iPain Summit 2019

Sponsors

International Pain Summit 2019

Thursday, NERVEmber 14, 2019

Registration
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Exhibit Hall Open – Ballroom C
Exhibitor Hall Open
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Exhibit Hall – Ballroom C
Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Ballroom D
Topic: Screening; On a Scale of 1 to 10 Film and
Panel & presentation of the iPain Community Impact Awards
Panel: Laurent Goldstein, Jennifer Unruh, Barby Ingle,
Brandy Gilmore & more!
Presented by: Citrus Pie Media, 2019 iPain Impact Award Recipient

Get your favorite talks from the
iPain Summit, transcribed right

to your device.
We've partnered with Thisten
– an audio-to-text platform
that transcribes conversations

in real time.
This year’s conference will be
accessible through live captioning

on Thisten.
Go to your app store

to download now!

International Pain Summit 2019

Friday, NERVEmber 15, 2019

their lives. The importance of treating the whole person and
individualizing treatment to meet the specific needs of each
person.

PATIENT ENGAGEMENT TO INITIATE
BETTER HEALTH
Time: 10:00am
Exhibitors Location: Ballroom A
Time: 9am-4:30pm Location: Exhibit Hall – Ballroom C Panel Presenters: Barby Ingle, Maggie Buckley, Marni
Cartelli, Mia Maysack
Breakfast Topic: Patient and caregiver tips and tools for navigating
Time: 8:00am Location: Plateia
the health system for better access to proper and timely care.
Identifying the patient journey across the care continuum
SUMMIT WELCOME with interventions encouraging patients to communicate
Time: 8:45am Location: Ballroom A
Speaker: Ken Taylor with providers who can proactively address issues and in-
Topic: Welcome and logistics crease positive experiences and outcomes
Objectives: Design a workflow for patients to use prior to
arrival; patients receive appointment reminders, educational
UPDATE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PAIN material, and pre-arrival surveys, provide sample patients
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Time: 8:50am Location: Ballroom A questions that allow their care providers to quickly identify
and resolve issues, Patients learn to utilize two-way commu-
Speaker: Gayle M Taylor-Ford, LSCSW, LCAC of Therapy nication to ask providers questions and stay on the road to
Services, LLC recovery.
Topic: iPain update from our secretary

SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS RELATING TO NUCCA FOR PAIN RELIEF
TREATING PAIN WITH A FOCUS ON INFUSION Time: 10:00am
THERAPY Location: Ballroom D
Time: 9:00am Location: Ballroom A Speaker: Dr. Tymothy Flory, DC, NUCCA
Speaker: Raju Poolacherla, M.D. Topic: The life changing impact countless patients, doctors,
Topic: Integrating the latest science and advance Research and students are able to realize as a result of impeccable
of pain should focus on finding innovative delivery models, upper cervical care and the profound healing effects of the
treatment, drugs/logics, and devices. cements related to NUCCA procedure.
treating pain through an integrated multidisciplinary and Objectives: Learn about this gentle, non-invasive technique
multimodal practice. was developed more than forty years ago to create a radical
Objectives: This will be based on new therapeutic strategies new way of healing that can help restore body balance and
and better mechanistic understanding at molecular and cel- perfect health. The focus of the NUCCA work is the rela-
lular levels. Illustrate new therapeutic strategies emerging in tionship between the upper cervical spine (neck) and its in-
areas such as pharmacotherapy, stem cell therapy, infusion fluence on the central nervous system and brain stem func-
therapies (Ketamine, Lidocaine, IVIg), pain pumps and neu- tion. It is this relationship that affects every aspect of human
romodulation, Show how pain medicine practice should be function from the feeling sensations in your fingers to regu-
patient-centered and multidisciplinary, Follow public health lating hormones, controlling movement, and providing the
communication strategies to inform patients on how to man- ability to hear, see, think, and breathe.

age their own pain. CANNABIS RESEARCH DATA FOR PAIN CARE

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS Location: Ballroom A
Time: 9:00am Location: Ballroom D Presented by: Alon Blatt, NiaMedic Healthcare & Re-
Speaker: Traci Patterson, MD, MBA, CH, CI search Services Ltd. is a data and healthcare company offer-
Topic: Alternative treatment options for chronic pain pa- ing innovative, multi-disciplinary, medical consultation and
tients (RSD/CRPS, Fibromyalgia, AMPS, SFN, Neuropathic research services. Topic: NiaMedic is providing advanced
Pain, etc.) through a personalized, evidence based, non- integration of proprietary Medical Cannabis treatments with
invasive, drug free treatment option that allows individuals conventional medical care. NiaMedic’s treatment protocols
to regain their lives. are developed by a team of experts that utilizes its compre-
Objective: Learn about an outcome and evidence based, hensive research platform in collaboration with a network of
non-invasive and drug-free treatment protocol that is help- leading renowned researchers.

ing chronic pain patients gain functional levels and regain

LAWSUIT PROTECTION FOR PROVIDERS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND PAIN
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Time: 2:15pm
Location: Ballroom A Location: Ballroom D
Topic: Today, the average business faces an average of five Speaker: Gayle M Taylor-Ford, LSCSW, LCAC of Therapy
lawsuits in its lifetime; meaning that lawsuit prevention and Services, LLC
protection are essential topics for every business owner. Topic: Chronic Pain Associated With Traumatic Brain Inju-
Presented by: Natalyn O. Lewis of Legally Mine USA – ry: Causes and Management; Although more than three-
Legally Mine is the largest, most respected, experienced, and quarters of TBI cases are mild with rapid symptom resolu-
comprehensive lawsuit protection company in America. We tion, some people suffer persistent debilitation and pain.
provide specialized consulting, packages and tools to help Objectives: Describe the pathophysiology of traumatic brain
businesses and practices manage risk. injury, Discuss appropriate assessment of patients with TBIs,
PATIENT PERSPECTIVE: A VETERAN’S Identify nursing and medical interventions for patients with
PAIN JOURNEY TBIs
Time: 12:30pm EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM HIV SURVIVAL
Location: Ballroom D Time: 3:00pm
Speaker: Helen Runyan, LCP Location: Ballroom A
Topic: This session will have attendees accompany the Speaker: Daniel G. Garza
speaker down the long road of attempts to gain pain relief. Topic: This session will review the primary and secondary
The speaker will shed light for others seeking help for chron- effects of long-term HIV survival.
ic pain, perhaps saving money and time for the attendees Objectives: Attendees will look at how medicine has extend-
Objectives: Overview of the help available to veterans with ed the life of those living with HIV while other diagnoses,
chronic pain through the Veterans Administration, Evaluate such as cancers, diabetes, blood pressure, etc, are discovered
alternative methods to heal chronic pain, along with the esti- and can make surviving a struggle. Q&A session will target
mated cost of them, Discuss relieving chronic pain through how geographical differences can affect how a long-term sur-
mental health professionals vivor will develop, evolve and reach a better quality of life
HISTORY, EARLY ASSESSMENT AND through mental health, support group, medication, etc.
INTERVENTION OF CRPS PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM & OSKA PULSE
Location: Ballroom A Time: 3:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Phillip Getson, D.O. Location: Ballroom D
Topic: History, Supports, Education, and advocacy needs for Speaker: Dr. Jeff Marksberry, Chief Medical Officer OSKA
the rare condition of CRPS Topic: PEMF and Oska Pulse: Non-Drug Pain Relief
Objectives: Learn the history of rare condition Complex Re- Objectives: Understand how Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields
gional Pain Syndrome, Identify CRPS Supports (direct, fi- (PEMF) boost the body’s ability to repair injured cells to re-
nancial, tool box items) at the community level, Explaining lieve all types of pain. Learn more about clinically proven
the -psycho-social method in the treatment of CRPS, and Ad- Oska Pulse and how it uses patent-pending PEMF technology
vocacy in the public level for CRPS. to help relieve pain.

ADDICTION AND PAIN ACUPUNCTURE FOR POST-SURGICAL PATIENTS
Time: 1:30pm TO OPTIMIZE THEIR RECOVERY
Location: Ballroom D Time: 3:45pm –
Speaker: Gayle M Taylor-Ford, LSCSW, LCAC of Therapy Location: Ballroom A
Services, LLC Speaker: Dr. Nell Smircina
Topic: Planning access to treatment typically limited by stig- Topic: Acupuncture for Post-Surgical Patients to optimize
ma, underserved geographical locations, underutilized medi- their recovery, particularly in the area of chronic pain preven-
cal settings, outdated service delivery structures, and funding tion
restrictions Objectives: Bridging the gap and understanding the pain cy-
Objectives: List genetic and environmental factors, contrib- cle, Familiarizing multiple modalities for pain
uting to the influence, development and course of CNCP and management within Eastern Medicine/
addiction, Clinicians will understand CNCP, addiction, and acupuncture, Addressing road-
other behavioral health issues to apply services for chronic blocks to healing.
pain patient with or in recovery from a SUD, Describe the
complexities of CNCP and SUDs, patients with these co-
occurring, chronic conditions can be treated effectively

International Pain Summit 2019
Saturday, NERVEmber 16, 2019

Breakfast SYSTEMIC CORRELATES OF THE TMJ
Time: 8:00am Location: Plateia DISORDER & NEUROINFLAMMATION
Time: 11:00am Location: Ballroom A
Exhibitors Panel: Dr. Gary Demerjian, Dr. Barkhordarian
Time: 9am-1:00pm Location: Exhibit Hall – Ballroom C Topic: A clinical trial look at the local and systemic manifesta-
tions and correlates of temporomandibular joint disorders
A DOSE OF MUSIC; HEALING THE BODY, HEART, (TMDs) encompassing the two intertwined facets of translational
MIND AND SPIRIT WITH SOUND science – translational research and translational effectiveness –
Time: 9:00am Location: Ballroom A as they relate specifically to TMDs and neuroinflammation
Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey D. Thompson, D.C., B.F.A., C.N.S.T. Objectives: Summarize translational research focusing on topics
Topic: The use of sound in a person’s well-being has historically such as the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the trigeminal
been a part of traditional Indian culture. Transmitted orally for nerve and trigeminal network system, the manifestations of neu-
generations, they were created to be chanted, and equal im- roinflammation in TMDs, and the molecular mechanisms under-
portance was given to the sound structure as to the actual mean- lying TMDs, Identify the clinical effectiveness of treatment from
ing of the words. People believed that the sound waves from the the perspective of evidence based dentistry, with careful atten-
chanting could cure people of ailments. tion to the critical relationships between dental malocclu-
Objective: Learn theories of how and why sound therapy can sions, the signs and symptoms of TMDs, and airway/ breathing
help healing disorders, Evaluate interventions to correct for malocclusal con-
ditions that lead to TMDs, with explanations of the ways in
USING BIOELECTRIC MEDICINE / NEUROMODULA- which they can ameliorate a variety of local and systemic symp-
TION TO ERASE PAIN toms involving neuroinflammatory conditions
Time: 9:00am Location: Ballroom D
Speaker: MarLeice Hyde, MSN, RN, CTTH
USE YOUR MIND TO GET FAST RELIEF FROM
Topic: TMicrocurrent biofeedback therapy; answers what it is, CHRONIC PAIN
how and why it works and where to start with the goal to engage Time: 11:00am Location: Ballroom D
and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself from the inside out Speaker: Brandy Gillmore
for chronic pain patients Topic: Reaching beyond short lived inspiration and connected-
Objectives: Express new microcurrent technologies that are ness to create lasting change in pain care
available for chronic pain patients, Accurate diagnosing of the Objectives: Create lasting change examples through an interac-
disease to plan for healing, Be able to choose where to go for tive setting with audience participation, Arrange the power of
further information or treatment sessions our minds, to define physical or emotional pain to calculate best
outcomes of care, Interacting question and answer session to
CRANIOCERVICAL JUNCTION & engaging audience to participate
ITS ROLE IN CHRONIC PAIN
Time: 10:00am Location: Ballroom A
CANNABIS AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM;
Speaker: Jeffrey Scholten, DC, DCCJP, FCCJP, BSc, PgCPain EASING CHRONIC PAIN
Topic: Exploring the relationship between chronic pain and dys- Time: 12:00PM Location: Ballroom A
function at relay centers that exist at the junction between the Panel: Amanda Greene (Moderator), Dr. Allan I. Frankel, Trisha
brain and the body. Hall
Objectives: Understanding of the spine-medullary junction and Topic: Panel with patients, a Cannabis pain relief expert/
how certain areas are involved in relaying pain perception to the business and a healthcare provider, expressing their personal
higher brain centers, MRI imaging of disruptions to this area – experiences
understanding normal and abnormal, Understanding interven- Objective: Define how discovery of the Endocannabinoid Sys-
tions that are available and how to identify a practitioner that tem has impacted pain treatment, Recognize that pain patients
may be able to help. are individuals and alternative treatments might work for some,
even if they don’t work for you, Study how the Endocannabinoid
THE ART OF SELF HYPNOSIS. LEARN TO REDUCE System works on pain and inflammation.
THE STRESS, ANXIETY AND CHRONIC PAIN IN YOUR
LIFE.
Time: 10:00am Location: Ballroom D STEM CELL THERAPY AS A VIABLE PAIN TREAT-
MENT
Speaker: Barbara Black, CCHt of Imagine Wellness, LLC & Time: 12:00pm Location: Ballroom D
Vera Stewart-Lutz, CCHt Speakers: Dr. Mark Berman and Dr. Elliott Lander
Topic: Presenting on areas including anxiety/stress relief, confi- Topic: Teach attendees how to take life back from the pain that
dence, self-esteem, fears and phobias, pain management, and rules it through this precise treatment
habit release Objective: Explore Promising New Innovations in Medical Sci-
Objectives: Define and educate participants in benefits and uses ence for those suffering from back pain, knee pain, neck pain,
of hypnosis, Teach participants two mindful hypnosis tech- arthritis, multiple sclerosis, vascular conditions, any of these and
niques. Experience hypnosis and learn the art of self-hypnosis. more, Recognizing people who have had their lives changed due
to chronic pain, Evaluation provided to all attendees

EVENT WRAP-UP
Time: 12:45pm Location: Ballroom A



International Pain Foundation
2019 Community Impact Award

iPain Community Impact Award 2019 was created to
recognize feature-length films and documentaries that
change the pain community. We have chosen to recog-
nize 3 documentaries for their positive impact on the
chronic pain community in 2019.
Eight Days: Living with Diabetes - USA/Jamaica - is the
first ever doc-u-series that features five people living with
certain chronic health conditions. The first season we brought
five people living with diabetes to the lovely island of Jamaica.
The new season (season 2) will feature five people living with
Cancer.

On A Scale of 1 to 10 - Canada - Chronic pain affects 1 out
of 5 people and has triggered an opioid crisis with no solu-
tion in sight so far. We go on a journey across North Amer-
ica, exploring various holistic therapies, modalities, mind
body connections and lifestyle approaches to better deal
with this crucial issue. In the process, we interview top
experts who often challenge our traditional beliefs
around chronic pain and open our minds to our bodies'
innate power to heal.

Avicii: True Stories - Sweden - which explores footage
of his life backstage as he toured all over the world. During
an Australian tour, he was diagnosed with pancreatitis after suf-
fering agonizing stomach pains on a flight. Despite doctors tell-
ing him he was not well enough to perform, footage shows
Avicii asking if he could be discharged so he could continue
his tour. He told the camera afterwards: "The hospital visit
was a terrible experience but what was much worse was the
pain afterwards. "I would wake up every day and was in pain.
It was constant and everything was in a haze and I didn't know
how long I could keep going like that." However his career
continued to go from strength to strength thanks to tracks in-
cluding Wake Me Up and Hey Brother. "I don't know how to
explain to people that my life is all about stress." Soon after,
Avicii penned a letter to fans saying he was no longer able to
perform. Tragically, two years later, he took his own life.



Summit Presenters

Ken Taylor is Vice President of International Pain Maggie Buckley has been a
Foundation – Ken is a caregiver for his wife who volunteer patient advocate
lives with multiple chronic pain conditions. Ken is a for more than 25 years while living with
chronic pain educator, patient advocate, and vice- the chronic pain condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
president of the International Pain Foundation. He is She has served on the board of several non-profit patient and
also a motivational speaker and best-selling author on pain top- professional organizations including her current role with Pain-
ics, graphic designer, and reality personality. Ken received the Community.org. Her volunteer experience has been with a varied
2017 iPain Hero of Hope for Pain Patient Awareness and 2017 group of non profit organizations in the healthcare, social justice
Health Information Technology Top 100 Influencer. In 2018, and education sectors. She has testified at state and federal policy
Ken was named to the top 50 advocates for the chronic pain hearings, written articles and coached hundreds of people to self-
community. In 2019, Ken was named in the top 100 Rare Dis- advocate for better care. Maggie has an MBA in accounting with
ease Advocates. experience in banking and business management.

Gayle M Taylor-Ford, LSCSW, LCAC is the own- Marni Cartelli worked in the medical profession
er and executive director, Therapy Services, LLC, until an injury on the job lead to getting Complex
iPain Board of Directors/Secretary, Member of the Regional Pain Syndrome. She came to realize that
Government Relations Advisory Committee for the thanks in large part to my connection to the medical
National MS Society – Gayle received her Masters field, I received exceptional and timely care when
degree in Social Work in 1999 from Washburn University in many others with my condition do not. It has now become my
Topeka, Kansas. She is licensed as a Clinical Social Worker and goal to help minimize the disparities members of the disabled
a Clinical Addictions Counselor. At Therapy Services she per- community experience in both access and quality of medical
forms the duties of the Executive Director and specializes in services.
Traumatic Brain Injury. Mia Maysack lives daily with cluster headaches,
Dr. Raju Poolacherla is a Consultant Paediatric post-infection chronic mega-migraine disorder, and
Anaesthesiologist and Physician Lead, Paediatric fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our
Chronic pain program at Children's Hospital at Lon- Heads Up, a Facebook advocacy and support group,
don Health Sciences centre.
He is also Asst Profes- and Peace & Love, a wellness and life coaching
sor at University of Western Ontario. He did most practice for the chronically ill and is a columnist for Pain News
his Anaesthesia training in the United Kingdom including Great Network.
Ormond street hospital for sick children in London UK. Has Dr Tymothy Flory graduated Magna Cum Laude
worked as Consultant Paediatric Anaesthesiologist in Bristol UK from Logan University is St. Louis, Missouri as a
before migrating to Canada in 2014. He established Paediatric Doctor of Chiropractic in 2006. He founded Atlas
Chronic pain program at London Ontario in 2015 along with like Brain & Spine in 2009 in Southern California, where
help of like-minded healthcare professionals serving the children he continues to provide clinical care for patients from
of Southwest Ontario.
His main interests are Paediatric Chron- around the globe. Dr. Flory completed Board Certification of the
ic Pain, Quality initiative Paediatric Anaesthesia, Service, teach- National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) in
ing and training developments in Paediatric Anaesthesia. Besides 2012, and he is currently a Credentialed Instructor and Vice
that, he is loving husband and father of 2 children and has keen President of the organization. The focus of his clinic is to correct
interest in visiting places of historical importance. the underlying cause of chronic pain, not merely treating the
Traci Patterson, MD, MBA, CH, CI is the Founder symptoms, through structural correction of the spine and restor-
of Advanced Pathways and CSO of Intensive Heal- ing brain function.
ing Therapy. Traci specializes in the treatment of Alon Blatt is the Director of Business Development
chronic pain and co-existing conditions through at NiaMedic. Alon has been heavily involved in
HCT (Hypnosis Combined Therapy). This is a multi- numerous aspects of the Medical Cannabis Industry
modality protocol rolled into a one-week intensive that is indi- with emphasis on data aggregation, business devel-
vidualized to meet the specific needs of each person. She is con- opment and therapeutic treatments. Prior to co-
sidered an expert in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). founding NiaMedic, Alon worked in investment banking and
Traci herself was diagnosed with CRPS and was able to gain business development in a variety of fields.
long-term remission. Hypnotherapist, Clinician, Author & Dr. Helen Runyan, LPC began her higher educa-
Speaker. tion pursuit at the age of 35 with three children. At
Barby Ingle, BSc Psyc is President of International the time, as a stay-at-home mom, she had only a high
Pain Foundation – Barby is a bestselling author, real- school diploma. Today she holds a B.S. in Psycholo-
ity personality, and lives with reflex sympathetic gy from Regent University, as well as both an M.S.
dystrophy (RSD), migralepsy, endometriosis and and Ph.D. in Counseling from Old Dominion University. She
other pain disorders. Barby is a chronic pain educa- also is now a mother of six.
tor, patient advocate, and president of the International Pain
Foundation. She is also a motivational speaker and best-selling
author on pain topics. Her blog, reality shows and media appear-
ances are used as a platform to help her become an ePatient ad-
vocate, and she now travels the country attending healthcare con-
ferences, speaking publicly, sharing her story, educating and
advocating for patients across the globe.

Summit Presenters

Dr. Philip Getson D.O. is a family physician in prac- MarLeice Hyde, MSN, RN, CTTH is the owner
tice since 1976 in New Jersey. He is a locally, national- and practitioner of Erasing Pain in Sacramento, CA.
ly and internationally recognized expert in the diagno- She specializes in -electric medical technology. She
sis and treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/ is treating patients and working with the RSD/CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and has lectured extensively community to improve treatment, relieve pain, and financially
on the subject. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Neu- assist patients receiving long-term therapy. She is also the CEO
rology at Drexel University Hospital in Philadelphia. Additional- of H&H Enterprises, your one-stop shop for TENS/EMS acces-
ly, he completed training for qualification as a Certified Cancer sories and supplies .
Support Educator from the Center for Advancement in Cancer Dr Jeff Scholten has been in private practice in Cal-
Education gary, Alberta, Canada since 2001. He is the clinic
Daniel G. Garza, Certified HIV Counselor, tester, director and owner of The Vital PostureTM Clinic.
educator, advocate, public speaker, actor, stand-up co- Dr. Scholten is a Board-Certified Diplomate in Chi-
median, podcaster and Reiki Master. From the age of ropractic Craniocervical Junction Procedures and is currently the
13, Daniel hid his sexuality until he was “outed” to his only Canadian to hold the distinction of being a Fellow in Chiro-
family at age 17. At the age of 30, Daniel was diagnosed with practic Craniocervical Junction Procedures. He was selected as
AIDS, at 45 diagnosed with anal cancer, and at 46 had surgery for the Upper Cervical Chiropractor of the Year in 2015 by the In-
a colostomy. Daniel speaks very openly about his physical ail- ternational Chiropractic Association’s Council on Upper Cervi-
ments, as well as his mental health and the diagnoses of anxiety, cal Care. President of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic
depression, and health-related PTSD. Association and also serves as a member of the board of direc-
Dr Jeff Marksberry is a medical communications and tors of the International Chiropractic Association’s Council on
scientific research specialist who has spent his career on Upper Cervical Care, the Upper Cervical Research Foundation
the cutting edge of the electromedical products and med- & the Ralph R. Gregory Memorial Foundation (Canada).
ical device industries. Prior to joining Oska Wellness, Barbara Black, CCHt is on the International Pain
Dr. Marksberry spent nine years as the chief science and clinical Foundation Board of Director. She grew up on a farm
officer at Electromedical Products International Inc., where he with simple enriched values from her parents. From
provided leadership and strategic insight, and implemented global as far back as she can remember she knew she wanted
regulatory activities, clinical research and scientific communica- to help people in any capacity possible. She always had a sensi-
tions. He also served as a clinical expert to support consult re- tivity for those who seemed to be struggling in some area of
quests from the U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs their life and has always felt the need to want to listen and hear
Medical Center, as well as civilian physicians, healthcare profes- their “story” and help them through it. She has been encouraged
sionals, payers and patients. throughout her life to expand on her gift of truly caring and giv-
Dr Nell Smircina is a licensed acupuncturist and Co- ing back. After working 30 plus years in the medical field she
founder of PIQUE Integrative Medicine in Beverly Hills, has found her passion of helping others through hypnotherapy/
CA. Her doctoral research centered around using acu- guided imagery. She has made it her mission to guide you to the
puncture for post-surgical patients to optimize their re- discovery of your inner true self, explore new awareness and
covery, particularly in the area of chronic pain prevention. Since open your mind, body and spirit to endless possibilities. Her
completing her doctorate, she has broadened the applications of main focus is on relaxation and releasing stress. Barbara contin-
that research to benefit any patients experiencing pain. Outside of ues to share her gift of empowering the inner-self to discover,
her practice, Dr. Smircina sits on the board of CSOMA, the larg- recognize and motivate the real you.
est acupuncture association in California. She also teaches ortho- Vera Stewart-Lutz, CCHt is a certified clinical hyp-
pedics for future acupuncturists, serves as a consultant for compa- notherapist practicing in Gilbert, AZ, and the founder
nies in the Eastern Medicine arena and is constantly working to of Solutions Hypnotherapy. She is a member of two
expand awareness of the benefits of acupuncture within the grow- professional organizations, one of which is the Inter-
ing field of Integrative Medicine. national Medical and Dental Association (IMDHA). Her goal is
Dr. Jeffrey D. Thompson, DC, BFA is the Founder/ to reduce the stress a person is experiencing as a hospital and/or
Director of the Center for Neuroacoustic Research in surgical patient through the use of hypnosis. Less stress allows
Carlsbad, California, a research center which is actual- the body to focus attention on its natural course of healing. The
izing its vision of “Healing the Body*Heart*Mind and reason she became a hypnotist is because in 2015 she spent a
Spirit through the Scientific Application of Sound.” Dr. Thomp- year in and out of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. When
son is considered the world’s premier sound healing researcher, she was well again, she knew that she wanted to help others en-
brainwave entrainment expert, and high-tech personal transfor- during similar experiences. After research, she realized that hyp-
mation innovator, motivator and futurist. He is a physician/ mu- nosis would have been an enormous benefit to her in her healing
sician, composer, inventor, educator and author. journey. In addition, she helps clients find solutions to unwant-
ed negative thoughts or behavior. Self-empowerment is the
goal. She has worked with clients across the United States and
Canada.

Summit Presenters

Gary Demerjian, DDS is a professor at the UCLA Amanda Greene, Panel Moderator is also known as LA
School of Dentistry – Dr. Demerjian currently treats ado- Lupus Lady, iPain Featurette for Lupus and Arthritis,
lescents and adults with tmj/mpd-myofascial pain disor- and iPain Hero of Hope; Patient Advocacy 2018 –
ders using custom fabricated orthotic appliances, myriad Amanda became an engaged healthcare activist after
of therapeutic techniques and orthodontics. He also treats patients living with Lupus (and other autoimmune conditions: fibromyal-
suffering from neurologic disorders with dental management of gia, osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis) for decades. Her
the disorder through his TMJ treatments. He has published several struggles made her advocate for herself; now she also advocates
articles and research papers including how the trigeminal system for others. In 2018, Amanda shared her patient experience at
correlates to neurologic disorders. Since 2004, he has limited his HIMSS in a session about the impact of Health Technology on her
practice to the treatment of TMJ Disorders, Headaches, Facial healthcare.
Pain, Sleep Apnea, Movement Disorders and Orthodontics. Along Dr. Allan I. Frankel is a Doctor of Internal Medicine
with two busy practices, Dr. Demerjian also lectures on topics in and one of the world’s leading authorities on dosed can-
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and its correlates on neuro- nabis medicine. With over 42 years’ experience in Inter-
logic disorders. 2015 Hero of Hope Winner. nal Medicine, Dr. Frankel applies his knowledge of all
Dr. Andre Barkhordarian, DDS is a Project Scientist aspects of the cannabis plant and its therapeutic value to the treat-
and a Lecturer in the Division of Oral logy and Medicine ment of multiple serious medical conditions. Dr. Frankel has pre-
at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He chairs an advanced sented multiple CME accredited Grand Rounds lectures on inter-
course in Osteoimmunology and teaches courses in Im- nal medicine and therapies in medical cannabis. He has also par-
munology, Bone logy, statistics (research design, methodology, ticipated in round table discussions on the topic of future therapies
data analysis), Evidence Based Medicine and Dentistry. He is the and research for medical cannabis sponsored by the California
faculty lecturer for the UCLA Pre-College Science Education Medical Association and the Los Angeles County Medical Asso-
Program, the STEM pipeline programs at UCLA School of Den- ciation.
tistry, and was the faculty consultant at the UCLA Graduate Divi- Trisha Hall is also known as FizzBubbles — is a 100%
sion collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to in- disabled United States Marine Corps Veteran who has
crease fellowship resources. His early research interests devel- overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, to be who she
oped in the field of stem cell research. He studied the epigenetic is today: thriving in spite of sustaining a career-ending
changes in the Human Embryonic Palatal Mesenchyme Stem traumatic brain injury. Through hard work and perseverance, she
Cells (HEPM) during osteogenesis and bone regeneration. founded her own Dream & Water a lifestyle brand that meticu-
Natalyn O. Lewis is a all-American collegiate athlete and lously formulates products for men women and their children who
high school soccer coach, Natalyn has learned the im- are looking for an all-natural and organic green solution to their
portance of team work and strategy to reach your highest skincare needs.
levels of success, leading her team to 7 region Titles and 4 Mark Berman MD, FACS practices out of offices in
State Titles in 11 years. Natalyn has translated her drive and pas- Beverly Hills and Rancho Mirage, Dr. Berman has prac-
sion on the field into the business world where she became a pub- ticed Cosmetic Surgery since 1983 and started his Stem
lished author and has worked with start-ups to billion dollar inter- Cell investigative practice in 2010. He is a Fellow of the
national enterprises to help them create success strategies. After American College of Surgeons, a Diplomate of the American
20 years of working with over 30 companies around the globe, Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and a Diplo-
she is continuing to pursue her passion of making sure every busi- mate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He was the
ness, small or large has the greatest opportunity to succeed. Na- 2010 President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
talyn came to legally mine after seeing the value that is offered to He’s a Co-Founder of both the Cell Surgical Network and the
businesses that she feels is essential to their success. California Stem Cell Treatment Center.
Brandy Gillmore, Ph.D, Natural Medicine is a world- Elliot Lander MD, FACS is currently involved in cut-
renowned speaker and mind/body healing expert. She is ting edge translational stem cell treatment research at the
most well-known for her discoveries in using the mind to California Stem Cell Treatment Center based in Rancho
heal the physical body. She commonly coaches people to mirage and Beverly Hills. Dr. Lander is also co-founder
release their own chronic pain, even within minutes, using only of Cells On Ice® which is a cryobanking stem cell technology
their mind. Brandy’s expertise in self-healing originated from her company. He is a founding member of the International Cell Sur-
own devastating injury, where she found herself— disabled, in gical Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and
extreme pain, and using a wheelchair, cane, or walker to get education regarding the medical use of adult stem cells.
around. That’s when she began to research and began making her
own discoveries for healing. Brandy was able to make a full re-
covery and since then has been featured on stages internationally,
given a mind-expanding TEDx Talk. Due to the incredible results
that Brandy has been able to demonstrate, her work is quickly
gaining momentum worldwide.



2019 iPain Hero of Hope Winners

Megan Roche — Hero of Hope; Journalist
Long Valley, New Jersey

Megan has a Master of Arts Grad in 2015 with a concentration in Digital Multimedia
Journalism. She is a passionate writer and reporter and freelance travel blogger. Her
experience is in journalism, marketing, promotions, videography, and public rela-
tions. Her main area of publication is at large coverage of Denville Township, Moun-
tain Lakes, Boonton, and Rockaway Township. Responsibilities include township
council and board of education meeting coverage in New Jersey. Megan’s Health Ar-
ticles have appeared in The Citizen, Roxbury Register, Observer Tribune, Randolph
Reporter, iPain Living Magazine and Morris News Bee. Currently Megan is the Ex-
ecutive Editor for My Paper Online. In the past she has hosted a fundraiser for iPain
through the PAmily and All Access Abdul Podcast. Earlier this year Megan wrote
cover story for iPain Living Magazine on Paula Abdul. Some of her other articles on
health and pain include Wellness Fair Smooths Feelings at Mountain Lakes High
School, Oct. 2018 edition of The Citizen Newspaper, Traumatic Brain Injury leads Morristown Man to new life.
Appeared in Morris News Bee, Father's Day bike ride to raise money for their neighbor who had ALS.
Kevin Schlehuber — Hero of Hope; Nerve To Be Heard
Boston, Massachusetts
Kevin Schlehuber of Big Brother on CBS is known for his charisma as well as his
"live and let live" attitude. But lately, he's been taking on a more serious topic. In the
years since taping Season 19, the 58-year-old actor and father of seven has gone pub-
lic about his battle with prostate cancer. It's been five months since Kevin first tweet-
ed to the world about his diagnosis. Since then he's posted about every step in his
journey of recovery. Growing up in a family with high cancer rates, Kevin has seen
the effects first hand. In 1986, one of his brothers passed away from testicular cancer.
Both his parents have been treated for cancer, and his other brother is currently
fighting stage 4 colon cancer. He has lost both an aunt and uncle to leukemia. For
Kevin, his family history is just another reason why it's so important to spread the
message of getting checked. We talked with Kevin about the journey of beating can-
cer and looking forward. Since Big Brother Season 19, Kevin has been a public ad-
vocate about cancer education and mental health awareness. He's recently went through the process of becoming a
certified mental health coach. Kevin never imagined that he would be able to use the platform created from Big
Brother to make a difference for other patients, but says he's very proud to do so.
Daniel G. Garza — Hero of Hope; Patient Advocacy
Los Angeles, CA
Daniel was chronically underweight and sickly; he initially blamed his hard-partying
lifestyle. A caring boss and friend in the restaurant at which he worked sat him down
and essentially fired him. He would take him back, but only after he sought help.
Daniel wound up in hospital with 108 T cells and weighing 110 pounds. The news he
had avoided for years was now there in black and white. He had the frighteningly
real diagnosis of AIDS. In one way, it was a call to action, launching his long career
as an activist and educator. In another way, it gave him the excuse to continue to use.
His parents and family, who had just begun to come around to his being gay, were ill
-prepared for an AIDS diagnosis. He got involved with HIV advocacy and outreach,
learning as he went along. He ended up volunteering at an agency where he himself
had gone to learn about his disease. He stayed in Houston for twelve years. He
worked for Southern Texas organizations such as The Valley AIDS Council, The
Thomas Street Clinic in Houston, The Houston Ryan White Planning Council, and Child Protective Services of
Houston. He was now an activist, an HIV Outreach Ambassador, he was an educator for youth and families. Ironi-
cally, he went back to college and studied to be a drug and alcohol counselor while still using himself. He shares
his story with students, from junior high all the way to those doing graduate work in medicine, on
their way to becoming the next generation of physicians.

2019 iPain Hero of Hope Winners

HealtheVoices — Hero of Hope; Corporate
International Program

HealtheVoices, run by Caroline Pavis and Becky Genin is where advocates come
together for a one of a kind conference and year-round resources. Using social media
tools to shape the way people and caregivers make decisions about their healthcare,
and online health advocates are at the forefront of this movement. In an effort to con-
nect, support and further empower the online health advocate community, Janssen
created HealtheVoices™ – a groundbreaking leadership conference created exclusive-
ly for those using social platforms to advocate for themselves and their communities.
HeV offers an both in person and online learning for top healthcare social media ad-
vocates. The HealtheVoices™ Impact Fund is a grant program that supports innova-
tive efforts by health advocates to serve and assist patient communities. The Fund was
established at the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) and awards projects
that align with the Janssen charitable giving mission to advance healing for patients.
With guidance from an Advisory Committee of experienced advocates and past HealtheVoices attendees, CFNJ
awards grants to projects that propose innovative ways to engage, inform and empower patients, with special pref-
erence to efforts targeting underserved populations, healthcare disparities, high unmet areas of need or those with a
large scope of impact.
Teresa Wright-Johnson — Hero of Hope; Patient Advocacy
Easton, PA
Teresa is an advocate for Multiple Sclerosis and Heart Disease. She actively engages
her community by distributing pertinent information, sharing her story and spreading
her message of hope. Teresa truly believes that where there is life, there is hope. She
recognizes the devastation that chronic illness and chronic pain has on a person's life
and she is committed to emboldening others to speak their truth, live a full life and to
hope for the best. Teresa serves on multiple local executive boards such as the Amer-
ican Heart Association and the NAACP in addition to several committees, such as
iConquerMS. A writer, speaker, columnist and poet, Teresa knows that every voice
matters and that there is glory in every story. You can read Teresa's work on her
website and her column for MS News Today titled Patiently Awakened and iPain
Living Magazine. Teresa is currently working on publishing her poetry, memoir and
children's book. She enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her husband and family. I served the pain
community in the last year by raising awareness and advocating for those battling chronic pain. I personally share
my story of how I manage chronic pain and the difficulty it entails. I offer encouragement and support to all who
need it, both privately and professionally. I speak at health fairs, churches, banquets and conferences.
John Garrett — Hero of Hope; Caregiver
Los Angeles, CA

John, along with his 37-year life partner Cynthia Toussaint, is dedicated to pro-
moting better care and wellness for women challenged by chronic pain through
For Grace, a nonprofit organization. He is deeply dedicated to improving the
care and wellness of women challenged by chronic pain. Assisting in all aspects
of media relations and public advocacy regarding chronic pain awareness and
education as well as the pain gender divide issue. His wife Cynthia says, “For
years I was unable to speak while the disease with no name spread throughout
my entire body and ravaged my vocal chords. My shining star was my partner
John who stayed by me, whispering support all along the way. His love lifted me
through the worst of times, his steady strength soothed my wounds.” John’s
work focuses on speech presentation, grant writing, research, media outreach,
event planning, public speaking, content development, project development and
direction as well as branding strategies.





2019 iPain Hero of Hope Winners

Megan Roche — Hero of Hope; Journalist
Long Valley, New Jersey

Megan has a Master of Arts Grad in 2015 with a concentration in Digital Multimedia
Journalism. She is a passionate writer and reporter and freelance travel blogger. Her
experience is in journalism, marketing, promotions, videography, and public rela-
tions. Her main area of publication is at large coverage of Denville Township, Moun-
tain Lakes, Boonton, and Rockaway Township. Responsibilities include township
council and board of education meeting coverage in New Jersey. Megan’s Health Ar-
ticles have appeared in The Citizen, Roxbury Register, Observer Tribune, Randolph
Reporter, iPain Living Magazine and Morris News Bee. Currently Megan is the Ex-
ecutive Editor for My Paper Online. In the past she has hosted a fundraiser for iPain
through the PAmily and All Access Abdul Podcast. Earlier this year Megan wrote
cover story for iPain Living Magazine on Paula Abdul. Some of her other articles on
health and pain include Wellness Fair Smooths Feelings at Mountain Lakes High
School, Oct. 2018 edition of The Citizen Newspaper, Traumatic Brain Injury leads Morristown Man to new life.
Appeared in Morris News Bee, Father's Day bike ride to raise money for their neighbor who had ALS.
Kevin Schlehuber — Hero of Hope; Nerve To Be Heard
Boston, Massachusetts
Kevin Schlehuber of Big Brother on CBS is known for his charisma as well as his
"live and let live" attitude. But lately, he's been taking on a more serious topic. In the
years since taping Season 19, the 58-year-old actor and father of seven has gone pub-
lic about his battle with prostate cancer. It's been five months since Kevin first tweet-
ed to the world about his diagnosis. Since then he's posted about every step in his
journey of recovery. Growing up in a family with high cancer rates, Kevin has seen
the effects first hand. In 1986, one of his brothers passed away from testicular cancer.
Both his parents have been treated for cancer, and his other brother is currently
fighting stage 4 colon cancer. He has lost both an aunt and uncle to leukemia. For
Kevin, his family history is just another reason why it's so important to spread the
message of getting checked. We talked with Kevin about the journey of beating can-
cer and looking forward. Since Big Brother Season 19, Kevin has been a public ad-
vocate about cancer education and mental health awareness. He's recently went through the process of becoming a
certified mental health coach. Kevin never imagined that he would be able to use the platform created from Big
Brother to make a difference for other patients, but says he's very proud to do so.
Daniel G. Garza — Hero of Hope; Patient Advocacy
Los Angeles, CA
Daniel was chronically underweight and sickly; he initially blamed his hard-partying
lifestyle. A caring boss and friend in the restaurant at which he worked sat him down
and essentially fired him. He would take him back, but only after he sought help.
Daniel wound up in hospital with 108 T cells and weighing 110 pounds. The news he
had avoided for years was now there in black and white. He had the frighteningly
real diagnosis of AIDS. In one way, it was a call to action, launching his long career
as an activist and educator. In another way, it gave him the excuse to continue to use.
His parents and family, who had just begun to come around to his being gay, were ill
-prepared for an AIDS diagnosis. He got involved with HIV advocacy and outreach,
learning as he went along. He ended up volunteering at an agency where he himself
had gone to learn about his disease. He stayed in Houston for twelve years. He
worked for Southern Texas organizations such as The Valley AIDS Council, The
Thomas Street Clinic in Houston, The Houston Ryan White Planning Council, and Child Protective Services of
Houston. He was now an activist, an HIV Outreach Ambassador, he was an educator for youth and families. Ironi-
cally, he went back to college and studied to be a drug and alcohol counselor while still using himself. He shares
his story with students, from junior high all the way to those doing graduate work in medicine, on
their way to becoming the next generation of physicians.

2019 iPain Hero of Hope Winners

HealtheVoices — Hero of Hope; Corporate
International Program

HealtheVoices, run by Caroline Pavis and Becky Genin is where advocates come
together for a one of a kind conference and year-round resources. Using social media
tools to shape the way people and caregivers make decisions about their healthcare,
and online health advocates are at the forefront of this movement. In an effort to con-
nect, support and further empower the online health advocate community, Janssen
created HealtheVoices™ – a groundbreaking leadership conference created exclusive-
ly for those using social platforms to advocate for themselves and their communities.
HeV offers an both in person and online learning for top healthcare social media ad-
vocates. The HealtheVoices™ Impact Fund is a grant program that supports innova-
tive efforts by health advocates to serve and assist patient communities. The Fund was
established at the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) and awards projects
that align with the Janssen charitable giving mission to advance healing for patients.
With guidance from an Advisory Committee of experienced advocates and past HealtheVoices attendees, CFNJ
awards grants to projects that propose innovative ways to engage, inform and empower patients, with special pref-
erence to efforts targeting underserved populations, healthcare disparities, high unmet areas of need or those with a
large scope of impact.
Teresa Wright-Johnson — Hero of Hope; Patient Advocacy
Easton, PA
Teresa is an advocate for Multiple Sclerosis and Heart Disease. She actively engages
her community by distributing pertinent information, sharing her story and spreading
her message of hope. Teresa truly believes that where there is life, there is hope. She
recognizes the devastation that chronic illness and chronic pain has on a person's life
and she is committed to emboldening others to speak their truth, live a full life and to
hope for the best. Teresa serves on multiple local executive boards such as the Amer-
ican Heart Association and the NAACP in addition to several committees, such as
iConquerMS. A writer, speaker, columnist and poet, Teresa knows that every voice
matters and that there is glory in every story. You can read Teresa's work on her
website and her column for MS News Today titled Patiently Awakened and iPain
Living Magazine. Teresa is currently working on publishing her poetry, memoir and
children's book. She enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her husband and family. I served the pain
community in the last year by raising awareness and advocating for those battling chronic pain. I personally share
my story of how I manage chronic pain and the difficulty it entails. I offer encouragement and support to all who
need it, both privately and professionally. I speak at health fairs, churches, banquets and conferences.
John Garrett — Hero of Hope; Caregiver
Los Angeles, CA

John, along with his 37-year life partner Cynthia Toussaint, is dedicated to pro-
moting better care and wellness for women challenged by chronic pain through
For Grace, a nonprofit organization. He is deeply dedicated to improving the
care and wellness of women challenged by chronic pain. Assisting in all aspects
of media relations and public advocacy regarding chronic pain awareness and
education as well as the pain gender divide issue. His wife Cynthia says, “For
years I was unable to speak while the disease with no name spread throughout
my entire body and ravaged my vocal chords. My shining star was my partner
John who stayed by me, whispering support all along the way. His love lifted me
through the worst of times, his steady strength soothed my wounds.” John’s
work focuses on speech presentation, grant writing, research, media outreach,
event planning, public speaking, content development, project development and
direction as well as branding strategies.