2026 WIWC Forum Session Agenda
In the agenda below, click the speaker’s name to read their bio. As we get closer to the forum, many sessions will have a posted presentation in PDF format designed for note taking. Clicking any link on this page will open the attachment in a new browser tab.
Wednesday, October 7th
11:30am – 12:30pm Registration – Vendor Display Area Open
Coffee & Beverages Served
12:30pm – 12:45pm Welcome Address & General Announcements

Carrie Zarate, Stubbe Case Management - WIWC Forum President

Carrie is the Executive Director of Customer Relations with 18 years’ experience in the Case Management area with Stubbe Case Management (SCM). SCM has been providing outstanding medical and vocational case management for over 39 years, focusing on integrity, appropriate medicine, the right time, and the best provider to achieve a successful return to function in a cost-effective manner. Prior to SCM, she was a claims professional as an adjuster, supervisor, and ultimately national claims manager. Carrie has been a board member with the Wisconsin Forum for nine years and has served in the workers’ compensation industry for over 30 years. She also serves as a board member for Kids Chance of Wisconsin.

Anne Loehr, Paradigm - Moderator

Anne Loehr is a Regional Sales Executive with Paradigm, a leading provider of workers’ compensation and specialty healthcare solutions. Working with insurers, employers, third-party administrators, rehabilitation providers, and other workers’ compensation professionals throughout Wisconsin, Anne collaborates to support recovery, accelerate return-to-work, and address the evolving challenges of today’s workers’ compensation environment.

With nearly three decades of experience in workers’ compensation and insurance, Anne brings extensive expertise across the claims continuum. Prior to joining Paradigm, she led multi-jurisdictional claims teams and managed complex workers’ compensation claims, providing firsthand insight into the operational, clinical, and financial factors that influence recovery, return-to-work, and outcomes throughout the claims process. She is recognized for building trusted relationships, fostering collaboration, and helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex workers’ compensation landscape.

Anne is an active leader within Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation community and serves with the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation Wisconsin Chapter, supporting professional development, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, she is passionate about building strong partnerships and bringing industry professionals together to improve outcomes for injured workers. Outside of work, Anne enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors through UTV riding and snowmobiling, traveling, and cheering on her youngest son, a collegiate wrestler at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her love of adventure recently took her to Switzerland, where she enjoyed hiking, hang gliding, and taking in the country’s breathtaking alpine scenery.

12:45pm – 1:45pm Mastering the Multiplier: Understanding Your Experience Mod and How to Lower Workers’ Compensation Costs
Your experience modification factor can have a significant impact on your workers’ compensation premiums but many employers don’t fully understand how it’s calculated or how their day-to-day decisions affect it. This session breaks down the experience mod in practical terms, explains the factors the influence your premiums, and highlights proven strategies to help control workers’ compensation costs. Attendees will also learn about common pitfalls that can unnecessarily increase premiums and leave with actionable tip to improve their organization’s bottom line.

Kate Musser, R&R Insurance Services, Inc.

Bio coming soon

Brad Stehno, R&R Insurance Services, Inc.

Brad has over 20 years of insurance industry experience and his focuses include providing risk management services to large accounts. He offers extensive knowledge and consultation in the areas of loss prevention, including OSHA and MSHA, workers’ compensation, supervisory development, strategic planning, EMR management, medical relations rapport, risk transfer, and contract review.

When Brad’s not developing or implementing safety programs for manufacturers and contractors, you may find him in a tree stand, enjoying the great outdoors with his children.

For Brad, teaching his children to respect and appreciate the sights and sounds of mother nature and the thrill of a successful hunt are what makes the “great outdoors” so great. His passion for the outdoors carries over to his work where he will consistently hunt for the best solution for his clients particular needs.


Luke Schulz, Schmitz Redi-Mix

Bio coming soon

1:45pm – 2:00pm Afternoon Break – Vendor Display Area Open
2:00pm – 3:00pm What’s New in Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation? A Legal Update
Attorney Larson will provide an update on recent changes to the Worker’s Compensation Act. She will also provide a review of recent Labor and Industry Review and appellate cases of importance.

Attorney Susan Larson, Arthur Chapman

Assisting insurers, third party administrators, and self-insured employers in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, Susan concentrates her practice in the area of Workers’ Compensation. Susan practices in Minnesota and Wisconsin and she regularly advises clients regarding situations involving the nuances of law between the two states.

Clients also count on Susan for the training of those familiar with either Minnesota or Wisconsin, but new to the other. Her work includes representing clients before the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings, Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals, Wisconsin Office of Worker’s Compensation Hearing, Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission and Wisconsin Circuit Court System. In order to keep clients up to date on changes in the law, Susan regularly speaks at the firm’s seminars and contributes to the authoring and editing of the firm’s Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Update.

Susan is fluent in Spanish, has studied in Spain, and traveled to various Spanish speaking countries.

3:00pm – 4:00pm Causation Beyond the Medical Record: The Information That Drives Better Decisions
Learn how each stakeholder can contribute critical information in analyzing causation issues. Discussion will include straightforward and complex causation decisions and how better information gathering can lead to stronger and more defensible claim outcomes.

Bill Luebke, AF Group

As the Director of Investigative Services at AF Group, I lead a dedicated team of professionals in uncovering and mitigating insurance fraud across multiple lines of business. In addition to overseeing the investigation team, I also manage the causation team, a group of experts who assess work-related injuries to help determine compensability by analyzing personal and occupational risk factors.

I oversee complex investigations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding our company’s integrity. My role involves collaborating with various departments to develop and implement fraud detection and prevention strategies. I leverage advanced analytical tools and industry best practices to identify suspicious activities and drive successful outcomes.

With over 11 years of experience in the insurance industry, I am passionate about maintaining a culture of vigilance and accountability. I am dedicated to continuous improvement and professional development, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies to keep our investigative and causation practices at the forefront of the industry.


Michael Borkowski, MD

Bio coming soon

Jamie Senner, Harley Davidson

Jamie Senner is a seasoned workers’ compensation and occupational health professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning claims management, claims training, and employer-based health and disability programs. Jamie began her career in workers’ compensation claims and held progressively responsible roles with United Heartland, Argent/West Bend Mutual, and Gallagher Bassett, managing medical and indemnity claims across multiple states and working closely with employers, injured employees, medical providers, and other stakeholders.

Today, Jamie is a Health Services Manager with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, where she works closely with leadership, Human Resources, Safety, Risk Management, Legal, Benefits, Union Leadership, Health Services, and claims partners to support employee health, wellness, and disability. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with an emphasis in Organizational Communication and a minor in General Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

4:00pm – 4:30pm Door Prize Giveaway (must be present to win)
4:30pm – 6:00pm Industry Networking Social Hour
Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres and beverages provided. Our industry’s best opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Thursday, October 8th
7:00am – 8:00am Registration and Vendor Area Open
8:00am – 8:15am Welcome Address & General Announcements

Carrie Zarate, Stubbe Case Management - WIWC Forum President

Carrie is the Executive Director of Customer Relations with 18 years’ experience in the Case Management area with Stubbe Case Management (SCM). SCM has been providing outstanding medical and vocational case management for over 39 years, focusing on integrity, appropriate medicine, the right time, and the best provider to achieve a successful return to function in a cost-effective manner. Prior to SCM, she was a claims professional as an adjuster, supervisor, and ultimately national claims manager. Carrie has been a board member with the Wisconsin Forum for nine years and has served in the workers’ compensation industry for over 30 years. She also serves as a board member for Kids Chance of Wisconsin.

Amy Oelke, CompIQ - AM Moderator

Bio coming soon

Scott Law, Athletico - PM Moderator

Scott Law earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2002 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 2005. He began his career with Athletico in 2005 and has since held progressive roles including Staff Clinician, Clinic Manager, and currently, Workers’ Compensation Program Manager. In this role, he oversees workers’ compensation operations across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Scott specializes in helping injured workers safely return to the workplace through individualized work conditioning programs and functional capacity evaluations. He also partners with employers on-site as a
Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS I), developing proactive ergonomicsolutions to identify risk factors, reduce workplace injuries, and manage workers’ compensation costs effectively.

8:15am – 9:15am Neurotrauma 2026: The Advancement of Neurosciences Through World-Class Clinical Care and Groundbreaking Research and Innovative Education
Dr. McCrea will discuss advances in point-of-care blood biomarker testing and a new framework for classifying Traumatic Brain Injury. Learn how this development may transform care for the injured worker. As the founder of Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS), Dr. Kurpad will contribute neurosurgical perspectives and clinical insights.

Michael McCrea, PhD, ABPP, Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Michael McCrea is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. He is currently The Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, Chair in Neurosurgery; Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurology; Vice Chair of Research; Co-director of the Center for Neurotrauma Research; and Director of Brain Injury Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. McCrea earned his doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then completed his internship training in neuropsychology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University Medical School.

He is a past President of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN). Dr. McCrea has been an active researcher in the neurosciences, with numerous scientific publications, book chapters, and national and international lectures on the topic of traumatic brain injury. He authored the text Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Postconcussion Syndrome: The New Evidence Base for Diagnosis and Treatment published by Oxford University Press. He is a member of the United States Department of Defense Health Board External Advisory Committee on Traumatic Brain Injury advising the Office of the Secretary of Defense on management and research of military related traumatic brain injury.


Shekar Kurpad, MD, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin

Bio coming soon

9:15am – 10:15am You Be the Judge: Idiopathic Injury Edition
In this interactive presentation, Attorney Cafaro will evaluate real-world idiopathic injury scenarios and engage the audience to decide whether the claims are compensable by exploring the legal principles, key facts, and practical considerations that shape these challenging coverage decisions.

Attorney Rollie Cafaro, Cafaro Law Office SC

Roland C. Cafaro, has been Peer Review Rated as AV® Preeminent™, the highest performance rating in Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system since 2004. He is a 1988 graduate of Creighton University where he earned a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Biology and a 1991 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Law.
Prior to founding his own firm, Mr. Cafaro was a shareholder at the Milwaukee law firm of Halling & Cayo, S.C., and prior to that served as a member of the trial counsel team for EBI Companies and Royal & SunAlliance, lastly serving in the role as Managing Trial Attorney for the state of Wisconsin.

He has served on the State Bar of Wisconsin Professionalism and Lawyer Dispute Resolution Committees and co-authored the State Bar Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Bar Association. Mr. Cafaro has lectured on behalf of The State Bar of Wisconsin, The University of Wisconsin School of Law, PESI, NBI, Wisconsin Safety Council, as well as numerous employer, insurer, and trade groups throughout Wisconsin.

10:15am – 10:45am Break – Vendor Display Area Open
10:45am – 11:45am CRPS: Practical Considerations for Diagnosis and Management in the Injured Worker
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) presents unique challenges in workers’ compensation cases.
This session will review current diagnostic criteria, common clinical presentations, evidence-based treatment approaches, and practical considerations for managing injured workers with CRPS while promoting functional recovery and return-to-work outcomes.

Oscar Wille, MD, Kinetic Spine and Pain

Dr. Oscar Wille is fellowship-trained and double board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and multidisciplinary pain management, with over 20 years of experience helping people to understand their pain and what they can do about it. At Kinetic Spine and Pain, he employs a holistic approach, believing strongly in patient education and self-management, and the philosophy that “movement is medicine.” Prior to starting this solo venture, he served for over fifteen years as medical director for the Columbia St. Mary’s Center for Pain Management in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Recognized for his thoughtful, attentive approach to patient care, collaborative treatment planning and advanced procedural skills, Dr. Wille helps people become their most active selves while minimizing reliance on medications. Conditions treated include back and neck pain, sciatica, pinched nerves, arthritis, joint and muscle pain, neuropathy, spinal stenosis, tendinitis, bursitis, work injuries and overuse injuries.

11:45am – 1:00pm Lunch and Vendor Break
1:00pm – 1:45pm Keynote Presentation
Experience an unforgettable keynote with magician Caleb Hyatt, whose blend of incredible illusions, quick wit, and engaging personality will leave you amazed. More than just a performance, Caleb creates an interactive experience that captivates audiences, inspires wonder, and provides the perfect blend of entertainment and lasting memories.

Caleb Hyatt, Hyatts Magic

Caleb Hyatt strives to ensure that every event he performs becomes a special and unforgettable experience for each person in the audience. His intention is not just to “perform,” but to create lasting memories. Caleb firmly believes in the power of crafting an extraordinary and indelible encounter. With his mind-blowing tricks, razor-sharp sense of humor, and vibrant personality, he mesmerizes and enthralls, offering a fresh perspective on the world of magic. Whether he is delivering a captivating performance on a grand stage or engaging in close-up magic, Caleb leaves his audience longing for more, eager to delve deeper into the enchanting realm he unveils

1:45pm – 2:45pm Shoulder versus Neck, the Challenges of Identifying the Pain Source
In this presentation, Dr. Babu will be discussing how he diagnoses pain from these body parts. Symptoms including radiating or mechanical pain, neurological signs, joint stiffness. He will discuss tests to help unlock the diagnosis such as maneuvers, and diagnostics. Finally, treatment options once a diagnosis has been achieved. He will present case studies to review this process within the work comp claims setting.

Jacob Babu, MD, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute

Dr. Babu is a dual-fellowship trained, Board-Certified Spine Surgeon. Dr. Babu is passionate about restoring function, relieving pain, and improving quality of life for patients with spinal disorders. He specializes in comprehensive spine surgical care in adults and adolescents including nonoperative management of spine conditions, minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spinal reconstruction, motion-sparing procedures, spinal infections, and traumatic injuries. Dr. Babu has years of expertise in endoscopic spine surgery, offering the most minimally invasive surgical option to treat spinal conditions.

Dr. Babu acquired degrees in Engineering and Medicine in the Chicagoland area. He completed his surgical training in orthopedic surgery at Brown University. He then went on to complete two fellowships, the first in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery from Brown University. He furthered his education by completing a Spine Surgery Fellowship from the Johns Hopkins University.

Additionally, Dr. Babu is highly active in research and education. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles advancing the fields of orthopedic and spine surgery. Dr. Babu is an Assistant Professor in Orthopedics at Chicago Medical School where he mentors and educates the future generation of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is also passionate about international healthcare and serves on the steering committee for Health Volunteers Overseas.

2:45pm – 3:00pm Break – Vendor Display Area Open
3:00pm – 4:00pm Voices from the Bench: Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judges Address Issues You Need To Know About
The Administrative Law Judge panel will give their perspectives on key workers’ compensation trends and decisions. Be ready to present those questions you need to get answered.

ALJ Sean Spencer, Department of Workforce Development – Division of Worker's Compensation

Sean M Spencer is an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Workforce Development, Worker’s Compensation Division. He began his employment with the state in December of 2022. Before becoming an ALJ, he practiced worker’s compensation in Wisconsin for just over twenty-one years. He received his J.D. from Marquette University Law School, as a Zilber Scholarship recipient, and obtained his undergraduate degree from Lawrence University.

ALJ Amanda Luedtke, Department of Workforce Development – Division of Worker's Compensation

Judge Amanda Luedtke has been an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Wisconsin for Worker’s Compensation since 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green-Bay, where she doubled majored and honored in Psychology and Human Biology with an emphasis in Kinesiology. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Marquette University Law School in 2015. While at Marquette, she worked at the Milwaukee Medical Examiner’s Office, assisting with autopsies and constitutional issues. Prior to working for the Worker’s Compensation Division, Judge Luedtke worked as an Unemployment ALJ, and was also an attorney in private practice focusing on insurance defense litigation at the Circuit, Appellate and Federal District levels.

ALJ Sam Weinberg, Department of Workforce Development – Division of Worker's Compensation

Bio coming soon.

Attorney Susan Barranco, Barranco Law - Moderator

Susan V. Barranco is an attorney licensed to practice in Wisconsin and Illinois who serves as a business advisor and advocate with an emphasis on workers’ compensation litigation. In 2024, Susan founded Barranco Legal, ltd., drawing upon experience defending hundreds of litigated matters from start to conclusion while leading a successful law office branch.

In addition, Susan is an adjunct professor at Marquette University Law School, where she teaches the workers’ compensation course.

Before starting her own practice, Susan spent over 11 years as an attorney with one of the nation’s largest and most successful insurance defense litigation firms, rising to shareholder. In that time, she opened and served as the managing partner for the firm’s branch office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, maintaining a full case load and mentoring associates while delivering results for clients.
Susan served as Chief Justice to the Moot Court board at Marquette Law, where she also placed first in the Jenkins Honors Moot Court Competition in 2011, sharing the Franz C. Eschweiler Prize for Best Brief and earning the Ramon A. Klitzke Prize for Best Oral Argument.

Susan, Class President for Menomonee Falls High School (class of 2000), also spoke at her high school graduation. She is a skilled and engaging speaker who has presented on many topics in the workers’ compensation arena. Susan is a born leader who served as captain on her high school sports teams. She is a competitor, thriving in an adversarial litigation profession while developing a high degree of respect from colleagues for her collegial attitude and pragmatic approach to defense handling.

Susan, a Milwaukee native, resides in the Jacobus Park neighborhood of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, with her wife Chloe, and their children, Beatrice and August, and cats, Coco and Calcetín. Back when she was fun (before becoming a lawyer), Susan enjoyed writing and performing spoken word poetry. These days, she enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, double majoring in English (Honors in the major; Distinction in Senior Thesis — novella “Skipping Sixth”) and Communications, from Lake Forest College. Susan studied abroad in Rome, Italy in fall 2002. She was selected as a member of LFC’s “Senior 25” for the Class of 2004. Susan earned a Juris Doctor, cum laude, graduating in the top 10% of her class from Marquette University Law School.

4:00pm – 4:15pm Door Prize Giveaway
4:15pm – 6:00pm Industry Networking Social Hour
Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres and beverages provided. Our industry’s best opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Please note this agenda is subject to change.