Ananta Addala, DO, is a pediatric endocrinologist and physician scientist at Stanford University addressing access in pediatric type 1 diabetes management and outcomes. As a physician with a background in pediatric endocrinology, epidemiology, and behavioral health, she aims to build an evidence-based approach to addressing T1D disparities by systematically evaluating youth-, family-, provider-, and system-level barriers to optimal diabetes care in youth who underutilize diabetes technology. Dr. Addala is the PI of the BEAD-T1D study that is actively recruiting children under 12 years and their families to help build a developmentally-appropriate and culturally-informed approach to diabetes technology use.

Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, PhD, APRN, CDCES, is VP, Medical Affairs, at Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) where she is focused on accelerating progress toward cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and raising awareness about early detection of T1D and clinical trial participation. Prior to joining Breakthrough T1D, Albanese-O’Neill was a professor of pediatrics and nursing at the University of Florida, where she maintained an active research portfolio and clinical practice. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Diabetes Care, The Lancet, Pediatric Diabetes, and Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. Albanese-O’Neill has been a passionate diabetes advocate since her daughter was diagnosed with T1D in 2002, and has provided testimony at congressional hearings, the White House, and in the Florida legislature. She is a co-author on state, national, and international position statements on diabetes in the school setting aimed at reducing discrimination and improving care for students with diabetes. She was recognized as Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year by ADCES in 2023.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, Michelle Auerbach blogs at her home base, Love, Light, and Insulin. She is passionate about dedicating her time to raising awareness for Type 1, along with other chronic illnesses. Michelle is the co-founder of Chronic Love Club, an online community whose vision is that with kindness and support for one another, we can get through anything. As a freelance writer, she has contributed to different health-related websites and publications. Michelle lives in Montreal, Quebec with her sidekick rescue cat named Big and is always excited to see her Friends for Life.

Katharine Barnard, BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD, is a Visiting Professor and internationally renowned expert who specializes in the psychosocial impact and management of illness and long-term conditions. She led the only team ever to be awarded FDA MDDT qualification for a patient-reported outcome measure in diabetes (INSPIRE). Katharine Chairs a global team of experts in writing a consensus statement on the standardization of patient-reported outcomes. She also Chairs the FDA RESCUE Global Collaborative Community to reduce incidents of self-injury and suicide by people with diabetes. Katharine developed the underpinning theoretical model and science behind Spotlight-AQ; her goal is to minimise burden of diabetes and improve quality of life for people living with it.

Marissa Baudino, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist and assistant professor in the department of psychology at East Carolina University. Her research focuses on promoting youth and family adjustment to type 1 diabetes, increasing engagement in diabetes self-management behaviors, and improving health outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes. She has specific interests in supporting youth with type 1 diabetes and their families who reside in rural communities and promoting quality of life for young adults living with type 1 diabetes who are transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare.

Ramon (Ray) Benedetto, DM, MS, LFACHE, is a retired US Air Force Colonel and an active consultant who helps business leaders transform their organizations for performance excellence. He is Board Certified by and a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a published author (“It’s My Company TOO!” (2012)), a graduate of Penn State, USC, and the University of Phoenix, the National Defense University, and Air War College, and was diagnosed with T2 in 2018. Ray and Joan have three adult children in addition to Jayce, who was diagnosed with T1 at 18 months. They have been attending FFL since 2015, and this is Jayce’s first year in the Teen Program. As a family, they strive to educate others about T1D whenever possible.

April Blackwell is an aerospace engineer and person living with diabetes. Her mission is to push the limits of life with T1D and, on the journey, educate outward and advocate upwards, literally to the stars! Space-obsessed since age 5, but diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11, April continued pursuing her passion even in the face of an automatic disqualification to become a NASA astronaut. She hasn't given up on her ultimate dream, but now there is an extra challenge -- to be the first person living with T1D in space! She's a FFL first timer and over the moon to be presenting! You can follow her very nerdy (self-proclaimed) account on Instagram @NerdyApril. Ad astra per aspera!

Molly Cannon, MSN, CRNP, is a Clinical Research NP at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, specializing in Hyperinsulinism and Glycogen Storage Disease. In addition to working in research, Molly is a certified yoga instructor and a graduate of the Andrew Weil Pediatric Integrative Medicine residency. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of yoga, meditation and the endocrine system, and how complementary approaches can enhance both physical and emotional well-being. Molly is so excited to offer interactive yoga sessions as a way to rest, restore, and recharge at the Friends for Life Conference.

Daniel Cherñavvsky, MD, began his career in basic research at the University of Virginia (UVA) where he had the chance to publish his research as a co-author with a Nobel laureate researcher, Dr. Oliver Smithies. He continued his career as a clinical researcher at the University of Virginia-Center for Diabetes Technology (CDT) where he worked collaboratively with prominent investigators from Europe, South America and USA with the aim to bring Automatic Insulin Delivery (AID) technology to the home. He designed and conducted research projects for 20+ years using technology devices for the treatment and control of diabetes. His studies focused on (i) the effect of using AID in children, adolescents and young adults with T1D (ii) glycemic control using AID during exercise (iii) cognitive and behavioral aspects of children with T1D. He successfully obtained $1,700,000 to create a unique diabetes technology clinic at UVA. Another accomplishment was obtaining the necessary funds and support to run the pivotal clinical trial that led to the regulatory approval of Tandem Control IQ for 6-13 years old children. In 2016 he joined TypeZero as Chief Medical Officer. After the acquisition of TypeZero by Dexcom he worked in industry as Sr. Director Medical affairs at Dexcom. He recently rejoined the CDT at UVA where he continues his breakthrough research and development in diabetes technology with the aim to improve treatments and quality of life for people with diabetes. He has published more than 40 peer review articles and is the senior editor of the first edition of The Artificial Pancreas book. He also serves on the board of the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes.

Jessica Costley is a mom of four and her son, Cornelius, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2016 at the age of eight. She first attended Friends for Life Orlando in 2018 and felt at home as soon as she stepped through the convention center doors and started hearing the familiar chimes of Dexcom alarms. Jessica is originally from Lancaster, PA, and now lives in the Orlando area. She works remotely in human resources and is happy to talk at length about travel and Disney, as well as being a resource and listening ear for fellow single parents navigating their child's T1D journey.

Leigh Fickling, JD, MEd, MS, serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Children with Diabetes. Leigh is responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the organization and for the oversight and implementation of the organization's strategic plan. Leigh's daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013 at the age of three. Leigh is a subject matter expert in the implementation of accommodations for people with diabetes in the classroom, workplace, and beyond. The Friends for Life conferences are the highlight of the year for the Fickling family and they can't imagine trying to dia-beat-this without their circle of friends.

Jess Forster, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker at Markham Stouffville Hospital Pediatric Diabetes Clinic in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Passionate about improving the lives of the children, youth and caregivers diagnosed with T1D; Jess has focused on integrating patient-reported outcome measures to improve diabetes mental health care. Acknowledging that diabetes is a team sport, Jess has used creative therapeutic CBT + DBT techniques to help families thrive with the day-to-day challenges of living with the ups and downs associated T1D. Outside of her professional endeavors, Jess finds joy in running, cycling, quality family time, and her guilty pleasure of drinking too much coffee.

Julie Gettings, PhD, is the Clinical Director of Pediatric Psychology in the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gettings is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and she specializes in using motivational interviewing to help people with achieving their health goals. Dr. Gettings is a passionate advocate for integrating mental health care into routine diabetes care. She created behavioral health programs within two pediatric diabetes centers - first at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 2012 and then at CHOP beginning in 2015.

Allyson S. Hughes, PhD, is an expert in diabetes, disability, and health policy. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1995. She is an assistant professor at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in the department of Primary Care. Her goal is to elevate the voice of people with diabetes and their family members. She is a member of ADA's Health Disparities committee, the chair of the ADCES Research Committee, and a member of Diabetes Care's Editorial Board.

George Huntley is a founding member of the Diabetes Leadership Council (501c3) and currently serves as CEO of both the DLC and its affiliate, the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (501c4). He has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1983 and has three other family members also living with T1D. A passionate advocate for people with diabetes, George is a past National Chair of the Board of the American Diabetes Association and currently serves as Treasurer of Children with Diabetes. A former CPA, George spent his business career as CFO of Theoris Group, Inc., United Pentek, Inc. and MicroProse Games, Inc. In his corporate roles, he was the plan administrator of self-insured, employer-based health plans for more than 25 years. He learned firsthand the impact of chronic disease management on his company’s bottom line and the importance of strategic health plan design decisions to manage cost, reduce overall risk and improve health outcomes. George is also a highly rated and frequent speaker on the topic of health plan design and drug pricing.

Manuel Iris is a teacher, poet, and public speaker. Manuel has successfully taught literature, culture, and language classes in Mexico and the United States at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. He is a Poet Laureate Emeritus of the City of Cincinnati, and was recently named Writer-in-residence of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, and of Thomas More University. He has given readings, lectures, and workshops about poetry, translation, diversity and Hispanic Culture in Mexico, the US, and Europe. He was the coach of a two-time champion poetry slam team in Cincinnati (2017 and 2018).

Laura Jacobsen, MD, is physician scientist and pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Florida. Dr. Jacobsen's research focuses on understanding the role of the immune system in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and improving clinical care and health outcomes for people with T1D. She has an interest in mechanisms of action of immunotherapies as well as biomarkers of efficacy and identification of clinical responders. Dr. Jacobsen is proud to serve as an investigator with TrialNet, the TEDDY study, the Network for Pancreatic Organ donors with Diabetes, and the T1DX-QI Collaborative. She also serves as the associate fellowship program director for the UF pediatric endocrinology fellowship program and values the opportunity to train future generations.

Jan Kavookjian, PhD, MBA, FAPhA, FADCES, has a health psychology/behavior sciences focus in outcomes research, with 25 years of training and studying motivational interviewing (MI), an evidence-based communication skills set and approach aimed at collaborative, empowering conversations about self-management behaviors. She is faculty in an outcomes research department at Auburn University and has published her work in journals that include Pediatrics, Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, and others. Her research includes diabetes behavior change and MI training for interprofessional practitioners; recent work developed a user-friendly MI training and materials for parents of youth with T1D looking for ways to talk positively about self-management goals.

Jessica Kichler, CDCES, PhD, CPsych, is a Clinical and Health Psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Windsor. She specializes in clinical intervention research related to psychosocial adjustment and coping with type 1 diabetes in youth and families. She previously worked as a diabetes psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist at two academic medical centers (Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center) in the United States for almost 15 years before moving to Windsor, Ontario. Currently, she is also interested in how to support college-aged students with type 1 diabetes most effectively transition into young adulthood.

Rayhan Lal, PhD, MD, MPH, is pediatric and adult endocrine faculty at Stanford. Rayhan grew up in the California bay area and always wanted to be an engineer. He has had type 1 diabetes for over 30 years. He studied electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. His two younger sisters were enrolled in DPT-1, were found to be antibody positive, and developed type 1 diabetes. In an effort to help all his brothers and sisters with diabetes, Rayhan decided to switch career paths and pursue clinical medicine at the University of California, Davis. Rayhan could not decide whether to take care of children or adults with diabetes and so did both. He completed a four year residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Southern California, working with the underserved at Los Angeles County Hospital. Rayhan then completed an adult and pediatric endocrine fellowship at Stanford. As an engineer and physician-scientist with diabetes, his primary research interest is the design, development, and testing of new diabetes technology and therapies with his mentor, Dr. Bruce Buckingham. Rayhan collaborates with many members of the Stanford Diabetes Research Center, industry and the open source diabetes community in an effort to bypass the biological, technological and human factor limitations of existing devices.

Alanna Landry, RN, CDE, has spent over 28 years enjoying her role as an RN,CDE at Markham Stouffville Hospital paediatric diabetes program. She has spent recent years focusing on research studies investigating the transition of youth to adult care, leading quality improvement projects, and is presently co-chair of the provincial diabetes network steering committee to improve care of children and families in Ontario. Alanna has attended FFL conferences in the teen program for over 15 years. The Friends for Life conference is the most magical week of the year and reinvigorates her passion to continue to support and educate the families with diabetes she is honored to care for.

Lauren Lanning is the very proud mom of Monica, dx 8/96, a recent PA graduate, and Sarah, an engineer. Lauren became involved with CWD shortly after Monica was diagnosed in 1996. She has been involved in the conferences since the very first gathering in Orlando in 2000, where she volunteered to make name badges. Since then, Lauren has run Registration and then the Elementary program. This year, Lauren is excited to continue as leader of the MOFFLs and First Timers. She lives in Colorado and loves traveling, riding her bicycle and volunteering as a JDRF Ride coach.

Brynn Marks, MD, MSHPEd, is a pediatric endocrinologist, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, and Director of Technology of the Diabetes Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Marks completed her pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital and also pursued a Master in Health Science Professions Education. Her experiences living with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years have shaped her research interests, which center on promoting equal access to diabetes technologies and developing innovative approaches to diabetes technology education for clinicians and youth and families. Dr. Marks serves on the ISPAD Executive Board and several American Diabetes Association Committees.

Jennifer McVean, MD, is a pediatric endocrinologist and Medical Affairs Director at Medtronic. Prior to joining Medtronic in January 2022, she was an Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Minnesota. After completing her undergraduate work at Northwestern University, she attended medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. McVean completed a pediatric residency at the University of Colorado and a pediatric endocrinology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was in clinical practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin for 8 years prior to transitioning to academic medicine. Her clinical and research interest is type 1 diabetes. Dr. McVean’s passion for type 1 diabetes stems from her own diagnosis at age 11.

Tanis Miller, RN, is a volunteer with her husband, Frederick Miller. She currently lives in Illinois and has been a dialysis nurse for 16 years. Tanis is currently the CILA Program Manager/RN Nurse Trainer. She is a mother to four girls (Irelyn, Britton, Raenyn, and Fynn). Her step-daughter, Kairi (green bracelet, diagnosed 10/2018 age eight), has been attending Friends for Life Orlando since 2019. Tanis attended her first FFL conference with Kairi in 2022. During their first FFL conference with her, it was nothing other than an amazing experience for all -- the education, the feeling of belonging and not being alone, and the togetherness felt during the conference. Tanis and her family will be coming back each year for Kairi.

Pantea Minnock, BS, RN, MSN, CPNP, is a nurse practitioner in the Diabetes Center for Children at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio-Behavioral Health and Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She then received a Bachelor and Masters of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been working with children and teenagers with diabetes since 2001. Her areas of interest and expertise include clinical research, diabetes technology and new therapeutics, and reducing disparities in patient access and clinical outcomes. She is also passionate about been learning mindfulness and teaching wellness tools to patients, families, and care providers.

Heather Mitchell became a diabetes mom in 2007, when her son Campbell was diagnosed at the age of 9. They were in Australia at the time, so she is bilingual in diabetes terminology. Moving back to the U.S. in 2009, Heather found CWD online and convinced her family to attend their first FFL conference. She used the Disney World location as an incentive to get them to go to Florida in July. They have been coming ever since, including quite a few of the regional conferences as well. Heather has been active with the MOFFL's, while her husband Scott participates with the Dads, and Campbell has been one of the group leaders with the young adults. Her younger son Thomas has also participated in TrialNet and other diabetes related studies.

Kristen O’Dell, MS, RD, CDCES, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine, in 1998. Despite her resistance to accepting this diagnosis, it has been the driving force behind her pursuing a career as a dietitian. She earned her Master’s degree in Dietetics at D’Youville College and became a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Kristen has worked in a children’s clinic, long term care nursing facilities, as an insulin pump trainer, and is now providing diabetes and nutrition counseling through her company, Focused Diabetes Solutions, all while being the Dietitian at CWD FFL conferences. Her goal is to empower people living with diabetes so that they can navigate all the ups and downs of life (and blood sugars). Kristen and her husband, Shawn, have three young children. Kristen enjoys cooking and baking in the kitchen, working in the garden, rooting for the Buffalo Bills, traveling around the world, and reading (when she can find a little free time).

Kenny Rodenheiser, BSN, RN, CDCES, earned his nursing degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and has worked as an RN, CDCES in the hospital, clinic, and industry spaces. Diagnosed in 2003, Kenny is very passionate in helping people with diabetes. He is heavily engaged in the diabetes community and has been attending CWD conferences as an attendee, then volunteer since 2004. When not working or volunteering, Kenny loves being outdoors, active, and spending time with his wife, daughters, and fur baby.

Henry Rodriguez, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist who has focused on the prevention and management of type 1 diabetes (T1D), has been a FFL faculty member for 10-years. He has been a lead investigator in national and international T1D studies including the NIH-funded DPT-1, TrialNet, EDIC, and the Helmsley Trust-funded T1D Exchange, and studies on beta-cell preservation in type 1 diabetes and expanding the number of FDA-approved medications for children with T1D and T2D. He serves on the ADA Scientific Oversight, National Advocacy. and Legal Advocacy Committees, the Safe at School, and Membership Advisory Working Groups, and he is President of the local ADA Community Leadership Board. He is also a long-standing supporter on diabetes camps.

Janet Rodriguez, RN, CDCES, CRA, a longstanding FFL faculty member, is an experienced nurse, educator, and research coordinator with nearly one decade of expertise in diabetes technologies. Janet became a registered nurse in 1986. Initially concentrating in pediatric critical care, she migrated to nursing quality assurance, prior to dedicating herself to diabetes. Her passion is empowering people of all ages living with diabetes. She specializes in diabetes technologies and leads the Diabetes Technology Clinical and Clinical Research Programs at the University of South Florida Diabetes and Endocrinology Center in Tampa. She is a proud member of the ADA’s Safe at School Working Group and long-time diabetes camp nurse.

Daniela Rojas, BS, CDE, is a psychologist specializing in working with people with chronic illness and a certified diabetes educator. She is also a board member of Asociación Día Vida, the association for people living with diabetes in Costa Rica. Daniela is also a diabetes advocate for the Latin community and has been part of T1international advocacy, the League of Diabetes, and the WHO (TAG) Technical Advisory team in Diabetes. She is also the co-creator of Vasoterapia Diabetes, a card game which looks to create safe and judgment-free spaces to talk about mental health and life with diabetes.

Cherie Stabler, PhD, is the J. Crayton Pruitt Family and UF Foundation Preeminence Term Professor and Departmental Chair in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering at the University of Florida. She is also an Affiliate Member of the UF Diabetes Institute. Dr. Stabler has established an internationally recognized research and educational program focused on generating translational biomaterial platforms for cellular implants, with a particular emphasis on cell-based therapies for Type 1 diabetes. Her work spans from designing new biomaterials to seeking FDA clearance for combinatory products and has been supported by NIH, Breakthrough T1D (formally JDRF), and The Helmsley Foundation. She is an inducted fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).

Andrew Stone only knows life with T1D, having been diagnosed at 20 months old. Growing up in central California, his family was involved in the diabetes community and attended their first FFL conference in 2004. Andrew went on to graduate from Auburn University, spent three summers guiding canoe trips in Minnesota, and now lives in the Orlando area working as an Operations Supervisor for an airline at MCO. He loves traveling to visit friends and family and going to NASCAR races and other sporting events. Andrew started attending CWD events more frequently and made his CWD friends during and after college, so he is excited to share and grow the community of Young Adults at FFL.

Lauren Turner, MSc, is a PhD student in Kinesiology and Health Sciences at York University under the supervision of Dr. Michael Riddell. Her research primarily revolves around investigating the effects of exercise on glucose levels using continuous glucose monitoring and other body-worn sensors in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Lauren is currently conducting various clinical trials at York University with a focus on exercise and hybrid closed-loop therapy, and the impact of diabetes and glycemia on muscular endurance. Having lived with T1D since 2018, Lauren is not only a dedicated runner and marathoner, but also passionate about empowering fellow individuals with T1D to enhance their glucose management during physical activity.

Jessie J. Wong, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist and clinical researcher in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Stanford University. She has received grants from NIDDK and ADA to support her program of research that focuses on family-based interventions to offset adolescent risk and enhance glycemic and mental health outcomes as well as preventing risk among adults living with diabetes.