2025 Spring Conference Recap

Champions for Health: Boosting Vaccination Confidence in Uncertain Times

Our third annual spring immunization conference was held on May 14 & 15, 2025. This remarkable two-day session was dedicated to aiding immunization champions in combatting misinformation and driving vaccine uptake in an environment of growing medical mistrust and misinformation.

Spring Conference Attendee

2025 Conference Highlights

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LEARN

Attendees learned from and communicated with expert panels.

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PARTICIPATE

Attendees participated in sessions designed to improve vaccination awareness and administration.

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NETWORK

Attendees enjoyed networking and collaborating throughout the conference.

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ENGAGE

Attendees engaged with our sponsors who helped make the conference possible.

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Download Agenda PDF

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LEARN

 Attendees Participated in Learning Sessions

SESSION A:
Consistency vs. Change: Public Health, Technology, & Trust

Led by Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP

Explore how rapid technological innovation—from AI to digital health—is reshaping public health. Dr. Swanson examines opportunities and ethical concerns, particularly around vaccination, trust, and misinformation. Learn to embrace innovation while preserving essential human-centered care.

Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP
Stanford University School of Medicine

Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a pediatrician, physician executive, digital health expert, and bioethicist. An Adjunct Professor in pediatrics at Stanford University and public health communicator, she is an experienced executive, primary care pediatrician, and national public health spokesperson. She has worked in the hospital, community pediatrics, with start-ups, for media, and on behalf of numerous Dept. of Health and US national academies. She is focused on disrupting health communication to increase community understanding via democratizing health advice, health information, and transforming the practice of medicine. She is building companies and partnering with others on efforts that improve public health and opportunities for the prevention of disease and suffering. She is the founder of two companies: Skin Metal and Wild Health Media.

SESSION B:
Wisconsin Data and Trends

Led by Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D

Stephanie Schauer, PhD
Immunization Program Director
Wisconsin Division of Public Health

Stephanie Schauer, PhD., is the director of the Immunization Program with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Public Health (DPH). She holds a B.S. from Valparaiso University in Biology and Chemistry, a Ph.D. from Boston University in Microbiology/Immunology and has worked in state government immunization programs for over 20 years. Dr. Schauer has been with the Wisconsin Immunization program since 2008, serving in a variety of capacities, including analytics, vaccine preventable disease epidemiology, program operations, as well as the program director for the last 10 years.

SESSION C:
WIR Update

Led by Matt Verdon

SESSION D:
Outbreak Outlook: Measles 2025

Led by Margaret Hennessy, MD, FAAP

Examine the resurgence of measles amid declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy. This session highlights current risks, prevention strategies, and public health responses.

Margaret Hennessy, MD, FAAP
Ascension

Margaret Hennessy, MD, FAAP Co-Chairs the Advisory Council for Immunize Wisconsin and is a member of the Wisconsin Council on Immunization Practices. Dr. Hennessy is also the Chapter Immunization Representative for the Wisconsin Chapter of the AAP, acts as the Chair of the immunization committee for her hospital, is a member of the Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Improvement Team for WCHQ, and is a frequent speaker on immunization topics.

SESSION E:
Trauma Informed Vaccination

Led by Caroline Poland, MA, LMHC, LCAC, CCTP, CCFP, NCC

Learn how trauma impacts vaccine decision-making and how to provide care that respects individuals’ lived experiences. This session offers practical, trauma-informed approaches to immunization outreach and delivery.

Caroline Poland, MA, LMHC, LCAC, CCTP, CCFP, NCC
Founder and CEO
Poland and Associates Consulting, LLC

Caroline M. Poland is the Founder and CEO of Poland and Associates Consulting. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is also certified in EMDR therapy, a form of therapy designed for those who experience distress around traumatic memories and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has a certificate in Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching from Harvard Medical School. Finally, she is the Founder and Owner of Landmark Counseling, a private practice that serves clients in the state of Indiana.

Ms. Poland is the creator of the Preferred Cognitive Styles and Decision Making Model, which was first discussed in a 2011 article published in Vaccine. This model outlines a series of cognitive styles that individuals employ in decision making, and outlines communication strategies that the health care provider can use to communicate effectively with that patient to create behavior change – in particular in regards to vaccine acceptance. She has also published on the use of the Empathy tool in improving immunization rates, and the role of distortions of human behavior in pandemic planning.

Ms. Poland has published over 15 scientific papers and book chapters incorporating psychological and cognitive models into health decision making, specifically looking at vaccine hesitancy and acceptance. Ms. Poland has presented over 170 invited seminars and talks nationally and internationally including invited talks at the United States Air Force Academy, Duke University, Mayo Clinic, Universidad Del Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador, the University of Athens Children’s Hospital in Athens, Greece, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Annual Conference on Vaccine Research, and the 4th Influenza Vaccines for the World Congress in Spain.

Ms. Poland’s focus on actionable insights empowers and guides individuals and organizations to address specific challenges, fostering a virtuous cycle of success and satisfaction that resonates across all levels of the workplace and improves productivity and employee recruitment, retention, and satisfaction. Ms. Poland is a popular and energetic consultant and conference and seminar speaker, bringing insights from psychology, mental health, and science on every day problems faced in healthcare, business, and leadership settings. She has given many popular seminars and talks on the topics of women in the workplace, vaccine hesitancy, compassion fatigue and burnout, trauma, establishing trauma informed care in educational, hospital, and clinical settings, sexual assault, emotional regulation, and improving overall health and wellness for flourishing. Ms. Poland has worked with organizations around the world on issues of healthy workplaces, impactful leadership, and women in the workplace. Finally, Ms. Poland is frequently sought out by radio, television, and print media for her views on the above topics.

SESSION F:
Vaccine Policy and Legislation

Led by Richard Hughes IV, JD, MPH

Examine the current political landscape’s influence on vaccine policy following recent leadership changes. Understand key legal and regulatory shifts shaping vaccine access nationwide.

Richard Hughes IV, JD, MPH
Partner
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Richard Hughes IV, JD, MPH, is a nationally recognized thought leader in vaccines and prevention, working and teaching at the intersection of public health and healthcare law and policy. He has led many efforts to expand and protect access to vaccines and preventive services and improve public health outcomes.

Mr. Hughes is a partner at Epstein, Becker & Green where he leads a multidisciplinary team of attorneys and advisors. He was formerly vice president of public policy at Moderna, guiding the company’s policy strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, he was managing director at Avalere Health, where he founded and led the firm’s vaccines group. Mr. Hughes previously held roles with Merck and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Arkansas State Board of Health.

Prior to joining the GW Law faculty, he held an appointment as a professorial lecturer in health policy and management at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. During law school, Mr. Hughes proudly served as a research assistant to renowned health law and vaccines scholar Professor Sara Rosenbaum.

SESSION G:
Viral for Good: Using Social Media to Champion Vaccine Awareness and Public Health

Led by Melanie Matheu, PhD

Combat online misinformation with evidence-based strategies. Learn how to address myths on social media and promote vaccine confidence through effective digital engagement.

Melanie Matheu, PhD

Dr. Melanie Matheu holds a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics with a special emphasis in Immunology. During her tenure in academia, Dr. Matheu was awarded over $1M in grant funding and enabled over $30M in collaborative grant awards. In 2016 Dr. Matheu left academia and shortly after founded Prellis Biologics, Inc. where she developed Prellis Biologics’ novel laser-based printing system which is up to 10,000-fold faster than other laser-based bioprinting systems at the same resolution. Today Prellis Bio uses the technology as part of the EXIS (TM) platform that enables therapeutic human antibody discovery ‘in a dish’. Melanie led Prellis Biologics as the CEO for six and a half years raising over $65M at over a $120M valuation. Dr. Matheu still serves as a Board Member of Prellis Biologics, Inc. and is spearheading the spin-out of novel biomanufacturing technology with the establishment of Lyric Biosciences, Inc. where she brings her scientific expertise as CSO. Melanie first became interested in social media during the early days of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic when she realized how few people were hearing the truth about science, the virus, and how to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. She began posting to TikTok with the goal of being everyone’s friendly neighbor who happened to be an immunologist who sometimes danced badly, but could explain what was really happening. Melanie has encouraged vaccination, predicted variant severity, and has posted break-downs of complex data to help her followers make informed decisions about their own health and wellbeing.

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PARTICIPATE

Peers Engaged and Collaborated in Four Breakout Sessions

BREAKOUT SESSION: 1

Equity in Every Dose

Led by Quinton Cotton, PhD, MSSA
– and –
Ericka Sinclair, MS, MPH

A focused discussion on vaccine equity, emphasizing strategies to ensure access and trust in underserved communities. Learn how to center equity in vaccination efforts.

Dr. Cotton is Co-Founder of the Milwaukee (MKE) Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity which aims to improve community conditions to support Black residents thrive and live healthy lives. Dr Cotton is a gerontologist and Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. He has specialized training in clinical trials, intervention science, and advanced qualitative research methods. His program of research focuses on strengthening structural interventions to decrease morbidity and mortality among marginalized and stigmatized populations.

Ericka Sinclair, MS, MPH
CEO
Health Connections Incorporated

Ericka M. Sinclair, MS, MPH is an award-winning, nationally recognized public health executive and the founding CEO of Health Connections, Inc., a Milwaukee-based health clinic and nonprofit leading innovative care dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare access for historically excluded populations. She is recognized for innovative community programs, cross-sector collaboration, and culturally responsive care.

With over three decades of experience in public health leadership, she has managed several clinic systems and numerous public health initiatives, directed millions in funding, and facilitated hundreds of trainings for healthcare professionals. Her background in global and domestic public health, paired with her deep community ties and results-driven leadership, make her uniquely equipped to lead scalable, sustainable health interventions.  Ms. Sinclair is regarded as a trailblazer in public health—known for bridging systems, centering community voices, and driving scalable solutions for health justice.

Ericka’s expertise has been sought after by local governments, national nonprofits, and academic institutions for her ability to design sustainable health programs that are both data-informed and community-rooted. Her work has earned her national recognition, including Emory University’s Entrepreneur Award and the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Luminary Award. Ericka continues to influence the field through her board service, media presence, healthcare workforce development and speaking engagements. Ericka Sinclair’s mission is clear: connect communities to care, uplift voices, and transform health systems and outcomes – one patient and partnership at a time.

BREAKOUT SESSION: 2

Grassroots Impact: State-Level Vaccine Advocacy

Led by Jennifer Herricks, PhD

Explore how grassroots advocacy influences vaccine policy at the state level. Learn from SAFE Communities Coalition’s work and discuss opportunities to strengthen pro-vaccine movements in Wisconsin.

Jennifer Herricks, PhD

As advocacy director at SAFE Communities Coalition Herricks works with grassroots advocates states across the country organized as Families for Vaccines state chapters to develop and implement effective strategies that elevate the voices of the pro-vaccine majority and push back against anti-vaccine policies that threaten public health.

Before joining the core team at SAFE in 2024, Jennifer founded the Louisiana state chapter: Louisiana Families for Vaccines in 2022 where she worked to build a grassroots network of local advocates who work closely with a diverse set of community partners to combat vaccine misinformation, educate about the value of policy based in science, and support legislation that champions public health.

During her postdoctoral work in health policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Herricks saw how well-organized, well-funded anti-vaccine activists work to shift public policies that directly impact vaccination rates. Since then she has been passionate about protecting public health through vaccine advocacy, and empowering families and policymakers to make informed decisions with accurate information.

Jennifer earned a PhD in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Anthropology from Louisiana State University.

BREAKOUT SESSION: 3

The Power of Collaboration: Rural Communities

Led by Corrine Spencer, BSN, RN, CLC
– and –
Becky Mroczenki, BSN, RN
– and –
Francisco Guerrero, LHN, CHW

Discover how a rural partnership between a health department and a local church transformed public health access. Learn to build community-based collaborations that reduce barriers to care and expand immunization access.

Corrine Spencer, BSN, RN, CLC
Public Health Nurse
Clark County Health Department

Corrine Spencer is a Public Health Nurse and a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) for the Clark County Health Department. She graduated from UW-Eau Claire in May of 2016 with her BSN. She worked as a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Marshfield Children’s Hospital for almost 4 years before transitioning to Public Health. In December of 2023, she became a CLC. She currently is the Clark County Health Department Back-Up Immunization Program Coordinator. She has always had a special place in her heart for children and their families, and loves being able to serve that population through Public Health. She loves spending time up at the lake with her husband, son, daughter, and two labs!

Becky Mroczenki, BSN, RN
Public Health Nurse
Marathon County Health Department

Becky is a public health nurse with the Marathon County Health Department, where she has been serving since 2007. Since 2014, she has led the immunization program. Before joining the health department, Becky gained valuable experience working in pediatrics at Aspirus Clinics and Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She has a strong passion for immunization advocacy and has been committed to reducing barriers to vaccine access, helping to improve community health and well-being.

Francisco Guerrero, LHN, CHW
Health Navigator, Community Health Coordinator
WIPPS–WI Institute of Public Policy and Service

Francisco Guerrero was born and raised in Chile, South America, where he obtained his degree in Agriculture Engineering.  He then moved to United States in April 2009. As a WIPPS staff, Francisco collaborates with county health departments to develop language, literacy-level and culturally appropriate promotional materials and messaging about adult recommended vaccines.  He coordinates Hispanic CHW vaccine outreach, translation of materials and interpretation at events.  He also does health/vaccination navigation assistance for community members and health care access assistance for community members.

BREAKOUT SESSION: 4

Driving Outcomes with Data

Led by Abbey Harburn, MPH
– and –
Lauren Bednarz, MPH

See how WCHQ uses data to identify gaps, reach at-risk communities, and improve immunization rates across Wisconsin. Gain tools and strategies to make data-informed public health decisions.

Abbey Harburn, MPH

Abbey Harburn, MPH joined the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality in 2017. Abbey has served in a variety of roles at WCHQ, most recently as the Director of Analytics and Practice Transformation. She oversees WCHQ’s quality improvement work and the analytics that support WCHQ’s improvement efforts and their members.

Abbey holds a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and bachelor’s degree in political science from Wellesley College. Prior to her position with WCHQ, she worked at Epic, supporting health systems as they implemented and upgraded their electronic medical record. She has a background in quality measure development, data analysis and collection, and quality improvement.

Lauren Bednarz, MPH
Director of Data Strategy
Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality

Lauren Bednarz is the Director of Data Strategy at the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality. In this role, Lauren develops and executes the organization’s data strategy, focusing on quality measurement and using data-driven insights to enhance healthcare quality and outcomes. Previously, Lauren served as the Director of the UW-Madison Neighborhood Health Partnerships program and also held the role of Outreach Program Manager at the Health Innovation Program. Lauren holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

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NETWORK

Vaccination Advocates and Professionals Throughout Wisconsin Connected

The 2025 Immunize Wisconsin Spring Conference—Champions of Health: Boosting Vaccination Confidence in Uncertain Times offered a number of opportunities for participants to network throughout our two-day schedule.

Our sponsors and exhibitors were open during our break sessions.

The Advisory Council Dinner / Grantee & Coalition Dinner was held on the first day of the conference.

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Attendees networked during lunch, joined roundtables, and explored open exhibits on days between our breakout sessions.

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ENGAGE

Meet the 2025 Conference Sponsors
Silver Tier Sponsor
AstraZeneca

Attendees Stayed Informed With the Conference App

The Eventee conference app helped attendees stay up-to-date on the latest conference information such as the event schedule, speaker bios, session descriptions. Attendees were encouraged to download the conference app before the event.

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