My prior experience as co-chair of the WSRC Legislative Committee has provided me with valuable insight into the responsibilities and expectations of a Delegate. I greatly enjoyed my time with the WSRC, and it strengthened my commitment to supporting respiratory therapists at the state level. I am eager to leverage this experience and contribute more directly to our profession’s growth and advocacy. I would be honored to be considered for an elected Delegate role, where I can further champion the interests of respiratory therapists in Wisconsin and beyond. Issues to be addressed by WSRC Board of Directors: o Advocate for improved reimbursement policies and recognition of respiratory therapy services. o Promote continued professional development through advanced education opportunities, particularly in mechanical ventilation and other specialized areas. o Strengthen collaboration between respiratory therapists and interprofessional teams to improve patient care outcomes. o Address workforce challenges and the recruitment/retention of respiratory care professionals. o Drive initiatives aimed at improving healthcare policies, including advocacy for more effective patient safety measures and standardization across hospitals. What does it mean to you to be an AARC/WSRC member? Being a member of the AARC and WSRC provides me with invaluable resources and a network of like-minded professionals who share a dedication to improving patient care and advancing the respiratory therapy field. It is an honor to contribute to the growth and evolution of our profession through leadership, education, and advocacy. Membership allows me to stay at the forefront of healthcare changes, support my colleagues, and make a meaningful impact on the future of respiratory therapy. Thanks for working with the WSRC Sarah!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! Running for Delegate Elect is Taya Haas BSRT, RRT- NPS, RRT-ACCS. Check out her bio below! AARC tenure: I have been an AARC member since my first year in respiratory school in 2018. Current place of employment and position: I currently work at Minnesota Children's Hospital as a Neonatal Transport Respiratory Therapist, per diem at Mayo Clinic- Eau Claire, and as an adjunct instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Past & present WSRC activity: I started working with the WSRC in 2021 as a District Representative for District 2. After serving my term I became the Social Media chair and have held that role since 2023. Education history: I graduated with my associates degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College in 2019, I then went on the graduate from Boise State University with bachelor’s degree in respiratory care in 2021, and I am currently pursuing my master’s in business administration. What is the reason you are running for this position: I am running to be a delegate elect to advocate for Wisconsin respiratory therapists on a national level. I believe that Wisconsin has some of best hospitals, schools and departments that deserve to be celebrated on a larger scale. What concerns or issues do you think the WSRC Board of Directors should focus on? I think the WSRC BOD should focus on highlighting all of the great work Wisconsin RT’s do every day, providing education events for the bedside RT, educating the general public about this career, and providing resources for Wisconsin RTs to enhance their career. What does being an AARC/WSRC member mean to you? Being an AARC member provides a larger voice to respiratory therapists. As a relatively young profession there is a lot of work to do, but banding together and having a larger voice can make us stronger. Thanks for working with the WSRC Taya!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! Running for District 6 Representative is Melody Kloepfer, BSRT, BS, RRT! Check out her bio below! AARC Tenure: Member since August 2020 Current place of employment: WSRC Activity: Mayo Clinic HealthSystem, Registered Respiratory therapist Education: Bachelors of Respiratory Therapy and Bachelors in Biology Reason for nomination/Interest of Position: To help bring awareness to the benefits of our profession’s professional organizations. Issues to be addressed by WSRC Board of Directors: Lack of involvement and ignorance of our professional organizations. What does it mean to be an AARC/WSRC member: Being a member of the AARC and WSRC is incredibly valuable. I’ve learned a lot from colleagues around the nation and state. Being involved has opened my eyes to the numerous volunteers in our profession working “behind the scenes” to help move our profession in a positive direction. The AARC & WSRC provide a support system as well as a place to learn and grow. Thanks for working with the WSRC Melody!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! Also running for District 4 representative is Shanna Schuele, MSc, RRT-NPS! Check our her bio below! AARC Tenure: Member Since 2011 Current place of employment: Aurora Health Care, Director of Respiratory and Pulmonary Services. WSRC Activity: Current District Representative (district 4), member of legislative committee, HOSA Committee, participated in 2024 for national AARC fly-in Education: Master’s degree in respiratory therapy Reason for nomination/Interest of Position/Issues to be addressed: Spending the last term as district representative for the Milwaukee area has allowed me the chance to make an impact by creating an inclusive atmosphere that drives local involvement from respiratory therapist and students with the creation of educational, social, and community events across the district. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to build on the momentum within the district for the next term. What does it mean to be an AARC/WSRC member? The benefits of being a part of professional societies such as the AARC and WSRC allows one the opportunity to represent of profession when decisions are being made that impact our profession at the state level. It additionally is a great opportunity to network with professionals at a state and national level, which has expanded my ability to collaborate outside of my place of employment. Thanks for working with the WSRC Shanna!

February 12, 2025 – With elections for the WSRC board of directors ending Friday February 21st, 2025 at 9am! We thought we should highlight our candidates! For District 4! Meet Joseph Richter BSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS! Check out his bio below! AARC Tenure: 9 year tenure Current place of employment: Aurora Health Care – Respiratory Education Coordinator for West Allis Hospital and Sinai Hospital WSRC Activity: Attended 2 conferences, performed as a musician at the NRRCC 2019 Education: Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from University of Southern Indiana Reason for nomination/Interest of Position/Issues to be addressed: I am nominating myself because I want to be a bigger part of the construction of our future. Respiratory Therapy is at a crossroads for many reasons, and we need to focus on the future. We will be seeing an increase in respiratory patients over the next decade which means we’re going to need more respiratory therapists. Recruiting people young and old to join our profession is part of the focus that I intend to have as a district representative. In addition to that, getting our current respiratory therapists engaged and instilling passion in our communities across the state will ensure higher quality care, validity and value amongst our current practitioners. Sharing access to education for therapists that both need it and seek it is also important since our profession requires that we continue to be educated on the most updated research. As the district 4 representative, I plan to work hard to achieve all these goals and serve as an advocate for all respiratory therapists statewide. What does it mean to be an AARC/WSRC member? By being an AARC/WSRC member, I feel connected to my profession. My membership instills value in what I do and who I am as a practitioner. As a member, I have complete access to research, education and mentorship, which all gives me the opportunity to grow as a professional and as an advocate for my patients. I’m not one to go to work to just collect a paycheck. I am one to serve to provide the best care possible to my patients and provide a good educational experience for both students and therapists. Being an AARC/WSRC member gives me all those tools that I seek and that’s why I am a member. Thanks for working with the WSRC Joseph!

February 11, 2025 – We have some great news to share with Wisconsin RTs and RT Students who are considered a veteran of the Armed Forces! The WI Veterans Grant application is open now through April 4th. This is $250 grant that will be awarded at this years NRRCC convention in Wisconsin Dells on May 4th. Please read the requirements on the application, and submit by email to brandesj@westerntc.edu

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