Belski has over 20 years of experience in Sterile Processing.  Her current role as an Infection Preventionist allows her a platform to inspire and support best practice.  She has experience working closely with surveyors as a Quality & Patient Safety Coordinator.  This motivated her to further grow in the quality and patient safety arena and build a strong voice to advocate for the sterile processing profession.  In her leadership roles, Belski has appreciated the opportunity to educate and help technicians advance their careers while also supporting their goals.  She is the proud recipient of the 2016 HSPA Golden Slipper Award for Service Excellence.

Jon Burdach, PhD, is Chief Medical Affairs and Scientific Officer at Nanosonics Ltd. Dr. Burdach is responsible for the company's medical strategy, including clinical research, healthcare professional engagement, scientific communications and medical education initiatives. Dr. Burdach received his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Tasmania and his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of New South Wales. He has worked within the medical research space for over 15 years and has served as a committee member on various standards development committees and has authored numerous scientific publications and regularly presents at international conferences.

Natalie Lind is the Education Director for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).   Natalie has extensive experience in the sterile processing profession, having served as a technician, department manager and director, professional educator, consultant, and author.

Along with her experience in healthcare facilities, Natalie served as Program Director for the Minnesota State College and University Health Systems’ Processing program for 11 years.  She holds a Fellowship in Sterile Processing and has served as education editor for two national magazines.  Natalie has published over 240 articles on a wide variety of sterile processing topics. She has served as co-editor on several HSPA (IAHCSMM) publications.

Natalie has presented several programs on sterile processing techniques throughout the United States and has partnered with facilities in Russia, China, Japan, Latin America, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to provide sterile processing education.  Natalie is the recipient of several awards including International SP Educator of the Year, the Minnesota Excellence in Technical Education Award, and three IAHCSMM’s President’s awards. She has been listed in the Who’s Who in Infection Prevention and in 2022, was awarded the HSPA Award of Honor.

Michael Matthews, MBA, CLSSGB, CRCST, CIS, CHL currently serves as a Clinical Education Manager for Healthmark – a Getinge company. He previously held the position of Director of Customer Training and Education for Agiliti. Prior to Agiliti’s acquisition of Northfield Medical, Michael served as Director of Clinical Education and Training for Northfield Medical in addition to former roles of Territory Manager for the Little Rock, Arkansas area, and a Clinical Education Manager for the southeast region.  Before working at Northfield, Michael served as the manager for sterile processing at Baptist-Health Medical Center-Conway, Arkansas. During this time Michael also served as an Infection Preventionist on a PRN basis to consult on reprocessing services throughout the Baptist-Health system. Michael has previously served as a Sterile Processing Technician at Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare (2012-2013) and Baptist East Hospital (2011-2012), both in Louisville, KY, and system manager for sterilization and high-level disinfection at Conway Regional Medical Center (2013-2016). He holds three Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certifications for sterile processing. Michael has also served as a subject matter expert and participated in exam development for HSPA. Michael holds an MBA and has also been certified as a Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt.  He has published articles in Infection Control Today, Becker’s Hospital Review, Healthcare Purchasing News, as well as a frequent conference speaker on sterile processing related topics. Michael is also a former cohost of the Beyond Clean podcast.

Mark Hodgson has worked in healthcare and infection prevention for over 35 years, a chemist with a strong background in environmental microbiology and the impact of fomites on patients.  He has been a leader in developing programs driven by quality and sound scientific principles.  Mr. Hodgson has developed and presented training programs for clients and in house personnel, developed and implemented corporate policy including developing a team of peer reviewers. Mr. Hodgson has also been a regulatory liaison and provided litigation support and expert witness in the states of New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Florida. With broad-based knowledge of the disinfectant industry he has conducted outbreak investigations and risk assessments as well as prepared protocols for the control of Legionellosis, conducted research on Clostridum difficile outbreaks, and developed prevention programs.  Mr. Hodgson’s research and product development activities have included studies on vaporized hydrogen peroxide systems, accelerated hydrogen peroxide disinfectants, and sodium dichloro isocyanurate based disinfectants.

Rebecca Peplau began her career as a veterinary assistant, where she discovered her passion for surgical procedures and found her niche in reprocessing surgical instruments. After 11 years in veterinary medicine, she transitioned to sterile processing in human healthcare at a small community hospital, where she further honed her skills. She then explored opportunities at different facilities including Level-1 trauma hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, endoscopy units and smaller community hospitals. During this time, she took on roles such as Lead Technician, Manager, and Educator.  A graduate of Unity College with a B.S., she holds multiple certifications, including CRCST, CER, CHL, CSPDT, and LSSWB. Rebecca is a dedicated professional, recognized for her contributions as a published author in PROCESS Magazine and Healthcare Purchasing News. Her insights and expertise have garnered attention, leading to her being awarded Healthcare Purchasing News’s 40 Under 40. Rebecca is currently the President of the Northern New England Chapter of HSPA, covering Maine and New Hampshire.  She is an active member of several AAMI working groups and a former podcast host, having also appeared on additional industry podcasts to discuss hot topics and issues faced by the sterile processing community. She strives to advance sterile processing practices and sharing her knowledge and 20 years of experience with the next generation of professionals.