Kari is a System Simulation Specialist for Advocate Aurora Health, the 10th largest not-for-profit, integrated health system in the US with hospitals across Illinois and Wisconsin. Her role combines simulation, patient safety, and human factors engineering to support interdisciplinary education, process/usability testing, and space testing across diverse teams and locations. Her background is nursing which includes clinical practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, simulation education at a baccalaureate college of nursing , and clinical analysis of safety events for an AHRQ patient safety organization. Kari received her nursing degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago and completed graduate work in clinical nurse leadership at Elmhurst University. Her certifications include Clinical Nurse Leadership (CNL) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).

Dr. Leo Congenie is a veterinarian practicing out of Elk Grove Village Illinois. He began his career in the field of veterinary medicine in 2006 as an assistant. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Dr. Congenie practices small animal medicine and has a special interest in rehabilitation, dentistry, and challenging medical cases. He regularly volunteers his time with 4PAWLUV assisting with shelter medicine. He also volunteered to help develop and implement a neighborhood K9 educational program for EMS to stabilize and transport police dogs injured in the line of duty. This program has since expanded to select Advocate Aurora sites supporting paramedic training programs. Dr Congenie’s deep passion for animal health drives him to further his expertise and maintain the health and happiness of his patients. He recognizes the relationship veterinary and human health professionals can have and hopes to see all health care professionals come together as one to develop a better tomorrow for all species (CDC’s One Health concept).