Dr. Joshua Akers
MD
Dr. Joshua Akers is the Assistant Medical Examiner for the Saint Louis County Medical Examiner's Office.
Grant Barthel
MBS, MBA,CG(ASCP)CM
Grant M. Barthel, MBS, MBA,CG(ASCP)CM, is a scientific leader with 18+ years of experience across clinical diagnostics and academic research environments. A recognized expert in spatial biology and multiplex imaging, he has led the development and implementation of high-plex spatial technologies into scalable service platforms. His work bridges innovation, operational leadership, and industry collaboration to accelerate the transition of spatial biology toward clinical impact.
Colleen Forster
BS, CLA(ASCP) HT(ASCP), QIHC,
Colleen Forster is the histology manager at BioSim Innovations. She is a Research Histologist and believes that her diverse areas of training and the number of years in research provide unique qualifications that make her an asset the team. She specializes in new protocol design, working with the research team on developing new methods to assist them in reaching their goals. In addition, Colleen continues to build an experienced network of mentors and endless resources. She continue to stay active in the Minnesota and National histology societies, ensuring that she remains current in new and upcoming technologies, products and equipment. As the Histology Manager of a CRO, she works on a wide variety of projects, there is no limit. Her goal is to provide the clients with the highest quality, reproducible results possible.
Jennifer Hopkins
MBA, HTL
Jennifer Hopkins has been working in the field of Histology/Anatomic Pathology for over 20 years and is currently serving as the Administrative Director of Anatomic Pathology at The University of Kansas Health System. Jennifer worked on the bench in Histology for 10 years before moving into laboratory leadership. In her current role, Jennifer leads a division of 80+ AP laboratory professionals in the departments of Histology, Surgical Pathology, Cytology, Pathology Send-Outs, and Decedent Affairs. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. Her leadership philosophy focuses on continuous process improvement through front line staff feedback and believes that the best ideas come from those closest to the work.
Matt Livengood
Chief Laboratory Officer, Mercy
Matt is a healthcare executive with leadership experience in community, academic, and integrated delivery networks. His career reflects progressive leadership path based on success of previous positions in demonstrating ability to meet challenges as opportunities to achieve exceptional financial, clinical, and satisfaction outcomes. He achieved goals through leading highly engaged teams with a shared vision.
Dr. AnnaStacia Penrod
PhD, MBA, BS, HTL (ASCP)cm
AnnaStacia is currently a Senior Account Executive with Epredia. Prior to joining Epredia she was Histology Lab Supervisor with Quest Diagnostic and a Histology Lab Supervisor with Mercy Medical Center. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Psychology and an MBA in Business Intelligence from Capella University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Iowa State University and was awarded her HTL in 2014. She has several professional awards, including the NSH Leadership in Management Award and the NSH Patient Safety Award. Along with the scientist in histology certification, she has a bronze-level Six Sigma certification and is trained in multiple change management methodologies, including ProSci. Beyond working and presenting, AnnaStacia enjoys serving as the NSH Audit Committee chair, Missouri Society for Histotechnology Vice-President, editing with the JOH, and hosting the “Culture of Histology” podcast. In her free time, she trains therapy dogs, enjoys creating fun art, hosts dinner parties. Her current passion is to enhance laboratory culture by improving communication and resources to understand why we do things.
Shaun Strong
Regional Anatomic Pathology Manager, SSM St. Mary's Hospital
Shaun is a dedicated leader at SSM St. Mary's Hospital where she oversees the 8 anatomic pathology laboratories in the Missouri SSM network.
Sean Tucker
MBA, MLS
Executive Director of Labs, BJC Healthcare
Sean is an active member of ASCP, current Council of Laboratory Management and Administration Chair. He also is a long standing member of ASCP, a past ASCP Ambassador, and Forty under 40. Sean is ASCP Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with background in Molecular Technology. Sean received an MBA from Rockhurst University with an emphasis in Healthcare Leadership. He currently resides in St Louis MO with his wife Angel and children Payton and Genevieve.