Central Florida APIC Chapter 092 Infection Prevention Conference
SPEAKERS
Learn, Connect, and Advance Best Practices
This year’s conference brings together a multidisciplinary powerhouse of leaders dedicated to the front lines of infection prevention. We believe that true infection prevention doesn’t happen in a vacuum-it requires a seamless collaboration between the bedside nurses, providers, environmental care, public health, and facility maintenance. From clinical breakthrough to operational excellence, our speakers represent the full spectrum of the field.
Infection prevention is a team sport. By hearing from voices across multiple departments, you’ll gain a 360-degree view of patient safety. Whether you’re looking to refine your prevention skills or optimize your facility’s workflow, our speakers provide the diverse expertise needed to solve today’s most pressing infection prevention challenges.
Melissa Morgan MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Joi McMillon BSN, MBA HA, WCC, CCRN, CJCP, HACP-CMS, CIC, AL-CIP
Jonathan Cooper AICP, CMIP, CHESP
Melissa is the Assistant Vice President of Quality, Regulatory and Safety at Orlando Health. Melissa has more than 30 years of healthcare experience focusing the last 18 years in quality and infection prevention. Certified in infection prevention and control since 2012, Melissa has served in large health systems on both the East and West coasts of the United States. She was recognized by APIC as a fellow in 2017 and has served various boards and platforms overseeing practice and educating in quality, infection prevention and sterile processing. Melissa is committed to creating an environment of curiosity and commitment to ensure patients receive the best care across the continuum by building a foundation of quality is the work.
Robert Booth MPH, CIH
Melanie Beazley PhD
Dr. Federico Laham MD, MSc, FAAP
Mr. Booth has more than 30 years of healthcare compliance experience spanning infection control, industrial hygiene, and public health. His expertise includes CMS and Joint Commission compliance, medical risk management, surgical safety, infection control, and employee health. He holds graduate degrees in Public Health and Infectious Disease Prevention and is one of the primary authors of the updated ICRA 2.0 form and process guide. Mr. Booth also represents ASHE and contributes to several key industry committees, including the Health Guidelines Revision Committee for the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities, as well as ASHRAE Standards 170 for ventilation in healthcare facilities and 188 for Legionellosis risk management in building water systems.
Melanie J. Beazley, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Central Florida whose work centers on environmental chemistry, microbial ecology, and the fate and transport of pollutants in aquatic and sediment systems. With advanced training from Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, and the University of Oklahoma, her research integrates geochemical, biological, and engineering approaches to address contaminants of emerging concern, nutrient cycling, and bioremediation. Dr. Beazley has led and collaborated on numerous Florida‑focused water quality projects with agencies including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Orange County, and the City of Orlando. Her publications span pollutant tracking, wastewater surveillance, catalyst development, and aquatic ecosystem health, emphasizing real‑world solutions for environmental challenges.
Federico R. Laham, MD, MS, FAAP, is a Pediatric Infectious Diseases physician and Medical Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. With over 15 years of clinical and leadership experience, he specializes in hospital epidemiology, infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and diagnostic stewardship. Dr. Laham serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Florida State University and has led or collaborated on multiple NIH‑ and CDC‑funded research studies. A recognized expert in complex infectious diseases, he is a frequent lecturer, consultant, and contributor to national research initiatives. His work integrates clinical excellence, multidisciplinary collaboration, and public health advocacy.
Tyjuana Kennell
Cindy Prins PhD, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP, AL-CIP, CHP, FSHEA, FAPIC
Caitlin Crews-Stoe PhD, MPH, CIC, CHP, CPHQ, VA-BC
Born and raised in Crescent City Fl, 1998, Tyjuana is a graduate of Crescent City Jr Sr High School. In 1998 she begin her career as a CNA, working in short/long term care facilities, ALF, and rehabilitation facilities. She is a 2017 Graduate of Gwinnett Institute PN program. In 2021 she started her career at the Fl, Dept Of Health in Seminole County performing duties as STD Surveillance, Disease Intervention Specialist and as Hepatitis C Coordinator. In 2023 she was awarded Employee of the year as well as Outstanding Employee.
Cindy Prins, PhD, MPH, CIC, LTC‑CIP, AL‑CIP, CPH, FSHEA, FAPIC, is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida and a Courtesy Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Florida. A nationally recognized expert in infection prevention, epidemiology, and healthcare epidemiology, she has held extensive academic leadership roles, including program director for both MPH and PhD programs in Epidemiology and Assistant Dean for Educational Affairs at UF. Dr. Prins has served as Co‑Investigator on multiple federally funded grants and has authored numerous peer‑reviewed publications. She is a Fellow of SHEA and APIC and an active leader in professional organizations dedicated to public health and infection prevention.
Dr. Caitlin Crews‑Stowe is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, specializing in infectious diseases, healthcare quality, and epidemiology. She holds a PhD in Health Science, an MPH, and multiple professional certifications including CIC, CPH, CPHQ, and VA‑BC. Her research spans microbial burden, infection prevention technologies, surgical site infection mitigation, and patient‑centered outcomes, with numerous peer‑reviewed publications and funded grants. Dr. Crews‑Stowe is an active presenter at national conferences and serves on editorial and clinical advisory boards. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and leadership while mentoring students across research programs. Her work integrates evidence‑based practice, real‑world data, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance public health and healthcare safety.
Learn, Connect, and Advance Best Practices
Register now to secure your spot at the conference and take advantage of early bird discounts!
Vendors and exhibiters: learn how your organization can partner with us to reach a dedicated audience of infection prevention professionals.
Invest in your professional development and contribute to a safer healthcare environment. We look forward to welcoming you to our infection prevention conference!