Jul 20, 2026 – Jul 21, 2026
Center for Surgical Innovation, University of CO Anschutz Medical Campus
2115 N. Scranton St., Suite 1035
Aurora, CO 80045
Early Bird Pricing until June 22nd, 2026
Training for new and advanced bioskills personnel will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd during the annual meeting. More information on agenda and pricing will be coming or text info@ablebioskills.com to ask any questions for now. There will be bundling pricing for attending the symposium and the training for your Certification of Completion and if interested please send an email to info@ablebioskills.com or call Pat at 847-894-3296. Basic Training information is under the Symposium Agenda.
Exhibitor Table Set Up (TBD)
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM - July 19, 2026
ABLE Board of Directors Meeting. (Hotel)
Joe Leonard - ABLE President
ABLE / A NEW ERA
Insights on emerging trends and the evolution of bioskills in healthcare
The importance in what you do for patient outcomes & how labs have impacted his practice and thoughts on the future
Day 1: Monday, July 20, 2026
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration / Check in, receive your badges and enjoy breakfast while networking
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibit Hours
Main Lecture Hall
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM
Welcome Remarks - Joe Leonard, ABLE President
8:40 AM - 9:00 AM
Speaker: Dr. Robinson, CSI/VA , University of CO
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Ice Breaker - Justin Panasewicz & Becky Hendershot
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Company: MAXFI
Reanimating Surgical Training with Perfused Cadaver Models and Maxfi's envivoPC Technology. Bridging the gap between animal/traditional cadaver models and first in human trials. (Live Lab Demonstration on profusion at breakout)
Speaker: Joss Fernandez, MD, FACS
Moderator:
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning Coffee Break & Exhibits / Visit the Sponsors and get your paperwork signed
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Main Lecture Hall
Company: IMRA
Ethical Surgical Training Solutions Without Sacrifice
A world of Training models: Torso Trainers, Hydrogen Organ Models, Skills Trainers
Speaker:
Moderator:
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Lab Logistics: Setting your Team and your Client up for Success
Speaker: Becky Hendershot
Moderator:
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch while also networking with other registrants and with the Sponsors who provide critical tools and supplies for Bioskills Labs
BREAKOUTS WILL DUPLICATE SO HALF WILL ATTEND BREAKOUT #1 AND HALF TO BREAKOUT #2 AND THEN SWITCH!
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Move to Breakouts)
Breakout Session #1: Room: ( Lab A ) Max Fi
Speakers: Joss Fernandez, MD, FACS, Peter Cassidy, Max Fi Lab Manager
Moderator:
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Move to Breakouts )
Breakout Session #2: Room: ( LAB B) IMRA
Speaker:
Moderator:
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Move to Breakouts)
Breakout Session #3: Room: ( LAB A ) Max Fi
Speakers: Joss Fernandez, MD, FACS
Moderator: Pat Cichlar
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Breakout Session #4: Room: ( LAB B ) IMRA
Speakers:
Moderator: Rebecca Hendershot
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Break and Visit the Sponsors
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Every Donor has a Story: A Final Act of Service
Speaker: Jim Reppart
Moderator:
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Curiousity Killed The Cat - Answers to your most interesting questions!
Returning on demand from last year's meeting. Ask those burning questions anonymously and hear the open floor discussion answers.
Speakers: Kelley Bennett & Robin Bozarth
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
NETWORKING RECEPTION - University of Colorado
Wrap up the day with drinks, appetizers and an opportunity to meet fellow bioskills professionals.
Day 2: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast / Exhibits
8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Exhibit Hours
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM. Opening Announcements
Speaker: Robin Bozarth
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
History of Bioskills
Speaker: Robin Bozarth
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Company: Resolution Medical
Where Bioskills Ends and Biosimulation Begins
Speaker: Courtney Anderson, Program Manager - Sim Lab
Moderator: Jamie Decker
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Morning Coffee Break & Exhibits / Visit the Sponsors and get your paperwork signed
11:15 AM - 12:00 AM
Curiousity Killed The Cat - Answers to your most interesting questions!
Returning on demand from last year's meeting. Ask those burning questions anonymously and hear the open floor discussion answers.
Speakers: Kelley Bennett & Robin Bozarth
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break and Sponsors
Enjoy lunch while visiting with sponsors who provide critical tools and supplies
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
What I Wish I knew before I was in Leadership
Speaker: (Leadership Panel)
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
AV Reinforcement in Your Bioskills Facility
Speaker: Joe Leonard
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
ABLE Committee Definitions & Reports
Speaker: Committee Liasons
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
After closing remarks all attendee's will leave the lecture room and then members will sign back in for the Members Meeting.
ABLE Members Annual Meeting - Open Discussion on ABLE Membership (Institutional Members & Reg Members Only)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
ABLE Board of Directors Meeting
(if you are a nominee for the ABLE Board of Directors and you get voted on to the Board we would ask that you stay for the Board meeting)
Day 3: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 (TBD)
7:15 AM – 7:45 AM Continental Breakfast
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM Introduction / Agenda / Objectives (Subject to Change)
Tools of the Trade - Instrument ID and Assessment
Sharp Safety Technique
Science of Suturing - Instrument handling / demo on skin
To Gown or Not to Gown... That is the Question / Aseptic Technique lecture w / Gown & Glove Demo
Q & A
Gowning and Gloving Technique and Assessment
Suturing / **Sharps Safety Assessment
Tips / Tricks and Solutions
Jeopardy
Completion of Certification
TRAINING SESSION: Complete objectives and receive a certificate of completion!
ADVANCED TRAINING: TBD
Courtney Anderson is the Sr. Manager of Biosimulation and Laboratory Operations at Resolution Medical, where she leads the development and execution of advanced biosimulation programs supporting medical device innovation. With a multidisciplinary background spanning animal science, veterinary technology, surgical support, immunology, and preclinical research, Courtney brings a unique perspective to translational science and biosimulation. She has extensive experience building and scaling lab operations, optimizing processes, and leading cross-functional teams. Courtney is an avid outdoorswoman who enjoys spending time on the lake boating and fishing, as well as chasing her toddler and experiencing the world through his eyes.
Joss Fernandez, MD, FACS, is a cardiothoracic and vascular surgery specialist in Columbia, MO. He brings over 21 years of medical expertise. A graduate of the University of Virginia, he completed his surgery training at Vanderbilt University and cardiothoracic surgery training at the University of Iowa in 2011. Board certified in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, as well as endovascular therapies, Dr. Fernandez is the innovative inventor, founder and Chief Medical Officer of MaxFi Surgical Simulations.
Ms. Christina Strong is a health law partner at the law firm Dilworth Paxson, LLP, with offices in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. She is often engaged in issues surrounding organ, eye and tissue donation for transplant, education and research and has been closely involved in state and national law and policy development concerning anatomical donation and transplant. She was closely involved in the 2006 revision of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, as well as numerous other legislative and regulatory initiatives to save and enhance lives through "the gift of oneself". She is particularly interested in assisting anatomical donation, education and research organizations including nontransplant anatomic banks as they help to shape ethical public policy surrounding the altruistic gift of human bodies. A frequent speaker on legal and policy topics nationally, Ms. Strong endeavors to stimulate civil discussion on topics at the intersection of law, health care and bioethics. She has also taught at Rutgers University School of Law-Newark, as an Adjunct Professor in Health Law.
Joe Leonard is a bright and vibrant 30-something hailing from the metropolis of Largo, Florida. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Joe started working in medical research as a part of FORE during undergrad. For the past 12 years, Joe has continued to work for FORE, FIVE Labs, and now USBioskills. In 2019, Joe was, unfortunately, diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer, which he successfully battled and overcame in 2020. Now, Joe continues with USBioskills as a Director overseeing the coordination, logistics, and technologies of events and facilities in the USBioskills network. Joe lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife and enjoys traveling to distant lands and spending time their fur children.
Robin Bozarth is a skilled medical professional with over 30 years’ experience within the industry. Robin currently leads the Genesis Legacy Whole-Body Donation Foundation, as the Genesis Manager, for the Medical Education Research Institute (MERI). She has held various leadership positions at the MERI, a nonprofit medical teaching institution/bioskills facility, since her start in 2003 after ten years’ service within orthopedic surgery. Robin is committed to her profession and maintaining the highest levels of ethical responsibility within the non-transplant anatomical donation industry for medical education and research.
Robin was born in Memphis, TN and raised in DeSoto County, MS, where she graduated from Horn Lake High School. Robin holds an Associates of Applied Science Degree and is a licensed Funeral Director in the State of TN. She is a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS) through the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and CQA (Certified Quality Auditor) certified through the American Society of Quality (ASQ). Robin is a professional member of many societies and involved in various community-based volunteer programs. Robin is a proud mom to beautiful twin daughters and is blessed with three gorgeous grandchildren in her life. Robin loves her family, her community and helping those around her. Two rescue cats (Zoie and Cap) are lucky to have claimed Robin’s place as their own.
Kelley is the Director of Clinical Partnership and Training& Education at GCMI. GCMI is a non-profit organization that accelerates the development of innovative medical products that improve quality based outcomes and delivery of healthcare for patients, through design & development, testing & training, and full life cycle product support. Kelley has 25+ years of experience in healthcare, research, and Bioskills. Experience includes 8 years at GCMI, 11 years in human transplant operations, 9 years as a surgical technologist and surgical first assistant, and 2 years in forensic science. Kelley holds a BS in Human Services Management (BSHS), a Diploma in Surgical Technology (CST), and a Certificate in tissue banking (CTBS) from AATB since 1996. She has been a member of ABLE since 2014 and serving on the ABLE board of directors since 2018.
Alexandra Hay is the CSI Lab Manager for the University of Colorado’s Center for Surgical Innovation. She received a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University in Florida and moved to Colorado shortly after. She has been working in the bioskills industry since 2016. She focuses most of her attention on handling the financial aspects of the CSI lab as well as overseeing the operations and the CSI team. Alexandra is a proud wife and mother of a 2.5-year-old daughter. She enjoys hiking, traveling the world with her family and enjoying a good thrift store hunt.
Becky is the Lab Manager at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Surgical Training and Education Center. She graduated from Universirty of Central Florida with a BS in Biology and has pursued her passion for science ever since. With over a decade of experience in emergency veterinary medicine and sea turtle research, Becky fell in love with the Bioskills field in 2021. Now, her goals include growing the next generation of bioskills professionals and seeking to standardize best practices in this field.
Jamie Decker is the founder of Experience Anatomy, a NC-based bioskills lab, and The Experience Anatomy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing whole body donation for education and research. Her passion for anatomy began in high school and led her to train under Dr. Gunther von Hagens to extensively study anatomy, preservation, and dissection at Gubener Plastinate GmbH. With a background in academic lab supervision (EVMS) and teaching (CPCC), Jamie founded Experience Anatomy in 2016 to make high-quality, authentic-specimen training more accessible across medical, military, and academic sectors. Jamie is deeply committed to shaping the future of regulatory oversight in the anatomical education and tissue donation industries. Her work continues to drive innovation, integrity, and standardization in a rapidly evolving field.
HOTEL reservations: (Hotel hyperlink is now set up for registration at the Benson Hotel & Faculty Club for the ABLE Meeting ) "Go to Hyperlink below under Click Here"
The Symposium and all events will be held at:
The Center for Surgical Innovation, University of CO, Anschutz Medical Center, 2115 N. Scranton St., Suite 1035, Aurora, CO 80045
Registrants will be responsible for making their own hotel reservation. Credit cards needed for guarantee.
SPECIAL RATES: ABLE has a block of rooms from July 18, 2026 to July 23, 2026 with a reduced rate of $172.00 (Standard Room) ($ 189 for a Suite) and ($229 for a Premium Room) on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club, 13025 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80045. Phone (720) 627-5958.
The Hotel's room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 16.5%).
There is also a $15 resort fee but this includes free self parking in the garage, free WiFi, complimentary coffee in the lobby, and a $10 credit towards the resaurant (if you spend $25).
We have a limited block of 40 rooms at this time so you may want to book your room early as the Benson Hotel is the closest to the lab and walking distance. Other hotels are available but are on the opposite side of the campus and a longer walk or transportation might be required. Block release date is 6/19/26.
The Hotel will extend the group rate for three days pre and post program, if requested by the client and available and confirmed by the Hotel. Check in time is 4:00 pm or, in Hotel's sole discretion, later, and check out time is 11am.
INDIVIDUAL RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellation of individual reservations must be at least 24 hours prior to arrival date to avoid a charge of first night's room and tax.
Hotel Parking:
No cost for Self parking in the garage. Valet parking is $9 (4 hours) per vehicle, $22 for (8 hours) and $39 for (overnight parking).
AIRPORT INFORMATION:
Main Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Distance: 18 Minutes (11 miles)
Transportation is not provided to and from any airports from the hotel.
Most guest use Uber of Lyft to get to the hotel unless they rent a car.
HOTEL REWARDS LINK IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THEIR PROGRAM:
https://iprefer.com/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11958455433&gbraid=0AAAAABrxhsqkl104Wnr_JDnhTm4bCpnLU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij5-XsnLgmtpQMaMXbqGTYdxaRKEGF7i-tFZ8gFTS-cttbPXiCX2WYNYaAhRiEALw_wcB
Alternate Hotel Options:
Hyatt House Denver - 4 minutes away (303-364-1468)
Home 2 Suites Aurora - 4 minutes away (877-646-6362)
Springhill Suites Denver - 5 minutes away (720-859-1100)
Hyatt Regency Aurora - 6 minutes away (303-365-1234)
Cambria Suites DIA - 10 mintes away (303-576-9600)
Embassy Suites Central Part - 10 minutes away (303-375-0400)
DoubleTree by Hilton Denver - 11 minutes away (303-321-3333)
Renaissance Hotel Denver - 12 minutes away (303-399-7500)
Woolleys Classic Suites DIA - 12 minutes away (720-599-3750)
Gaylord Rockies Resort - 22 minutes (720-452-6900)
