Interdisciplinary Simulation Centers

The CSI provides a platform for physicians and Associates from various clinical disciplines to test their preparedness and enhance their ability to recognize and respond to changes in patient status for both routine and emergency conditions. This is achieved through the use of realistic manikin simulators, task trainers, standardized patients and a trained group of dedicated simulation educators. Over the last year, the CSI trained over 2000 physicians, almost 14,000 nurses/LPNs/CNAs, over 800 allied health professions, and over 500 medical students, among other learners.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute quickly adapted to provide simulation training for critical care providers and health care teams both locally and at the national level. CHRISTUS led the charge to help create and provide a standardized simulation training approach for obstetric cases complicated by COVID-19 in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (COVID-19 Obstetric Preparedness Manual | ACOG). This training has become the gold-standard in pandemic training and remains ready to deploy today.

Following the pandemic, the Institute continues to focus on nursing preparation and residency programs to supplement the reduced clinical training exposure during the crisis. This has been critical to our patient care quality, especially given the amount of turnover seen in nursing at all facilities across the country. This effort has resulted in 35,014 RN’s, 3,443 LPN’s / CNA’s and 1,201 Medical Resident encounters over the last three (3) fiscal years.

The centers within the CSI, function as research and development hubs for testing new equipment and clinical procedures. We aim to focus on training that supports interprofessional communication and collaboration in emergencies, as well as cutting-edge care utilizing the da Vinci robotic surgical system. As CHRISTUS is an international organization, the CSI team collaborates with simulation centers in other areas as well. Currently, the CSI has worked on two separate simulation-based training programs with the team from the Catholic University Centre for Experimental Surgery and Simulation in Chile to offer virtual asynchronous feedback on interviewing and surgical skills. This is a focus for CSI simulation training and research in the coming years.

The interdisciplinary CSI simulation centers are open to other health care and educational institutions and our teams routinely spend their time and resources to go into the community and provide critical high-quality training. They also offer various courses, educational opportunities, and serve as conference sites for outside programs as well.

• The Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards named CHRISTUS St. Vincent “One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention” and New Mexico’s “Most Awarded Hospital for 2024.” These two Specialty Excellence awards acknowledge CHRISTUS St. Vincent Hospital among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for both Cardiology and Coronary Intervention Services, and six five-star awards for services including Coronary Interventional Procedures, Treatment of Heart Attack, Treatment of Heart Failure, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeries, Colorectal Surgeries, and Treatment of Sepsis. These programs are supported through CSI’s simulation programs which are pivotal to maintain competency and confidence for these healthcare services.
• The CHRISTUS Simulation Institute is dedicated to cutting-edge research and was awarded as the primary site lead for a $3.6 million NIH grant on the development and validation of a postpartum hemorrhage skills simulator program. This is being done in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, Cornell University and Columbia University. The program is meant to create a training platform to teach and retain critical surgical and procedural skills needed to manage obstetric hemorrhage that do not respond to initial medical management. The program's commitment to accessibility is evident through the incorporation of a low-cost simulator combined with asynchronous expert feedback. This innovative approach ensures that physicians, even in remote areas, can practice, improve their skills, and be well-prepared to handle obstetric emergencies effectively.
• Five CHRISTUS Health hospitals were recognized for excellence in stroke care by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in 2024 (New Braunfels, Ochsner St. Patrick, Sulphur Springs, St. Elizabeth, and Jasper Memorial). This mission is supported by simulation training through the CSI.
• CHRISTUS Health earned the prestigious “Great Place to Work” national certification, which is awarded based entirely on what current Associates say about their experience working at CHRISTUS. We continuously work to improve the communication of our healthcare teams through simulation training both in and out of clinical settings.

Heather Delaney, MD, CHSE, FAAP
System Medical Director, Simulation and Research
heather.delaney@christushealth.org

Dr. Heather Delaney is a double-board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist with over 20 years of broad experience in the medical field. She is a 17-year Veteran of the US Air Force and Army. Her areas of expertise include healthcare quality, simulation and education, clinical research and healthcare leadership. She has her Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma methodology and is fiercely committed to Zero Harm in healthcare. She previously was the Chief of Simulation Education at Brooke Army Medical Center for 5 years and a CMO of a research organization. She is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and is honored to serve as the System Medical Director for Simulation and Research for CHRISTUS Health and as the Medical Director for the CHRISTUS Simulation Institute.

• The CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Simulation Center hosted the CHRISTUS Health Simulation Training and Improvement Symposium in May 2024, bringing together clinical experts and community partners from across North America to explore the world of simulation-based learning. Additionally, they partnered with the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command for Texas, which led to a joint training evolution back in July. This team assisted the Navy with training and qualifying over 100 Naval Corpsmen, Nurses, and Providers through their Tactical Combat Casualty Care event by providing simulation equipment and operations support. This event has strengthened CHRISTUS Health's and the Simulation Institute's relationship with our community partners.
• The simulation and education teams at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Simulation Center were invited to the state capital to highlight their unique hands-on education CPR training events for the community and on May 15, 2024, they were invited and recognized at “Hospital Day” in the Louisiana capital in Baton Rouge, representing CHRISTUS Health for the State.
• The Dr. Perla Castor Clinical Simulation Center opened in September 2024 and has tripled the hospital’s training space, allowing CHRISTUS to establish a cutting-edge training program for local nursing students and partnerships with local schools. The simulation center is equipped with three different simulation labs and one multipurpose classroom offering training in intensive care, emergency care, neonatal care, labor and delivery, and more. This new facility will allow in-house clinical educators the ability to double their current student capacity, expanding the training program to house over 2,400 students per year.
• The CHRISTUS St. Michael Texarkana Simulation Center implemented a robust in-situ mock code program called “Did You See Us Rollin” providing critical process simulations to prepare staff for the opening of their newly opened free standing Emergency Department. Over the course of 23 different drills, over 260 healthcare team members were trained on cardiac arrest emergencies. This dynamic team also prepared their staff for the opening of another new facility through immersive simulation scenarios involving cardiac arrest, precipitous delivery, trauma, pediatric respiratory decline, and stroke simulations. These experiences represented staffing patterns and provided valuable information to the staff and leadership to ensure processes and equipment needs were optimized prior to facility opening.
• The CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Longview Simulation implemented MD/RN resident collaboration simulations, which are designed to bridge the gap between doctors and registered nurses by creating immersive, hands-on learning experiences. These simulations provide a platform for both MD and RN residents to engage in scenarios that demand teamwork, communication, and coordination.Through these exercises, participants not only familiarize themselves with each other's roles and responsibilities but also develop mutual understanding and respect. These yearly simulation exercises include 25 physician residents and 70+ RN residents and provide training for Mega codes and all things ACLS, Obstetric Emergencies, Sepsis & Septic Emergencies, and Stroke.
• Overall, the CHRISTUS Simulation Institute has made significant strides in advancing health care education, training, and research through its state-of-the-art simulation centers and commitment to excellence in patient care.

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
621 4th Street
Longview, TX 75601

• 2,300 sq. ft. space
• Two simulation rooms
• Individual rooms for skills practice, providing ample space for hands-on learning
• Dedicated office space for administrative functions and training coordination
• Large computer room, central to delivering virtual learning, online courses, and interactive training modules
• Primary uses:
  • Nurse Residency programs
  • New Nurse Orientation
  • Ongoing clinical education and skill development
  • AHA certifications and other in-house training
  • Medical Resident Simulation Training: Scheduled simulation sessions specifically designed for residents, integrating clinical scenarios that enhance both technical and decision-making skills.
  • Collaborative Training: Regularly scheduled joint simulation exercises that bring together medical and nurse residents to practice interdisciplinary teamwork in high- fidelity scenarios, emphasizing communication, coordinated care, and shared decision-making in complex patient situations.
• Simulation rooms designed for high-fidelity scenarios and realistic training experiences.
• Offers a comprehensive environment for professional development, critical skill-building, and ensuring clinical staff are well-prepared for patient care.
• Central hub for hands-on training, virtual education, and performance assessments.

Ginny Fredenburg, BSN, RN, CCRN
Simulation Coordinator
Office: 903-531-5592
ginny.fredenburg@christushealth.org

Ginny Fredenburg, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a critical care nurse with 8 years of experience in multiple adult ICU settings and working on emergency response teams. She holds her CCRN certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. As the Simulation Coordinator at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd, Ginny manages the simulation lab, designs and constructs simulation curricula, and supports the integration of simulation-based education throughout the organization, ensuring that clinical staff are well-prepared for high-stakes patient care scenarios.

Gary D. Miller, MSEd, BA, BSN, RN, NPD-BC
Director, Clinical Education and Development
Office: 903-315-2587
gary.miller2@christushealth.org

Gary D. Miller, MSEd, BA, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, has over 10 years of experience in nursing professional development. He currently serves as Director of Clinical Education and Development for CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System in Longview, TX. His previous work experiences include CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, TX, and CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, TX. He is board-certified in nursing professional development, with experience facilitating Nurse Residency, Externship, Orientation programs, Learning Management System administration, and program development. He currently serves as a committee member of the Louisiana State Nurses Association Continuing Nursing Education committee and is an active member of the Association of Nursing Professional Development.

CHRISTUS Children’s
333 North Santa Rosa Street
San Antonio, TX 78207

• 7,300 sq. ft. space
• Eight simulation rooms (four adult and four pediatrics)
• Can be configured to accommodate ICU, OB and other simulation scenarios
• Removable partitions
• Two debriefing rooms
• Electronic reference library
• Serves as site for the evaluation of new equipment and clinical processes and procedures
• Seven high, two mid, and multiple low-fidelity mannequins

James McElroy, Paramedic
Clinical Simulation Coordinator
Training Center Coordinator
Office: 210-704-2782
james.mcelroy@christushealth.org

CHRISTUS Health
2669 North Scenic Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310

• 600 sq. ft. space
• High-fidelity mannequin
• Control room with SimCapture for audio/visual recording

Judy Flores, MBA, BSN, RN, NPD-BC
Director of Education
Simulation Lab Coordinator
Office: 575-443-7863
jmflores@gcrmc.org

Judy Flores, MBA, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, entered nursing in 2001 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Las Vegas, NV. After completing her nursing degree, she practiced in critical care specialties to include Neurologic Intensive Care, Trauma, Organ Transplant & Dialysis. After multiple years at the bedside, her practice shifted into the area of Nursing Professional Development. With a passion for program management and project oversight, she pursued her Master’s in Business Administration. After completing her MBA, she also earned board certification in the specialty of nursing professional development. As a Clinical Educator, Judy was able to utilize her nursing knowledge and business background to develop educational programming for the hospital staff. Through research and the application of clinical principles, Judy authored educational content with a focus on the assessment of learning needs, with an aim to close the identified educational gap of the learner. Currently, Judy serves as the Director of Education at CHRISTUS of Southern New Mexico. Her department strives to integrate simulation into the classroom and in situ settings to maximize learning outcomes.

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline
600 Elizabeth Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78404

• 7,393 sq. ft. space
• Three large simulation rooms (neonatal and labor & delivery, pediatric, and adult critical care)
• Procedural training classroom
• Six high-fidelity simulators
• State-of-the-Art A/V system for remote facilitation and debriefing
• Multitude of task/procedural trainers
• Hosts community training events

Dallas Cantu, NRP
Clinical Simulation Specialist
Phone: 361-902-4346
dallas.cantu@christushealth.org

Shani Italiya, DO, FAAEM, CHSE
CHRISTUS Health-Texas A&M University College of Medicine - Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Clinical Associate Professor
Director of Leadership Development
Director of Simulation Education
Medical Director, Spohn Regional Simulation Center
Phone: 361-236-7606
shani.italiya@christushealth.org

Shani Italiya, DO, FAAEM, CHSE, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with a passion for advancing health care through simulation-based education. Dr. Italiya currently serves as the System Medical Director of the CHRISTUS Spohn Clinical Simulation Education Center. As a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, he had the privilege of developing a wide range of simulation programs to advance the skills and knowledge of an even wider spectrum of health care professionals. Dr. Italiya is dedicated to fostering inter-professional collaboration, inquisitive research, and community outreach through our simulation center. His goal is to enhance clinical training and improve patient outcomes by creating engaging, immersive, and enjoyable learning environments.

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System
755 North 11th Street
Beaumont, TX 77702

• Opening summer 2025
• 3,551 sq. ft. space
• Five simulation rooms (labor & delivery, pediatric, critical care, emergency, peri-op and med/surg)
• One large med/surg and skills trainer room

Jeanell E. Frelot, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ
RN Clinical Educator – Medical/Surgical Service Line
Student Liaison Coordinator - SETX Ministry
Office: 409-236-5027
jeanell.frelot@christushealth.org

Jeanell Frelot, MSN, RN, is a board-certified nurse executive (NE-BC) and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) with over 30 years of health care experience. Her nursing experience includes emergency medicine, telemetry, medical-surgical, home health, quality management, educator in a nursing baccalaureate program, and currently, the RN Clinical Educator Medical/Surgical Service Line & Student Liaison Coordinator at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. She is a lifelong learner and enjoys teaching and seeing the spark in your eyes when you have learned something new.

Patricia (Trish) Terry, BSN, RNC
Director of Education
Office: 409-236-5897
patricia.terry2@christushealth.org

Trish is the Director of Education at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. She has been a nurse for over 30 years with her primary experience being in Neonatal Intensive Care. Trish also has experience in home health, postpartum, OB/GYN clinic, newborn nursery, and pediatrics. She loves being a nurse and is passionate about teaching. Trish is proud to be the Director of Education at St. Elizabeth and strives to provide excellence in education for our associates. She also enjoys spending time with her family and serving in her church.

CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital
3330 Masonic Drive
Alexandria, LA 71301

• 2000 sq. ft. space
• Two simulation rooms
• One large multi-purpose simulation room
• Debriefing room
• State-of-the-art equipment and supplies
• Removable partitions
• Plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness through mass casualty drills

Stanley Guillot, MBA, Ph.D., PA-C, BSN, CCRN-K, PCCN-CMC, CSC, CHSE
Director of Simulation
Phone: 318-528-6489
stanley.guillot@christushealth.org

Dr. Stanley Guillot, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, BSN, CCRN-K, PCCN-CMC, CSC, CHSE, is a seasoned health care professional. With a doctoral-level Physician Assistant qualification, a Master's degree in Business Administration, and a nursing school graduate, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His 30 years in healthcare span across multiple clinical areas, professional education, and simulation. His specialty certifications in Critical Care, Acute Care, and Cardiac, coupled with his extensive work in Critical Care and Simulation Education, underscore his competence and dedication.

Dr. Guillot's leadership as the Program Director of Simulation at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital is a testament to his expertise and commitment. Over the past 12 years, conducted simulation training and became certified as a healthcare simulation educator but also a guiding force in the field. His simulations for clinical staff, nursing residents, and undergraduate nursing students have been instrumental in their professional development. His unwavering commitment to interprofessional and in-situ training is a reflection of his strong leadership and dedication to fostering collaboration and shared learning among health care professionals.

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System
2600 St. Michael Drive
Texarkana, TX 75503

• 5,200 sq. ft. space
• Four dedicated simulation rooms (medical/surgical ICU, ED, and labor & delivery)
• Removable partitions
• Control room facilities
• Large Debriefing Room with simulation viewing capabilities
• Skills lab
• Electronic reference library
• Serves as the site for research into the efficacy of new equipment and clinical processes and procedures
• Four high, two mid, and multiple low-fidelity mannequins

Jennifer Buster, MSN, RN, CCRN, CHSE
Simulation Coordinator
Clinical Education
Phone: 903-614-6814
Fax: 903-614-6868
jennifer.buster@christushealth.org

Sherry Roberson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Administrative Director, Education and Professional Excellence
Clinical Education and Magnet® Program
Phone: 903-614-6809
sherry.roberson@christushealth.org

CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center
455 St. Michael's Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505

• 600 sq. ft. space
• Medical/surgical, ICU, ED, and labor & delivery

Jessica James, RN
Manager Clinical Education
Jessica.james@stvin.org