Eric Bruns, MBA
Executive Director, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Eric B. Bruns is a retired career Army officer with over 25 years of valiant service to the nation where
he served as an Air Defense officer responsible for the implementation of warfare simulations programs. He
retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving in Kitzingen, Germany, Guantanamo Bay Cuba and exercises in
Japan, receiving a Legion of Merit. Eric graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point
in 1988 with a BS in Engineering and completed an MBA from Mays Business School at Texas A&M
University
that he uses to continue a career in service to others.
Eric served as the Associate Director for the Events Division of the VHA Employee Education System (EES)
in the Crystal City Facility where he addressed education needs for VHA clients. As the Associate
director, he implemented the policies, procedures, and systems required for maintaining and enhancing the
overall organizational mission, develops, and documents standards to measure quality and effectiveness of
programs.
Eric is currently the Executive Director of the Simulation Learning Evaluation, Assessment and Research
Network (SimLEARN) where he develops strategy for using simulation based clinical education products to
drive the innovation of healthcare, making the VA a high reliability organization.
Scott Wiltz, MD, MPH, FAAFP
SimLEARN Medical Director, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Dr. Scott Wiltz is a family doctor serving as the SimLEARN Medical Director. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) School of Medicine in New Orleans, the Eglin Air Force Base Family Medicine Residency Program, and the Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. He served in the Air Force for 12 years as a clinician and educator including duties as a medical director and residency program director with multiple research publications and national presentations. He has been with SimLEARN since May 2017, leading classes and projects developing clinical, leadership, and educational skills to meet the needs of SimLEARN’s clients and partners. He serves as a primary contact for SimLEARN with national program offices, clinical subject matter experts, and other partners in VA, DoD and other government, academic, and private sector groups. As a leader, physician, and Veteran, Dr. Wiltz is dedicated to ensuring the VA meets is mission to care for all “who shall have borne the battle.”
Lisa Baker, BSN, Med
Director, Clinical Learning and Innovation; National Program Director, Resuscitation Education and Innovation
Ms. Lisa Baker joined SimLEARN in 2019 and serves as the National
Program Director for Resuscitation Education and Innovation (REDI). In 2021, as SimLEARN reorganized, she
was also appointed as the Director of Clinical Learning and Innovation. In these roles, Ms. Baker is
responsible for enterprise-wide oversight and support of a robust resuscitation portfolio, the design and
distribution of standardized simulation-based training through innovative learning platforms and
leveraging interprofessional simulation education and expertise through collaborative engagement with VA
Medical Centers.
Ms. Baker possess experience in executive medicine, quality management, patient safety, risk management,
and critical care and education. Prior to this position, Ms. Baker served as the Associate Director for
Training, responsible for the oversight of all SimLEARN operations related to the development, delivery,
evaluation, and sustainment of simulation-based training projects and national curriculum. Ms. Baker has
worked in several executive details throughout her VA career, to include Chief, Organizational Performance
Improvement, Assistant Director, Facility Support, and Assistant Director, Geriatrics and Mental Health.
Before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs in November 2013, Ms. Baker served in the U.S. Navy as
an active-duty Nurse Corps Officer, holding several executive leadership positions and honorably retiring
after 21 years at the rank of Commander.
Ms. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND, a
Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, and a
Post Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Modeling and Simulation from the Naval Postgraduate School,
Monterey, CA.
Franklin Espinal, PMP
Associate Director for Support Operations, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Franklin Espinal serves as SimLEARN’s Associate Director for Support Operations, overseeing work related
to support functions for the development and distribution of clinical training development and
distribution to health care providers and associated staff. He previously served as the Executive
Assistant for the Deputy Chief Learning Officer (DCLO) for the Veterans Health Administration, Employee
Education System (EES).
Franklin joined VHA from the Department of Defense where he worked as a Senior Program Manager for the
Chief Scientist for the Air Force Medical Service advancing modernization efforts by focusing research on
Warfighters needs. Mr. Espinal retired from the United States Air Force after completing 23-years as a
Medical Service Corp Officer. He brings extensive experience in project management, requirements
generation, information systems, human resource management, managed care, logistics management, budgetary
and fiscal management, education and training, and facility/construction management. Mr. Espinal’s past
deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) where he served as the administrator for the Allied
Health Professions Institute in Kabul Afghanistan. He holds a Master of Arts in Computer Resources and
Information Systems from Webster University.
Tracey Robilotto, DNP(c), MSN Ed., APRN, ACNS-BC
Associate Director SimLEARN, Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI) Program Regional Training Manager, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Dr. Robilotto joined the SimLEARN team in 2011 as one of the first Health Education Specialists hired to
stand up the National Simulation Center and the Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI) program. In 2017
she was promoted to Associate Director.
Dr. Robilotto came to SimLEARN from the Louis Stokes VAMC in Cleveland, Ohio where she was the ICU,
Progressive Care, and ER Nurse Educator. Dr. Robilotto has 25 years of clinical experience with the
majority in intensive care including medical, surgical, neuro, and cardiothoracic surgery units. She spent
five years providing cardiothoracic intensive care and gaining cutting-edge experience at the worldwide
health care leader Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals Cleveland before joining the VHA in 2004.
Dr. Robilotto is an advanced practice Clinical Nurse Specialist, board certified in adult health care and
earned her doctorate in nursing from the Jesuit Regis University, in Colorado. She has a master’s degree
in Nursing specialized in Healthcare Education and holds a Healthcare Education teaching certificate. Dr.
Robilotto also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Modeling and Simulation from the Naval
Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
Devin Harrison, MBA, PMP
Associate Director Assessment Collaboration and Outreach, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Devin Harrison has a 20-year record of public service within VA. His journey began at VA Hudson Valley
Healthcare System, and he most recently served as Assessment Collaboration and Outreach’s (ACO)
simulation-based healthcare design testing project manager at SimLEARN, where he joined in 2020.
Throughout his federal career, Devin has held various influential positions within VA, demonstrating his
versatility and commitment to making a difference. He has served as a general engineer, community-based
outpatient clinic coordinator and diffusion specialist, contributing his expertise to a diverse range of
projects. His bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from South Carolina State University
and master's in business administration, along with his project management professional (PMP) Credential
from the Project Management Institute, reflect his dedication to continuous learning and professional
growth.
Devin's extensive experience spans multiple domains, including mobile application development, software
application integration, and construction renovation and design. Leveraging his talents, he plays a vital
role in modernizing the VA enterprise and enhancing Veterans’ experiences. His expertise, combined with
his passion for improving the well-being of others, positions him as an asset within the organization.
Jonathan Borgwing, EdD.
Associate Director for Training Operations, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Dr. Jonathan Borgwing was appointed as the Associate Director for Training Operations of SimLEARN on
January 6, 2020. Dr. Borgwing is responsible for the oversight of all SimLEARN operations related to the
Dr. Borgwing possesses experience in curriculum management, instructional design and development,
educational evaluation, and program management. Before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr.
Borgwing served in several educational leadership positions within a schoolhouse associated with the
United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca, Arizona as a Department of the Army
civilian, and is an Army Veteran.
Dr. Borgwing holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from Northeastern University; a
Master of Science in Educational Technology from the University of Arizona; a Graduate Certificate in
Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Arizona; and a Doctorate of Education in
Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University with a dissertation focused on the impact of Agile
elements on the ADDIE model.
Brian Stevenson, FACPPM, FACCOR
Associate Director of Emerging Healthcare Technology Integration, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Brian Stevenson serves as SimLEARN’s Associate Director for Emerging Healthcare Technology Integration
overseeing work related to technical functions and emerging healthcare technology physical/virtual
classrooms and partnerships. Brian accelerates the adoption of emerging health technology through
simulation and learning, to optimize patient care and empower VHA as a learning health system by assessing
the technology landscape and identifying solutions that advance the standard of clinical learning and
simulation, informing the National Simulation Center’s (NSC) curriculum development, focusing on emerging
health technologies to improve care delivery and optimizing workflows of emerging health technologies in a
simulated, risk-free environment.
Brian joined VHA from the Department of Defense, shortly after the Persian Gulf War I, where he worked as
an Operations Specialist for the Combat Systems Division 1 aboard the USS Stark (FFG-31), advancing
modernization efforts by implementing and operating warfighter systems such as: Link 11 and Joint
Operations Tactical System (JOTS) a first of its kind global network. He brings extensive experience in
project management, requirements generation, information systems, logistics management,
operationalization of clinical innovation technologies, and VHA information systems to enterprise scale.
Mr. Stevenson’s past deployments include the Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL) NATO Sharp Spear 89,
Space Shuttle Recovery Operations (SSROs), Legal Enforcement Operations (LEOs) with the U.S. Coast Guard
and Operation Desert Storm (ODS), where he served as an anti-air warfare coordinator (AAWC) in the North
Frigate Patrol Station in the northern Arabian Gulf (NAG).
Shannon R. Swain, MBA, BSN, CHSE
Associate Director for Clinical Simulation and Engagement, Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN)
Mr. Shannon R. Swain MBA, BSN, CHSE joined SimLEARN in March 2024 as the Associate Director for Clinical
Training and Engagement. In this role, he oversees the SimLEARN faculty team and empowers enterprise
simulation teams to deliver and maintain high-quality education aimed at improving Veteran outcomes.
Before joining VA, Mr. Swain dedicated over two decades in the health care simulations domain. During his
tenure with the Adventist Healthcare System, he spearheaded the development of eight simulation centers,
the Simulated Patient Program, the Advent Health University Simulation Program, and provided support to 68
hospital-based programs within the Central Florida Division. Shannon is a retired Senior Non-Commissioned
Officer and combat Veteran who served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army National Guard Special Forces.
Mr. Swain holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix as well as a Bachelor
of Science in Nursing from Keiser University. He is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations
Specialist (CHSOS) and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).