Speaker Bios for Arthritis Life Hack Extravaganza

The Arthritis Life Hack Extravaganza, a free virtual educational event, is coming up soon on Saturday, February 5th 2022! Register for your free ticket today.

As a reminder, here’s the agenda at a glance:

Check out the detailed speaker bios below, in order of appearance at the event. Along with their bio, each speaker shared their “best tips for arthritis!”

Cheryl Crow, OTR/L & Laura Jean: Arthritis Life Hacks 101

8:30 am PT /11:00 am ET: Arthritis Life Hacks 101 with Cheryl Crow, OTR/L of Arthritis Life & Laura Jean of RA Life Hacks)

Cheryl Crow:  Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who’s lived with rheumatoid arthritis for eighteen years. In 2019, Cheryl started Arthritis Life to help others thrive with arthritis. She facilitates online courses and support groups to help people adjust to their conditions and live full and meaningful lives. 

Most days you can find Cheryl creating life hack videos, sharing patient stories on the Arthritis Life Podcast or spreading the word about ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Cheryl’s best arthritis tip: Learn to separate “solvable problems” from perpetual problems. You can then put a toolbox together of tools to help you solve the solvable problems (like joint pain or fatigue). It’s also essential to put together a toolbox of coping skills or workaround strategies to help with perceptual problems, such as uncertainty or symptoms that flare up out of nowhere. Additionally, I would say to not be afraid to ask for help and support – you don’t have to go through this on your own! 

Laura Jean: Laura Jean is a RA Warrior, chronic tea drinker, and Arctic islander. She is passionate about sharing simple solutions that make a big difference in life with chronic illness. She shares the lessons she has learned through her own journey of managing an illness in challenging circumstances and founded RA Life Hacks) RA Life Hacks to share these discoveries with others. 

Laura’s best arthritis tip: Create a FLARE KIT filled with items that help you with pain management during a flare and have it in an easy-to-access location in the home. That way when a flare hits you won’t have to waste time or energy looking for the items when you need them the most. Having it in one location makes it easy to direct family members to retrieve it for you as well if need be. Items that you might consider having in your flare kit are pain relief creams, a heating pad, ice pack, compression gloves, pain reliever meds, braces or wraps, massager, and Epsom salts.

Sarah McAnallen: Adaptive Sock Aid product demonstration

9:15 am PT /12:15 pm ET: Product Demo: McAnallen Sock Aid  with Sarah McAnallen 

Sarah McAnallen bio:

Sarah McAnallen created the only sock aid in the world that comes in a choice of colors so that you can pick product that fits into your home.

Sarah was inspired by watching her mom customise her own adaptive aids to create products that reflect a personality, not a disability.

Jenifer Tharani & Cristina Montoya, Registered Dietitians: Meal Prep and Nutrition Hacks for Arthritis

9:30 am PT /12:30 pm ET Meal Prep & Nutrition Hacks with Jenifer Tharani & Cristina Montoya, Registered Dietitians

Jenifer Tharani: Jenifer Tharani, Chronic Pain Nutritionist is a registered dietitian and daughter of a chronic illness warrior. Jenifer believes that eating healthy does not have to be boring, time consuming or expensive. She is extremely passionate about helping women with chronic illness adopt an anti-inflammatory, gut healing eating pattern without unwarranted food eliminations. She doesn’t believe in diets, instead in making small sustainable lifestyle changes to help you find a balance in your everyday life, including trying to keep your favorite foods in the mix! Jenifer’s mantra is “Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime”. Her nutrition coaching programs empower you with nutrition education, provide you with accountability to take action and experience transformations, and an inclusive community of women going through the same struggles so you don’t feel alone.

Jenifer’s Best tip for living with arthritis – Choose to eat one new anti-inflammatory food daily as it’s positive impact will add up over time.

Cristina Montoya:  Cristina Montoya is a Registered Dietitian and Holistic Cannabis Practitioner who has lived with Sjögren’s Syndrome since childhood. RA and Fibromyalgia have accompanied her since her college years. She helps individuals with rheumatic diseases to embrace anti-inflammatory nutrition and lifestyle using the Mediterranean Diet, gut health principles and cannabis (as legally possible). She created the blog www.arthritisdietitian.com to share evidence on nutrition related to rheumatic diseases and anti-inflammatory recipes. Cristina is an active member of the Canadian Arthritis Allied Health Professions and Society of Cannabis Clinicians. She volunteers with the Sjogren’s Society of Canada and the Arthritis Society by providing feedback on patient resources. Cristina is excited to announce the launch of her new group coaching program, Anti-inflammatory Toolkit to Thrive, in late Spring in English and Spanish. 

Cristina’s best tip for living with arthritis: “Don’t let Rheumatoid Arthritis overshadow your inner beauty and life projects. Sure, you will need to make changes and adapt. This disease also teaches you to be a more resilient and stronger individual. My first step to living well with rheumatoid arthritis is accepting that this disease would be your long-life companion. Self-pity and guilt will further affect your mental and physical health.”

Judith Cook: Adaptive Bra Demonstration

10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET: : Product Demo: Elba Bra with Judith Cook 

Judith Cook is the founder of Elba London, a lingerie brand that offers contemporary bras designed specifically to make dressing easier thanks to the innovative Elba EZ magnetic fastener. Elba was born out of a girlfriend’s arthritis diagnosis, and her frustrations in shopping for a functional bra that also looked good. Judith is passionate about sharing her business and entrepreneurial experience, and how to make mainstream fashion more inclusive and democratic for people of all abilities.

What is your best tip for living with arthritis? 

In our research and development process with British women we often discussed their desire for style without the struggle. The one dressing tip that we heard most often was to try and plan ahead and make smarter wardrobe choices/purchases – this could include looser shapes, soft comfortable fabrics, and easier or no fasteners.

Rory Stanton, Denis Vasiliev & Dr. Millie Lytle, MD: How to Track Symptoms Panel Discussion

10:45 am PT / 1:45pm ET: How to Track Symptoms with  Aila Health, HopeX  & MyMee

Aila Health – Rory Stanton: Rory Stanton is the founder and CEO of Aila Health, a virtual care platform for people living with autoimmune conditions. She received her MBA from UC Berkeley and her undergraduate degree in Human Biology from Brown University. Prior to graduate school, she led the Digital Patient Product Team at Decision Resources Group, where she worked with life sciences companies to develop their digital engagement strategies to improve the patient experience for people living with autoimmune disease. She is passionate about making it easier for patients to access personalized specialty care and health coaching at home. Her mission is to generate new evidence in women’s health, advancing clinical care and research for inflammatory conditions, so that millions of people living with autoimmune disease will get access to the care that they need at the right time. 

MyMee – Dr. Millie Lytle – Dr. Millie Lytle is a licensed naturopathic doctor, epidemiologist and nutrition specialist dedicated to innovatively preventing and reversing the epidemic of chronic disease. She earned her 4-year post grad ND from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Hamburg, Germany. In addition to 15 years of private practice, Millie is a published researcher and conference speaker.

At MyMee Dr. Lytle manages the coaching program, including all care delivery. She merges her education, clinical practice and research experience in the fields of naturopathic medicine, functional nutrition and chronic disease epidemiology to supervise client consultations, develop coaching protocols, collect and review real world evidence, participate in research and collaborate internally to build and execute program strategy.

What is your best tip for living with arthritis?

Find your triggers – those with arthritis have good days and bad days and getting to the bottom of these factors – nutritional, sleep, stress response and environmental exposures –  increase and reduce inflammation, in the joints as well as other systemic symptoms, can make all the difference in your quality of life and self-management of the disease.

HopeX – Denis Vasiliev

Denis is the founder and CEO of HopeX  Health and the developer of the “Flare Fighter,” a digital care protocol to help patients more effectively manage RA conditions.

Denis is also a past Partner at McKinsey&Co, GM and VP at corporates. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, MS in Biomedical Engineering.

Barbara Hileman & Becca Davidson: Product demonstration: child car seat unbuckling aid

11:30 am PT / 2:30 pm ET – Product Demo: UnbuckleMe  child’s car seat unbuckling aid, Barbara Hileman, OT & Becca Davidson

Barbara Heilman bio:  Barbara is the Co-Founder of UnbuckleMe and a licensed Occupational Therapist. After spending her career adapting equipment for patients with disabilities of the hand, she was well-equipped to invent a solution to her own struggle with kids’ car seat buckles.

She has a BA from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a MOT from Western Michigan University. She lives in Houston, within walking distance of her two daughters.

Barb’s best arthritis tip: “Theraband strips work great for getting a better grip for things around the house– opening jars, etc. It’s thin, so it easily clings to product for better grip. I cut off strips and leave it around the house so I can find it in any room I need it. And of course, I could not watch my grandkids without UnbuckleMe ;)”

Becca Davison bio: 

Becca is the Co-Founder of UnbuckleMe, and a nationally certified child passenger safety technician (CPST). After seeing her mom’s invention, she recognized its market potential and drives the marketing and operations strategy for the business.

She has a BA from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. She lives in Houston with her husband and two young daughters.

Trevor Petrie, OTR/L, CHT – How to Reduce Hand Pain

12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET  How to Reduce Hand Pain with Trevor Petrie, OTR/L, CHT (Certified Hand Therapist)

Trevor Petrie bio:  Trevor Petrie is a Certified Hand Therapist with over a decade of clinical experience and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. He has treated hundreds of people with chronic pain with an evidence-based approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Trevor is the Chief Medical Officer at Grace & Able, on a mission to make better joint support for people with arthritis. 

Trevor’s best tip for arthritis:  Living with joint pain can be tough. But you don’t need to do it alone, there are some amazing patient communities, non-profits, and medical practitioners who can support you. Find them on our list of helpful resources on the Grace & Able website.

Eileen Davidson, How to Fight Fatigue

12:45 Pm PT / 3:45 pm ET How to Fight Fatigue with patient advocate and writer “Chronic Eileen” Davidson

Eileen Davidson bio: Eileen Davidson, also known as Chronic Eileen, is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate from Vancouver Canada. She volunteers with the Arthritis Research Canada patient advisory board and the Canadian Institute of Health Research – Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis patient engagement research ambassador, among others.

When not advocating she is writing about her experience with arthritis through Creaky Joints,  Healthline, Chronic Eileen or can be found being a mom to her son Jacob.

Stefanie Remson, ARNP: Navigating the Medical System

1:45 pm PT / 4:45 pm ET Navigating the Medical System with Stefanie Remson, ARNP, nurse practitioner and RA Coach

Stefanie Remson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, has dedicated her life to helping people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Stefanie guides people that have RA to live productive, fulfilling lives while better managing their symptoms. She is also a family nurse practitioner in the state of Nevada and a patient with RA. 

Stefanie’s best arthritis tip: Living with RA changes everything. Behind every RA warrior is a story that gave them no choice but to change and overcome. Embrace the change. Your life will change with or without your consent!

Sarah Dillingham, Product Demo: Compression Gloves

2:30 pm PT / 5:30pm ET Product Demo: Compression Gloves with Sarah Dillingham, Grace & Able

Sarah Dillingham’s bio:  Sarah Dillingham is on a mission to make better orthopedic braces and compression products. She started Grace & Able to make effective, comfortable joint support that attracts compliments, not stares. An arthritis patient herself, she runs the 25,000 member strong Women with Rheumatoid Disease community. 

Sarah’s best arthritis tip: Adaptive aids (like compression gloves, walking sticks and jar openers) are designed to make your life easier. They are tools to help you live your best life, so take advantage of them! I use them with pride and have no time for anyone who tries to shame me. 

Dr. Alyssa Kuhn, DPT & Randi Blackmon: Exercise to Hack Joint Pain

3:00 pm PT / 6:00 pm ET  Exercise to Hack Joint Pain, Randi Blackmon and Alyssa Kuhn, DPT of Keep the Adventure Alive 

Dr. Alyssa Kuhn:  Dr. Alyssa Kuhn is a physical therapist and an osteoarthritis specialist. She is based in Sandy, Utah and loves playing in the mountains.

Dr. Alyssa founded Keep the Adventure Alive  to break through the doom and gloom of osteoarthritis and bring a motivating perspective with the possibility of adventure.

She helps people all across the world find pain relief, regain confidence and lead very active lives through in person and virtual treatments. She has helped hundreds of people find their own arthritis adventures and now, it’s your turn!

Randi Blackmon, RA Warrior Randi:

My name is Randi B. Likely, and I currently a 25 year old chiropractic student! I graduated from The University of Alabama, where I was on the track team, and shortly thereafter, obtained a certification to become an Exercise Physiologist by The American College of Sports Medicine.

Being an exercise physiologist has given the opportunity to prescribe exercise for individuals with various conditions, including many types of arthritis! When I am not working, then I am enjoying time with my husband, Matt and our dog, Bear.

Krista Rowan, Love Yourself & Overcome Shame

3:45 pm PT / 6:45 pm ET Love Yourself & Overcome Shame with Krista Rowan

Krista Rowan: In January 2000, at the age of 29, Krista was diagnosed with a severe onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Having experienced chronic pain, disability, stress, depression, shame and isolation for years, she relates deeply to the fear and impact that deteriorated physical and mental health has on all facets of life.

16 years into her diagnosis, she began addressing drivers of her inflammation, which dramatically improved her quality of life. 

Today, not only is Krista able to share her passion for movement and able to dance again, she is a speaker and certified practitioner in nutrition and lifestyle to help others improve their own quality of life.

Krista’s best arthritis tip: Your best will different every day, because rheumatoid arthritis can be different every day. Whether your best shows up as level 2, 6 or 9 – your best each day is enough.

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Register for your free ticket today!