Featured Speakers
Dr. Maria Hordinsky
Dr. Maria Hordinsky is Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota and is recognized for her clinical expertise and research in alopecia areata. Dr. Hordinsky will provide an informative, straightforward presentation of everything you need to know about alopecia areata.
Dr. Angela Christiano
Dr. Cristiano is the Richard and Mildred Rhodebeck Professor of Dermatology and Professor of Genetics & Development, and Vice Chair for Basic Science Research in Dermatology at Columbia University. By working to elucidate the genes responsible for alopecia areata, Dr. Christiano's research has helped clarify the immunologic mechanisms behind the disease. Dr. Christiano will provide an update on genetic and immunological studies in alopecia areata.
Deeann Graham
Kate Ekman & Anamarie Tan
Legislative Liaisons (and good friends) Kate Ekman and Anamarie Tan will share their experiences as a two-person advocacy dynamo! Kate and Anamarie have successfully gone to multiple meetings with their congressional representatives both at home in Southern California and in Washington, DC as they’ve advocated for the alopecia areata community and won co-sponsors for important legislation. Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and they just may inspire you and a friend to become advocates as well!
Dr. Leslie Castelo-Soccio
Dr. Leslie Castelo-Soccio will share everything parents need to know about alopecia areata in children and adolescents, including the major differences between pediatric and adult patients, and the risks and benefits of current and evolving off-label treatment options. Dr. Castelo-Soccio is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Pediatric Dermatology research section at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her research focuses on pediatric hair disorders and inherited genetic skin conditions.
Dr. Natasha Mesinkovska
Dr. Natasha Mesinkovska, NAAF’s Chief Scientific Officer, will share the latest progress from NAAF’s Treatment Development Program, our efforts to build a stronger patient-centered research community, and how your involvement is critical to developing treatments for alopecia areata. Dr. Mesinkovska is Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, Irvine.
Leah Hayes
13-year old American swimmer, Leah Hayes, was named the 2018 Sports Illustrated SportsKid of the Year. She owns six national age-group records. Leah, who was diagnosed with alopecia when she was six, owns her differences and tries to set an example for others.
