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SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Laura Pavlakovich, SESSION: The Importance of Community
Laura Pavlakovich is the founder and executive director of You're Just My Type, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of Type 1 diabetics through connection-based initiatives. The organization hosts free, year-round mental health events for Type 1 diabetics of all ages, fostering community and reducing the feeling isolation that comes with having this disease. Living with Type 1 diabetes since childhood, Laura understands the profound mental and emotional toll the condition can take and is passionate about creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and understood.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Line Wisting, SESSION: Adapting The Body Project for People with Diabetes
Line Wisting, PhD is a researcher at the Regional Department for Eating Disorders at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. With a strong background in health psychology, she has dedicated her career to exploring the complex intersection of type 1 diabetes and eating disorders. After earning her doctorate from the University of Oslo, she pursued postdoctoral research to further investigate the psychological challenges faced by individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Wisting's groundbreaking work has gone beyond traditional focuses on food and numbers to explore critical psychological factors, including attitudes toward chronic illness, insulin-related emotions, age, and duration of diabetes, with notable gender-specific differences.Recognizing the gap in prevention strategies for those with comorbid diabetes and eating disorders, Dr. Wisting adapted the Body Project—a well-established eating disorder prevention program—for individuals with diabetes. Following a successful pilot study, she and her team are now expanding their research with a multi-site study across four countries.
In addition to her research, Dr. Wisting is an active member of the diabetes psychology group within the Norwegian Diabetes Association. Her work continues to shape the understanding and treatment of mental health challenges in individuals with type 1 diabetes, paving the way for more effective interventions and support systems
Dr. Wisting's groundbreaking work has gone beyond traditional focuses on food and numbers to explore critical psychological factors, including attitudes toward chronic illness, insulin-related emotions, age, and duration of diabetes, with notable gender-specific differences.Recognizing the gap in prevention strategies for those with comorbid diabetes and eating disorders, Dr. Wisting adapted the Body Project—a well-established eating disorder prevention program—for individuals with diabetes. Following a successful pilot study, she and her team are now expanding their research with a multi-site study across four countries.
In addition to her research, Dr. Wisting is an active member of the diabetes psychology group within the Norwegian Diabetes Association. Her work continues to shape the understanding and treatment of mental health challenges in individuals with type 1 diabetes, paving the way for more effective interventions and support systems
Panel Hosts
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HOST: Lauren Bongiorno
PANEL: Sweet Beginnings: Navigating Diabetes During Pregnancy Lauren Bongiorno is the founder and CEO of Risely Health, a virtual type one diabetes health coaching company. Diagnosed at age 7, Lauren quickly realized that diabetes is more than a math problem to be solved. It is an experience to be managed. Guided by a team of Nationally Board-Certified coaches who live with T1D, Risely knows that the 8.4 million people living with T1D only have time to focus on the numbers in a typical 15-minute doctor’s appointment. Their health coaching model has helped thousands of people reclaim the life they deserve by learning their patterns and discovering strategies that work. Lauren reaches over 1 million impressions per month on social media, has been featured on the TODAY Show, is a keynote speaker, and has partnered with renowned Fortune 500 companies such as Insulet, Dexcom, Abott, and Nike. Learn more at riselyhealth.com |
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HOST: Eritrea Mussa
PANEL: Bias and Barriers: Transforming healthcare for BIPOC communities Eritrea Mussa is a writer, strategist, and storyteller working at the intersection of chronic illness, culture, and community. With a background in digital media, podcasting, and public health advocacy, she’s known for creating resonant, people-first content that speaks directly to lived experience — especially within diabetes spaces. Eritrea has led national and international campaigns, produced and hosted acclaimed health media, produced powerful web series’s, and helped shape conversations around care, identity, and representation. She brings a decade of experience in storytelling and audience engagement to every project, with a focus on authenticity, access, and joy. |
Healthcare Professional Speakers
SPEAKER: Dr. Ovidio Bermudez, MD, CEDS, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, F.iaedp
SESSION: Neurobiology, Diabetes, and Eating Disorders
Ovidio Bermudez, M.D. is the Senior Medical Director of Child & Adolescent Services, Chief Clinical Education Officer and Executive Ambassador for Eating Recovery Center and affiliates. He holds academic appointments as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine and University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is Board certified in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.Dr. Bermudez is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals. He is a current Board member and a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and IAEDP.Dr. Bermudez has lectured nationally and internationally on diabetes and eating disorders, as well as eating pathology across the lifespan. He has been repeatedly recognized for his dedication, advocacy, professional achievement and clinical excellence in the field of eating disorders, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from NEDA and IAEDP
SESSION: Neurobiology, Diabetes, and Eating Disorders
Ovidio Bermudez, M.D. is the Senior Medical Director of Child & Adolescent Services, Chief Clinical Education Officer and Executive Ambassador for Eating Recovery Center and affiliates. He holds academic appointments as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine and University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is Board certified in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.Dr. Bermudez is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals. He is a current Board member and a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and IAEDP.Dr. Bermudez has lectured nationally and internationally on diabetes and eating disorders, as well as eating pathology across the lifespan. He has been repeatedly recognized for his dedication, advocacy, professional achievement and clinical excellence in the field of eating disorders, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from NEDA and IAEDP
SPEAKER: Lauren Newman, RD, CDCES, CEDS
SESSION: Tech vs Triggers: The Role of Diabetes Technology in Eating Disorder Recovery
Lauren Newman is a Registered Dietitian (RD), Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) passionate about helping individuals with diabetes make peace with food and their bodies. She founded a group practice specialized in eating disorder care for people with diabetes. Lauren uses her training and experience to help individuals with diabetes heal from disordered eating patterns, and support other healthcare providers in deepening their understanding of the relationship between diabetes and eating disorders.
Instagram: @laurennewman.rd
SESSION: Tech vs Triggers: The Role of Diabetes Technology in Eating Disorder Recovery
Lauren Newman is a Registered Dietitian (RD), Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) passionate about helping individuals with diabetes make peace with food and their bodies. She founded a group practice specialized in eating disorder care for people with diabetes. Lauren uses her training and experience to help individuals with diabetes heal from disordered eating patterns, and support other healthcare providers in deepening their understanding of the relationship between diabetes and eating disorders.
Instagram: @laurennewman.rd
SPEAKER: Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD
SESSION: Life with a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: A Double-Edged Sword?
Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, two-time author and founder of a virtual, insurance-based private practice. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18, she experienced firsthand the fear, confusion and frustration of navigating the healthcare system that often leave people feeling unsupported. Amanda is determined to change the diabetes narrative by now combining her personal experience with her professional expertise to create a new approach to diabetes care that she wished she had when she was diagnosed. Through her books, speaking engagements, and direct patient care, she focuses on what the healthcare system often misses: empowering people with diabetes and their families with the practical tools, accessible education, and advocacy skills they need to become their own best resources in managing their diabetes. At the heart of her work is this philosophy: 98% of your diabetes care is done by you. And knowing you can rely on yourself? That's not just a powerful feeling- it's absolutely everything.
Website: t1dnutritionist.com
Instagram: @t1d.nutritionist
SESSION: Life with a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: A Double-Edged Sword?
Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, two-time author and founder of a virtual, insurance-based private practice. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18, she experienced firsthand the fear, confusion and frustration of navigating the healthcare system that often leave people feeling unsupported. Amanda is determined to change the diabetes narrative by now combining her personal experience with her professional expertise to create a new approach to diabetes care that she wished she had when she was diagnosed. Through her books, speaking engagements, and direct patient care, she focuses on what the healthcare system often misses: empowering people with diabetes and their families with the practical tools, accessible education, and advocacy skills they need to become their own best resources in managing their diabetes. At the heart of her work is this philosophy: 98% of your diabetes care is done by you. And knowing you can rely on yourself? That's not just a powerful feeling- it's absolutely everything.
Website: t1dnutritionist.com
Instagram: @t1d.nutritionist
SPEAKER: Amanda Kirpitch, RD, CDCES
SESSION: Glp-1 use and eating disorders: when science meets our relationship with food
Amanda has been a dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist for over 20 years. She is currently the owner of Nutrition Perspective, LLC a private practice in New Jersey serving people with diabetes, eating disorders and cardiometabolic conditions with a focus on simplifying management and improving relationships with food. Amanda is passionate about working with people with diabetes starting her career working pediatrics helping people navigate type 1 diabetes from day 1 through her career working with all ages and varying types of diabetes. Prior to having her own practice, Amanda gained a wealth of experience working in diabetes at Columbia University in New York and Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
Instagram: @AmandaKirpitch
SESSION: Glp-1 use and eating disorders: when science meets our relationship with food
Amanda has been a dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist for over 20 years. She is currently the owner of Nutrition Perspective, LLC a private practice in New Jersey serving people with diabetes, eating disorders and cardiometabolic conditions with a focus on simplifying management and improving relationships with food. Amanda is passionate about working with people with diabetes starting her career working pediatrics helping people navigate type 1 diabetes from day 1 through her career working with all ages and varying types of diabetes. Prior to having her own practice, Amanda gained a wealth of experience working in diabetes at Columbia University in New York and Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
Instagram: @AmandaKirpitch
SPEAKER: Linxi Mytkolli, MS
SESSION: Engaging the Engaged: A Best Practices Workshop for Patient Partnership in Research
Linxi Mytkolli is the Director of Patient Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization at Diabetes Action Canada, where she leads national initiatives embedding over 400 patient partners in research, policy, and system transformation. A first-generation Canadian living with type 1 diabetes, Linxi founded the Research to Action Fellowship—the first paid program training patient advocates to translate research into community-informed tools—and helped develop Canada’s first National Diabetes Framework and the world’s first diabetes community hub. She serves on the Canadian Drug Agency’s advisory group shaping Canada’s upcoming Pharmacare legislation and has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her leadership in diabetes care and health equity. Linxi also advises the WHO Global Diabetes Compact, is a One Young World Novartis Scholar, and speaks regularly on patient engagement and mental health at global forums including DiabetesMine DData and Dedoc Voices. Her work bridges policy, advocacy, and co-creation—grounded in trust, inclusion, and a commitment to centering lived experience.
SESSION: Engaging the Engaged: A Best Practices Workshop for Patient Partnership in Research
Linxi Mytkolli is the Director of Patient Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization at Diabetes Action Canada, where she leads national initiatives embedding over 400 patient partners in research, policy, and system transformation. A first-generation Canadian living with type 1 diabetes, Linxi founded the Research to Action Fellowship—the first paid program training patient advocates to translate research into community-informed tools—and helped develop Canada’s first National Diabetes Framework and the world’s first diabetes community hub. She serves on the Canadian Drug Agency’s advisory group shaping Canada’s upcoming Pharmacare legislation and has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her leadership in diabetes care and health equity. Linxi also advises the WHO Global Diabetes Compact, is a One Young World Novartis Scholar, and speaks regularly on patient engagement and mental health at global forums including DiabetesMine DData and Dedoc Voices. Her work bridges policy, advocacy, and co-creation—grounded in trust, inclusion, and a commitment to centering lived experience.
SPEAKER: Hannah Lochner, RD, CDCES
SESSION: Leveraging Exposure Response Protocols (ERP) for Enhanced Diabetes Management
Hannah Lochner is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while studying nutrition at New York University she dedicated her career to management of diabetes and support patients with tools to manage their diabetes as it interacts with every aspect of their life. Hannah currently works in the outpatient setting with patients who have diabetes and/or eating disorders at Aurora Health Care and with Monte Nido to support patients with coexisting eating disorder and diabetes at the residential and inpatient levels of care.
SESSION: Leveraging Exposure Response Protocols (ERP) for Enhanced Diabetes Management
Hannah Lochner is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while studying nutrition at New York University she dedicated her career to management of diabetes and support patients with tools to manage their diabetes as it interacts with every aspect of their life. Hannah currently works in the outpatient setting with patients who have diabetes and/or eating disorders at Aurora Health Care and with Monte Nido to support patients with coexisting eating disorder and diabetes at the residential and inpatient levels of care.
SPEAKER: Nicole Lewis, MS
SESSION: Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health in Diabetes
Nicole Lewis, MS is a mental health professional with over 17 years of experience working with adolescents and individuals managing complex mental health challenges. In addition to being an outpatient therapist at Children's Service Center in Wilkes Barre, PA, Nicole also teaches Physician Assistants and Nursing students at two local colleges in her area. Nicole is a graduate from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds a Master Degree of Science in Forensic Medicine. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 25 years ago, Nicole has firsthand experience navigating the intersection of chronic illness and mental health, including co-occurring anxiety, major depressive disorder, and an eating disorder termed "Diabulimia." Drawing from both personal experience and clinical expertise, Nicole is committed to educating healthcare professionals and patients on the psychological impact of diabetes and the critical need for integrated, multidisciplinary care. They advocate for a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health alongside medical management. Through their work, Nicole provides insight into the unique struggles faced by individuals with diabetes and co-occurring mental health disorders, offering practical strategies to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and long-term well-being.
SESSION: Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health in Diabetes
Nicole Lewis, MS is a mental health professional with over 17 years of experience working with adolescents and individuals managing complex mental health challenges. In addition to being an outpatient therapist at Children's Service Center in Wilkes Barre, PA, Nicole also teaches Physician Assistants and Nursing students at two local colleges in her area. Nicole is a graduate from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds a Master Degree of Science in Forensic Medicine. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 25 years ago, Nicole has firsthand experience navigating the intersection of chronic illness and mental health, including co-occurring anxiety, major depressive disorder, and an eating disorder termed "Diabulimia." Drawing from both personal experience and clinical expertise, Nicole is committed to educating healthcare professionals and patients on the psychological impact of diabetes and the critical need for integrated, multidisciplinary care. They advocate for a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health alongside medical management. Through their work, Nicole provides insight into the unique struggles faced by individuals with diabetes and co-occurring mental health disorders, offering practical strategies to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and long-term well-being.
Combo Session Speakers: Co-Occuring Sessions on both tracks
SPEAKER: Mila Clarke, MS
SESSION: Finding Food Joy: Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food and Diabetes
Mila Clarke is a diabetes patient advocate, Integrative Nutrition Diabetes Health Coach, author and self-taught cook living with LADA since 2016. Mila's work aims to take away the shame and stigma that comes with a diabetes diagnosis and covers topics like diabetes management, food joy and cooking, and self-care from the perspective of someone living with the chronic condition. In 2024, she launched the Glucose Guide Community, a safe space and app for people with diabetes to build confidence and knowledge around diabetes self-management, and receive free, or low-cost health coaching services. Mila has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Eat This Not That, USA Today, Good Housekeeping and WebMD. She has contributed to Healthline, The Washington Post and EatingWell Magazine. Mila lives in Houston, Texas. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Nutrition.
SESSION: Finding Food Joy: Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food and Diabetes
Mila Clarke is a diabetes patient advocate, Integrative Nutrition Diabetes Health Coach, author and self-taught cook living with LADA since 2016. Mila's work aims to take away the shame and stigma that comes with a diabetes diagnosis and covers topics like diabetes management, food joy and cooking, and self-care from the perspective of someone living with the chronic condition. In 2024, she launched the Glucose Guide Community, a safe space and app for people with diabetes to build confidence and knowledge around diabetes self-management, and receive free, or low-cost health coaching services. Mila has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Eat This Not That, USA Today, Good Housekeeping and WebMD. She has contributed to Healthline, The Washington Post and EatingWell Magazine. Mila lives in Houston, Texas. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Nutrition.
SPEAKER: Libia Marqueza Castro, M.Ed
SESSION: Actions for Liberation in the Diabetes Community
Libia Marqueza Castro, M.Ed. (she/hers/ella) is an intersectional feminist educator and the daughter of immigrants. Diagnosed in 1997, Libia has lived almost her entire life with type 1 diabetes and follows the principles of multiple justice movements to advocate for her comrades. She is a program coordinator at Oregon State University where she works closely with students to create community engaged, service-learning focused leadership opportunities with an anti-racist and anti-colonial lens. Libia is currently working on her doctorate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and “is extremely grateful to DBH for the opportunity to host space for community dreaming.”
SESSION: Actions for Liberation in the Diabetes Community
Libia Marqueza Castro, M.Ed. (she/hers/ella) is an intersectional feminist educator and the daughter of immigrants. Diagnosed in 1997, Libia has lived almost her entire life with type 1 diabetes and follows the principles of multiple justice movements to advocate for her comrades. She is a program coordinator at Oregon State University where she works closely with students to create community engaged, service-learning focused leadership opportunities with an anti-racist and anti-colonial lens. Libia is currently working on her doctorate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and “is extremely grateful to DBH for the opportunity to host space for community dreaming.”
SPEAKER: Mia Rossmanith, MS
SESSION: Conversations that Count: Communication Supporting Mental Health
Mia has been living with diabetes for 30 years and has been connecting with other people living with diabetes from an early age. In 2017 she dove into the (online) diabetes community worldwide. Since then, she has received Dedoc-voices scholarships, collected hundreds of diabetes supplies for people living with diabetes in the war zones in Ukraine and wrote articles for the Blood Sugar Lounge (a German speaking diabetes online magazine). She focused her master’s on the representation of people with disabilities in literature and considers herself a disability activist.
Instagram: busy_bolus_bee
SESSION: Conversations that Count: Communication Supporting Mental Health
Mia has been living with diabetes for 30 years and has been connecting with other people living with diabetes from an early age. In 2017 she dove into the (online) diabetes community worldwide. Since then, she has received Dedoc-voices scholarships, collected hundreds of diabetes supplies for people living with diabetes in the war zones in Ukraine and wrote articles for the Blood Sugar Lounge (a German speaking diabetes online magazine). She focused her master’s on the representation of people with disabilities in literature and considers herself a disability activist.
Instagram: busy_bolus_bee
SPEAKER: Cynthia Celt
Session: Inhale to Recover
Cynthia has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 30 years. Much of this time was spent searching desperately for her “best fit” when it came to both diabetes management and mental health. Cynthia stumbled on and began using inhaled insulin Afrezza more than 10 years ago- elevating her diabetes and life experience. She champions options, access and the power of the patient voice for all people with diabetes. Cynthia has worked across the diabetes space as an advocate, speaker, author, educator and community builder in organizations such as The Diabetes Hands Foundation, The Diabetes Way and Mannkind Pharmaceuticals. Cynthia lives in Boise, Idaho with a husband who grounds her, a seven year old daughter who inspires her and a dog that is always willing to nap with her. She thrives on adventuring everywhere and nowhere with all three.
Session: Inhale to Recover
Cynthia has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 30 years. Much of this time was spent searching desperately for her “best fit” when it came to both diabetes management and mental health. Cynthia stumbled on and began using inhaled insulin Afrezza more than 10 years ago- elevating her diabetes and life experience. She champions options, access and the power of the patient voice for all people with diabetes. Cynthia has worked across the diabetes space as an advocate, speaker, author, educator and community builder in organizations such as The Diabetes Hands Foundation, The Diabetes Way and Mannkind Pharmaceuticals. Cynthia lives in Boise, Idaho with a husband who grounds her, a seven year old daughter who inspires her and a dog that is always willing to nap with her. She thrives on adventuring everywhere and nowhere with all three.
People with Diabetes Speakers
SPEAKER: Chris Ruden
SESSION: Reducing Quality of Life Barriers Around Mental Health and Diabetes
Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, keynote speaker and disabled model who was featured on The Rock’s hit TV show “Titan Games”. From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non-disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world.
Instagram: @chrisruden
SESSION: Reducing Quality of Life Barriers Around Mental Health and Diabetes
Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, keynote speaker and disabled model who was featured on The Rock’s hit TV show “Titan Games”. From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non-disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world.
Instagram: @chrisruden
SPEAKER: Sara Mobäck
SESSION: Challenges when relapse and recovery intertwine.
Sara Mobäck has been living with type 1 diabetes for over 23 years, giving her a deep, personal insight into the daily challenges of managing this condition. Her journey has included overcoming an eating disorder, which shaped her understanding of the critical intersection between diabetes and mental health. Now, she uses her experiences to speak openly about these challenges, aiming to break stigmas and provide support to others facing similar struggles. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower others to prioritize their mental health and find strength in their journeys. “My mission is to foster understanding, resilience, and community for those navigating life with diabetes and its related challenges.”
Instagram: instagram.com/saramoback/
Email: [email protected]
facebook.com/saramoback
SESSION: Challenges when relapse and recovery intertwine.
Sara Mobäck has been living with type 1 diabetes for over 23 years, giving her a deep, personal insight into the daily challenges of managing this condition. Her journey has included overcoming an eating disorder, which shaped her understanding of the critical intersection between diabetes and mental health. Now, she uses her experiences to speak openly about these challenges, aiming to break stigmas and provide support to others facing similar struggles. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower others to prioritize their mental health and find strength in their journeys. “My mission is to foster understanding, resilience, and community for those navigating life with diabetes and its related challenges.”
Instagram: instagram.com/saramoback/
Email: [email protected]
facebook.com/saramoback
SPEAKER: Nay Parnell
SESSION: T1DE and Recovery in the UK
Nay has been advocating about diabetes and mental health for the last 6 years and sharing her lived experience of type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE). She helps train healthcare professionals around the UK both within the NHS and at national charity events. Connecting with the diabetes community has hugely impacted Nay, helping her to embrace her diabetes, which has led her to become involved with co-facilitating local diabetes peer support groups and a national support group for T1DE. For a couple of years Nay worked in diabetes research and education, and currently she’s a Health and Wellbeing Coach in the NHS supporting people with long-term conditions.
IG: @winsandneedles
TikTok: winsandNeedles
SESSION: T1DE and Recovery in the UK
Nay has been advocating about diabetes and mental health for the last 6 years and sharing her lived experience of type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE). She helps train healthcare professionals around the UK both within the NHS and at national charity events. Connecting with the diabetes community has hugely impacted Nay, helping her to embrace her diabetes, which has led her to become involved with co-facilitating local diabetes peer support groups and a national support group for T1DE. For a couple of years Nay worked in diabetes research and education, and currently she’s a Health and Wellbeing Coach in the NHS supporting people with long-term conditions.
IG: @winsandneedles
TikTok: winsandNeedles
SPEAKER: Dr. Phyllisa Deroze
SESSION: Writing Your Story: An Interactive Workshop
Dr. Phyllisa Deroze is a globally recognized diabetes advocate, researcher, and writer who has been sharing her lived experiences since being diagnosed with diabetes in 2011. As the founder of Black Diabetic Info, she addresses cultural nuances in diabetes care and education, particularly for Black communities. Her motto is "Diagnosed Not Defeated," and she also raises awareness about the emotional and mental health challenges of living with diabetes and parenting with diabetes. Her children's book, Diabetes Helpers, is the first book to help adults explain diabetes to children in their lives. Through her work as a speaker and consultant, Dr. Deroze continues to empower people with diabetes by promoting education, advocacy, and mental health support.
IG: @BlackDiabeticInfo
IG: @Diabetes.Helpers
SESSION: Writing Your Story: An Interactive Workshop
Dr. Phyllisa Deroze is a globally recognized diabetes advocate, researcher, and writer who has been sharing her lived experiences since being diagnosed with diabetes in 2011. As the founder of Black Diabetic Info, she addresses cultural nuances in diabetes care and education, particularly for Black communities. Her motto is "Diagnosed Not Defeated," and she also raises awareness about the emotional and mental health challenges of living with diabetes and parenting with diabetes. Her children's book, Diabetes Helpers, is the first book to help adults explain diabetes to children in their lives. Through her work as a speaker and consultant, Dr. Deroze continues to empower people with diabetes by promoting education, advocacy, and mental health support.
IG: @BlackDiabeticInfo
IG: @Diabetes.Helpers
SPEAKER: Alison Sullivan MSN, FNP-C, CDCES
SESSION: Self-Advocacy: Learning to Navigate Your Provider Appointments
Alison Sullivan is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator focused on patient centered care that emphasizes autonomy and choice. She has worked in pediatric diabetes care, maternal fetal medicine diabetes care, and adult diabetes care. Alison started her career as a nurse over 10 years ago and graduated with her master’s degree in nursing from Samuel Merritt University in 2023. Alison is passionate about providing patient autonomy in care because of her own journey with Type 3C diabetes over the last 25 years. She received a pancreatectomy shortly after the birth of her first child, which left her without functioning pancreatic tissue. She struggled in subsequent years with eating disorder and undiagnosed ADHD, but with the help of DBH she is in recovery and has had two successful pregnancies since. After learning to navigate a confusing and rare condition during recovery while on state assistance, she became passionate about helping people like her, who lacked access and resources to engage with the care they needed. She returned to school, working her way through, and now care for the type of patient she once was. When she is not working with patients she enjoys creating art, reading, running, and spending time with her family.
SESSION: Self-Advocacy: Learning to Navigate Your Provider Appointments
Alison Sullivan is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator focused on patient centered care that emphasizes autonomy and choice. She has worked in pediatric diabetes care, maternal fetal medicine diabetes care, and adult diabetes care. Alison started her career as a nurse over 10 years ago and graduated with her master’s degree in nursing from Samuel Merritt University in 2023. Alison is passionate about providing patient autonomy in care because of her own journey with Type 3C diabetes over the last 25 years. She received a pancreatectomy shortly after the birth of her first child, which left her without functioning pancreatic tissue. She struggled in subsequent years with eating disorder and undiagnosed ADHD, but with the help of DBH she is in recovery and has had two successful pregnancies since. After learning to navigate a confusing and rare condition during recovery while on state assistance, she became passionate about helping people like her, who lacked access and resources to engage with the care they needed. She returned to school, working her way through, and now care for the type of patient she once was. When she is not working with patients she enjoys creating art, reading, running, and spending time with her family.