SafetyFest 2025 Presenters

Debbie has over 23 years of senior executive experience in Human Resources and more than five years in higher education as a Program Director for Workforce Training & Continuing Education. She is currently the Vice President of Operations at Eastern Idaho Safety Consultants, where she leads operations, marketing, and provides training in leadership and communication.

With a deep understanding of people and a passion for effective communication, Debbie is committed to reversing the decline in workplace coordination and collaboration. She holds a B.S. in Communication, an M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology, and multiple certifications in program planning and communication. She was a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) for over 15 years and is an OSHA Authorized General Industry Trainer.

Kevin was born and raised in Oroville, California. He earned his associate degree from Butte College, where he played collegiate football, followed by a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Brigham Young University – Provo and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah.

Passionate about helping patients regain full function, Kevin’s interest in physical therapy began after experiencing the impact of rehabilitation firsthand following a football injury. With a focus on orthopedic physical therapy, he continuously refines his skills through evidence-based education to provide the highest quality care.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, woodworking, watching college football, and hiking.

Cory Christensen was raised in Burley, Idaho, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Utah Valley University before pursuing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona.

Cory’s passion for physical therapy began at a young age when he observed a therapist working with his younger brother, inspiring him to help others achieve active and meaningful lives. With certifications in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT) and a specialization in treating TMD, Cory has spent the past 5 years refining his skills. He is also dedicated to workplace safety, providing ergonomic training and helping businesses develop safer work environments.

Outside of work, Cory enjoys playing sports, camping, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and practicing American Kenpo Karate. He is also passionate about vocal percussion and, most importantly, is a proud father of a wonderful daughter and son.

Dan Clark has spent most of his life in Washington and Idaho. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Operations Management and Information Systems, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Idaho. His career began in operations, serving as Operations Supervisor for United Parcel Service in Pullman, WA, and later as Operations Manager for Reddaway Freight in Pocatello, ID.

Dan transitioned into safety and training in 2010 when he joined Glanbia Foods. He served as an EHS Specialist at both the Richfield and Twin Falls Cheese plants, managing safety and environmental programs. His expertise led him to roles as Employee Development and Training Manager at Clif Bar Bakery and Safety and Security Manager at Chobani. He now serves as Safety Services Supervisor for the State Insurance Fund.

Dan holds a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and a SHRM-CP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Luis is a Employer Compliance Investigator with the Idaho Industrial Commission. Luis works with businesses to educate them on the Idaho Workers' Compensation Insurance laws and the importance of securing workers' compensation insurance for the safety of their employees and the business itself. Luis has 10 years of compliance experience in the banking, H2A and workers' compensation insurance sectors. 

Jacqueline Frey, a lifelong resident of Buhl, Idaho, has served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Twin Falls County since 1997. In this role, she promotes emergency preparedness among local agencies, citizens, industries, government entities, and schools. Her primary responsibility is coordinating resources for first responders during incidents or disasters to ensure public safety.

Jacqueline holds accreditation in FEMA’s Professional Development and Applied Practice Series and has completed over 130 courses in Emergency Management. Her office oversees the Twin Falls County Emergency Operations Plan, Family Assistance Center Plan, and All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Actively engaged in emergency management leadership, she serves as Vice President for Region IV of the Idaho Emergency Management Association (IEMA), chairs the monthly LEPC meeting, facilitates the quarterly Public Information Officers meeting, and leads the Twin Falls County Service Providers Group. She also supports local agencies in developing Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP), training, exercises, and mitigation strategies.

Jacqueline is married to James and has four daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Kiana Gratzer, CSP, OHST, is a seasoned safety professional with a decade of experience spanning the Department of Defense, aerospace, and food manufacturing industries. She specializes in organizational development, culture change, and program creation, helping organizations transition from compliance-driven safety practices to proactive, values-based approaches that prioritize employee well-being and operational success.

As the Senior Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Chobani in Twin Falls, Idaho, Kiana leads the development and implementation of safety and environmental programs. Her work focuses on minimizing risks, incidents, and non-compliance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her leadership has strengthened employee engagement, improved safety behaviors, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Beyond her role at Chobani, Kiana serves as a Bioenvironmental Engineer in the Idaho Air National Guard. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety from Boise State University.

Blake is an experienced instructor with a strong background in leadership, organizational development, and community engagement. He holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Human Resource Training & Development, as well as a Master’s in Organizational Learning & Development from Idaho State University.

Passionate about mentorship and growth, Blake draws from extensive experience in coaching, leadership training, and nonprofit work. His hands-on, practical approach to teaching helps individuals develop both personally and professionally, equipping them with the skills to succeed.

Heather Hunter is a skilled Human Resources Consultant with BBSI, where she collaborates with businesses to offer expert guidance on HR strategies and compliance. Passionate about empowering organizations, Heather specializes in helping employers build strong, sustainable teams while fostering workplace safety.

With extensive knowledge of human resources, she provides practical solutions to complex HR challenges. Her engaging presentation style and real-world insights make her a valuable resource for employers looking to create safer, more productive workplaces.

Darrel Krajnik is a Safety and Loss Control Specialist with Leavitt Group Boise, where he helps businesses reduce workplace accidents and improve overall safety through risk management strategies. His expertise spans multiple industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, food processing, construction, healthcare, warehousing, and hospitality.

He began his career as a Safety Engineer intern at Sorrento Lactalis before spending 3 years as an OSHA Consultant at Boise State University. Prior to joining Leavitt Group, he served as a Safety Manager for a local manufacturing company. In his current role, he provides businesses with tailored safety solutions, including conducting mock OSHA inspections, developing written safety programs, performing job hazard analyses, safety training, OSHA 300 log audits, and assisting with EPA, DOT, and driver training compliance. He also specializes in industrial hygiene, including noise surveys.

An Idaho native, he grew up on a farm in Nampa and earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health from Boise State University. Outside of work, he enjoys salmon and steelhead fishing in Riggins, as well as hunting, hiking, and any outdoor adventure.

Kristen Marr is an Idaho native with a passion for fostering meaningful change through education and connection. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work. Kristen is deeply committed to prevention work and creating safe, inclusive learning environments that have a lasting impact.

In her professional role, Kristen is dedicated to promoting an equitable and supportive workplace for VAV staff. She prioritizes work-life balance, self-care, and a positive workplace culture while continuously challenging the status quo to drive growth and innovation.

Outside of work, Kristen enjoys a full and rewarding life with her two wonderful children and a pair of mischievous puppies who keep her on her toes.

Bryan Matsuoka has been with the Idaho Small Business Development Center since 1996 and has served as the South Central Regional Director since 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Boise State University and a Master of Education from the University of Idaho.

Bryan’s introduction to the SBDC began as a client for a business he later sold to a competitor. A lifelong learner, he has earned additional certifications as a CliftonStrengths Finder Coach and a 7-Habits Certified Facilitator. Beyond his professional expertise, Bryan is a 5th-degree black belt in judo and a proud father of two adult children.

Blake Mecham is a Safety Services Consultant for SIF Idaho Workers’ Compensation, serving the Burley and American Falls regions. Before joining SIF, he worked as a safety consultant for the Idaho AGC and spent 5 years as a safety trainer for Hard Hat Training, traveling across the U.S. to provide OSHA 10 and 30-Hour training and heavy equipment safety instruction.

Blake holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT). Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, sports, and spending time with his wife and two boys.

James Messick is a Safety Services Consultant II at SIF, supporting policyholders in Idaho Falls and the surrounding areas. With eight years of experience in occupational safety and health, he has worked across multiple industries, including renewable energy construction and federal contracting. Before joining SIF, James served as an EHS Specialist supporting test operations at Eglin Air Force Base. He also worked in EHS roles for the FAA with Lockheed Martin and Leidos. James holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health from BYU-Idaho.

Kristin Pesman is the EHS Specialist at the Richfield Whey plant for Glanbia Nutritionals, bringing eight years of experience as a safety professional. She holds a later-in-life degree in civil engineering and has worked in a shipyard and two food manufacturing facilities.

Kristin collaborates with engineers, operators, maintenance teams, and contractors to develop creative safety solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Idaho’s outdoor opportunities. As a mother of four boys and a daughter, she’s well-versed in both safety and adaptability.

Ashley is a Rehabilitation Consultant with the Industrial Commission Rehabilitation Department with over six years of workers compensation experience. Ashley serves as a neutral third-party professional who is objective in providing a multitude of services to all parties of the worker’s compensation claim. As a neutral party, she supports medical recovery while facilitating an early return to employment as close as possible to pre-injury status and wage.

Andrea Rasmussen is the Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist for the Wage and Hour Division’s Portland District Office. Since joining Wage and Hour in 2013, she has also served as a Wage and Hour Investigator and Assistant District Director.

Fluent in Spanish, Andrea holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Social Work and Political Science, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration. She is dedicated to ensuring fair labor practices and expanding community outreach efforts.

Kimberli Reynolds is the Program Manager for the Idaho Occupational Safety and Health Consultation program, where she assists Idaho’s small businesses in understanding OSHA regulations, emphasis programs, industrial hygiene requirements, and safety and health standards. She also manages the program’s industrial hygiene services, oversees consultant activities and training, provides community outreach, and fosters strong client relationships.

Kimberli holds a degree in Occupational Safety and Health with a focus on Environmental Management and brings over 15 years of experience in safety leadership and industrial hygiene. Passionate about supporting small businesses, she values making a meaningful impact on both employers and employees while discovering the incredible contributions Idaho businesses make to the state and beyond.

Brandon Schmidt has dedicated 16 years to helping companies keep their workers safe. He is currently a 3M Fall Protection Specialist for The Shur Group, where he provides expertise in fall protection solutions and workplace safety.

Prior to his career in safety, Brandon attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney. For the past 8 years, he and his family have called Meridian, Idaho, home.

Mike Smart is a Risk and Safety Manager for Barrett Business Services Inc. (BBSI) in Idaho Falls, where he has been fostering a culture of workplace safety since 2016. With over 27 years of experience in electrical, construction, and general industry safety—including a decade in the nuclear energy sector—Mike has supported safety programs, OSHA compliance, and employee health initiatives across multiple industries.

A licensed journeyman electrician since 2001, Mike has worked in Idaho, Wyoming, and Alaska and has spent the past nine years as a 3rd Year Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor at the College of Eastern Idaho. His career in safety began during his electrical apprenticeship when he took on the role of Safety Officer, ultimately leading him to specialize in risk management.

A lifelong resident of southeastern Idaho, Mike has lived in the Idaho Falls area for over 40 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Education from Idaho State University, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix, and both an MBA and a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Beyond his professional work, Mike is actively involved in his community, serving in leadership roles with the Civitan Club of Idaho Falls and the Boy Scouts of America, where he is the Risk Manager for the Grand Teton Council. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, hunting, camping, and fishing.

Wayne Stevenson has over 34 years of experience in OSHA General Industry and Construction Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Waste Operations, and Employee Health and Safety Training. He has worked with leading organizations such as Morrison Knudsen, Micron Technology, Washington Group International, Lactalis American Group, and Automated Dairy.

Wayne has served as a Safety and Compliance Officer, Safety Engineer, and Industrial Hygienist on projects across the United States. Currently, he is a Safety Consultant for SIF Idaho Workers’ Compensation, serving the Magic Valley and Wood River Valley regions. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Hygiene from Utah State University.

Michelle Taylor is a licensed nurse with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. As an Occupational Health Specialist at Chobani, she oversees the Hearing Conservation Program, employee injury intake, and onsite emergency First Aid Responders. She is a certified instructor for STOP THE BLEED®, American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid, First Aid for Severe Trauma, and Tourniquet Application for Life-Threatening Bleeding.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Business Management from Western Governors University, a State of Idaho Practical Nursing license, and a Surgical Technologist certification from the College of Southern Idaho. Passionate about helping others, she volunteers at the Wellness Tree Clinic. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Jacob Timothy holds a B.S. in Occupational Health & Safety from Utah State University and an M.S. in Advanced Safety Engineering and Management from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

With a decade of experience in the health and safety field, he specializes in managing and implementing confined space programs that ensure regulatory compliance and promote safe working environments. Jacob is certified in both Safety and Industrial Hygiene, showcasing his expertise in these critical areas.

Nolan was born and raised in Idaho Falls and served in the Navy for 10 years before working in the North Dakota oil fields for 5 years. It was during his time in the oil fields that he began his safety career, which now spans 8 years. He has gained experience in construction, telecommunications, and is currently working with BBSI, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).

At BBSI, Nolan completed the OSHA #501 Trainer Course, certifying him to teach OSHA 10 and 30 General Industry. He is also working toward his master’s degree in occupational health and safety. With over 4 years of experience as a CPR instructor, Nolan has had the opportunity to apply his training firsthand when performing CPR on someone who suffered cardiac arrest.

Passionate about safety, Nolan enjoys sharing his knowledge and continues to grow and evolve in his career.

Ed is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), and Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT). He holds an A.A.S. in Hazardous Materials Technology, a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health, and a Master’s in Occupational Safety and Environmental Management.

Ed's safety career began as a bomb disposal technician in the U.S. Army and continued as the training developer for the FBI's Hazardous Devices School HAZWOPER program. He spent 16 years as a Safety and Health Manager at CH2M HILL.

Now, Ed owns and operates PNW Safety Consulting, providing health and safety solutions to construction and general industry clients. He is also a contract instructor for the Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center at the University of Washington.

Bryan Wright, a Hansen, Idaho native, grew up turning irrigation work into games while excelling in basketball, football, track, and music. A high school sports injury didn’t dampen his passion for physical activity but instead reinforced his interest in physical therapy, sparked by frequent PT visits with his mother.

After earning degrees from the College of Southern Idaho and Utah State University, Bryan completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Throughout his studies, he balanced marathon training with ultimate frisbee, basketball, and volleyball, blending academic dedication with a lifelong commitment to health and movement.

Driven by a vision to transform physical therapy, Bryan founded Wright Physical Therapy, now Idaho’s premier provider. His innovative approach integrates compassionate care, cutting-edge education, advocacy for children’s well-being, and software technology to enhance patient outcomes.

Beyond his professional success, Bryan is a devoted father to five daughters and one son. His family inspires his ongoing commitment to growth and community service, making him a dynamic leader in the field.