Candace McAlester is currently the Occupational Health Manager for Global Projects for Medicine and Occupational Health (MOH) in ExxonMobil, which is a global support role in which she applies evidence base public health knowledge, techniques, and skills to mitigate infectious disease and environmental health threats.  She previously held position as the Infectious Disease Control Program Officer for 5 years. She also serves as co-chair for the global travel team which she develops travel health processes and infectious disease mitigation measures for occupational travelers. She currently serves on the Board of directors for the American Travel Health Nurses Association and member of the International Society of Travel medicine Nurses Professional Development Steering Council member.

She has been in healthcare for nurse for over 30 years with various positions and she went on to become a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Candace obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University, Master of Science with specialty as Family Nurse Practitioner from Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Post-Master Certificate in Nursing Education and Doctor of Nursing Practice from TWU. 

Emily Timmreck is a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience.  Emily started her career at the University of Virginia, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing science.  She developed an interest in global health early in her career and has dedicated herself to working within systems that support social justice while addressing challenges in high risk or low resource settings.  Often, she describes her nursing passion as the intersection of travel, occupational, and global health. 

 
Currently, she is the Director for Health Operations within Catholic Relief Services.  Emily guides the agency’s approach in promoting the health and well-being of 5,000 staff worldwide.  She provides guidance related to outbreaks, advises and supports emergency medical management needs and leads development of health education.  Additionally, Emily leads implementation of medical clearance, medical assistance, and evacuation services.  Committed to lifelong learning, Emily is also a student in the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing program at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys hosting family and friends, traveling, and losing herself in a great book.  

Maureen MacConnell, PMHNP-BC, PSY-M, MA OLL, is a leader in travel medicine specializing in the psychological health of mobile workforces. As Chair of the ISTM Psychological Health of Travelers Interest Group, she has authored guidance on travel mental health screening, psychological risk perception in travelers, and the mental health chapter for the 2028 CDC Yellow Book.

Maureen is currently advancing her expertise as a Lead Auditor through ISO Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, specializing in building robust psychological safety frameworks and managing mental health crises in diverse, high-risk environments. Her background with the US Peace Corps, Cornerstone Safety Group, and other international organizations allows her to bridge the gap between clinical psychiatric care and organizational occupational health strategy.

Tara Lombardo graduated from nursing in 2005 and has over 15 years of experience in travel medicine and immunizations. Since 2014, she has managed the Dawson Travel Clinic in Guelph, Canada, where she provides travel health and immunization education to patients and health care professionals. She earned her Certificate in Travel Medicine from the ISTM in 2019. Tara currently serves as Chair of the Nursing Professional Committee and as a Director with the Alberta Association of Travel Health Professionals.

Co-Chair, NPG
Clinical Research Nurse
CIWEC Hospital Travel Medicine Centre, Nepal

Bhawani Khadka has 18 years of experience in travel medicine. She currently works at CIWEC Hospital Travel Medicine Centre as a Clinical Research Nurse and Vaccine In-charge. She earned her Certificate in Travel Health degree from the International Society of Travel Medicine in 2016.

Bhawani currently serves as Co-Chair of the ISTM Nursing Professional Group. She is also a Steering Council member of the ISTM Examination Committee and the ISTM Mentoring Task Force.

She has significant experience in Travelers’ Diarrhea research spanning a decade and managing Frostbite cases. She has a special interest in immunization.