NIFLA’s Course Instructors

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Legal Instructors

Anne O'Connor, JD
Anne O’Connor, JD
Vice President of Legal Affairs

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Thomas Glessner, JD
Thomas Glessner, JD
Founder and President

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Teresa Cooper Ward

Medical Instructors

Matt Werner, MD
Matt Werner, MD
Assistant Medical Director & Practicum Instructor
Dr. Matt Werner has been working in OB/GYN practices for over 35 years. After he retired in 2020, he began supporting the efforts of Pregnancy Medical Clinics and the Pro-Life Movement at large. He now serves as Medical Director for 5 centers in Virginia while also offering medical consultation to NIFLA’s network of 1800 pregnancy centers. Dr. Matt is passionate about encouraging and equipping fellow physicians to get involved and ensure that pregnancy centers are maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Sandy Christiansen, MD
Sandy Christiansen, MD
Practicum Instructor
Sandy is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with over 34 years of experience as a clinician, educator, speaker, and writer. She serves as the National Medical Director to Care Net and the Medical Director for the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Frederick, MD. Dr. Christiansen has shared her expertise in a variety of forums, including the United Nations, the President’s Council on Bioethics, legislative bodies, and national media outlets. She was chosen as the 2025 Educator of the Year Award recipient from the Christian Medical & Dental Association.

Stacy Grimmett, RDMS
Stacy Grimmett, RDMS
Practicum Instructor
Stacy has been working as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Registered Vascular Technologist for over 12 years. Her years of experience have led her to become an Education Program Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Emergency Medicine. Stacy is eager to help her students grow in their understanding of ultrasound medicine and contribute to the pro-life movement’s work.

Kay Hanson, RDSM
Kay Hanson, RDSM
Practicum Instructor
Kay has over 37 years of experience in Abdominal, OB/GYN Sonography. She has previously served as an instructor and clinical coordinator in hospitals, local colleges, and Pregnancy Medical Centers. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve God in the wonderful ministry of Pregnancy Medical Centers, where she helps mothers choose life for their precious unborn babies.

Eva Ortiz, RDMS
Eva Ortiz, RDMS
Practicum Instructor
Eva Ortiz is a U.S. Army veteran and experienced healthcare professional with over 15 years of expertise in diagnostic medical ultrasound, clinical operations, and patient education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2024). Eva has extensive experience in obstetric and diagnostic imaging, staff training, and mentorship, and is committed to developing hands-on, competency-based learning environments that combine technical excellence with patient-centered care. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge, leadership, and faith-based service to her role at Choices Women’s Center, supporting clients and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Malena Wilson, RDMS
Malena Wilson, RDMS
Practicum Instructor
With over 14 years of experience in diagnostic imaging, Malena is a multidisciplinary ARDMS-registered sonographer and ARRT-registered radiologic technologist specializing in abdominal, OB/GYN, pediatric, and vascular imaging. Her career spans a wide range of healthcare environments, from major hospital systems to academic instruction and mobile imaging services. Currently, she works as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Sonography Program, where she teaches Sonographic Physics, OB/GYN, and Abdominal Sonography, while mentoring students in lab and clinical settings. She also provides limited obstetric ultrasound services and staff training at the Pregnancy Help Center of Chesterfield, combining clinical care with community education. Malena is excited to work with Pregnancy Centers because she is passionate about using her clinical skills in a purpose-driven environment that allows her to combine faith, compassion, and medical care. She is also excited to be able to train nurses in limited obstetric ultrasound and equip them with both technical skills and confidence to serve women in a life-changing way.

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