Conference Presenters
Doramarie Arocha
- Dr. Doramarie Arocha is the Director of Infection Prevention at UT Southwestern Medical
Center in Dallas, Texas. With a strong foundation in microbiology and epidemiology,
she has dedicated her career to advancing public health initiatives, particularly
in the areas of disease surveillance, infection prevention, and clinical public health
interventions.
Dr. Arocha earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Texas at Arlington in 1985. She later obtained a Master of Science degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, in 1994, and completed her PhD in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology at Walden University in 2016.
Early in her career, Dr. Arocha worked as a Medical Technologist in Microbiology at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas, where she obtained her ASCP certification and a Microbiology Specialty Certification. Her training in Infection Prevention spans 20 years and includes expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, statistics, infectious diseases, antibiotic usage, sterilization/disinfection, and consultative and teaching skills.
A key contributor to UT Southwestern’s infection prevention efforts, Dr. Arocha was instrumental in establishing the Special Pathogens Task Force, which became the Assessment Facility for North Texas. Her leadership extends beyond her institution, having served on the Board of Directors, as President, and Treasurer for TSICP (Texas Society for Infection Control and Prevention), as well as on the Nominating and Awards Committee for the National APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology).
Dr. Arocha’s outstanding contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including being named a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC) and one of APIC’s Heroes of Infection Prevention. She received the Rising Star Award from APIC-DFW in 2011 and was honored for her exceptional infection prevention support during the 2017 hurricane response. Additionally, Dr. Arocha was selected as one of the COVID Heroes in DFW and was recognized for her humanism by the Gold Humanism Honor Society during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, Dr. Arocha serves on the Board of Directors of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), further advancing the standards and practices of infection prevention on a national scale.
Rebecca Battjes
- Rebecca Battjes (pronounced “batches”) MPH, CIC, FAPIC is an industry-based Infection
Preventionist for Diversey–A Solenis Company. In this role, Rebecca serves as an
infection prevention and control resource and industry liaison to support the improvement
of environmental hygiene solutions and the adoption of evidence–based practices.
Prior to joining Diversey in May 2022, Rebecca was the lone infection preventionist & program manager at a small community hospital and short-stay skilled nursing facility. From 2013 to 2021, she was an Infection Preventionist at a large academic medical & level 1 trauma center in the heart of Detroit.
Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Spanish literature from Wayne State University in Detroit and a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University in Illinois. She is an active member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC), the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). Rebecca achieved board certification in infection control (CIC®) in 2019 and became a fellow on APIC in 2022. In her first two and a half years at Diversey, she has presented to over 40 different APIC chapters across the country both virtually and in person. Her educational topics range from operating rooms to hemodialysis, ambulatory care to long-term care, and almost everywhere in between.
Patty Black-Tracy
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Patty Black-Tracy has served as Infection Prevention Coordinator at Avera St. Luke's Hospital for five years, beginning her role in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patty graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2006 with a degree in nursing and has nearly 20 years of experience in diverse medical fields. She is currently pursuing an advanced degree while working full-time. Patty completed the 2017 Avera Rising Nurse Leaders Program, is a member of the Aberdeen Leadership Class of 2024, served as Legislative Representative for the APIC Dacotah Plains Chapter, and recently received the 2025 APIC Clorox Scholarship Grant.
Patty believes that effective infection prevention depends on evidence-based education, mindfulness, communication, and collaboration. She develops user-friendly protocols that grow positive change and emphasizes that everyone—regardless of role—shares the responsibility for supporting a culture of infection prevention.
Helen Eimers
- Helen Eimers is a Success Coach, Certified Hypnotherapist, Author, and Motivational Speaker who helps high-achievers reconnect with their energy, influence, and mission—without burning out. With a background in healthcare and over a decade of experience coaching professionals, Helen brings a powerful mix of strategy, soul, and straight talk to every stage. She is known for inspiring audiences to reclaim their passion, prioritize their well-being, and lead with fierce love and flow.
Cheri Fast
- As the Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Program Manager
at the South Dakota Department of Health, Cheri is a recognized leader in infection
control. Cheri holds a bachelor’s in nursing and several specialty certifications
including dual certifications in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Wound, Ostomy,
and Continence, and Nursing Case Management. Most recently, she received her Advanced
Leadership in Infection Prevention.
Always driven by a commitment to excellence, Cheri has held various roles in her healthcare career. She is currently serving on the national APIC Education Committee and is currently working on a statewide antimicrobial stewardship collaborative. Cheri was recently selected to assist in development of the Associate Infection Prevention Certification Exam by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. Her leadership in advancing infection prevention earned her the 2023 South Dakota Health Care Quality Professional of the Year award.
Cheri’s dedication to healthcare quality continues to inspire her work and drive meaningful change in infection prevention.