Risk Assessment 101 Workshop

Session Description: Hosted by the APIC Education Committee, take a deep dive into one of the fundamental elements of effective Infection Prevention and Control practice: the Risk Assessment. Learn and apply the basic principles of risk scoring, analysis and prioritization in several types of practice settings. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to practice these new skills with case studies, and time will be allocated for Q&A to address all your questions.

Kara Downing

Director Infection Prevention, PeaceHealth

Kara Downing is a healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in nursing and infection prevention. As Director of Infection Prevention, she has led system-wide initiatives to reduce healthcare-associated infections, strengthen outbreak response, and ensure regulatory readiness. Her leadership has contributed to team achievements recognized nationally, including Healthgrades’ 5-star award for sepsis mortality. Kara is known for turning data into action and optimizing workflows that improve patient outcomes, and she frequently shares her expertise at conferences such as the University of Washington Sepsis Conference. She holds degrees in Health Science and Nursing from Boise State University. Outside of her professional achievements, Kara lives in the Pacific Northwest with her four goldendoodles and enjoys gardening, biking, and embracing an active outdoor lifestyle. She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and sharing practical strategies that empower teams to make a real impact.

Amy Huff

Infection Preventionist, Hazel I. Findlay

Amy Huff, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP has worked at Hazel I. Findlay, a Skilled Nursing Facility in Michigan, for 35 years. She began as a Nurse Aide while completing her nursing education and spent 17 years as a floor nurse, Nurse Aide Training Program Instructor, Education Manager, and other managerial roles before stepping into the Infection Preventionist role in 2007. She has served on committees in Disaster Preparedness and Infection Prevention and Control realms. Amy enjoys learning, meeting new people, and mentoring others; she considers her CIC, LTC-CIP, and a-IPC certifications to be essential milestones in her career and encourages her peers to take these important steps. She is an APIC Faculty Member, instructing several courses. She has been a part of her Great Lakes APIC Chapter in the Membership Secretary role and feels honored to have served as a member of the APIC National Conference Committee.

Molly Hale

Director, Clinical Research, PeaceHealth

Molly Hale, MPH, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC has been an infection preventionist for nearly 20 years, working in academic, pediatric, acute care and critical access settings. Ms. Hale holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, a Master’s of Public Health degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, was first board Certified in Infection Prevention and Control in 2008 and was part of the inaugural class of APIC Fellows in 2016 and Advanced Leadership in Infection Prevention in 2025. Professional interests include the prevention of C. difficile infection, emerging pathogens, and the advancement of novice and proficient Infection Preventionists. Ms. Hale is currently the Chair of the APIC Education Committee and has previously served APIC in the roles of chapter president, secretary, treasurer, and legislative representative.

Teresa Daniels

Central Kentucky Market Director of Infection Prevention, Lifepoint Health

Teresa Daniels is the Central Kentucky Market Director of Infection Prevention for Centerpoint Health. Teresa has been a registered nurse since 1992. Teresa earned a Master’s Degree Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Infection Prevention from American Sentinel University in May 2016. Teresa holds multiple national certifications. Teresa has had articles published in Infection Control Today Magazine and the American Journal of Infection Control. She was awarded Patient Safety Hero in November 2017 by the Kentucky Hospital Association. In 2019 she received an APIC national award for Hero of Infection Prevention for Performance Improvement. Teresa has been an active member of LifePoint Health Infection Prevention Advisory Council since 2014. Teresa is an active member of the Bluegrass APIC Chapter where she has served as Chapter President in 2014 , 2018, 2023, and 2026. Teresa was the 2025 Chair of the National APIC Annual Conference Committee (ACC).