MentorWeek 2025

Join us for four nights of career-changing insights, expert panels, and actionable strategies designed exclusively for ultrasound professionals. Whether you’re looking to land your dream job, explore new career pathways, publish research, refine your mentorship skills, or step into leadership, this event has something for YOU. Connect with industry leaders, hiring managers, educators, and innovators as we dive into hiring trends, salary negotiation, professional networking, advocacy, and the future of ultrasound. This is your chance to gain insider knowledge, sharpen your skills, and expand your career possibilities—all from the comfort of home. Don’t miss out on this powerful, high-impact event that will leave you inspired and ready to take your career to the next level. Register now and take the first step toward your Sono Career Glow-Up!

What's on the Agenda?

4 nights of professional life-changing insights.

April 28th: Your Sono Career Glow-Up—Crank Up the Gain!

Master the art of job hunting, salary negotiation, and career transitions with insights from hiring managers, industry leaders, and sonographers. Hear from those who’ve transitioned beyond the bedside. Learn how to stand out in applications, ace interviews, negotiate salaries, and explore nontraditional career paths.

April 29: Specialty Projects & Professional Growth

Take your career to the next level by diving into research, publishing, case presentations, and professional networking. Industry experts will share how to contribute to the profession, expand your reach, and elevate your expertise while creating a polished professional image and building a powerhouse resume.

April 30: Education, Mentorship & Clinical Instruction

Learn how to become an impactful mentor, educator, and leader in sonography. Whether you’re teaching students, training peers, guiding new grads, or working on a specialty education project this day will help you refine mentorship skills, give effective feedback, and foster lifelong learning and appreciation for the field of sonography.

May 1 : Leadership, Advocacy &​​ The Next Generation

Step into leadership—with or without a title. Discover how to advocate for sonography, navigate politics of the workplace. Explore bridging the gaps between clinician, administrators, and communities. And discover how you can shape the future of ultrasound through leadership, collaboration, and professional society involvement.

Featuring an Expert Panelist of Mentors

Richard A. Palma BS, ACS, RCCS, RCS, RDCS, FACVP, FSDMS, FASE

Richard (Richie) Palma, BS, ACS, RCS, RDCS, FACVP, FSDMS, FASE, is the founder, director, and clinical coordinator of Duke’s Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate Program and recipient of the 2021 Duke School of Medicine Cardiology Teaching Award. He is the only man to receive the “Distinguished Teaching Award” from both the SDMS and ASE. In the spring of 2022, he was appointed to Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Board of Directors.


Richie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) and the SDMS Foundation (2021-2025) and is an assiduous contributor to the sonography profession as educator, author, program developer, and a leading national and international speaker and presenter on sonography and echocardiography.
As author of the fifth edition of Echocardiographer’s Pocket Reference, a definitive reference for echocardiography sonographers and students since 1993. He is honored to succeed Sid Edelman, an iconic Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) physics instructor, at ESP Ultrasound.

 Richie is a national speaker for Philips and Lantheus Medical Imaging and a Fellow of the SDMS, the American Society of Echocardiography, and the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals. Richie, who was among the first to achieve Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) certification in the United States, has worked in sonography since 1990.

Brenda McMahon B.S., RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT

Brenda founded The Pennsylvania Association for Sonographers, aiming to unite professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the field. Through this organization, she seeks to provide education, support, and resources to both practicing sonographers and students pursuing careers in ultrasound.

With over 13 years of clinical experience across multiple Pennsylvania hospitals and facilities, her expertise extends beyond clinical practice, as she spent six years as a research sonographer at the University of Pittsburgh. There, she managed the Small Animal Ultrasound Core, conducting echocardiography, vascular, and developmental studies in collaboration with renowned doctors worldwide to advance clinical outcomes.

Brenda's contributions to the field includes co-authoring multiple publications and abstracts. She's currently serving as the Instructor of Echocardiography at Mount Aloysius College, where she strives to inspire the next generation of sonographers with her enthusiasm for the profession.

Megan Meade RDMS, RDCS

Megan graduated from Morehead State University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Imaging Sciences. After graduation she moved to a larger city in Kentucky, where she worked as an MFM sonographer for 10 years at Norton Healthcare, then worked for Baptist Health as a Lead MFM Sonographer for 2.5 years.

After seeing so many sonographers (including herself) struggle with fetal heart education, she decided to start her own ultrasound education business In 2021, Viable Solutions LLC. The business focuses on educating sonographers about the fetal heart through hands on training and online content, so that they become more confident in their skills while improving the prenatal detection of congenital heart defects.

Erica Wiencek BS, RDMS, RVT

Erica is a dedicated leader in the field of sonography. A 2023 graduate of Grand Valley State University, she has since pursued her passion for ultrasound education and works as an adjunct professor and physics tutor when she isn't scanning at the hospital.

Her work has been published in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the Penn Bioethics Journal. Committed to advocating for the profession, Erica founded her non-profit organization, Sonocratic, to encourage students to pursue careers in radiologic imaging, as well as support sonography students and practicing sonographers. She also currently serves as the President of the Michigan Sonographers' Society.

Kristen Beckman,BS,RDMS,RVT

Kristen  is a registered sonographer and vascular technologist with over 16 years of experience performing in abdominal, breast, fetal echocardiography, and OBGYN ultrasound. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from Towson University in 2008 and completed her training at the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medical Imaging Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in 2009.

Kristen currently serves as the Chief Obstetrical Sonographer within The Johns Hopkins Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine's Center for Obstetrical Ultrasound. For the past 5 years, she has had the privilege of leading a group of 23 talented women to perform high-risk ob ultrasound examinations as well as training ultrasound students, medical students, residents and maternal fetal medicine fellows. She also served as faculty at the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medical Imaging in the past, where she contributed to the education and development of future sonographers.

In addition to her full-time role, Kristen has worked as an ultrasound consultant and trainer for Materna Medical, Inc. since 2021. With Materna, Kristen trains healthcare professionals nationwide in advanced 3D/4D pelvic floor imaging. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration to further enhance her leadership capabilities and support the growth of her expanding department. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kristen is a proud mother to two amazing children, Cameryn (10) and Nathan (8).

Jacob Lien, CorVascular Sales Manager

With over a decade of expertise in non-invasive vascular diagnostic systems, Jacob began his career in technical support at CorVascular, a leading healthcare technology supplier to hospitals, clinics and mobile testing centers in the United States.

He advanced to serve as the nationwide trainer for ABI system installations and RVT training sessions, and contributed to the development of the recently launched VasoGuard ABI System. Outside of work, he enjoys playing USAU Ultimate Frisbee and spending time with his family!

Mikaëla Koné RVT, RDMS

Mikaëla is a new graduate Vascular Sonographer at The Johns Hopkins department of Vascular Surgery. 
She graduated with a Bachelors degree in Public Health (Community and Behavior Health) from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to sonography, she worked in property management where she gained organizational, problem solving and customer service skills.

Healthcare, however, is her first passion. After completing her journey through The Johns Hopkins Schools of Medical Imaging, she has been honored to learn, expand and contribute to the ultrasound world in many ways. Reflecting on the first year of her sonography career, she feels it was one of the best decisions of her life.  Her daily interactions with surgeons and patients have brought a sense of awareness and fulfillment, allowing her to make a positive difference in people’s daily lives. 

Mikaëla looks forward to providing a fresh perspective and voice to the junior sonography community!

Rachel Tassoni, BS-DMS RDMS RVT NZ-APC

Rachel is a compassionate, enthusiastic sonographer with extensive expertise across a wide range of ultrasound modalities, including abdominal, gynecology, fertility, high-risk obstetrics, pediatrics, vascular, and emergency ultrasound. Her passion for ultrasound extends particularly to its role in transplant management and women’s health.

Rachel further advanced her career by practicing ultrasound internationally in New Zealand, where she gained invaluable experience and insight. In New Zealand, as well as in Australia, sonographers hold a higher standard of care and a broader scope of responsibility, playing a more integral role in patient care. This experience deepened her clinical skills and expanded her professional perspective.

Now, in her role as a Sonographer Clinical Practitioner, Rachel has the opportunity to collaborate directly with radiologists to report scans, offering her a fresh perspective on ultrasound interpretation. She also remains committed to mentoring and teaching the next generation of ultrasound professionals.
A strong advocate for continuous learning, Rachel is dedicated to mastering her craft while sharing her knowledge to foster the growth of the ultrasound field. Above all, she is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care with a blend of expertise, compassion, and a global perspective.

Yosefa Pessin, DHSc, MS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT

Yosefa Pessin, DHSc, MS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT is a tenured Associate Professor, former Program Director and Chair of the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. She has a BS in medical imaging, MS in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, and doctorate in health science.

 Dr. Pessin holds registry certifications in Abdomen, Ob/Gyn, Adult Echocardiography, and Vascular Technology, and has been a sonographer since 1995. Yosefa has worked clinically at world-renowned hospitals, as well as in outpatient and private practice settings. Her passion for ultrasound education is well known. She is currently the director of the CAAHEP accredited sonography program at the Center for Allied Health Education.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pessin has received organizational recognition for her work, including the Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Distinguished Educator’s Award, SDMS Kenneth R. Gottesfeld Research Award, the SUNY Downstate Dr. Scherl Faculty Excellence Award, and SUNY Downstate Outstanding Research Award. Her research areas of interest and publications focus on infection control prevention, educational technology, and simulation in ultrasound education. Dr. Pessin is a senior member of the AIUM.

Rosemarie P. Cann, BS, RDMS, RDCS

Rosemarie Cann earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging from SUNY Downstate in 1985 and holds ARDMS credentials in Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Adult Echocardiography. Although the early years of Rosemarie’s sonography career were spent in the clinical setting, the majority of her professional life has been devoted to sonography education and upholding the commitment to high standards for future generations of Sonographers.

Through the years, she published several book chapters and journal articles, has been the Program Director of 2 CAAHEP-accredited DMS programs, and now develops continuing education courses for the national and international sonography community as the CME Coordinator at USC Ultrasound.

Rosemarie enjoys giving back to the profession she is so proud to be a part of. She feels fortunate to volunteer as a Board Member for IFSER (International Foundation for Sonography Education & Research), an organization that supports Ultrasound Educators and does such important work worldwide to improve access to quality ultrasound imaging. 

Megan Platfoot, M.Ed., RDMS, RDCS, RVT

Megan Platfoot, M.Ed., RDMS, RDCS, RVT is the Program Director for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Clark State College in Springfield, Ohio. She oversees all aspects of the program, including curriculum development, admissions, accreditation, faculty leadership, and student success. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sonography from The University of Findlay and completed her Master of Education in Higher Education at The University of Toledo in 2023.

Megan is passionate about advancing sonography education both in and beyond the classroom and finds great fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of sonographers. In recognition of her dedication to imaging education, she was honored with the Greater Dayton Imaging Professionals Education Award in 2024.

Arthurine Zakama, MD, FACOG

Dr. Arthurine Zakama is a specialist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care throughout the spectrum of high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Zakama has a particular focus on perinatal mental health, ensuring that both the physical and emotional needs of patients are addressed during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is passionate about delivering equitable, respectful patient care and is committed to birth equity.

Dr. Zakama earned her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco, where she served as the Equity and Inclusion Chief Resident. She went on to complete her fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently an attending physician at the University of Utah where her research interests focus on birth equity, addressing disparities in maternal and fetal outcomes, and improving mental health care during pregnancy. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Zakama is actively involved in medical student education, mentoring the next generation of physicians.

Jessica Kennedy, RDMS, RDCS, RVT

Jessica Kennedy is a skilled Maternal Fetal Medicine sonographer with 5 years of experience in prenatal ultrasound.

Throughout her career, she has consistently focused on delivering exceptional patient care while fostering staff development and education. In her current role as Director of Clinical Services, for BB Imaging, Jessica oversees clinical operations, along with ensuring her team provides the highest standard of care to patients. 

Aubrey Rybyinski BSDMS, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS

Aubrey Rybyinski, BS, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, is the Clinical Manager, Non Invasive Vascular at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Galloway NJ, holding credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in abdominal, breast, neurosonography, OB/GYN and vascular technology. He earned his BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Advent Health University in Orlando, FL.

Additionally, Aubrey has authored chapters in several medical textbooks while lecturing extensively on a multitude of ultrasound topics. Aubrey actively volunteers for many professional organizations, currently serving the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), as President Elect, the SDMS Foundation on the Board of Directors, and previously on the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Vascular Testing section as a Board Director. 

Jennifer Reed RDMS, MHA

Jenni is a dedicated Sonographer, currently the Women's Health Ultrasound Supervisor, with a passion for enhancing quality of Sonography, fostering professional growth, and advancing both sonography skills and personal development within the field. With an educational foundation in Sonography from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Queens University, Jenni combines technical expertise with strategic leadership to improve patient care, Sonographer technique, and both personal and professional development amongst the field. 

Diane Campanile MJ-LEL, SHRM-SCP

Diane Campanile is the founder of People-Dynamics, LLC, which provides Human Resources Services and Consulting. Diane has more than twenty-five (25) years’ experience in Human Resources.

Campanile received her formal education from West Chester University, The Wharton School of Business and Tulane University Law School. In addition to her formal education, Diane is a Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP), certified in People Analytics (Wharton School of Business), certified as a HIPAA Master (National Associate Health Underwriters-NAHU), certified as a Title IX Investigator (Tulane University Law School) and certified as a Corporate Trainer.

Ashley Bice, RDMS, RVT, RDCS

Ashley is a highly skilled sonographer with over 15 years of experience in performing a wide range of sonographic exams, including general, breast, vascular, pediatric, and, most recently, MFM sonography. Throughout her career, she has worked in various clinics and hospitals, gaining extensive experience across different specialties. In her current role as a Charge Sonographer and Lead Trainer with BB Imaging, Ashley has the unique opportunity to care for high-risk OB patients while also focusing on training new employees and educating students.
Ashley is deeply passionate about sharing her expertise and mentoring the next generation of sonographers, particularly in the complex and rewarding field of MFM. With her vast knowledge and hands-on experience, she is committed to equipping future sonographers with the skills they need to succeed and thrive in the sonography field.

& The  Moderator
Mentor Team!

Hayley O. Bartkus,
MS-HPEd., BSDMS, RDMS
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director

As a diagnostic medical sonography program director, the only thing that Hayley loves more than ultrasound is sharing her passion for it with students through sonography education. Hayley’s experience spans from the bedside to the classroom with clinical experience in general, pediatric, and high-risk obstetric sonography and having earned a MS in Health Professions Education from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Recognized as AS Software’s 2023 Community Advocate Sonography Impact Award Winner, Hayley incorporates the importance of patient-centered care in ultrasound in everything she does with a focus on patient and healthcare worker advocacy, working to amplify voices of others.
Want more Hayley content? Check out her all things ultrasound podcast 256 Shades of Gray—streaming now wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Christina Werth
MHA, BS-DMS, RDMS, RDCS
Sonography Educator, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

An accomplished sonographer, mentor, and educator, Christina has over a decade of clinical experience in high-risk obstetrics, gynecology, and fetal echo. Recognized as BB Imaging's 2023 Leader in Sonography award winner and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania's 2021 Collaborative Award for Resident Teaching Excellence award winner, Christina has expertise in clinical lab accreditation, CME planning and compliance, and ultrasound educational events planning. In addition to regular clinical time, speaking events, and sonographer education activities, Christina has previously served as the Continuing Education Manager for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine providing leadership to the CME branch of the AIUM Education and Events team. She currently scans full-time as a fetal heart program sonographer in an internationally renowned fetal diagnostic center.

what's included?

  • 4 info-packed nights of 90-minute, live webinars  with experts in the industry to help you achieve your career goals!
  • Event access to community conversations and live Q&A

4 nights of live webinars.


This program runs for 4 nights, April 28th-May 1st from 7:00-8:30pm EST each evening.

Helpful Program Info


 This program includes live webinars s over Zoom with audio and visual components. Compatibility with Zoom is required. 

Share Your Thoughts!


Share your thoughts on this program to help EchoMentor design future activities that benefit YOU!

why our mentors?

Our team of trailblazers in the sonography field have been where you are—and know how to get you to where you want to go! Whether you're navigating career transitions, aiming for the next level, or tackling a challenging project, our guidance is designed to help you reach success and find fulfillment in your journey. With deep industry knowledge and a passion for helping others thrive, EchoMentor mentorship provides the insights, strategies, and confidence you need to elevate your career and make a lasting impact on the field and in the lives of the patients we serve.
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MentorWeek 2025 FAQ

When is the event?

MentorWeek 2025 will begin Monday, April 28, 2025 at 7:00pm EST and run nightly for 4 nights, with the final night on Thursday May 1, 2025. Each nightly session will be about 90 minutes, scheduled from 7:00pm-8:30pm EST.

How does it work?

Enrolling in this program gives you access to a zoom webinar link for each night of the event. You may then access the webinar through the course portal at its scheduled time. 

Do I have to attend each night?

While we think each night is going to have something amazing for everyone, and encourage you to join all 4 nights, that's not a requirement! You can choose the nights and sessions that best fit your goals. 

Will sessions be recorded, and how can I view the recording?

Yes, sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the course page within 30 days of the conclusion of the event. Please check the course portal after this timeframe to view the recording. 

Can I obtain CME for this event?

Since this is a free professional development event, we will not be offering CME for these webinars. However, if you need CME you may want to check out our course library which has some exciting CME activity options!
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