Julia Drose is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Previously, Julia managed the Departments of Ultrasound and Prenatal Diagnosis at the University of Colorado Hospital for 35 years before retiring in 2017. Julia served as chairperson of the ARDMS exam development task force on fetal echo. She holds registries in fetal echo, adult echo, ob/gyn, abdominal and vascular technology. She is a recipient of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)’s Distinguished Sonographer Award. Julia is the editor of the widely respected textbook Fetal Echocardiography, which released its second edition in 2010. Julia is a renowned sonographer with a career-long commitment to excellence in ultrasound education. 

Richard “Richie” Palma is a distinguished educator in physics and cardiac ultrasound. He is passionate about ultrasound and brings his enthusiasm to each of his lectures. He is the director and clinical coordinator of the Duke Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate Program. Previously, he was the Associate Clinical Professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut and the director of the Hoffman Heart Institute School of Cardiovascular Technology and Ultrasound. He has worked in the profession since 1990. He was the first in the country to become a fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography and one of the first to earn the credential of Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS). In 2011 he received the Distinguished Educator Award from the SDMS and was inducted as a Fellow in 2016. Richie is a co-author of numerous papers and cardiac materials. He lectures extensively both nationally and internationally on adult echocardiography and contrast.

Alicia Armour is the Health Center Administrator at Duke Triangle Heart Associates. She oversees the cardiology clinic including diagnostic staff (echocardiology, stress testing, ambulatory monitoring, device clinic, and nuclear testing), nursing, medical assistants, and Advanced Practice Providers (NP, PA). With a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and extensive experience in adult echocardiography, she is the perfect person to answer all your questions. Alicia is also active in the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), where she has served as faculty for the Annual Scientific Sessions, various committees, and writing groups, and is the representative to the IAC-Echocardiography Board of Directors.

Ashlee is currently the Chief Technologist of the Cardiac Diagnostic Unit at Duke University where she has worked as a Cardiac Sonographer since 2008. Ashlee has been active in the American Society of Echocardiography serving on multiple committees, writing groups, and was honored to be part of the first inaugural class of the ASE Leadership Academy. In addition to ASE, she is involved in the CCI ACS writing committee, SDMS, and local echo societies giving talks and participating in annual meetings.

Ashlee received her bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging from the University of Oklahoma. She is proud to hold both ACS and RDCS registries. Through the connections she has made in the small world of Echocardiography, Ashlee has been able to travel all over the country and internationally, teaching others about echo. Ashlee has spoken at national conferences, worked with Dr. Joe Kisslo teaching people to “Think in 3D”, been invited to contribute to publications in Journals and textbooks, traveled to Rwanda to help patients with rheumatic heart disease, and had the opportunity to participate in many echo research projects. Ashlee is excited to be involved in the future of echocardiography.  

Steven Walling is currently the program director and clinical coordinator at the Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute School of Cardiovascular Technology in Hartford, CT. He graduated from Springfield College with a BS degree in Exercise Science in 2001. Steve is a registered Advanced Cardiac Sonographer and works as an adjunct faculty member with the Cardiac Ultrasound program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Worcester, MA.  He has served on multiple committees with the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and earned his ASE Fellowship (FASE) in 2013.    

As a nationally recognized speaker and educator, Steve has lectured at the ASE, SDMS, and hospitals throughout the country. He has also lectured internationally, most recently working in hospitals in Germany and Australia.   

Brian Tollefson has a rare clinical expertise in both emergency and sports medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he has practiced for a number of years. As an attending physician and professor of emergency medicine, Dr. Tollefson lectures regularly on emergency, point of care, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. He is the Director of the Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship Program, Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, and serves as the Vice Chair for Education in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Tollefson has an exceptional knowledge of ultrasound for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. His area of ultrasound expertise encompasses emergency, point of care, and musculoskeletal medicine.

Dr. Tollefson holds RMSK and RDMS credentials and is exceptionally qualified to teach courses on point of care and musculoskeletal ultrasound. His teaching style is incredibly concise and highly motivating for those seeking advanced education and certification in Point of Care and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.

Jean is a nationally recognized as a premier expert in venous disease, vascular testing and is a frequent lecturer throughout the USA. She has served as an application reviewer and site visitor for the Inter-societal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL). Jean has served on the Board of Directors of multiple vascular societies and foundations. She was honored as a Fellow of the SVU in 2014.

Steve Bernhardt is the Abdominal Sonography instructor. He has been a Medical Sonographer since 1982. Educated at Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma with specialties in abdominal, obstetrical, vascular and phlebology ultrasound. His experience includes 21 years at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana supervising both the general and vascular ultrasound departments. Presently practicing sonography and owner of Vascular Health Imaging in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ESP faculty member since 1993.

Sara Skjonsberg BS, RVT, RPhS, graduated from Seattle University's diagnostic Ultrasound Program in 2013. She worked for the University of Washington DE Strandness Jr. Vascular Lab for 4 years where she was lucky enough to have extensive venous training with Dr. Mark Meissner who jump-started her involvement with the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, Society of Vascular Ultrasound and American Venous Forum. She is currently the chair for the ultrasound section of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society,  a board member of the IAC Vein Center, president of Northwest Vascular Technology Society and has written multiple textbook chapters and journal articles;  She is currently working as the vascular lab manager for Oregon Vascular Specialists in Bend, Oregon.

Alicia Armour is the Health Center Administrator at Duke Triangle Heart Associates. She oversees the cardiology clinic including diagnostic staff (echocardiology, stress testing, ambulatory monitoring, device clinic, and nuclear testing), nursing, medical assistants, and Advanced Practice Providers (NP, PA). With a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and extensive experience in adult echocardiography, she is the perfect person to answer all your questions. Alicia is also active in the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), where she has served as faculty for the Annual Scientific Sessions, various committees, and writing groups, and is the representative to the IAC-Echocardiography Board of Directors.

Ashlee is currently the Chief Technologist of the Cardiac Diagnostic Unit at Duke University where she has worked as a Cardiac Sonographer since 2008. Ashlee has been active in the American Society of Echocardiography serving on multiple committees, writing groups, and was honored to be part of the first inaugural class of the ASE Leadership Academy. In addition to ASE, she is involved in the CCI ACS writing committee, SDMS, and local echo societies giving talks and participating in annual meetings.

Ashlee received her bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging from the University of Oklahoma. She is proud to hold both ACS and RDCS registries. Through the connections she has made in the small world of Echocardiography, Ashlee has been able to travel all over the country and internationally, teaching others about echo. Ashlee has spoken at national conferences, worked with Dr. Joe Kisslo teaching people to “Think in 3D”, been invited to contribute to publications in Journals and textbooks, traveled to Rwanda to help patients with rheumatic heart disease, and had the opportunity to participate in many echo research projects. Ashlee is excited to be involved in the future of echocardiography.  

ESP’s Vascular program is recognized as the largest, most effective and efficient method for technologists and physicians preparing for RVT and RVS credentials. William Schroedter is a distinguished educator at the national and international level. He is recognized as an authority in all aspects of vascular testing in both clinical practice and education. Bill spent 7 years on the Society of Vascular Ultrasound Board of Directors, served as SVU Vice President, was honored as a Fellow in 1998 and awarded the SVU Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and 2006.  With dozens of publications, Bill was awarded the DE Strandness Award for Scientific Research in 2010, 2012, and 2013 for original vascular research. Bill loves vascular ultrasound (he has even been known to scan patients on vacation) and teaches with a great passion for the field and especially for new sonographers.

Steve Bernhardt is the Abdominal Sonography instructor. He has been a Medical Sonographer since 1982. Educated at Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma with specialties in abdominal, obstetrical, vascular and phlebology ultrasound. His experience includes 21 years at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana supervising both the general and vascular ultrasound departments. Presently practicing sonography and owner of Vascular Health Imaging in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ESP faculty member since 1993.

David Adams is a renowned innovator in echocardiography practice, research and education. A cardiac Sonographer emeritus after working for 38 years at Duke University Medical Center. He has over 32 years of experience in registry reviews. He is the recipient of the first ASE Sonographer Lifetime Achievement Award and a past recipient of the ASE’s Distinguish Sonographer Teaching Award. He is dedicated to helping students master the keys to passing their registry exams. As a leader in the field, David combines humor with clinical expertise in providing a practical approach to cardiac ultrasound.

David has authored over 140 publications. Most importantly, David is known for his ability to teach echocardiography in a practical, informative manner – a technique that pays dividends for his students as they seek the RDCS or RCS credential.

Jean is a nationally recognized as a premier expert in venous disease, vascular testing and is a frequent lecturer throughout the USA. She has served as an application reviewer and site visitor for the Inter-societal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL). Jean has served on the Board of Directors of multiple vascular societies and foundations. She was honored as a Fellow of the SVU in 2014.

ESP’s Vascular program is recognized as the largest, most effective and efficient method for technologists and physicians preparing for RVT and RVS credentials. William Schroedter is a distinguished educator at the national and international level. He is recognized as an authority in all aspects of vascular testing in both clinical practice and education. Bill spent 7 years on the Society of Vascular Ultrasound Board of Directors, served as SVU Vice President, was honored as a Fellow in 1998 and awarded the SVU Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and 2006.  With dozens of publications, Bill was awarded the DE Strandness Award for Scientific Research in 2010, 2012, and 2013 for original vascular research. Bill loves vascular ultrasound (he has even been known to scan patients on vacation) and teaches with a great passion for the field and especially for new sonographers.

Dr. Mauriello has been practicing Phlebology for more than 28 years and quite simply, is one of the founders of modern phlebology. He is internationally renowned for his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease and has pioneered many of the treatments used today. He was past President of the American College of Phlebology ("ACP") from 2011-2012 and for decades he has lectured regularly throughout the United States and the world. Vein Magazine acknowledged him as one of the 25 most influential venous professionals in the world. A colleague had this to say: “John Mauriello is a Master; I consider him to be one of the pioneers in modern Phlebology. He cares about the profession and is dedicated and committed to its advancement.” John has no financial disclosures.