Guest Index

Dr. Lawrence Afrin is a hematologist/oncologist and one of the world's foremost experts on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). He is the author of over 73 peer-reviewed articles and the first book about MCAS, 'Never Bet Against Occam.'

Dr. Patrick Agnew is a podiatric surgery specialist board certified in foot and ankle surgery. He serves on the Medical and Scientific Board of The Ehlers-Danlos Society.

Dr. Paldeep Atwal is a board-certified clinical and medical biochemical geneticist and director of Atwal Clinic for Genomic and Personalized Medicine. He has co-discovered two new genetic connective tissue syndromes and published over 100 publications.

Vita Bachman is a former international Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast and coach who trained with Natalia Kiseleva in Kiev. She is the owner and head coach of Stretching Beyond Limits, a cross-training program for dancers, gymnasts, aerialists, and contortionists.

Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained Neuro-Ophthalmologist, and Functional Medicine expert. She is fully trained in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, and she has a special interest in treating Headache and Migraine. Dr. Banik manages a wide spectrum of conditions affecting vision, as well as the complex connections between the eye and brain.

Mandy Blackmon is a board-certified orthopaedic physical therapist serving as head physical therapist for the Atlanta Ballet. She specializes in treating performing artists and the hypermobile population.

Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn is a neurologist and founder of the Dysautonomia Clinic, specializing in POTS, small fiber neuropathy, and related conditions. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University at Buffalo.

Lara Bloom is the President and CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, leading global efforts in awareness, research funding, and medical collaboration for EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders. She is an Academic Affiliate Professor of Practice at Penn State College of Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine.

Emily Bohan is the founder of Bohan PT & Training, PLLC, with nearly a decade of experience as a physical therapist, personal trainer, and nutrition coach. She specializes in orthopedic injuries, hypermobility disorders (HSD, hEDS), pelvic floor therapy, and sports conditioning. Certified through Herman and Wallace and PIPER for pelvic health, she takes an integrative, whole-body approach to care.

Dr. Paolo Bolognese is a neurosurgeon and Surgical Director of the Chiari EDS Center, specializing in Chiari malformation, craniocervical instability, and tethered cord surgery. He co-founded The Chiari Institute and is a global authority on the surgical management of EDS-related neurological conditions.

Scott Borjeson is an executive at Bauerfeind USA with over 30 years of international medical device and management experience. Bauerfeind is the founding sponsor of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, working to increase awareness of hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Cailey Brandon is the founder of Verb Movement Rehabilitation, bridging physical therapy and Pilates methodology for clients with chronic pain and neurological conditions. She founded Verb after her own diagnosis with a connective tissue disorder and autonomic disease.

Skylar Brandt is a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre who joined ABT's Studio Company at age 14 and rose through the ranks to principal in 2020. A two-time Youth America Grand Prix silver medalist and Princess Grace Fellowship recipient.

Jill Brook is a nutritionist, POTS patient, host of The POTScast, and volunteer research assistant to several POTS experts. She earned degrees from Princeton University and UCLA and serves as nutrition consultant to the Dysautonomia Clinic.

Isabel Ramirez-Burnett is a systems engineer, board-certified health coach, and CEO of Renegade Research, a patient-led nonprofit focused on complex multi-system chronic conditions like ME/CFS and long COVID. Diagnosed with ME/CFS at age 7, she also serves as Project Director of Remission Biome.

Jazz Khai Bynum is a professional ballet dancer with Ballet West who was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She graduated from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Contemporary Performance with an emphasis in Ballet, cum laude.

Aiko Callahan is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist with over 13 years of experience treating performing artists and hypermobility-related conditions. She co-created a new hypermobility assessment tool for clinicians.

Brianna Cardenas is a Physician Assistant with a Doctorate in Medical Science, specializing in hypermobility, EDS, MCAS, and dysautonomia. As someone living with hEDS herself, she combines allopathic and functional medicine approaches.

Dr. Jill Carnahan is a functional medicine physician and founder of Flatiron Functional Medicine. A survivor of both breast cancer and Crohn's disease, she is board certified in Integrative Holistic Medicine.

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon and founder of The Casperson Clinic. She is the host of the podcast 'You Are Not Broken' and a bestselling author on hormones and sexual health.

Dr. Amanda Cassil is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of STEM Psychological Services. She specializes in supporting women in STEM fields and is the author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person.

Susan Chalela is a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience and founder of the Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS and Cervical Instabilities. Living with hypermobile EDS herself, she created the Finding Functional Foundations program.

Dr. Pradeep Chopra is a Harvard-trained, board-certified pain medicine specialist with over 25 years of experience treating complex chronic pain and multisystem disorders. He specializes in EDS, POTS, MCAS, CRPS, and central sensitization disorders.

Adji Cissoko is a German-born dancer and Associate Artistic Director at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, where she has originated many central roles and guested at galas worldwide since joining in 2014. She trained at the Ballet Academy Munich and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre on full scholarship.

Jesse is the Vice President of Research at the Lipedema Foundation. A dedicated scientist, she brings decades of experience exploring the fundamental mechanisms of human disease and biology, along with deep expertise in scientific strategy and leadership across academic, hospital, and industry settings. Jesse earned a BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD from Yale University. As a Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, she investigated epigenetics and chromatin remodeling. Before joining the Foundation, she contributed to developing the next generation of genetic medicines at Tome Biosciences. At the Lipedema Foundation, Jesse is committed to advancing the science and nurturing the research community needed to uncover the pathophysiology and etiology of Lipedema.

Kate Colbert is the founder, executive director, and board president of EDS Guardians, Inc., the world's first patient-to-patient pay-it-forward organization for EDS patients. Diagnosed with hEDS at age 45, she is also CEO of Silver Tree Communications and a bestselling author.

Dr. Jen Crane is a physical therapist and athletic trainer specializing in circus arts, pelvic floor therapy, and hypermobility. She herself scores 9/9 on the Beighton hypermobility scale.

Dr. Alexis Cutchins is a board-certified cardiologist and expert in POTS, dysautonomia, and Long COVID. She founded Cutchins Cardiovascular Medicine specializing in the care of patients with POTS, MCAS, and hypermobility disorders.

Dr. Beth Darnall is a Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and Director of the Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab. She created Empowered Relief, a single-session pain intervention now delivered in 26 countries.

Dr. Subinoy (Shu) Das is a board-certified otolaryngologist, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and CEO of the U.S. Institute for Advanced Sinus Care and Research. He has expertise in how EDS impacts the ears, nose, throat, vocal cords, and hearing.

Summer Dashe is an Emmy-winning former news anchor turned chronic illness advocate after POTS derailed her broadcasting career. She works in science communications for the U.S. Department of Energy and teaches journalism at the University of Tennessee.

Victoria Daylor is a patient scientist with hEDS who graduated from the Boston Conservatory and Columbia University's Postbac Premed Program. She serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Norris Lab at MUSC and co-authored the 'Hope for Hypermobility' CME series.

Dr. Tania Dempsey is a board-certified internal medicine and integrative medicine physician internationally recognized for her expertise in MCAS, EDS, and autoimmune disease. She founded the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine in Purchase, NY.

Katie Dettelbach is a former critical care cardiac registered nurse and co-founder of Whealth, helping people with hypermobility and chronic pain build strength and manage their conditions. Diagnosed with hEDS, she combined her nursing background with movement to develop specialized programming.

Andrew Dettelbach is the co-founder of Whealth, a coaching program that has helped over 22,000 people overcome chronic pain since 2012. He has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and recovered from a severe disc herniation without surgery.

Jeannie Di Bon is an internationally recognized movement therapist specializing in hypermobility, EDS, and chronic pain with over 16 years of experience. She is the creator of the Integral Movement Method and founder of The Zebra Club app, drawing from her own diagnoses of hEDS, MCAS, POTS, and CFS.

Melissa Dickinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in gender and sexuality counseling, chronic illness, and EDS-informed psychotherapy. After being diagnosed with EDS herself, she founded the Georgia EDS and Hypermobility Network serving over 1,500 people.

Dr. Shanda Dorff is a board-certified family medicine physician who founded Complex Cares LLC to focus on treating EDS, MCAS, and POTS. She practices in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Dr. Jessica Eccles is a Reader in Brain-Body Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Psychiatrist who co-leads the world's first Neurodivergent Brain-Body Clinic.

Dr. Frank Feigenbaum is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon who has treated over 2,000 Tarlov and meningeal cyst patients. He developed refined surgical techniques with proven outcomes and serves on the Tarlov Cyst Foundation advisory board.

Dr. Will Flanary is an ophthalmologist and the creator of Dr. Glaucomflecken, a widely popular medical comedy brand. A testicular cancer and cardiac arrest survivor, he uses humor to shed light on the absurdities of modern healthcare. He co-hosts the Knock Knock Hi podcast with his wife Kristin.

Kristin Flanary, known as Lady Glaucomflecken, is a speaker, writer, and advocate for humanity-centered healthcare. A co-survivor of her husband's testicular cancer and cardiac arrest, she holds a Master's in cognitive neuroscience and focuses on amplifying the co-survivor experience. She co-hosts the Knock Knock Hi podcast.

Jo-Anne La Flèche is a clinical and performance psychologist with an MA in Dance and graduate studies in Somatics, based in Montreal. She is the resident psychologist at L'Ecole Superieure de Ballet du Quebec and has worked across the dance field for over 25 years.

Dr. Clair Francomano is a medical geneticist and Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. She spearheaded a 20+ year longitudinal study on EDS at the NIH and has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles on hereditary connective tissue disorders.

Kathleen McGuire Gaines is a former professional ballet dancer and the founder of Minding the Gap, an organization dedicated to making dancers' mental health as important as their physical health. Her 2017 Dance Magazine article 'Why Are We Still So Bad at Addressing Dancers' Mental Health?' went viral.

Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani is the Founder and Medical Director of the Gaudiani Clinic, specializing in medical complications of eating disorders. She is one of the only outpatient internists in the U.S. who is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Consultant.

Dr. Cortney Gensemer is a postdoctoral scholar at MUSC researching the genetic basis of hypermobile EDS. As a person living with hEDS herself, she co-discovered a gene mutation associated with the condition.

Marimba Gold-Watts is an award-winning Pilates trainer on Apple Fitness+ and a former professional dancer who has taught Horton technique at the Ailey School since 2005. She won the 2018 Pilates Anytime Next Instructor Competition and founded Articulating Body Inc.

Dr. Andrew Goldstein is a board-certified gynecologist and Director of the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders. A past president of ISSWSH, he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and female sexual pain.

Dr. Irwin Goldstein is a pioneer in sexual medicine and founder of San Diego Sexual Medicine. He is a Clinical Professor of Urology at UC San Diego with over 360 publications and multiple lifetime achievement awards.

Sue Goldstein is a certified sexuality educator and Clinical Research Manager at San Diego Sexual Medicine. She is President-Elect of ISSWSH and managing editor of Sexual Medicine Reviews.

Dr. Stephanie Greenspan is a physical therapist specializing in circus artists and dancers, and founder of Artletic Science. She co-authored clinical guidelines for management of hypermobility in performing artists.

Morgan Groover, DPT, OCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist based in Chantilly, VA, who provides in-home and telehealth physical therapy services through MovementX. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from High Point University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia, and has earned advanced certifications in dry needling, pelvic floor therapy, and the EDS ECHO program. With over five years of clinical experience, Morgan specializes in treating complex conditions including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), hypermobility, chronic pain, and pelvic health, a passion rooted in her own journey as a competitive swimmer navigating "mystery" injuries and health challenges. Known for her empathetic, personalized approach, she is dedicated to helping patients of all backgrounds bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be, serving communities across Northern Virginia including Chantilly, Ashburn, Reston, and surrounding areas.

Kasi is a Project Manager at the Lipedema Foundation, bringing over more than two decades of expertise in Project Management, Communications, and Human Resources from a successful career with a Fortune 500 FinTech company. She earned her MBA in Business Administration from Capella University. As a patient living with Lipedema, MCAS/Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (HaT), POTS, and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), Kasi is passionate about amplifying the patient's voice to raise awareness about Lipedema and its overlap with comorbid conditions. Her lived experience in navigating her own health challenges fuels her commitment to advocacy, research, and outreach to other patients and medical professionals. Residing in Mechanicsville, Virginia, Kasi enjoys gardening, cooking, and visiting the Outer Banks with her husband and two daughters.

Dr. Betsy Grunch is a board-certified neurosurgeon who completed her spine fellowship at Duke University. She specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and is known for her educational social media presence with over 3 million followers.

Ashok Gupta is the founder of the Gupta Program, a neuroplasticity-based brain retraining program for chronic conditions including ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. He contracted ME/CFS while studying economics at Cambridge University and developed recovery techniques he has taught for over 15 years.

Dr. Robert Hacker is a double board-certified vascular surgeon specializing in MALS, Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and pelvic venous congestion syndrome affecting EDS patients.

Dr. Alan Hakim is a UK-based consultant rheumatologist with over 32 years of experience in connective tissue disorders. He serves as Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research for The Ehlers Danlos Society.

Colin Halverson is a bioethicist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the ethical care of patients with rare diseases, particularly Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Dr. Adam Hansen is a thoracic surgeon at WVU Medicine known for developing the Hansen repair technique for slipping rib syndrome. He has treated close to 1,000 slipping rib syndrome patients, many of whom have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Lara Heimann is a physical therapist and the founder of the LYT Yoga Method, combining physiology, kinesiology, neurology, and functional movement into a cohesive yoga practice. She has over 25 years of teaching experience and has trained thousands of students in more than 50 countries.

Dr. Karen Herbst is an endocrinologist and leading researcher in lipedema and rare adipose tissue disorders. She led the NIH-sponsored conference establishing the U.S. standard of care for lipedema.

Lilian Holm is a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience who has focused exclusively on patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.

Lisa Howell is a physiotherapist, author, and creator of The Ballet Blog, revolutionizing how dancers approach injury prevention and performance enhancement. She founded Perfect Form Physiotherapy in Sydney and has authored over 20 programs translated into more than five languages.

Terry Hyde is a psychotherapist and former professional ballet dancer who performed for 22 years with the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and in London's West End. He is the CEO of STEPPS, a charity improving access to mental health support in dance.

Dr. Shimi Kang is an award-winning psychiatrist, Clinical Associate Professor at UBC, and bestselling author of 'The Dolphin Parent' and 'The Tech Solution.' She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Dr. Pejman Katiraei is a board-certified pediatrician fellowship-trained in integrative and holistic medicine. He founded Wholistic Kids and Wholistic Minds in Santa Monica, specializing in children with complex conditions.

Dr. David Kaufman is an internal medicine specialist and founder of the Center for Complex Diseases, with expertise in ME/CFS, Long Covid, dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, and autoimmune disease.

Delaney Kenney is a neuroscience graduate from Haverford College diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She conducted EDS research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, working on reprogramming hEDS patient fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells.

Dr. Audrey Kershaw is an oral surgeon who founded Oral Surgery Scotland. She has uncovered hundreds of hidden EDS cases through dental presentations, lecturing widely on connective tissue disorders in dentistry.

Dr. Laurence Kinsella is a board-certified neurologist specializing in autonomic dysfunction, neuropathy, and complex neurological issues at the intersection of dysautonomia, hypermobility, and MCAS.

Dr. Petra Klinge is a neurosurgeon and professor of neurosurgery at Brown University, specializing in Chiari malformation, tethered cord syndrome, and spinal malformations in EDS patients.

Dr. Dacre Knight is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia, Executive Director of the UVA Health Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Disorders Center, and Chief Medical Officer of The Ehlers-Danlos Society. Dr. Knight, an internationally recognized expert in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, dysautonomia, and related complex chronic conditions, combines clinical excellence with deep compassion for patients whose symptoms have often been misunderstood or overlooked. He also serves as a recurring co-host on Bendy Bodies, bringing his expertise, warmth, and practical clinical insight to conversations that help educate and empower patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Through his leadership, research, education, and advocacy, Dr. Knight continues to advance awareness, improve care, and expand understanding of hypermobility disorders within the medical community and beyond.

Kristin Koskinen is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in nutrition for dancers, artistic athletes, and hypermobile individuals. She focuses on connective tissue recovery and inflammation-related gut issues.

Tiffany Lee is an adjunct professor of law at Washington and Lee University School of Law, teaching disability law, healthcare law, and bioethics. She lives with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and chronic migraines.

Aidan Leslie is a professional ballet dancer who has openly shared her experience of navigating a dance career while living with hypermobility. Through her advocacy, she raises awareness about the intersection of performing arts and connective tissue conditions, helping others in the dance community feel seen and supported.

Monica Lorenzo is a certified athletic trainer and founder of ROMO Fit who developed the first Athletic Training Program for NBA entertainment teams at Madison Square Garden. She has served as athletic trainer for the Radio City Rockettes and Cirque du Soleil.

Adriaan Louw is a physical therapist, pain scientist, and leading authority on pain neuroscience education. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers and serves as Senior Faculty and Pain Science Director for Evidence in Motion.

Dr. Anne Maitland is an allergist/immunologist and Medical Director for the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Institute at MUSC. She is recognized for her expertise in MCAS and its intersection with EDS and hypermobility disorders.

Jeevan Mann is a professional research assistant at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus diagnosed with classical-like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, an ultra-rare form affecting approximately 1 in 1 million people. He graduated from UC Davis in 2.5 years and plans to pursue a dual MD-PhD in regenerative medicine.

Jenelle Manzi is a professional ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet who was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at age 18. She launched a recipe blog and founded Get Golden, a snack bar company, after re-evaluating her nutrition approach.

Moira McCormack is a physiotherapist and former professional ballet dancer who served as Head of Physiotherapy at The Royal Ballet Company for eighteen years. She holds a PhD from UCL researching young dancer profiling and lectures internationally on dance injuries and hypermobility.

Dr. Dwight McKee is a board-certified oncologist-hematologist also certified in nutrition and integrative/holistic medicine, with over 45 years of medical experience. He authored After Cancer Care.

Corinne McLees is an occupational therapist turned hand coach specializing in helping people with chronic hand pain and hypermobility. She has nearly 8 years of experience in hand therapy, including 5 years in a Level 1 trauma hospital, and has a connective tissue disorder herself.

Stacey Menton is a speech-language pathologist and classically trained soprano specializing in voice disorders, with particular expertise in treating patients with EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Jill Miller is the co-founder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide and creator of Yoga Tune Up and The Roll Model Method. With over 30 years of study in anatomy and movement, she is the author of the bestselling books 'The Roll Model' and 'Body by Breath.'

Jennifer Milner is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher and former professional ballet and musical theatre performer who specializes in training dancers and hypermobile populations. She is a co-founder and co-host of the Bendy Bodies Podcast.

Jeanice Mitchell is a pelvic health physical therapist and president of Integrity Rehab & Home Health in Texas, specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation with particular expertise in the hypermobile population. She founded myPFM, a nonprofit pelvic health public service campaign.

Dr. Victor M. Montori is an endocrinologist, health services researcher, and care activist at the Mayo Clinic. He is the author of more than 750 peer-reviewed publications and a pioneer in shared decision making and minimally disruptive medicine.

Dr. Eva Nagy is a breast surgeon based in Sydney, Australia, specializing in breast implant illness and its connection to mast cell activation syndrome. She is recognized as a leading surgeon for explant surgery.

Rachel Neville is an award-winning dance and movement photographer based in New York City with over two decades of experience shooting for companies including Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Dr. Chelsea Pierotti is a sport and performance psychologist, Teaching Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and former professional dancer. She is a founding member of DanseMedica.

Dr. John Pitts is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician specializing in regenerative medicine and interventional orthopedics at the Centeno-Schultz Clinic. He is the chief editor of the Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics.

Mariana J. Plick is a contortionist, fire dancer, aerialist, actor, and director based in New York and Montreal. She trained in the Circus Warehouse professional program and has performed worldwide.

Gregory A. Plotnikoff, MD, MTS, FACP is the Founder and Medical Director at Minnesota Personalized Medicine, a practice dedicated to serving patients suffering from mystery, complexity, and severity despite extensive medical evaluations. Dr. Plotnikoff brings to this work a broad background with board certification in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, as well as advanced training in medical acupuncture, Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal medicine), hospital chaplaincy, and mind-body medicine. He is the recipient of multiple local and international awards for his work in cross-cultural and integrative medicine. These include early career distinguished achievement awards from both Carleton College and the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Plotnikoff is the lead author in over 60 publications in the medical literature and 30 medical textbook chapters. His 2003 article on vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain is one of the most highly cited articles in the history of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Education Doctor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN Master of Theological Studies, Harvard University Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dr. Alan Pocinki is a general internist and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at George Washington University. He has specialized in joint hypermobility syndromes and related autonomic and sleep disorders since the late 1990s.

Heather Purdin is a physical therapist and owner of Good Health Physical Therapy & Wellness in Portland, Oregon, specializing in hypermobility spectrum disorders and EDS. She is President of the Oregon Area Ehlers-Danlos Society and co-authored the book 'Taming the Zebra.'

Tom Query is a psychotherapist and change agent with 30 years of professional counseling experience, including expertise in chronic illness, substance abuse, and grief counseling. He appeared on Bendy Bodies to discuss how EDS can test and transform a relationship.

Dr. Satish Raj is a Professor of Cardiac Science at the University of Calgary and a global leader in POTS research. He founded the Calgary Autonomic Investigation & Management Clinic and was named Dysautonomia International Physician of the Year.

Lisa Ralston is a physical therapist with over 32 years of experience specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and connective tissue disorders. She served as the physical therapist for Team USA figure skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Professor Tara Renton is an Emeritus Professor of Oral Surgery at King's College London and a leading international authority on trigeminal nerve injuries and chronic orofacial pain. She has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles.

Emily Rich is an occupational therapist, researcher, and educator specializing in POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and chronic conditions at Tucson Medical Center. She earned her PhD studying POTS rehabilitation and is also a patient with hypermobile EDS and POTS.

Gigi Robinson is a content creator, chronic illness advocate, and Sports Illustrated Swim model diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and endometriosis. She founded Hosts of Influence and works with organizations including The Trevor Project and UN Women.

Dr. Julie Robinson-Smith is a dentist specializing in orofacial pain and oral medicine, with diplomate status from the American Board of Oral Medicine and American Board of Orofacial Pain. She treats TMJ/TMD, neuropathic pain, and headaches.

Dr. Bonnie Robson is a retired psychiatrist in Toronto who pioneered performance psychiatry for dancers at the National Ballet of Canada. She received lifetime achievement awards for her contributions to dance medicine.

Tilly Rose is an author and patient advocate who spent 20 years searching for a diagnosis before being identified with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Her debut memoir 'Be Patient' offers an account of her patient journey, and she founded @thatpatientcollective.

Rebekah Rotstein is a movement educator and certified Pilates instructor who created the medically-endorsed Buff Bones system for bone health, now offered in over 30 countries. Diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 28, she serves on the Ambassador Leadership Council for the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist with fellowship training in sexual medicine for all genders. She completed her sexual medicine fellowship with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and serves as education chair for ISSWSH.

Dr. Ilene Ruhoy is a board-certified neurologist and founder of the Center for Healing Neurology. She serves as Medical Director at the Chiari EDS Center at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Mariaelena Ruiz is the Director of the Professional Training Program at Cary Ballet Conservatory and recipient of the 2019 Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she trained under Prima Ballerina Nina Novak and at the School of American Ballet.

Dr. Leslie Russek is Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy at Clarkson University with over 30 years of clinical experience, including 25 years working with patients with hypermobile EDS.

Lorna Ryan is an internationally recognized specialist in clinical nutrition and lifestyle medicine for hypermobility and EDS, and the founder of Lorna Ryan Health. She chairs the Diet and Nutrition Working Group of the International Consortium on EDS and HSD.

Dr. Emily Scherb is a physical therapist and circus arts specialist known as 'The Circus Doc.' She wrote the bestselling Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts, the first book on biomechanics of circus training.

Dr. Jill Schofield is a physician and researcher who founded the Center for Multisystem Disease. She is one of the first physicians to complete fellowship training in multi-specialty autoimmune disease, specializing in dysautonomia and MCAS.

Camille Schrier is Miss America 2020, a Doctor of Pharmacy, and an EDS advocate who was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at age 11. She won the Miss America title with a chemistry demonstration and has used her platform to raise awareness of EDS and promote STEM education.

Allysa Seely is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in paratriathlon (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) and three-time World Paratriathlon Champion. She was diagnosed with Chiari II Malformation, basilar invagination, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which led to a below-knee amputation in 2013.

Dr. Roger Seheult is a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in pulmonary medicine, critical care, internal medicine, and sleep medicine. He co-founded MedCram, a medical education platform with over 1 million YouTube subscribers.

Dr. Janet Settle is an integrative psychiatrist in Denver with over 35 years of experience, board certified in psychiatry, holistic medicine, and integrative medicine. She draws from a broad range of modalities to address root causes of psychiatric symptoms.

Dr. Selina Shah is a board-certified sports medicine physician and Director of Dance Medicine at the Center for Sports Medicine in San Francisco. She serves as team physician for USA Synchronized Swimming, USA Weight Lifting, and USA Figure Skating.

Dr. Eric Singman is a neuro-ophthalmologist and Division Chief of General Eye Services at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. He has particular expertise in the impact of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes on vision.

Beckanne Sisk is a principal ballet dancer now with the National Ballet of Canada, having previously spent 12 years at Ballet West. She has scoliosis and hypermobility that have both challenged and shaped her career, and her accolades include the Jerome Robbins Award and a Princess Grace Dance Fellowship.

Dr. Carrie Skony is a Chiropractic Physician and Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician specializing in dance medicine. She has been treating dancers and athletes since 2006 with expertise in hypermobility.

Bonnie Moore Southgate is a former elite ballet dancer who performed as a soloist with American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet, winning the Prix de Lausanne. After being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she transitioned into a career as a neurokinetic therapist and Pilates trainer specializing in hypermobility.

Josh Spell is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in eating disorders and the mental health of performing artists. He is the consulting mental health therapist for Pacific Northwest Ballet and owner of Flexible Mind Counseling.

Dr. Zachary Spiritos is a neurogastroenterologist and founder of EverBetter Medicine, treating complex digestive conditions, dysautonomia, and MCAS. He specializes in GI complications of hypermobility syndromes.

Keeya Steel is a chronic illness advocate and creator of Hell's Bells and Mast Cells, raising awareness about MCAS, EDS, and dysautonomia through humor and education. She lives with hEDS, POTS, and MCAS, and achieved MCAS remission in 2021.

Dr. Ina Stephens is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and Associate Medical Director of the UVA Health Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Disorders Center. Recognizing the tremendous unmet need for patients and families affected by hypermobility disorders, she has played an integral role in expanding access to expert, multidisciplinary care for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Stephens is known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach and her commitment to improving outcomes for those living with complex chronic illnesses. Through her clinical work, education, and leadership, she continues to advance awareness and understanding of hypermobility disorders both within UVA Health and beyond.

Patricia Stott is a physical therapist, athletic trainer, and certified hand therapist who treats primarily those with HSD/EDS. She is the co-author of 'Taming the Zebra,' a definitive physical therapy guide to managing HSD/EDS.

Dr. Forest Tennant is a physician and researcher who has spent decades studying adhesive arachnoiditis, a rare and devastating inflammatory condition affecting the nerves in the lower spinal canal. He is a recognized authority on intractable pain conditions and their relationship to connective tissue disorders.

Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is the world's foremost mast cell researcher with 493 publications. He is Professor and Executive Director of the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine at Nova Southeastern University.

Kyle Thompson is a professional dancer who appeared on the Bendy Bodies Podcast in the round table episode 'Conquering the Wall,' discussing struggles with anxiety and the importance of supporting mental health as a hypermobile performer.

Dr. Heather Tick holds the Gunn-Loke Endowed Professorship of Integrative Pain Medicine at the University of Washington. She specializes in non-pharmacologic pain treatments and authored Holistic Pain Relief.

Dr. Kaitlin Touza is a pain psychologist and Acting Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed training in Clinical Pain Psychology at Stanford.

Dr. Natasha Trujillo is a licensed counseling and sport psychologist specializing in chronic illness, grief and loss, eating disorders, and performance concerns for athletes. She is on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry.

Lauren Vasko is an EDS patient advocate and the very first patient of Dr. Linda Bluestein. She navigated life in a wheelchair due to cranial-cervical instability and POTS before regaining independence and earning a degree in entrepreneurship and marketing from Marquette University.

Dr. Kara Wada is a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle medicine physician. She founded The Immune Confidence Institute and lives with Sjogren's disease and dysautonomia herself.

Dr. Wendy Wagner Franklin is a board-certified physical therapist specializing in connective tissue disorders and hypermobility. She personally manages hEDS, POTS, and MCAS, and trains medical providers to recognize and treat hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Dr. Tina Wang is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician specializing in fascia and founder of Tupelo Pointe Healing Arts. Her research focuses on ultrasound diagnostics for fascial dysfunction in EDS patients.

Dr. Matthew Watto is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-founder of The Curbsiders, a weekly internal medicine podcast with over 100,000 active monthly listeners.

Dr. Leonard Weinstock is a board-certified gastroenterologist recognized as a leading expert on MCAS and SIBO. He is an associate professor at Washington University School of Medicine with over 80 publications.

Dr. Joel Wells is a fellowship-trained hip surgeon and orthopedic specialist. He specializes in hip preservation, periacetabular osteotomy, and hip dysplasia, with expertise in hip care for hypermobile patients.

Dr. Brayden Yellman is a board-certified internist and rheumatologist at the Bateman Horne Center. He specializes in ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and orthostatic intolerance syndromes including POTS.

Andrea Zujko is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and dance medicine specialist. She has been the senior physical therapist at Westside Dance Physical Therapy since 2002, providing care for the New York City Ballet.