91´ÎÔª

Presenters

Michael Shannon, MD

Michael H. Shannon, MD

Dr Shannon is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington, where he teaches endocrinology to third-year medical students and affiliated family medicine residents. Dr. Shannon graduated from medical school at the University of California, San Diego, and then he went on to perform an internal medicine residency, geriatrics fellowship, and endocrinology fellowship at the University of Washington. He is a member of the editorial board of Clinical Diabetes, a journal of the American Diabetes Association.

Wendy Mobley-Bukstein, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, CHWC, NASM-CPT, FAPhA, FADCES

Wendy Mobley-Bukstein, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, CHWC, NASM-CPT, FAPhA, FADCES, is a Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Drake University. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in 1999 and is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Personal Trainer. She teaches a Medication Management elective, co-teaches the Advanced Diabetes Care elective, and coordinates the Intermediate Pharmacy Skills and Applications 2 lecture and lab. She maintains a clinical practice at Primary Health Care East Side Clinic where she precepts third- and fourth-year student pharmacists, focusing on interprofessional ambulatory care and diabetes as a specialty practice. Her areas of interest in practice and scholarship are diabetes, diabetes technology, and community education. She is a Past President of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management, President and Advocacy Lead for the Iowa Chapter of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Coordinating Body, an active member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, where she sits on the Awards Committee and Technology Committee. She was named the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year for 2025 by ADCES. She is an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, where she participates on the Legislative Committee. She is currently studying to become a certified nutrition coach. She has a passion for helping people dream, set, and achieve their goals.

Tarin Worrest, MD, FACS

Tarin Worrest, MD, FACS, grew up in Missoula where she received a scholarship from Community Medical Center to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. After college, she attended Georgetown University School of Medicine, before completing her general surgery residency and minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University. While in training, she became passionate about how bariatric surgery can change lives in so many ways. She specializes in robotic foregut and bariatric surgery at Community Medical Center, where she started the bariatric surgery program. When not at work, she enjoys hiking and camping around Montana.  

Brittany Schultz, BSN, RN, CDCES

Brittany Schultz, BSN, RN, CDCES, works for Logan Health Diabetes Education and Prevention in Kalispell, MT. She began her diabetes education journey in 2016, and received her certified diabetes care and education certificate in 2017. She is a Montana native and graduated from Shelby High School and Montana State University. She has extensive knowledge in diabetes technology, and is a certified insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor trainer. She has a passion for helping people understand and self-manage their diabetes as well as sharing her expertise with other health care providers. In her free time, Brittany is a busy mom of three children and one cocker spaniel.

Laura Del Guerra, RD, CDCES

Drawing on her extensive clinical background, a deep understanding of adult learning, and a commitment to improving self-efficacy, Laura designed a year-long, evidence-based health coaching program. Grounded in the belief that everyone with a chronic condition deserves the opportunity to live well, Take Control reflects her dedication to long-term, sustainable health improvement.

Abdallah (Abe) Elias, MD, FACMG, HCLD (ABB)

Abdallah (Abe) Elias, MD, FACMG, FAAFP, HCDL(ABB), is a medical geneticist and the Chief Medical Officer of Genetics at Shodair Children’s Hospital, as well as the CLIA Laboratory Director at FYR Diagnostics. He serves as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah and is on the clinical faculty in Neurosciences at the 91´ÎÔª. He is Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on several collaborative translational research projects and has participated in various state and national advisory committees focused on clinical care, research, and public health.  A native of Germany, Dr. Elias received his MD from the University of Freiburg, where he also trained in pediatrics before moving to the United States to research the molecular genetics of vector-borne diseases at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). He completed a residency and fellowship in medical genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Elias is board certified in family medicine (ABFM), medical genetics (ABMGG), and as a high-complexity clinical laboratory director (ABB). He is a fellow of the American Academy of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Practice.

Karen Lum

Karen Lum is a dynamic force in business coaching and leadership development, known for her intuitive approach and relentless commitment to fostering meaningful growth. As the founder of K. Lum Consulting, Karen has become a trusted "Business Co-Pilot" for entrepreneurs, organizational leaders, and teams; guiding them through strategic challenges and personal transformations with a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and humor.  With over 30 years of business experience and 27 years as a trainer, Karen has built a reputation for creating high-performing teams, transforming cultures, and driving tangible results across industries.  She’s led major initiatives — from launching tech platforms to designing leadership academies — and has delivered training for clients including SBC Communications, Continental Airlines, Montana State Fund, and Moonlight Basin Resort.  As Prospera Business Network’s Signature Trainer for 8 years, her programs have become essential resources for Montana’s business community.  A Certified Co-Active Business Coach, she is known for coaching that sparks courageous growth and practical action. Her approach holds space for individuals and teams to get thoughtful and strategic about where they are heading and what needs their attention.  Karen’s work leaves leaders and teams more confident, more connected, and ready to create a lasting impact.

Katie Pipinich

I'm Katie Pipinich, a registered dietitian with a passion for helping others improve their overall health and wellness. I received a master’s degree in nutrition from Arizona State University in 2012. During my time as a dietitian, I have worked at a critical access hospital in Montana. This position has given me the opportunity to gain valuable experiences in a variety of areas of nutrition. I have also completed advanced training to become a certified diabetes educator and a certified lactation consultant.  I started Best Life Simplified to share my passion for health with others to help empower them to make meaningful changes to improve their lives. I am the type of person who builds long lasting relationships with my patients and clients. To help people reach their goals and improve their health, I need to have a good understanding of what's going on in their lives. As much as I love talking about food and educating people about nutrition, there are so many other important areas tied to overall wellness. I pride myself in respecting the uniqueness of each person I work with and work very hard to formulate an individualized wellness plan for each person!

Ashley Barto, MS, RDN, LN, NBC-HWC

Ashley Barto, MS, RDN, LN, NBC-HWC, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with experience working alongside the Blackfeet Nation. She blends evidence-based medical nutrition therapy with holistic coaching strategies to support sustainable behavior change in diabetes prevention and management. Ashley is passionate about integrating cultural values, community strengths, and client-centered coaching to empower Native individuals and families in the wellness journeys.

Valerie Ricker, RDN, LN, CDCES

Valerie Ricker, RDN, LN, CDCES, is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with a deep commitment to improving health equity in rural and Indigenous communities. With over three decades of experience in clinical care, community outreach, and culturally sensitive nutrition and diabetes education, Valerie currently serves the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana. Her work integrates food sovereignty, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions to support diabetes prevention and chronic disease management. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, further deepening her commitment to person-centered care. Valerie is an educator and advocate, known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to the communities she serves.

Raichell Dorland Roan, DrPH, RDN, LN, CLC

I am Raichell Dorland-Roan, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Education Care Specialist, and Certified Lactation Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing education and support to promote health and well-being in Big Horn County Montana. I believe in meeting patient’s where they are at, and then walking beside them on their health and wellness journey. Providing guidance and support along the path to empowerment as their own health advocate and leader within their health care teams so that they may achieve their best possible health outcomes and improve overall quality of life. I am committed to providing comprehensive health education and support utilizing evidence-based culturally appropriate standards and practices to develop and implement individualized education plans, elevate self-management skills, and collaborate with healthcare teams and community partners to optimize care and connections.

I am a dedicated scholar-practitioner I have chosen my educational path based on needs identified in my community.  I began my educational journey embracing my passion for nutrition and health education by obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics, my Master of Science degree in nutrition/wellness and public health education, and rounded it out with my Doctor of Public Health degree to strengthen my leadership and public health foundation. I am very active in my community at many levels and am committed to developing and maintaining community partnerships that enhance health, well-being, and community growth.  I believe when communities come together, they can truly wrap services around community members to foster resiliency, incite culture change, and raise the standards for health equity through interdisciplinary patient-centered focused care.

Mary Thane, PT, GCS, CEEAA, C-MMOA

Mary Thane, PT, GCS, CEEAA, C-MMOA, has been a Physical Therapist at CMC for 35+ years, retiring in May 2025.  She is a Geriatric clinical Specialist who worked primarily in Outpatient Therapies with her focus on Aging Adults.  Mary is a Certified Expert in Exercise in Aging Adults and Certified in Modern Management of the Older Adult.  Mary has been a Master Trainer and leader of the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention classes held through DPHHS of MT.  Mary has a wide variety of interests and involvement in the community.  These include volunteering with the Missoula Youth Track Club, has been a member of the Mountain West Track Club competing in the 800M and 1500 Meters.  Mary is currently very active in her local tennis community competing with her women's team of 55 and older.  Mary has recently been a Co-State Advocate for the Academy of Geriatrics Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.  As part of this advocacy, they set up the SAFE (Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam) testing in the Missoula community several times at the MT Senior Game.

Lisa Golden, MA.Ed.HD, CRC, CDCES, FADCES

Lisa Golden, MA.Ed.HD, CRC, CDCES, FADCES, is the Diabetes Program Specialist for the Texas vocational rehabilitation agency, where she leads a unique program for individuals with disabilities. Having been a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist since 1995, Lisa has built extensive expertise over nearly three decades. For the past 15 years, she has focused on the specialized needs of people with disabilities, a population that often faces unique challenges in managing their health.  Her credentials include being a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, a counseling specialization focused on serving those with disabilities. Furthermore, as a fellow with the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), she is recognized for her leadership and significant contributions to the profession. Lisa is passionate about improving health outcomes by ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive competent, compassionate, and effective diabetes care.

Melissa House, MBA

Melissa House, MBA has over 20 years’ experience in clinical healthcare and management, including extensive experience in population health management and chronic disease prevention. She has worked in both urban and rural healthcare systems, spanning both the private and non-profit sectors. Her primary focus has been on the development, implementation, and management of evidence-based programs. She is currently the Program Manager for the Department of Public Health and Humans Services’ Diabetes Program overseeing the development and administration of statewide public health programs in response to state needs, federal grants, and cooperative agreements related to diabetes self-management, quality improvement, and diabetes prevention.

Growing up with Type 1 diabetes in a frontier state with limited access to resources, Melissa brings a unique perspective to the chronic disease community. This experience is bolstered by the secondary effects of diabetes leading to acute kidney failure. As the recipient of a successful kidney and pancreas transplant, Melissa has devoted her career to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities in which she resides.

In her role with the State of Montana, Melissa has led a coalition of coaches, medical practitioners, and educators in diabetes self-management and prevention. These programs have been successful in providing access and care to Montanans who would otherwise have limited or no access to services.

Haley Cote, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM

Haley Cote, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, is the Director of Clinical Services at the L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation at the 91´ÎÔª. where she leads efforts to transform healthcare delivery through innovative pharmacy-led clinical services, education, and community partnerships. She has extensive experience in direct patient care, population health, and clinical program management within a large commercial health plan.  Her career has focused on advancing chronic disease management and developing clinical programs to improve access, equity, and outcomes—particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Alison Fuller, MPA

Alison Fuller, MPA, is a Program Manager at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. She champions innovative strategies to bridge gaps between communities and care. Her expertise lies in building referral pathways and fostering collaborative networks that ensure Montanans receive the support they need when they need it.

Nadine Elmore

Nadine Elmore is the Project Director and Lead Data Analyst for Montana Health Network.  She has worked in this position for eight years and has completed numerous grant activities for three HRSA grants and a Montana Healthcare Foundation grant. She has guided the development of network activities according to project work plans and has successfully transitioned the grant funded shared model for care coordination to the MHN Regional Care Coordination program. Because two of these projects were focused on chronic disease management, specifically Chronic Care Management, she has significant background developing and implementing care coordination programs focused on assisting individuals in extremely remote areas as they try to managing their conditions. Nadine was also the CEO at the frontier critical access hospital in Ekalaka, Montana, for 13 years and served on the MHN Board. She was involved in numerous projects with MHN throughout the years including being the lead grant organization for a previous HRSA Network Development grant to study the development of a virtual care network using tele-medicine.  Nadine understands the value that collaboration brings to healthcare by creating synergy and efficiency across all levels of care and specialty.  Nadine is a graduate of Montana State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a veteran of the U. S. Army and Army Reserve where she served for over 15 years as a Finance Officer.