SIMULATION INSTITUTE 2026

The Simulation Institute is a full-day, interprofessional conference dedicated to simulation-based education and practice.

Collaborate, Innovate, Simulate
A conference on shared simulation practice

March 18, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Simulation and Learning Resource Center | Driscoll Hall
M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

Attendees will take part in interactive learning sessions that challenge traditional methods and introduce innovative solutions for professional development across health care. Participants will actively engage in collaborative practice and immersive simulations designed to transform learning.

Keynote Speaker

Program Objectives

1. Discuss the importance of collaboration across departments, professions and organizations.
2. Identify best practices in collaborative practice behaviors and their impact on simulation and patient safety.
3. Explore technology innovations in simulation-based education.

Agenda

8:30 - 9am: Continental Breakfast

9 - 9:15 a.m.: Opening Remarks
Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.: Keynote Speaker
Kathleen McGrow, DNP, MS, RN, PMP, FHIMSS, FAAN, Chief Nursing Innovation Officer, Microsoft

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.: Break/Move to first session

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Select one of the following sessions.

Simulation Silos to Synergy: Advancing Academic Birth Companion Programs through Cross-Institutional Collaborations

Speakers

• Susan Kilroy, PHD, RN, CHSE, Kreider Endowed Professor in Healthcare Simulation and Innovation, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Lauren Johnson, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Temple University, College of Public Health, Department of Nursing
• Monica Goodwin, Project Administrator, Academic Birth Companion Program, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Nancy Shields, MSN, RNC-OB, NPD-BC, Lead Clinical Nurse Educator, Brynn Mawr Hospital
• Robert Speer, BSPH, Maternal/Child Health Project Supervisor, Delaware County Department of Public Health

Embodied Instruction: Best Practices in GTA/MUTA Clinical Training
Speaker

• Mary Conway, PA-C, Director of Medical Education Teaching Associates (META)

Weight of Words: Simulation-Based Strategies to Reduce Bias
Speakers

• Tracy Oliver, PhD, RDN, LDN, Associate Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, Director of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Lisa Diewald, MS, RDN, LDN, Associate Director, MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Maggie Brace, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

Origins, Process, Challenges, and Outcomes of a Virtual IPE IDD Simulation
Speakers

• Suzanne Smeltzer, EdD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, Professor Emerita and Research Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Michelle L. Lockett, DNP, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Bette Mariani, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch & Vendor viewing

1:30 - 4 p.m.: From Chaos to Coordination: In-Situ Simulation for Interdisciplinary Emergency Response

Speakers

• Michael Kost, DNP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA, FAAN, Professor of Nursing, Jefferson College of Nursing
• John Hoffman, BSN, RN, PHRN, NRAEMT, CEN, TNCC, CHSE, Clinical Nurse Educator and Injury Prevention Coordinator Trauma Progra.m., Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital
• Matthew White, Simulation Technicians
• John Ortiz, Simulation Technicians
• Michael Bujniewicz, Simulation Technicians

4 - 4:15 p.m.: Closing presentation
"The Power of Partnership: The Next Chapter in Simulation Collaboration"

4:15 - 4:30 p.m.: Raffle game with prizes

Sponsors

 

Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.