Maternal Health Symposium - Empowering Change: Advancing Maternal Health Together

October 29, 2025 to October 30, 2025

Overview

Registration


There is no cost to attend this online conference. Registration is required. 

Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account. 

For general conference questions, email Megan Aucutt.
 

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates.

Description

Empowering Change: Advancing Maternal Health Together, presented by Wellpoint, will bring together leading experts, advocates, and organizations to highlight maternal health best practices, address critical challenges in prenatal care, and share actionable solutions.

This symposium will address the critical issues surrounding maternal health. Learners will share insights and develop actionable strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

The symposium will foster empowering conversations and showcase proven solutions that can be implemented in various settings. Learners will gain valuable knowledge from leading experts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore innovative approaches to maternal health care. With a focus on evidence-based practices and real-world applications, the symposium aims to equip learners with the tools needed to make a tangible impact in their communities. 

The symposium will showcase innovative programs, share success stories, and inspire collaboration among attendees committed to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies in underserved rural communities.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify key challenges affecting maternal health outcomes in rural and underserved communities, including access to care and system-level barriers.
  2. Analyze real-world examples of evidence-based programs improving maternal and infant outcomes.
  3. Apply strategies for integrating community-based resources, such as doulas, fetal movement education, and behavioral health supports, into the clinical workflow.
  4. Evaluate opportunities for interprofessional collaboration that address social determinants of health and improve continuity of maternal care.

Agenda

All times listed are in Central Time. The agenda is subject to change.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
8:30 am

Welcome

Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
Teresa Hursey, President, Medicaid Health Plan IA, Wellpoint 

8:50 am 

Ignite Sessions

Ignite Sessions are rapid-fire presentations where speakers have a limited time to share their projects, insights, and results. Each presentation is concise, energetic, and packed with valuable information, making it an engaging way to learn about the diverse approaches being implemented to tackle maternal health challenges in rural settings. 

  1. Bloom Project and Scott County Health Department
    Lydia Amissah-Harris, MPH, BSB, CLS, Executive Director
     
  2. Breathe
    Lily Gasway, PT, DPT, Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
     
  3. Broadlawns Medical Center
    Christine Young, LISW, PMH-C, Mental Health Therapist
     
  4. Community Crate
    Ashley Ezzio, MPH, Project Coordinator
    Michael Berger, MPH, Project Coordinator
     
  5. EveryStep Care and Support Services
    Becky Borgman, RN, BSN, Maternal Child Health Program Director
     
  6. Gunderson Health
    Bethany Hanson, RN, IBCLC, Certified Lactation Consultant
     
  7. Healthy Birth Day, Inc - Count the Kicks
    Jenifer Rowray, Director of Advocacy and Engagement
     
  8. Iowa Black Doula Collective
    Ebonie Bailey, DONA(CD), CLS, Executive Director
     
  9. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal Mortality
    Nafla Poff Dainty, MPH, Maternal Health Coordinator
     
  10. LUNA Mother Co.
    Jodi Bowden-Fuentes, Program Coordinator
     
  11. Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity
    Audri Lu-Uhlken, LMSW, Community Health Outreach Coordinator 
    Violet Baccam, MPH, Community Health Outreach Worker
     
  12. Postpartum Support International - Iowa
    Brittney Haskins, President
     
  13. Siouxland District Health Department
    Lori Oetken, RN, PHN, Public Health Nurse 
     
  14. Success Street
    Jill White, BS, Health Educator/Youth Protection Training Coordinator 
    Brooke Olson, MA, Resource Director
     
  15. University of Iowa, Iowa Maternal Quality Care Collaborative
    Stephanie Radke, MD, MPH, Chair
     
  16. Women, Infants, and Children, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, Iowa Health and Human Services
    Nicole Newman, RD, LD, CLC, State WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator

10:50 am

Ignite Session Highlights: Conversation and Reflection

Moderators: 

  • Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
  • Sarah Hybels, Program and Product Administrator, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Facilitator:

  • Stephanie Radke, MD, MPH, Chair, Clinical Leader for Iowa Maternal Quality Care Collaborative and Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health of Iowa

Facilitator-led reflection regarding the Ignite Sessions, followed by reflection prompts to set the foundation for day two. 

11:30 am

Adjourn

Thursday, October 30, 2025
8:30 am

Welcome

Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
Tiffany Inglis, MD, National Medical Director for Women and Children’s Health, Carelon, Wellpoint 

8:45 am 

Advancing Maternal Health Through Innovation and Alignment

Jennifer Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN
Founding Executive Director, Institute for Medicaid Innovation

9:10 am

The Role of Partners in Advancing Maternal and Infant Health

Moderators: 

  • Brittney Haskins, President, Postpartum Support International-Iowa 
  • Jenifer Rowray, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Panelists:

  • Gabrielle Albert, MBA, 4Kira4Moms
  • Nigel Branch, Project Motherhood
  • Brad Edwards, Dear Fathers
  • Anna Rodney, MaEd, CBD, CPD, CCE, Chicago Family Doulas
  • La’Zette Smith, LaSaaun Lives Foundation

10:15 am

Clinical Innovations Changing the Game

Moderators: 

  • Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
  • Lauren Sullivan, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, Clinical Education Specialist, UnityPoint Health 

Panelists:

  • Sarah Pachtman, MD, MSE, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health
  • Lauren Ronnfeldt, DO’26, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Donna Santillan, PhD, Director, Division of Reproductive Sciences Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
11:20 am

Changes in Fetal Movement: Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses 

Angela Lober, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC
Senior Manager, Research and Grants, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses

11:40 am

Break

12:00 pm

Tools for the Fourth Trimester

Moderators: 

  • Violet Baccam, MPH, Community Health Coordinator, Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity
  • Sarah Hybels, Program and Product Administrator, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
  • Audri Lu-Uhlken, LMSW, Community Health Coordinator, Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity

Panelists:

  • Monique Amis, Public Health Division Chief, San Bernardino County
  • Camie Berardi, MPA, Director of Healthcare Partnerships, Tinyhood
  • Tina Branch, Founder, Project Motherhood Iowa
  • Janet Horras, Executive Director, Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals
  • William T. Story, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa, College of Public Health

1:00 pm

Tech Spotlight

Moderator: Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Gabrielle Albert, MBA
Executive Director, 4Kira4Moms

1:15 pm

Rooted in Care - The Vital Role of Doulas in Maternal Health

Moderators: 

  • Karissa Dailey, HCMS Director, Wellpoint 
  • Naya Thomas, Community Impact Manager, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Panelists:

  • Ebonie Bailey, DONA(CD), CLS, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Iowa Black Doula Collective
  • Neika Christalin, MPH, Founder, Crowning, LLC and The Doula Project
  • Maya Hardigan, Founder and CEO, Mae
  • Helena Jacobs, Co-Founder, Alaska Native Birthworkers Community
  • Ruta Lauleva Lua’iufi Aiono, Doula Coordinator, Traditional Birth Attendant, M.A.N.A Pasefika
  • Katie Nyberg, CPBD, CPPD, CPNPE, CPLE, CPST, Owner and Doula, The Iowa Baby Lady
  • Anna Rodney, MaEd, CBD, CPD, CCE, Owner and Founder, Chicago Family Doulas

2:30 pm

Local Leadership in Action

Moderator: Sarah Hybels, Program and Product Administrator, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Becky Borgman, RN, BSN
Maternal Child Health Program Director, EveryStep Care and Support Services

Aubrey Kitchel, RN
West Central Indiana FIMR Director, Tippecanoe County

3:00 pm

From Insight to Impact: Where Do We Go from Here?

Moderator: Megan Aucutt, Program Director, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Rose Horton, MSM, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, FAAN
Founder and CEO, NotOnMyWatch Consulting Partners

3:30 pm

Adjourn

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 9.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 9.25 AOA Category 2­A
  • 9.25 CE Contact Hour(s)
Course opens: 
07/15/2025
Course expires: 
10/30/2025
Event starts: 
10/29/2025 - 8:30am CDT
Event ends: 
10/30/2025 - 3:30pm CDT
Cost:
$0.00
Add to calendar: 
Rating: 
0

CE Credits

Accreditation Statements

  • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) through the joint providership of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) and Healthy Birth Day, Inc. DMU is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this live activity for 9.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 9.25 AOA Category 2-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
  • Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 9.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Educational Grants

No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity.

Disclosures

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Amanda Staab, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM - Planning Committee Member
  • Angela Lober, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC - Speaker
  • Anna Rodney, MaEd, CBD, CPD, CCE - Panelist
  • Ashley Ezzio, MPH - Panelist
  • Aubrey Kitchel, RN - Speaker
  • Audri Lu-Uhlken, LMSW - Planning Committee Member, Moderator, and Panelist
  • Becky Borgman, RN, BSN - Panelist and Speaker
  • Bethany Hanson, RN, IBCLC - Panelist
  • Brittney Haskins - Moderator and Panelist
  • Brooke Olson, MA - Panelist
  • Camie Berardi, MPA - Planning Committee Member and Panelist
  • Christine Young, LISW, PMH-C - Panelist
  • Donna Santillan, PhD - Panelist
  • Ebonie Bailey, DONA(CD), CLS - Planning Committee Member and Panelist
  • Gabrielle Albert, MBA - Panelist and Speaker
  • Helena Jacobs - Panelist
  • Janet Horras - Panelist
  • Jenifer Rowray - Moderator and Panelist
  • Jennifer Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN - Speaker
  • Jill White, BSc - Panelist
  • Jodi Bowden-Fuentes - Panelist
  • Karissa Dailey - Moderator
  • Katie Nyberg, CPBD, CPPD, CPNPE, CPLE, CPST - Panelist
  • Kristal Graves, DNP, MSN, RNC-EFM - Planning Committee Member
  • La’Zette Smith - Panelist
  • Lauren Ronnfeldt, DO’26 - Panelist
  • Lauren Sullivan, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM - Planning Committee Member and Moderator
  • Lily Gasway, PT, DPT - Panelist
  • Lori Oetken, RN, PHN - Panelist
  • Lorin Renner - Planning Committee Member
  • Lydia Amissah-Harris, MPH, BSB, CLS - Panelist
  • Maya Hardigan - Panelist
  • Megan Aucutt - Activity Director, Planning Committee Member, and Moderator
  • Michael Berger, MPH - Panelist
  • Monique Amis - Panelist
  • Nafla Poff Dainty, MPH - Panelist
  • Naya Thomas - Planning Committee Member and Moderator
  • Neika Christalin, MPH - Panelist
  • Nicole Newman, RD, LD, CLC - Panelist
  • Nigel Branch - Panelist
  • Rose Horton, MSM, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, FAAN - Speaker
  • Ruta Lauleva Lua’iufi Aiono - Panelist
  • Sarah Hybels - Moderator
  • Sarah Pachtman, MD, MSE - Panelist
  • Stephanie Radke, MD, MPH - Facilitator and Panelist
  • Tina Branch - Panelist
  • Violet Baccam, MPH - Moderator and Panelist
  • William T. Story, PhD, MPH - Panelist

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated either through peer review by individuals with no relevant financial relationships or attestation to adhere to evidence-based guidelines for clinical recommendations.

  • Sarah Pachtman, MD, MSE- Panelist
    • Consultant: Sanofi 
    • The relationship is not relevant to the educational content.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. 

Available Credit

  • 9.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 9.25 AOA Category 2­A
  • 9.25 CE Contact Hour(s)

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Price

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There is no cost to attend this online conference. Registration is required. After you log in to your account, click "Enter" to complete your registration.

For general conference questions, email Megan Aucutt.