All events will take place in the Sterling Hall Grand Magnolia Ballroom and Grand Magnolia Foyer unless otherwise noted.

Professional

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*Schedule is subject to change.

Keynote Speaker

Lemrey “Al” Carter, PharmD, RPh, MS

PTCB Certification Council Chair, Executive Director, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®)

Al Carter is Executive Director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) and Secretary of the Association’s Executive Committee. In addition to serving on PTCB’s Board of Governors, he is Chair of PTCB’s Certification Council.

NABP is an international organization whose membership includes the state boards of pharmacy in all 50 states, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and 10 provincial pharmacy regulating agencies in Canada. NABP assists state boards in protecting public health and welfare, serves as an information and disciplinary clearinghouse for interstate transfer of licensing, and provides model regulations to assist with the development of uniform practice, educational, and competency standards for pharmacy.

Carter graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, College of Pharmacy, with a Doctorate in Pharmacy, and he received his MS degree from the University of Florida. His master’s studies focused on pharmacy regulation and policy. He previously served as a member and as chairperson of the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy. He has served on several task forces, committees, and commissions and provided expert testimony and consultation in the areas of pharmacy practice and regulation.

Sacha Tadros, PharmD

PTEC Leadership Committee Chair, Pharmacy Technician Program Director, Columbus State Community College

Sacha Tadros is the Pharmacy Technician Program Director at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. She is a graduate of the Chicago College of Pharmacy and began her career in pharmacy technician education more than 15 years ago. Tadroshas worked closely with the Ohio Department of Education to improve pharmacy technician articulation agreements for career and technical students. She also works as a pharmacy consultant, oversees the pharmacy technician College Credit Plus Program at her institution, and has published several pharmacy technician textbooks including a certification review book. Tadros has been a member of the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council since 2018 and has served as Chair of the PTEC Leadership Committee since 2022.

Presenter

Maya Moten

Program Coordinator, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

Maya Moten was born and raised in Washington, DC where she found interest in politics and legislation. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a bachelor's degree in political science. After several years teaching in DC Public Schools, she joined the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools in June 2021 as an Accreditation Coordinator. Her primary responsibilities included coordinating and conducting on-site evaluation visits. As a coordinator, Moten provided support and interpretive guidance on accreditation standards to institutions and evaluators before, during, and after on-site visits. She now serves in the role of Program Coordinator and is the staff liaison to the pharmacy technician committee. As liaison, Moten oversees the implementation of policy recommendations and process changes for the committee.

Presenter

Adrianne Mae Guatno, CPhT

Founder, Pharm Tech Ed Mom

Adrianne Mae Guatno, the founder of Pharm Tech Ed Mom, is dedicated to empowering parents and high school students in STEM fields to pursue fulfilling careers in health care. Pharm Tech Ed Mom provides accessible online training for aspiring pharmacy technicians. As a PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) with a background as a homeschooling mother of three, Guatno brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She has also undergone specialized training in CBD and medical marijuana, enhancing her credentials as an educator in these innovative domains. Guatno’s commitment also extends to educating individuals, especially young women, and promoting awareness about women's health and menstrual hygiene products.

Presenter

Sandra Huynh, BVE

Pharmacy Technician Instructor, Sacramento City Unified School District

Sandra Huynh began her career as a pharmacy technician in 1992 at UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC) in Sacramento, CA, eventually moving to Sutter Inpatient Hospital Pharmacy and other community pharmacies throughout Sacramento. In May of 1999, Huynh started the Pharmacy Technician Program for Sacramento City Unified School District at the Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center. There she served as the program director and worked to obtain dual accreditation from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). In 2008, more staff were added to the pharmacy technician program. Since 1999 Huynh has worked to develop methods to enhance the program, maintain ASHP/ACPE accreditation, and address COE and WASC accreditation needs.

Presenter

Teresa Aitchison, CPhT

Pharmacy Technician Director/Instructor, El Monte Rosemead Adult School

Teresa Aitchison is the Director/Instructor for the Pharmacy Technician program at El Monte Rosemead Adult School. With 27 years of experience, she has developed, implemented, and promoted four successful pharmacy technician programs across various educational platforms including adult and career education, regional occupation programs, and California Polytechnic State University-College of the Extended University. Aitchison has guided over 1,000 students through comprehensive training in retail, hospital, and clinical aspects of the pharmacy technician field She holds dual Professional Clear Designated Subjects Credentials in Health Care Support Services and Cosmetology. Additionally, she is a licensed pharmacy technician in the state of California and is nationally certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Her expertise extends to CPR instruction, certified by the American Heart Association. Aitchison is an active member of several professional organizations including the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC), the National Association of Pharmacy Technicians, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP). She also contributes to the regional chapter of the San Gabriel Valley and serves on the PTEL and OPC Committees, acting as a liaison between the OPC committee and the San Gabriel Board.

Presenter

Jaya George, MEd, CPhT-Adv

Faculty Director, College of the Canyons Pharmacy Technician Program

Jaya George serves as the Faculty Director for the Pharmacy Technician Program at College of the Canyons. She has been a Career and Technical Educator since 2003 and holds a bachelor’s degree in career and technical education and a teaching credential in health science and medical technology from the State of California. George's professional journey includes earning an Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) Certification, complemented by her previous license and practice as a licensed respiratory therapist. While practicing as a respiratory therapist, she realized education was where her heart truly belonged, prompting her return to teaching.

George deeply resonates with Steve Jobs' wisdom to, "Learn continually. There’s always ‘one more thing’ to learn!” As a lifelong learner herself, she strives to cultivate a passion for continuous improvement and growth mindset in her pharmacy technician students. She serves as the Pharmacy Technician Executive Leadership Chair Elect for the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP) and is a member of the Professional Development Advancement Group for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). George enjoys learning, movies, travel, and exploring cuisines in her leisure time.

Presenter

Mark Brunton, MSHE, CPhT

Dean of Education, Northwest Career College

Mark Brunton holds a master’s degree in higher education administration and leadership and has worked in vocational education for over 15 years. After serving as an educator and program chair, Brunton began working in administration and is now the Dean of Education for Northwest Career College. He has a strong passion for technological solutions to curriculum development. Brunton has worked extensively to promote and implement effective and ethical use of AI technology by both faculty and students at the institution.

Presenter

Chelsea Ogan, CPhT

Pharmacy Technician Coordinator, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)

Chelsea Ogan is a PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. In 2021, she completed her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration to improve her leadership skills. In her current role as Pharmacy Technician Coordinator, Ogan works under supervision of the Pharmacist Supervisor to oversee pharmacy technicians with ancillary duties as well as over 23 clinic spaces; she also helps manage the day-to-day workflow of the infusion clinic pharmacy operations. She has been a technician for a little over 12 years, starting in community pharmacy and working her way into hospital inpatient settings before settling into outpatient chemotherapy specialty. Since working for Vanderbilt, Ogan has developed a love for training, and her management team has fed her love by encouraging her during the past 5 years to train technicians in sterile products. She currently enjoys working closely with Vanderbilt’s Pharmacy Technician Program, talking with students about being a pharmacy technician and precepting students at her location. Ogan enjoys advocating for technician advancement and is always looking for ways to excel the profession.

Presenter

Brittney Whitworth, CPhT, CSPT, BPS

Sr. Program Manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)

Brittney Whitworth’s journey into healthcare began in 2011 when she took a job at Kroger Pharmacy while deliberating her professional path. Initially working as a community pharmacy technician, Whitworth transitioned to hospital pharmacy where her passion for pharmacy was sparked. During her tenure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), she has continued to progress her career from a front-line pharmacy technician in the hospital setting to now overseeing the Clinic Pharmacy Liaison Team, comprising three system support pharmacy technicians. In this role, she onboards new clinics and leads various other projects crucial to the VUMC enterprise.

While working full-time, Whitworth went back to school and received her bachelor’s degree in professional studies at Lipscomb University with a minor focus on organizational leadership. When she’s not immersed in her professional endeavors, you can find her in the gym, running 5Ks with her friends, spending time with her husband Matt, and taking care of her three fur babies, Scooby, Zippy, and Max.

Presenter

Anne LaVance, BS, CPhT

Pharmacy Technician Program Director, Professor, Delgado Community College

Anne LaVance has been a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) for 26 years and has trained and taught pharmacy technicians for over 22 years. She is a professor and the Pharmacy Technician Program Director at Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA. LaVance’s teaching philosophy is “Teach for Tomorrow” with the goal of creating innovative and engaging content for her students. She is always pursuing new strategies in teaching.

poster Presenter

Kelli Johnson, CPhT-Adv

Senior Program Manager Pharmacy Technician Education and Clinical Services

With over two decades of experience spanning hospital and community pharmacy settings, Kelli Johnson has honed her skills as a leader and mentor. Johnson’s commitment to excellence and attention-to-detail ensure that quality assurance standards are consistently met. At Providence/Credena Health Pharmacies, she serves as the Senior Program Manager for Pharmacy Technician Education and Clinical Services. Johnson oversees the implementation of a comprehensive training program for pharmacy technicians, empowering them to excel in their roles. Her commitment to collaboration and empathy shines as she works with internal teams to identify opportunities for career advancement. Previously, as a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor at Credena Health Specialty Pharmacy, Johnson led a team of over 30 technicians, ensuring a commitment to patient care and operational efficiency. Her proactive approach led to the design and execution of a training program that prepares technicians for diverse pharmacy settings, earning accolades for its success and retention within the department.

Johnson is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and is currently a member of the Pharmacy Technician Forum Executive Committee. She also serves as the Pharmacy Technician Chair on the board of the Oregon Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP).

poster Presenter

Kristen Snair, MSJ, CPhT

Board Member, Arizona State Board of Pharmacy

Kristen Snair, MSJ, CPhT, is a Board Member on the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. She works in Pharmacy Legal Compliance. She is passionate about ​advocating to make the practice of pharmacy better and safer. She has worked in a pharmacy-related career for more than 25 years.

poster Presenter

Lisa Thompson, BS, RPT, CPhT

Pharmacy Technician, Rehoboth Pharmacy and Lead Instructor, Barry University Pharmacy Technician Program

Lisa R. Thompson received her training as a pharmacy specialist in the US Army in 1985. She has worked in various pharmacy settings as a lead/senior technician. She received her Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Working in the field of academia since 2001, she was elevated to the position of program director/instructor of pharmacy technician programs in Broward and Dade counties. In 2015, Thompson received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Everest University, Pompano Beach, FL. Thompson is a member of the Technician Council for Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and serves on the Education Council for the Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA). She is also a member of the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) and the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT). Because of her years of experience, she has been an item writer for PTCB, served on PTCB committees, and has been a speaker for FSHP and LiTech Institute. Thompson has also obtained certificates in Nonsterile Compounding, Technician Product Verification, and Billing and Reimbursement. Her goal is to spread the knowledge and experiences she has gained throughout her career to other pharmacy technicians to inspire and educate. She currently works for Rehoboth Pharmacy and is the lead instructor for Barry University’s pharmacy technician program.

poster Presenter

Arial Williams, BS, CPhT

Arial Williams is an entrepreneur, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), and lab contractor. She has a bachelor’s in biological and biomedical sciences with a pre-pharmacy concentration. Her experience includes classroom teaching, laboratory work, tutoring, and education-based research. Williams founded her brand, A Gtt of Pretty (pronounced “A drop of pretty”), in December 2021. Its mission is to promote fun and diversity in STEM and medicine. She does this by exposing youth to healthcare/science workshops, sharing information on social media, and designing secondary instructional products with engaging themes. Her resources have impacted educators, students, and future health professionals throughout the country.

poster Presenter

Lindsey Storm, CPhT-Adv

Program Director, Vanderbilt Medical Center

Lindsey Storm is an Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) and Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) with 17 years of experience in the field. Currently serving as Program Director for Vanderbilt Medical Center, Storm brings a wealth of expertise in pharmacy operations, medication management, and sterile processing. With a passion for education and patient care, she is dedicated to shaping the next generation of pharmacy professionals and advancing the standards of pharmaceutical practice.

poster Presenter

Lauren Nelson, PharmD, MS

Pharmacy Manager, The University of Kansas Health System

Lauren Nelson is an accomplished pharmacy manager with 8 years of leadership experience. Over the past 4 years, Lauren has dedicated her expertise to ​training development at the University of Kansas Health System’s outpatient pharmacy. Lauren’s journey began at The University of Kansas, where she ​completed her two-year administrative residency at the University of Kansas Health System upon graduating from pharmacy school. Her passion for training ​was ignited during her early career, but it truly blossomed after attending the Disney Institute Customer Experience training at Walt Disney World.

Lauren holds certifications in Job Instruction and Job Relations, and she currently imparts her knowledge by teaching Job Relations within the health system. ​When she’s not shaping the future of pharmacy training, Lauren resides in Kansas with her husband and two children.

poster Presenter

Julie Lanza, CPhT-Adv

Program Director, Vanderbilt Medical Center

Julie Lanza is the Director of Training and Education for Beth Israel Lahey Health System is Massachusetts. Her 27 years of experience involve leadership ​operations, 340b, sterile products, oncology, and regulatory/compliance. Recently finishing a six year appointment on the Massachusetts Board of ​Registration in Pharmacy, she feels honored to have been part of something that was able to expand and advance some areas of practice for technicians over ​those years. Julie is passionate and dedicated to training, educating, supporting, and mentoring pharmacy technicians looking to develop & advance in this ​career however she is equally as passionate about educating the profession about the integral role pharmacy technicians have in the overall scope of ​practice.

CHAIR

Sacha Tadros, Pharm D

Chair-Elect

Patty Melissen, RPh, BCACP, AAHIVE

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Clay Sprouse, MEd, MPS, CPhT

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Stephanie O’Bryan, CPT

Lucia Watson, MSEd, CAS, NBCT, RDH, CPhT

Kaley DuPont, MBS, MHA, CPhT, DPLA

Chelsea Ogan, CPhT

Secretary

Zachary Green, CPhT