You must register separately for this event. It is not included and requires an additional fee.
Consider attending the BLS/ACLS workshop on Friday, 6/12 at 2:00 PM. Sign up here: REGISTRATION LINK
Join us at
Gassed Up: Fired Up for CRNA School
The CSPA 2026 Conference
- JUNE 12-14 2026
- University of Louisville NAP, Kentucky
Earn up to 7.0 CE contact hours at this event. CRNA School Prep Academy is an approved continuing education provider licensed through the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider Number: 17725).
Welcome to the CSPA 2026 Conference: Gassed Up & Fired Up for CRNA School!
This in-person event, held at the University of Louisville, is your chance to immerse yourself in expert-led sessions, connect with CRNA program faculty, current SRNAs, and fellow future CRNAs, and gain a competitive edge before school even starts. From educational deep-dives to vendor expos and interactive panels, the agenda is packed with value. And for those seeking even more—don’t miss our optional Mix & Mingle Event on Friday night (tickets sold separately), where you can network in a laid-back atmosphere with bowling, food, drinks, and games at Vernon Lanes, sponsored by Roots Financial Group at Thrivent!
Agenda
6/12
6/13
6/14
6/12
6/13
6/14
Airway Simulation Experience (Limited Spots)
Get hands-on with airway management in a high-fidelity simulation environment designed to mirror real CRNA clinical scenarios. This immersive experience allows you to practice critical skills, build confidence, and learn directly from experienced CRNA educators.
Airway Simulation Experience (Limited Spots)
The airway simulation experience is first come, first served and time slots fill quickly.
To keep the conference lectures uninterrupted, simulation time slots are assigned separately from presentations. That means if you wait to grab your ticket, you may miss your preferred simulation time, or miss the simulation experience entirely.
The sooner you secure your conference ticket, the better your position for:
Getting priority access to simulation selection
Choosing the time slot that works best for you
Making sure you do not miss any key lectures or sessions
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GOLD SPONSOR
Northern Kentucky University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Bellarmine University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Murray State University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Mary Baldwin University Nurse Anesthesia Program
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Natalie Kratzer – Roots Financial Group at Thrivent
University of Louisville Nurse Anesthesia Program
SILVER SPONSOR
Mary Baldwin University Nurse Anesthesia Program
BRONZE SPONSOR
Nurse Anesthesiology Resident Association
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Speakers
This lineup is built for CRNA readiness: clinical confidence, admissions insight, and next-step clarity.
Cheryl Parker, DNP, CRNA, RNC-OB, FAWHONN, FAANA
Cheryl Parker, DNP, CRNA, RNC-OB, FAWHONN, FAANA, is a distinguished nurse anesthetist and academic leader currently serving as Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program at the University of Louisville. With a strong commitment to advancing clinical excellence and education in anesthesia nursing, Dr. Parker brings extensive experience in obstetric anesthesia, trauma informed care, curriculum development, and mentorship. Her leadership is marked by a passion for empowering future CRNAs through evidence-based practice, innovation, and advocacy for the profession. Her professional involvement includes leadership in nurse anesthesia education and advocacy for excellence in women’s health and perinatal care.
Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA
Dr. Wilson graduated in 2006 from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine with a Masters in Nurse Anesthesia, and in 2022 from the Medical University of South Carolina with his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Program Director – East Coast of Ursuline College with Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program. Before that, he was the Assistant Program Director for the University of South Carolina and opened their second campus in Greenville, SC. He authored the chapter on Blood Component Therapy in the latest edition of Nurse Anesthesia and has published in JOPAN, JNAE and the AANA Journal. In 2023, Dr. Wilson was selected as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, serves as an AANA Social Media Ambassador, and elected to serve on the AANA Leadership Identification Committee. Recently he was elected to serve on the Education Committee for the AANA. He continues to practice clinically primarily providing anesthesia for neuro and orthopedic trauma cases.
Dr. Tiffany Eye, DNP, MA-B, APRN, CRNA
Dr. Tiffany Eye, DNP, APRN, CRNA, serves as the Nurse Anesthesia Program Director at Murray State University, where she plays a key role in educating the next generation of nurse anesthetists. She is involved in the training of doctoral nursing students, specializing in anesthesia, and is recognized for fostering future-ready, research-oriented nurse scientists.
Dr. Carly Mitchell, DNP, APRN, CRNA
Dr. Carly Mitchell, DNP, APRN, CRNA, is the Founding Program Director of the Juneja Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia Program at Bellarmine University and Chief Nurse Anesthetist for Obstetric Anesthesia at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. In these roles, she educates, mentors, and prepares future nurse anesthetists for the academic, clinical, and professional demands of the specialty.
She completed her nurse anesthesia training through the Baptist Health / Murray State University Program of Anesthesia and earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus on clinical leadership and practice improvement. Her clinical expertise centers on obstetric anesthesia and the management of high-acuity patients.
As both a clinician and educator, she is committed to advancing nurse anesthesia practice by fostering clinical excellence, professional integrity, resilience, and emotional intelligence in the next generation of providers and the teams they serve.
Dr. Jennifer McLeod, DNAP, APRN-CRNA, MSNA
Jennifer McLeod is an Associate Clinical Professor, Assistant Program Director, and Simulation Director for the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Northern Kentucky University. She brings over a decade of clinical and academic experience to her work, specializing in simulation‑based education, advanced airway management, and preceptor development.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist since 2015, Jennifer practices at Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, providing anesthesia care for a wide range of surgical specialties while maintaining an active academic leadership role. At NKU, she coordinates doctoral‑level coursework, leads high‑fidelity cardiac and airway simulation initiatives, and mentors multiple doctoral scholarly projects annually.
Her leadership extends beyond the university through active involvement in state and national organizations. She serves on the Communications Committee for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and is the Region Three Director on the Kentucky Association of Nurse Anesthetists Board of Directors. She also contributes to KyANA’s Program Committee and maintains membership in the Kentucky Nurses Association.
Dedicated to improving both clinical practice and anesthesia education, Jennifer integrates innovation, collaboration, and data‑driven decision‑making into every aspect of her teaching and leadership.
Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA
Jenny Finnell is a practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with over 12 years of anesthesia experience. She began her nursing career in the adult MICU and now works in pediatric anesthesia, a journey that’s given her a deep understanding of both the clinical demands and emotional challenges aspiring CRNAs face.
Driven by her love for the profession and a genuine desire to help others succeed, Jenny founded CRNA School Prep Academy after receiving countless messages from nurses looking for guidance. She saw a need for more than just information; nurses needed strategy, education, mentorship, and support. CSPA was created to be that space: a trusted, encouraging community for every nurse chasing the CRNA dream.
Jenny is a proud mom of five, happily married to her college sweetheart for over 15 years. She loves working out, traveling with her family (when they’re not enjoying time at home), and never turns down tacos or a good glass of red wine. At her core, she values connection, growth, and helping others believe in what’s possible.
CRNA changed her life, and through CSPA, she’s honored to help others find the same clarity, purpose, and success on their path to becoming a CRNA.
Rick Heuermann, CRNA
Expo booth sponsors
Be sure to visit your future CRNA Program Expo Booth along with our Event Sponsor Expo Booths!
…AND MORE!
Interested in learning more about our program or reserving an expo booth table CRNA School Prep Academy 2026 Conference? Email our team at hello@crnaschoolprepacademy.com to inquire!
Be sure to visit your future CRNA Program Expo Booth along with our Event Sponsor Expo Booths!
South College Nurse Anesthesia Program
Evansville University Nurse Anesthesia Program
The University of South Carolina’s Nurse Anesthesia Program
Mary Baldwin Nurse Anesthesiology Program
Kaiser Permanente Nurse Anesthesia Program
Medical University of South Carolina Nurse Anesthesia Program
…AND MORE!
Interested in learning more about your program or company becoming a sponsor for the CRNA School Prep Academy 2022 Conference? Email our team at support@crnaschoolprepacademy.com to inquire!
Mix & Mingle Event
Event Sponsored by: Natalie Kratzer - Roots Financial Group at Thrivent
Join us for a Mix & Mingle event on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 PM ET at the iconic Vernon Lanes Bowling Alley & Restaurant.
Tickets to this event are sold separately for $29. Your ticket price includes…
- Delicious food
- Two complementary drink tickets
- Bowling
- Pool Tables
- Arcade Machines
- Karaoke
- Dart Boards
All while networking with fellow CSPA Conference attendees!
Once you’ve secured your conference ticket, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to purchase your spot for the Mix & Mingle Event – it’s your chance to kick back, connect, and have a blast!
Event Sponored by
Tickets
Secure Your Ticket Early – BONUS Simulation Spots Are Limited!
Exclusive first-come-first-serve seats are available to conference ticket purchasers to attend hands-on simulation experiences—but here’s the catch: these labs run at the same time as scheduled sessions. That means you’ll need to give up a session to gain this experience—and simulation time slots are assigned on a first come, first scheduled basis. The earlier you register, the more control you’ll have over your conference schedule. Don’t wait until your favorite session is the one you’ll have to miss—lock in your ticket now for the best price and your top choice of sim time!
CSPA Conference Ticket
Payment plan: $215 today, then 2 payments of $215 (total $645).
March only: 3 payments of $215
Join us in Louisville for the CSPA 2026 Conference—your ultimate launchpad for CRNA school success!
Get ready for an action-packed weekend filled with expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections designed to give you a competitive edge. Your ticket purchase will include:
Access to All Educational Sessions (with 7 CE credit opportunities!)
Topics include:
History of Anesthesia (1CE)
Adult Learning Principles (1CE)
Respiratory Physiology (1CE)
Cardiac Physiology (1CE)
Chemistry & Physics (1CE)
ICU Pharmacology (1CE)
Interview Prep
Faculty Q&A Panel
Emotional Intelligence (1CE)
Daily Keynote & Opening Speech
Hands-On Simulation Experiences
First come, first served
Requires session sign-up due to limited slots
Dedicated Vendor Booth Access
Vendor areas open daily with educational and professional resources
Breakfast & Boxed Lunches (provided)
Included on full conference days
Networking Opportunities
Connect with CRNA program faculty, current SRNAs, and future CRNAs
Interactive Panels & Q&A Sessions
Opportunity to engage with speakers and mentors directly
Spots are limited and simulation sessions fill up fast—don’t wait!
Secure your ticket now and take the next bold step toward your CRNA career.
Are you a CSPA member? Members get a $50 discount to attend the CSPA 2026 Conference. Click here to access your exclusive pricing.
Grab Your Ticket Now Before Prices Increase
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Time left until prices increase. Lock in your rate today.
FAQ
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand plans can change. Because this is a live, in person event with fixed venue and vendor costs, refunds are available on a tiered schedule based on when we receive your written request.
How to request a cancellation
To request a cancellation, email support@crnaschoolprepacademy.com from the email address used at checkout and include:
Purchaser name
Order number or date of purchase
Attendee name (if different)
The date and time we receive your email is the official cancellation timestamp.
Refund schedule (conference registration)
On or before February 28th 2026: 80% refund of registration fees (20% retained for administrative and processing costs)
After Feb 28, 2026, registrations are nonrefundable (ticket may be transferable)
No shows
No refunds will be issued for no shows.
Add ons and special ticket types
If you purchased add ons (examples: mixer ticket) they follow the same refund schedule above.
Ticket transfers (recommended if you cannot attend)
You may transfer your registration to another attendee at no charge if you notify us by June 5, 2026.
To request a transfer, email support@crnaschoolprepacademy.com with:
Original order number
New attendee full name
New attendee email
New attendee phone number
Transfers requested after June 5, 2026 may not be possible due to badge and roster deadlines.
If you sell or transfer your ticket to someone else, any payment or reimbursement must be handled privately between you and the new attendee. CSPA does not facilitate or mediate exchanges of funds.
Extenuating circumstances
If an emergency occurs after the refund cutoff, you may email us. At our discretion, we may offer a credit toward a future event (not a refund). Documentation may be requested.
Event changes or cancellation by organizer
If the event is canceled by the organizer, registration fees will be refunded or you may choose to transfer your registration to a future event if offered. We are not responsible for travel or lodging expenses.
Refund processing time
Approved refunds are typically processed within 7 to 10 business days to the original payment method.
We have discounted group rates at three hotels:
The Galt House
Embassy Suites
Crowne Plaza
Each hotel will have a specialized booking link. Please wait for the official links to be email after conference ticket purchase ensure you receive the group rate.
Mixer tickets are reserved for conference ticket purchasers only.
After you purchase your conference ticket, you will be redirected to a page where you can secure your mixer ticket right away. If you do not purchase it at that time, you can buy it later using the link included in your conference ticket confirmation email (subject to availability).