To meet the needs of Sterile Processing (SP) professionals around the world, HSPA regularly updates its technical publications. In 2026, we are proud to present the fifth edition of our Sterile Processing Leadership Manual. The forthcoming edition intends to be a useful resource for any SP professional aiming to broaden their leadership knowledge. Many will also use it to study for HSPA’s Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) exam, which is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

In episode 147, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with the HSPA team members who worked for more than a year on updating this text. The group explains the reasons behind and importance of revisions, reviews the various steps of a book update, and introduces the many people and partners involved in the process. They also discuss projects on the horizon as well as new advances in how HSPA delivers its educational resources.

OUR GUESTS:
Jon Wood, Director of Technical Publications, HSPA
Emily H. Nordstrom, Editor, Technical Publications, HSPA
Natalie Lind, Director of Education, HSPA
Amy DeGraw, Clinical Educator, HSPA
Germaine Lee, Education Manager, HSPA

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Sterilization wrap is a science unto itself. Individuals, organizations and companies around the world constantly seek safer, more durable options for keeping our patients safe, while considering the ecological effects of healthcare waste.

In episode 146, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with members of the KiiP Group about shelf life, event-related risks and sustainability. The panel explores critical topics related to sterile wrap usage in healthcare settings, with an emphasis on the purpose and importance of IFU, best practices for sterile storage, metal mass and validated dry time, and opportunities for improving sterility assurance. The group references standards and regulations and closes with a discussion of the logistics of sterile wrap recycling. Packed with valuable information, this episode is worth 1.0 CE.

Our Guests:

Jennifer Zeck, BSN, RN, CRCST, CER, CIS
Infection Prevention Clinical Specialist
Solventum

Malinda Elammari, CST, CSPM, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, CSPDT, CFER, CSIS, CLSSGB, HACP-IC
Founder and Owner
Crown Point Consulting

Sade Brown, PhD
Research and Development Engineer
Owens and Minor Halyard

Tanya Magaña
Supplier Excellence Engineering
Solventum

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A History of Sterilization

The history of the science of sterilization is fascinating and tied inextricably with developments in germ theory and infection prevention. The pioneers of sterilization, at times working against great odds, laid the groundwork for the processes healthcare professionals use every day to keep billions of patients safe.

In episode 145, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Kim Schober, Accredited Provider Program Director for Health.edu, all about the history of sterilization. Schober introduces the early physicians and scientists who saw that the world could be a safer place. She explains how their ideas and experiments helped shape key advances in sterilization and led to our modern practices and equipment.

[Guest Speaker]

Kim Schober
Accredited Provider Program Director
Health.edu

Throughout her career, Kim Schober has gained diverse clinical experience in Labor and Delivery, Infertility, Home Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Her dedication to excellence in patient care and team development has led her to serve in a variety of roles, including floor nurse, charge nurse, nurse educator and nurse manager. In her current leadership role at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Schober educates and recruits instructors across numerous healthcare disciplines, including Nursing, EMS, Nurse Aide, Radiation Technology, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, and Sterile Processing. Schober holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Education from Lubbock Christian University. Through her work, she continues to advance healthcare education and support the development of future healthcare professionals.

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Just like the work of sterile processing, HSPA certifications are robust, relevant, and constantly evolving. The process of keeping certification exams and requirements up to date involves years of work, the expertise of subject matter experts (SMEs), and the input of thousands of current certification holders. HSPA’s rigorous test development process ensures that each certification holder is ready to meet the modern demands of their job and the increasing complexity of the healthcare field.

In episode 144, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Siri Sorensen, Director of Certification and Membership with HSPA, about updating HSPA certifications. Siri reviews each step in the process—job analysis, desk study, task force meeting, validation survey, and SME meetings—as well as the role of the Certification Council. She also explains a new eligibility requirement of the Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) certification, which requires CHL holders to meet one of three flexible pathways, each designed to recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences of SP professionals. Listen to learn about the collaborative nature of the HSPA certifications accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Siri Sorensen
Director of Certification and Membership
HSPA
Siri Sorensen, MA, CAE, ICE-CCP, PMP, CMP, has served HSPA for more than twelve years. In her current role, she oversees the development, maintenance and administration of the Association’s four accredited certification programs, serving more than 60,000 individuals, as well as the CCSVP certification for vendors and suppliers. Her accomplishments include being awarded the Deborah Sexton Education Scholarship (PCMA, 2019) and recognition as a Forty Under 40 honoree (Association Forum, 2018). Her career has focused on effective and meaningful work with associations and nonprofits.

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Biofilm is “comprised of living cells and a structure to protect them . . . that has potentially infectious material within it.” The structure creates a physical barrier between the microorganisms and their environment, providing protection from cleaning chemistries, disinfectants, antibiotics and the body’s immune system.

In episode 143, host Jon Wood speaks with Dr. Jon Burdach of Nanosonics. They discuss all things biofilm: what it is, how it develops and why it is so persistent. Dr. Burdach explains the difference between preventing biofilm and removing it, and he makes a compelling case for why removal is more important. He references recent studies, including those revealing that commonly used chemicals can act as fixatives and exacerbate biofilm growth. Dr. Burdach also reviews what can happen when biofilm is introduced into the body and its role in hospital-acquired infection (HAI) outbreaks over time. Lastly, the conversation turns to the particular challenge of cleaning flexible endoscope channels. Dr. Burdach introduces the cyclic-buildup biofilm (CBB) research model and shares developments in emerging lumen cleaning technologies.

This episode of Process This! addresses the far-reaching implications of biofilm and what SP professionals can do to help. “If we are better armed with the right knowledge, we can do better by our patients,” said Dr. Burdach. “Processing instruments is hard . . . but the people that do it are really what makes all the difference.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Jon Burdach, PhD
Vice President of Medical Affairs
Nanosonics, Inc.

Jon Burdach is a medical affairs executive with extensive experience in clinical research. At Nanosonics, he is responsible for developing and executing the company’s medical strategy, including healthcare professional engagement, scientific communications and medical education initiatives. He also oversees clinical research and R&D activities. He has worked in medical microbiology, genetics of anti-microbial resistance, molecular biology, and medical research within infection prevention. Dr. Burdach is an international speaker, author of numerous scientific publications, and committee member for AusMedTech NSW and AAMI. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of New South Wales.

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Leading in a volunteer organization, motivated by passion and not pay, poses a new set of challenges compared to a paid leadership position. The work can be taxing, and done on personal hours after an already busy day. Volunteer leaders require a special set of mental health strategies.

In episode 142, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Sharyn Combs, founder of UCDI Leadership about leading a volunteer group, such as an HSPA Affiliated Chapter. Combs discusses the challenges that are unique to volunteer leadership, and good things that leaders can do to fill their cups and stay motivated.

About our guest:

Sharyn Combs

Founder

UCDI Leadership Training and Development

Combs is a keynote speaker, independent certified coach and trainer with The John Maxwell Team and Personality Insights, and founder of UCDI Leadership Training and Development. She specializes in vision casting, team engagement, and fostering employee ownership. Her Progressive Leadership Mentoring Program was developed specifically for professionals looking to climb the career ladder and improve their marketability. She is the mind behind Knowledge or Nonsense and the author of ‘THINK. On Purpose’ and ‘Hold Your Form.’

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Through the development of guidelines and education, AORN helps advance the science of sterile processing and promote it as an integral part of the surgical continuum. One way AORN works toward meeting that goal is through the activities of the Sterile Processing & Supply Chain Specialty Assembly.

In episode 141, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Julie Gorog, a long-time member of the Specialty Assembly who also serves as a Clinical Education Consultant with ASP. She discusses how AORN intersects with Sterile Processing (SP), explains the type of work in which the Specialty Assembly is involved throughout the year, and shares how SP professionals can get involved.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Julie Gorog
Clinical Education Consultant
ASP

Julie Gorog, RN, BSN, CNOR, has 28 years of combined clinical and supply chain experience, beginning as a perioperative nurse in 1997. In 2016, she joined Advanced Sterilization Products as a clinical education consultant, providing clinical expertise in sterilization and high-level disinfection. She provides education on best practices at AORN, APIC and HSPA conferences, as well as to staff in Operating Room, Sterile Processing and Endoscopy departments.

She has held the following positions within AORN of San Diego County: Chapter President, Board Member, and Chair of the Ways and Means and Research Committees. She currently serves as Council Chair of AORN’s Sterilization and Supply Chain Specialty Assembly. Gorog earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is a Registered Nurse in California.

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Sterilization wrap is “not just a big blue plastic sheet.” According to Dr. Sade Brown, “It may look simple, but it is actually high-tech. Behind the scenes, there is a huge amount of science and engineering and testing that goes into it.” All of this work makes blue wrap an essential part of the sterilization system.

In episode 140, host Jon Wood speaks with four members of the Kilmer Innovations in Packaging (KiiP) group: Amanda Benedict, Dr. Brown, Tanya Magaña and Tiffany Reece. Representing standards, manufacturing and healthcare end users, the panelists engage in a lively conversation about the engineering, development and proper use of sterilization wrap. They discuss ANSI/AAMI ST79, provide diverse perspectives on event-related sterility, and review educational opportunities for end users. Listen to learn more and gain strategies for how to collaborate with those outside the Sterile Processing department to protect sterility.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Kilmer Innovations in Packaging (KiiP)
Inspired by a Kilmer Conference in 2019, the KiiP group works at “solving wicked problems in healthcare packaging.” Bringing together industry leaders, subject matter experts and end users, KiiP fosters collaboration with the goal of improving patient outcomes through innovations and education in healthcare packaging. Process This! episode 140 welcomes KiiP members Amanda Benedict, MA, SES-CSP, FSES, Vice President for Sterilization, AAMI; Sade Brown, PhD, R&D Engineer for Sterilization Products, O&M Halyard; Tanya Magaña, Supplier Excellence Engineering – Packaging, Solventum; and Tiffany Reece, CRCST, CIS, CHL, Clinical Assessment Specialist, Advantage Support Services, Inc.

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HSPA is a vigorous advocate for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals and patients in state legislatures across the country. This initiative is spearheaded by the HSPA Advocacy Team, working hand-in-hand with HSPA Chapters. The team formulates legislative and regulatory strategies for educating state-elected officials on the critical role of SP professionals, and our hard work is paying off!

In episode 139, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Josephine Colacci, HSPA’s Director of Government Affairs, along with Lori Ferrer and Matt Thell of the Minnesota Sterile Processing Association (MNSPA) about the successful legislative effort in Minnesota. The guests discuss the experience of working with HSPA on passing certification legislation, reasons and strategies for pursuing this legislation, and upcoming initiatives nationwide. To learn more, listen in and visit the HSPA Advocacy page.

Link: https://myhspa.org/about/advocacy

Our Guests:
Lori Ferrer
Lori Ferrer, BS, CST, CRCST, is retired after a healthcare career spanning over 46 years. Ferrer was Director of the System Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) at M Health Fairview in Minneapolis, which was honored by Healthcare Purchasing News as the 2020 SPD of the Year. Ferrer is the founder and past president of the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals (WWSPP) and a past president of MNSPA. She served as 3M/IAHCSMM Sister Educational Ambassador to Taiwan and an instructor in Surgical Technology and Central Service Technician programs.

Matthew Thell
Matthew Thell, BSB, CRCST, CHL, is the System Program Manager for High-Level Disinfection and Sterilization Practice at M Health Fairview. He brings 13 years of experience in high-level disinfection, sterilization and lean process facilitation to his role. Throughout his career, Thell has overseen multiple renovation projects, implemented competency training programs, led process improvement initiatives, and demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing departmental performance. He was the president of MNSPA from 2024 to 2025 and chaired the Minnesota High-Level Disinfection Task Force through APIC from 2023 to 2024.

Josephine Colacci
Josephine Colacci, Esq., has been the Director of Government Affairs for HSPA since 2010. She has 20 years of experience in healthcare public policy at the state and federal levels. In 11 states, she has drafted legislation that has resulted in 15 laws. Colacci holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Colorado State University and a law degree from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. She is a licensed attorney in Colorado, Wyoming and Washington, D.C.

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The HSPA Season of Giving is here! To help advance patient safety, the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association established the HSPA Foundation in 2016. Dedicated Sterile Processing (SP) professionals commit to continuing education and professional development to remain focused on doing what’s right in the name of patient safety—for every instrument, surgical case and patient. The Foundation’s mission is to support SP professionals and our industry through educational initiatives, research, scholarships, professional development grants and awards.

In this December 2025 special episode, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Richard Schule, Senior Director for Enterprise Sterile Processing with the Cleveland Clinic, and Damien Berg, VP of Strategic Initiatives at HSPA, about the HSPA Foundation. Our guests discuss the Foundation’s background, successes and current initiatives, both in the U.S. and internationally. Listen to learn about the important work of the Foundation and how you can support your community and participate in the Season of Giving.

Our Guests:
Richard Schule, MBA, FAST, FCS, AAMIF, is the Senior Director for Enterprise Sterile Processing with the Cleveland Clinic.

Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, including the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and he serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation for Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS).

Please note: CE credit is not offered for this episode.

For more than 50 years, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has helped healthcare professionals define best practices for employees, equipment and patients. AAMI standards are written through careful debate and consensus. They inform the way we work and are our guideposts for protecting patient safety. Staying up to date on AAMI documents is critical for all Sterile Processing professionals.

In episode 138, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Horlando Cintron and Damien Berg about AAMI’s latest standards and innovations. They discuss new AAMI working groups, important standards updates, upcoming technical information reports (TIRs), and the impact of these publications on our work. Cintron and Berg also explain the AAMI process, share opportunities for participation and encourage you to get involved.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Horlando Cintron, Manager of Peri-Operative Support Services and Central Processing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Horlando Cintron, BS, CRCST, CHL, has 27 years of healthcare experience advancing patient safety through infection prevention, education and standards development. He co-chairs AAMI Working Group 40, leading the revision of ANSI/AAMI ST79, and received the AAMI Technical Award for co-chairing the ST58 standard recognized by the FDA. His leadership roles include Director, HSPA Foundation Board (2024–2027) and President, New Jersey Healthcare Central Service Association (2025–2026).

Damien Berg, VP of Strategic Initiatives, HSPA

Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Berg also serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation For Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS).

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