2025 Speakers

Keynotes

  • Group Vice President, Customer Success, WebMD Health Services

    Melissa is an accomplished health management leader with over 15 years of experience in total population health management, strategic account management and onsite well-being program management. 
     
    As Group Vice President of Customer Success for WebMD Health Services, Melissa is responsible for leading a tenured client success team that cultivates long-term strategic relationships with employer and health plan clients to deploy comprehensive wellness solutions. 
     
    Melissa previously served as Vice President of Sales for StayWell, leading new client acquisition and expansion strategies for StayWell’s well-being solutions for employers.  She also served as the Strategic Account Director for StayWell, where she led a team of account executives across the business and government markets. 
      
    Melissa began her career as a telephonic health coach and onsite well-being program manager which informs her approach to partnering with clients to design innovative health and well-being solutions, with real-world practical application and measurement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and is a Certified Intrinsic Coach. 

    Keynote: 2025 Well-being Priorities You Need to Know

  • Keynote Speaker, Communication Trainer, Public Speaking Coach

    Erik Dominguez is a communication and confidence expert with over 25 years of experience teaching thousands of individuals from all walks of life how to speak up for themselves. As an immigrant who grew up between two cultures and mixed messages, his familiarity with communication fears fueled him to learn and share the mindsets and tools to be seen and heard. His team-oriented approach has centered around a philosophy that everyone has a unique story and believes that everyone can share their minds and hearts with confidence, power, and - yes - a LOT of fun!

    Keynote: Confidence Through the Cave: Mental Health as An Adventure

Breakout Sessions

  • MPH, MCHES, NBC-HWC, LiveWELL Manager, University Human Resources, University of Iowa

    Melanie oversees the faculty and staff well-being program at the University Iowa. Melanie is also a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a decade of experience in health coaching, health promotion, public health, and employee well-being programs. She has been a trained Lifestyle Coach for the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention program for five years and recently trained to become a Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator. Melanie graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Health Promotion and an MPH in Community and Behavioral Health.

    Melanie provides one-on-one and group health coaching and loves to facilitate workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and positive psychology. She believes there is no one size fits all approach to lifestyle change. She loves to help employees explore small changes and positive habits that work best for them to enhance their well-being.

    Breakout Session: Below the Surface: Lowering Employee Risk for Prediabetes

  • Director of Quality and Training, Foundation 2 Crisis Services

    Kara Grafft is an experienced leader and skilled facilitator with extensive expertise in applying trauma-informed and restorative practices within non-profit and educational environments. With a passion for helping individuals and organizations navigate complex challenges, Kara specializes in offering practical, actionable strategies that can be immediately implemented to create positive, transformative change.

    As an International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) trainer, Hatha Yoga instructor and meditation and mindfulness teacher,  Kara is dedicated to equipping leaders, educators, and communities with the tools they need to foster healing, build trust, and promote inclusive and restorative cultures. Her work emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that are both supportive and empowering for those impacted by trauma.

    In her current role, Kara is the Director of Quality and Training for F2 Crisis Services and focuses on ensuring staff are well trained and confident in client services with an intensive focus on data, quality improvement, and fidelity of service models.

    Breakout Session: Mastering the Stress Cycle: Practical Interventions for Wellness

  • M.S., CSHE, Director of the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention at University of Northern Iowa

    Mozak has extensive professional background as a victim advocate and violence prevention educator in both nonprofit and higher education fields. As a certified sexual health educator, Mozak currently serves as an ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association. From 2017 to 2022, she worked in consulting, training professionals in the medical, educational, nonprofit and business sectors on empathetic leadership, healthy relationships, trauma-informed methods and bystander intervention. Mozak has been an adjunct instructor at various Iowa institutions of higher education since 2013, teaching first year seminars on bystander intervention and sexuality, psychology, sociology, and applied human sciences. 

    Currently, Mozak is the director of the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention at University of Northern Iowa where she oversees curriculum infusion of bystander education and strategies within pre-service teacher education and social sciences programming at University of Northern Iowa, as well as the implementation of Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Strategies training and outreach in and among Iowa’s higher education and K-12 educational systems. Mozak received both her Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Family Services in 2006 and a Master of Science in Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies and Public Administration in 2011 from Iowa State University. 

    Breakout Session: Moving From Bystander to Upstander

  • CEO & Occupational Therapist, Happy at Home Consulting LLC

    Dr. Sydney Marshman is an occupational therapist and the founder of Happy at Home Consulting. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health with a focus on community and public health from Iowa State University. Sydney went on to graduate from Drake University with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy and achieved her Board Certification in Gerontology. Additionally, she holds credentials as a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist I (CEAS I), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Certified Geriatric Care Professional (CGCP), Certified Home Assessment and Modification Professional (CHAMP), and Community Health Worker (CHW).

    Sydney has been invited to speak at numerous events, including presenting on national stages like the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Her expertise has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes online. Currently, she serves as the president of the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, showcasing her leadership and influence within the field.

    Her passion is helping individuals to live their best life, and she approaches work with creativity, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of determination. Sydney and her husband reside in Des Moines, Iowa with their two boys and Boston Terrier.  

    Breakout Session: Fostering a Caregiver Inclusive Workplace

  • Director, Regulatory Consulting

    Tyler Archer leads the Regulatory Consulting team for the Retirement division of Principal Financial Group. One of Tyler’s passions is personal and team growth topics. He authors the One Step blog focused on empowering others to take steps forward in their authentic growth journey.

    His love of personal growth also is represented in his passions for health and wellness, coaching youth sports and activities, and giving back to his community. Outside of work you’ll find him with his wife, daughter, and son traveling, playing sports, or enjoying the outdoors.

    Breakout Session: Perspective Wins - All Day, Every Day

  • MSN, MPH, RN, Executive Director, Focus on Diabetes

    Bridget is a registered nurse and clinic administrator. She is nationally known as a health equity advocate in Washington DC and on NBC.

    Budget is co-founded of Focus on Diabetes, a health promotion and disease prevention organization and host of the Cedar Valley Focus on Diabetes, the largest patient education community outreach fair in eastern Iowa. The CVFD connects diabetic patients, their family, and the community to free screenings, education and local health systems.

    When she learned that black men are dying from a disease that white men are living with, she launched Project Health, a groundbreaking, statewide, prostate cancer research study.

    Bridget is helping to train the next generation of healthcare workers by introducing them to the benefits of service-learning and career guidance through a youth development and leadership program called, empower me. empower me student leaders are graduates of Allen and Hawkeye College and Upper Iowa University.

    Iowa has the second highest diagnosis and fastest growing cancer in the nation. Bridget is on the front line of patient education and community outreach.

    Breakout Session: Cancer in Iowa and Community Outreach

  • Employee Benefits Consultant, Holmes Murphy

    A graduate of the University of Iowa, Keith earned his Masters of Arts degree in Sports and Recreation Business, along with an Entrepreneurship Certificate. Since joining Holmes Murphy, he has received both his Iowa Accident & Health Insurance License and Iowa Life Insurance License. His financial background allows him to use his skills in these areas to assist clients.

    Prior to joining Holmes Murphy, Keith was a captain of the University of Iowa football team helping lead the Hawks to three bowl victories and multiple wins over nationally ranked teams.

    Active in the community, Keith created a non-profit campaign, Every Kick Counts, which aims to educate expectant parents on the importance of counting their baby’s kicks in the third trimester. Every Kick Counts fundraising campaign is a direct branch of Count The Kicks, the registered 501c3, founded by a local Johnston resident and four other Des Moines moms.

    Breakout Session: Enhancing Employee Wellbeing: Leveraging Data and Technology to Develop Diabetes and Weight Loss Management Programs

  • Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Coordinator, Employee and Family Resources

    Hayl is a dedicated professional with a Master of Science degree in Gerontology and Conflict Resolution, Graduate Certificate in Public Health and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Hayl brings a comprehensive and holistic understanding of human behavior and the biopsychosocial factors that influence health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

    In addition to academic credentials, Hayl is a certified Community Resource Specialist (Aging & Disability), Victim Advocate, Grief Support Specialist, and Clinical Health Coach. With these certifications, Hayl is deeply committed to providing support and resource connection to individuals navigating complex challenges, including loss to suicide, traumatic grief, and chronic-health issues.

    As a grant coordinator focused on suicide prevention, Hayl works with individuals and organizations to understand the multifaceted and dynamic aspects of suicide risk. Hayl offers educational opportunities that focus on suicide risk screening, the social determinants of mental health, and effective prevention efforts, all through a health equity framework. This work is integral to reducing disparities in mental health care and social support, promoting the overall well-being of communities. In addition to this, Hayl is an Adjunct Graduate Professor at Kansas State University (Global Campus), where she instructs graduate students in the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Breakout Session: Suicide Prevention Through a Health Equity Framework

  • Vice President, Employee Benefits/Shareholder, Holmes Murphy

    Sara Bradshaw is a Vice President and Shareholder at Holmes Murphy & Associates and has been with Holmes Murphy for 16 years. Sara provides employee benefits consulting services for employers in a variety of industries and locations with a passion for helping organizations bring valuable benefits to their workforce, while balancing their overall financial goals. As an advocate for all healthcare consumers, Sara serves as President on the Board for the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), Iowa chapter. Here, she uses her industry experience and empathy for others to advocate for healthcare policy change.

    Breakout Session: Enhancing Employee Wellbeing: Leveraging Data and Technology to Develop Diabetes and Weight Loss Management Programs

  • Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association

    Erica is a Northwest Iowa native with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and History from Loras College, certified as a Dementia Friend and an active advocate for families with a dementia journey like her own.   

    She is a resource for those with Dementia along with their families in her role as Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter. Erica is board member of Lifelong Links, a branch of the Aging Resources of Central Iowa; a member of the Ankeny Seniors and Law Enforcement Working Together (SALT) Program; is a representative of Southeast Elementary for the Ankeny School District’s School Improvement Advisory Council (SIAC) and continues her service to the Alzheimer's Association through her involvement with the Walk to End Alzheimer's, which she began in 2017.  She joined the Iowa Chapter staff in January of 2024.  Some of Erica’s current roles include advocating with local legislators, serving as a media spokesperson, acting as a support group facilitator and providing educational programming to the chapter’s communities to spread the mission of the association. 

    Breakout Session: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

  • Outreach Coordinator, Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest

    Laura Keniston, M.H.A., has served as the outreach coordinator for the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, a NIOSH Center of Excellence for Total Worker Health® since 2016. Her work is focused on developing and disseminating evidence-based resources and best practices for supporting the safety, health and well-being of the workforce.

    Laura received her M.H.A. degree from Des Moines University and B.S. degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. She has extensive experience working with local employers, case managers, injured workers and occupational health providers to facilitate return to work for individuals recovering from work-related injuries. This experience has fueled her passion for protecting the well-being of workers.

    Breakout Session: Building a Healthier Iowa Workforce: The Role of Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

  • Employee Health Specialist, Farm Bureau Financial Services

    Keely Guy is an Employee Health Specialist at Farm Bureau Financial Services in West Des Moines, Iowa .She holds degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and Des Moines University in Public Health where she chose to focus on employee wellness programming. She co-leads programming for approximately 1,800 employees both in Iowa and across the country. In addition, Keely holds certifications in group fitness, nutrition coaching, and exercise recovery. She enjoys public speaking and sharing her passion for public health with anyone who will listen.

    Breakout Session: Recognizing and Avoiding Burnout

  • Associate Professor, Healthy and Human Physiology & Family Medicine, University of Iowa

    Lucas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology with a secondary appointment in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa. His education background is in exercise physiology and cardiovascular behavioral medicine. His research focuses on planning, implementing and evaluating physical activity interventions tailored to at-risk and underserved populations. A primary goal of his research is to establish an accessible, effective, and sustainable model for integrating physical activity behavioral counseling into the primary care setting. This model is consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Exercise is Medicine® initiative and recent recommendations put forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 

    Breakout Session: Exercise is (Effective but Underutilized) Medicine

  • Occupational Therapy Student, Drake University

    I am a third-year Occupational Therapy student at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, currently completing my capstone project focused on developing a program to support new parents during the postpartum period. I’m originally from Kansas, and I moved to Des Moines for occupational therapy school. In my free time I enjoy walking my dogs and spending quality time with friends and family.

    Breakout Session: Fostering a Caregiver Inclusive Workplace

  • Chief Development Officer, Foundation 2 Crisis Services

    Katie is the Chief Development Officer for Foundation 2 Crisis Services. Katie is passionate about suicide prevention and access to behavioral health services. Katie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth and Human Services and a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development from the University of Northern Iowa. Katie is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer.

    She is an active volunteer in the Cedar Rapids area focusing her time on community development, women’s leadership, and supporting youth in the foster care system.  

    Breakout Session: Mastering the Stress Cycle: Practical Interventions for Wellness

Don’t miss this amazing lineup of speakers!

Join us at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny on April 16th! Registration for the 2025 Healthiest State Conference opens on February 25th.