Our Experts Don’t Just Speak—They Spark Change in Healthcare.

Transform your next event with evidence-based insights from national healthcare leaders.

David Theobald, DNP, MS, RN, NE-BC

President & CEO of Davin Healthcare

Expert in Hospital Safety, Workforce Innovation, and Nurse Leadership

Dr. Theobald is a nationally recognized nurse leader, innovator, and CEO of Davin Healthcare with more than 20 years of experience in clinical care, workforce strategy, and healthcare technology. His work empowers hospitals nationwide to implement programs that protect staff, promote wellness, enhance patient care, and strengthen workforce pipelines.

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Key Speaking Topics

K-9 Security Programs for Hospitals: Reducing Workplace Violence

Hospitals face increasing challenges with workplace violence, impacting both staff safety and patient care. Dr. Theobald shares how K-9 security programs can de-escalate volatile situations and provide a visible layer of protection. Attendees will gain practical tools, resource guides, and operational strategies for sustainable implementation. He also highlights available funding opportunities, national lessons learned, and insights from the SUNY Respect and Heal Conference.

K-9 Security Programs for Hospitals: Reducing Workplace Violence

Hospitals face increasing challenges with workplace violence, impacting both staff safety and patient care. Dr. Theobald shares how K-9 security programs can de-escalate volatile situations and provide a visible layer of protection. Attendees will gain practical tools, resource guides, and operational strategies for sustainable implementation. He also highlights available funding opportunities, national lessons learned, and insights from the SUNY Respect and Heal Conference.

Bridget Edu Technology: Building Pipelines for Healthcare Professionals

Workforce shortages require innovative, scalable solutions. Dr. Theobald introduces Bridget Edu, a platform designed to support nursing, allied health, and advanced practice students through structured clinical experiences. He shares how technology can track competencies, streamline mentorship, and translate education into long-term workforce growth. This session demonstrates how academic-practice partnerships fuel sustainable hiring pipelines.

Wearable Technologies & Clinician Wellbeing: Promoting Health, Engagement, and Retention

Clinician wellbeing is vital for retention and quality care delivery. Drawing from his DNP research at Baylor University, Dr. Theobald explores how wearable technologies can support self-awareness, health monitoring, and proactive wellbeing. He outlines how organizations can develop wellness programs and reimbursement policies for this technology. Attendees will learn strategies that build a culture of care, reduce absenteeism, and improve staff engagement.

Creating Healthy and Safe Healthcare Environments

A safe and supportive environment is the foundation of quality care. This talk combines insights from K-9 security, workforce technology, and wellness initiatives into a comprehensive safety strategy. Dr. Theobald presents evidence-based methods for reducing burnout, preventing workplace violence, and improving retention. The session equips leaders with actionable steps to create a culture where staff and patients thrive.

Creating Healthy and Safe Healthcare Environments

A safe and supportive environment is the foundation of quality care. This talk combines insights from K-9 security, workforce technology, and wellness initiatives into a comprehensive safety strategy. Dr. Theobald presents evidence-based methods for reducing burnout, preventing workplace violence, and improving retention. The session equips leaders with actionable steps to create a culture where staff and patients thrive.

Nurse Leadership & Innovation

Today’s healthcare challenges require bold and innovative nurse leaders. Dr. Theobald shares proven strategies for mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leading systemic change. Attendees will learn how to champion programs that improve safety, stabilize the workforce, and prioritize wellbeing. This session inspires future leaders to embrace innovation as the key to solving pressing healthcare challenges.

Matthew Hickling, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Davin Healthcare

Board-Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | Chief Nursing Officer

Matthew is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with a strong background in intensive care, hematology/oncology, and emergency medicine. A recognized leader in school health and nursing policy, he brings deep clinical insight and a passion for advocacy to his role as Chief Nursing Officer at Davin Healthcare. He champions quality care, strengthens provider-patient relationships, and advances long-term workforce solutions. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys time outdoors with his family and supports local nonprofits like Maddie’s Mark.

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Key Speaking Topics

School Health & Student Wellbeing

As a leader in school health, Matthew highlights how evidence-based nursing practices directly improve student outcomes. He explores the critical role of school nurses in supporting both physical and mental health. Attendees will gain insights on building stronger school health programs that address community needs and create healthier learning environments. His advocacy-driven perspective equips schools to prioritize student wellbeing.

School Health & Student Wellbeing

As a leader in school health, Matthew highlights how evidence-based nursing practices directly improve student outcomes. He explores the critical role of school nurses in supporting both physical and mental health. Attendees will gain insights on building stronger school health programs that address community needs and create healthier learning environments. His advocacy-driven perspective equips schools to prioritize student wellbeing.

Pediatric & Family-Centered Care

Family engagement is at the heart of effective pediatric care. Matthew shares lessons from his background in intensive care, hematology/oncology, and emergency medicine to illustrate the power of family-centered approaches. He emphasizes how providers can strengthen trust and improve outcomes by partnering with parents and caregivers. This session offers practical strategies to improve care delivery across pediatric and family settings.

Nursing Policy & Advocacy

Healthcare professionals have the power to shape policy that improves care access and equity. Matthew brings his expertise in nursing policy to demonstrate how clinicians can become effective advocates at the local, state, and national level. He shares stories of successful initiatives and the impact of nurse-led policy change. Attendees will walk away with tools to influence decisions that protect providers and patients alike.

Permanent Placement & Workforce Stability

Workforce shortages extend far beyond temporary staffing needs. Matthew discusses how permanent placement models can build stronger, more resilient care teams. He highlights strategies to support provider-patient relationships, enhance retention, and create long-term solutions for healthcare organizations. Leaders will learn how to stabilize their workforce while maintaining high standards of care.

Permanent Placement & Workforce Stability

Workforce shortages extend far beyond temporary staffing needs. Matthew discusses how permanent placement models can build stronger, more resilient care teams. He highlights strategies to support provider-patient relationships, enhance retention, and create long-term solutions for healthcare organizations. Leaders will learn how to stabilize their workforce while maintaining high standards of care.

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Past Events & Speaking Engagements

CEO David Theobald and CNO Matthew Hickling have presented at leading conferences, academic summits, and community health initiatives across the country. Together, they offer a wide range of opportunities, including:

  • Moderating discussions

  • Leading panel topics

  • Delivering keynote presentations

  • Facilitating workshops

  • Developing abstracts

With proven experience and the flexibility to tailor their expertise to your organization’s specific needs, David and Matthew bring both thought leadership and practical solutions to every stage.

Explore photos from past events and initiatives below.