2026 Annual Meeting Schedule
Wednesday July 22, 2026
4:00-7:00 A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Registration/Check-In
5:30-7:00 A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Exhibitor Tables Open
7:00-7:30pm A.W. Ballroom B | President's Welcome | Joanne Mercer, BS, CFCP, CFCE
A.W. Ballroom B | Site Host Welcome | Theresa Schortgen, MSN, RN, CFCP, CFCE
7:30-8:45pm A.W. Ballroom B | Opening Session
--The Crooked Road to Here:My Journey to Becoming an Authentically Catholic OB/GYN --
-Christopher Stroud, MD, CFCMC
Objectives
1. Understand the barriers to practicing women’s health and keeping with the USCCB ethical directives.
2. Understand barriers and opportunities related to utilizing CrMs in clinical practice.
3. Understand challenges in working in a multidisciplinary women’s health practice, while maintaining continuity of care and following CrMs best practices.
4. Understand the economic realities of private, independent medical practice in 2025
and beyond.
5. Master ways to communicate with young health professionals in a way that invites and motivates them to live and practice in an authentic, life-affirming way.
8:45-9:15pm A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Exhibitor Tables Open
9:00-11:00pm A.W. Ballroom A | Welcome Reception
Thursday July 23, 2026
7:00 am Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Daily Mass | Monsignor Thomas Shoemaker
7:45-8:45am Breakfast
8:00am-3:10pm A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Exhibitor Tables Open
8:15-9:00am A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Registration/Check-In
8:45-9:00am A.W. Ballroom B | Opening Announcements | BOD Member
9:00-10:00am A.W. Ballroom B
--Psychosocial Considerations and Best Practices in Miscarriage Care: Roles of the FertilityCare Practitioner and Medical Consultant--
-Rebecca Harpring, BSN, RN, FCP
Objectives
1. Describe the importance of anticipatory counseling regarding miscarriage and strategies for discussing this possibility with patients and couples prior to pregnancy loss.
2. Identify key clinical, communication, and systems-based considerations during and after miscarriage that may impact patient and family emotional well-being, including: Use of respectful and patient-centered language; Clear, consistent communication among healthcare team members; Awareness of institutional policies affecting miscarriage management; Presentation of care options and
shared decision-making.
3. Recognize available community, institutional, and bereavement resources that support families following miscarriage, including options related to the handling of fetal remains and memorialization.
10:00-11:00am A.W. Ballroom B
--State of the Academy Address--
-Joanne Mercer, BS, CFCP, CFCE, Academy President
Objectives
1. Describe the current operational and financial status of the Academy.
2. Explain the key institutional resources, volunteer involvement, and planning initiatives underway.
3. Motivate and equip members for increased engagement and leadership.
11:00-11:15am Break
11:15am-12:45pm A.W. Ballroom B
--Option A FCP Breakout: Mastering Three Complex Client Charts Developed from the Science and Research of the CrMS--
-Moderator: Theresa Schortgen, MSN, RN, CFCP, CFCE
1. Advanced Case Management with Post-Peak Peak-Type Mucus
-Krista Falcone, BS, CFCP, CFCE
1. Identify the standardized terminology of the Peak Day and explore examples of advanced chart management with a complex charting
pattern.
2. Apply the standardized protocols in identifying the Peak Day and the progression of advanced chart management.
2. Mastering Management of Pre-Peak Yellow Stamps in Regular Cycles
-Margaret Howard, MAM, CFCE
1. Determine the candidacy for use of Pre-Peak Yellow Stamps and develop appropriate plan of action for implementing Pre-Peak
Yellow Stamps; including how and where to document in the follow-up form.
2. Evaluate effectiveness of Pre-Peak Yellow Stamps and discuss management of cycles when pattern changes and where to document
in follow-up form.
3. Managing a Breastfeeding Client with Continuous Mucus Pattern on Pre-Peak Yellow Stamps with Return to Cycles and a Pattern of Dry Cycles
-Anne Olek, FNP, CFCE, CFCP
1. Identify unusual charting patterns of limited mucus and dry cycles in a client breastfeeding weaning with return to fertility who had a
continuous mucus pattern previously.
2. Learn how to implement use of the ESQ in dealing with clients returning to fertility with dry cycles or limited mucus discharge.
11:15-12:45pm Jefferson BC
--Option B Medical Consultant Breakout Session: Creighton Model FertilityCare System Q&A Panel--
Moderator:
Jean Golden-Tevald, DO, CFCMC, FCP
Panelists:
Francis Achebe, MD, DFM, CFCMC, CFCP, CFCE
Teresa Hilgers, MD, MS, CFCMC, FCP
Tina Reichley, MD, CFCMC
Objectives
1. Discuss specific issues involving the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTECHNOLOGY in the treatment of women's health.
2. Explore various applications and treatments using NaProTECHNOLOGY in the health care setting.
12:45-2:00pm Lunch on your own
12:45-2:00pm A.W. Ballroom A
Educators Luncheon (by invitation only):
--Rooted and Resilient: Balancing Cultural Change with Creighton Model FertilityCare System Integrity in Practitioner Recruitment--
-Becky Knapp, CFCP, CFCE
Objectives
1. Identify the key factors that support effective recruitment of qualified fertility appreciation educators who meet established professional and ethical standards.
2. Describe strategies that enhance retention, promote professional satisfaction, and foster ongoing development among experienced
FertilityCare practitioners.
3. Explain the importance of preserving program integrity and adhering to standardized educational frameworks—including the Model—while adapting to changing cultural and healthcare environments.
4. Discuss effective recruitment and communication approaches that clearly articulate program mission, educational scope, and community impact.
2:00-3:00pm A.W. Ballroom B
--Mastering Complex Charting: Advanced Assessment & Documentation Skills--
-Theresa Schortgen, MSN, RN, CFCP, CFCE
Objectives
1. Identify biomarkers that indicate potential “at-risk” situations and determine when clarification or follow-up is required.
2. Analyze complex charting patterns and assess using standardized evaluation criteria.
3. Demonstrate standardized documentation protocols to record assessment findings accurately and succinctly.
3:15-5:30pm Jefferson BC
AAFCP Business Meeting Day 1
-AAFCP BOD & Members
6:00pm Dinner on your own
8:00-9:30pm A.W. Ballroom A | FCCA Desert Reception (by invitation) | FCCA
9:00-11:00pm Hilton Hamilton Parlor | Hospitality Suite Open | Theresa Schortgen, Site Host
Friday July 24, 2026
7:00am Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Daily Mass | Monsignor Thomas Shoemaker
7:45-8:45am A.W. Ballroom A | Breakfast | More information to come
8:00am-5:15pm A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Exhibitor Tables Open
8:45-9:00am A.W. Ballroom B | Opening Announcements | BOD Member
9:00-10:00am A.W. Ballroom B
--Perimenopause and Creighton Model System/NaProTechnology-Un"chart"ed Territory--
-Stephanie Grosvenor, DO, CFCMC
Objectives
1. Discussion of hormonal changes during perimenopause.
2. Common charting findings with Creighton Model System during perimenopause.
3. Difficult and unique challenges with charting during perimenopause.
4. How charting during perimenopause can offer improved awareness and cycle health during these years.
5. Options for managing and navigating cycle abnormalities and symptoms of perimenopause which are in alignment with Church teaching.
10:00-11:00am A.W. Ballroom B
--Clinical Evaluation and Management of Infertility: A Case-Based Approach Including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Male Factor
Considerations--
-Tina Reichley, MD, CFCMC, FAAFP
-Krista Falcone, BS, CFCP, CFCE
Objectives
1. Describe key components of an infertility evaluation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
2. Explain the role of male factor assessment in the comprehensive evaluation and management of infertility.
3. Discuss current evidence and clinical considerations regarding the use of progesterone during pregnancy and the
postpartum period.
11:15am-12:15pm A.W. Ballroom B
--Principles of Identifying and Requesting Grant Support for Educational and Clinical Initiatives--
-Rose Fritzinger
Objectives
1. Identify appropriate public, private, and foundation-based funding sources relevant to clinical, educational, or research initiatives.
2. Describe the essential components of a compliant grant or funding request, including alignment with stated objectives and ethical
standards.
3. Recognize common elements and practices that should be avoided in grant requests to ensure transparency, professionalism, and
adherence to funding guidelines
12:30-2:00pm A.W. Ballroom A
Luncheon Presentation: Healing the Culture: Integrating Faith and FertilityCare
-Mark Overholt, MTS, MBA and Michelle Overholt, Operations Director
Objectives
1. Describe the One In Christ marriage preparation model and its influence on Catholic culture and family life.
2. Explain how marriage preparation serves as a pivotal moment for catechesis and the introduction of Natural Family Planning (NFP).
3. Analyze behavioral and health outcomes from NFP education in faith-based settings using participant data.
4. Design an actionable plan to implement patient education and fertility counseling strategies in their local parish or diocese using
the One In Christ model.
2:00-3:00pm A.W. Ballroom B
AAFCP Science & Research Forum
-Francis Achebe, MD, DFM, CFCMC, CFCP, CFCE
Objectives
1. Discuss current research in the area of natural fertility regulation.
2. Analyze current research in light of the ethics, standards, and principles of NaProTECHNOLOGY.
3. Promote research that explores the unique values of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System biomarkers in understanding pathophysiological events in women’s menstrual cycles to help in the treatment of women's health issues in the office setting.
3:15-5:00pm Jefferson BC
AAFCP Business Meeting Day 2
-AAFCP BOD & Members
6:00pm TinCaps Stadium | TinCaps Excursion | Theresa Schortgen, Site Host
-Dinner on your own if not attending the excursion
9:00-11:00pm Hilton Parlor | Hospitality Suite Open | Theresa Schortgen, Site Host
Saturday July 25, 2026
7:00am Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Daily Mass
| Monsignor Thomas Shoemaker
7:00-8:00am A.W. Ballroom A | Breakfast | More Information to come
7:15am-3:30pm A.W. Ballroom Prefunction | Exhibitor Tables Open
8:45-9:00am A.W. Ballroom B | Opening Announcements | BOD Member
9:00-11:00am A.W. Ballroom B
--50 Years Providing Creighton Model FertilityCare System: An Amazing Journey in Faith, Education and Service--
-K. Diane Daly, RN, CFCE
-Susan K. Hilgers, BA, CFCE
Objectives
1. Identify specific historical events connected with CrMS.
2. Present the current state of the art of CrMS Services.
3. Provide an overview of the professional infrastructure of CrMS and NaProTECHNOLOGY.
11:15-12:15pm A.W. Ballroom B
--The Scientific Advancements in Human Fertility--
-Thomas Hilgers, CFCMC
Objectives
1. Review 50 years of scientific advances in the understanding of Human Fertility.
2. Discuss the Existence of a “Biological Valve" in the human cervix and its relation to the tracking of fertility.
3. Review Advances that Have Been Made in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System Educational Program.
12:15-2:00pm A.W. Ballroom A
Luncheon Presentation: Fertilitas
-Miguel A. Gabián, President
More information to come
2:00-3:00pm A.W. Ballroom B
--Comparing and Contrasting Emerging Medical Models and NaProTECHNOLOGY for Treatment of Gynecological and Reproductive Problems--
-Teresa Hilgers, MD, MS, CFCMC, FCP
Objectives
1. Identify emerging medical models, including their charting methods, diagnostic and treatment approach, and scope of clinical applications.
2. Assess the library of research associated with each medical model.
3. Analyze the principles and ethical frameworks of each medical model.
4. Equip the audience with a summary comparing and contrasting each medical model with NaProTECHNOLOGY.
3:00-4:00pm A.W. Ballroom B
--Healthy Men, Healthy Families: The Critical Role of Men in Family Planning and Reproductive Health--
-Stephen J. Hilgers, MD, JD, CFCMC
Objectives
1. Analyze the social, cultural, and systemic challenges facing men in modern society, particularly in relation to mainstream approaches to family planning and fertility.
2. Explain the principles and practical applications of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTECHNOLOGY, with emphasis on their relevance to men’s roles in reproductive health.
3. Evaluate effective strategies that empower men to actively participate in family planning and fertility, and recommend actionable
approaches to overcome identified challenges.
5:00pm Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Vigil Mass
6:30-10:00pm A.W. Ballroom B | Closing Banquet & Awards | BOD & Program Committee
**Please note this schedule is subject to change**
