Learn from Our Speakers
Leading Voices in Autoimmune Care and Advocacy
At the Autoimmune Patient Summit, we bring together top experts, patient advocates, and medical professionals to share insights, research, and personal experiences in the autoimmune community.
Poet & Singer/Lupus Patient Advocate
Shanelle Gabriel
Shanell brings her love of storytelling to her work as a touring poet, multicultural communications educator, and a lupus advocate. She has toured internationally, speaking on patient resilience, self-advocacy, and promoting the importance of health equity and diversity.
Type 1 Diabetes Patient & Health Coach
Danica Collins, MS, NBC-HWC
Danica is a passionate leader improving the lives of autoimmune patients. She combines her personal experience with type 1 diabetes and professional expertise to champion patient-centered care. Through advocacy and digital health innovation, she empowers individuals to take control of their health.
Spondyloarthritis Patient & Founder of AiArthritis
Tiffany Westrich-Robertson
Tiffany is an advocate for patient-centered care and health policy reform. With a background in business development and education, she leads initiatives on drug affordability and access. Diagnosed with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, her journey drives her commitment to improving healthcare.
Lupus Patient and Registered Dietician
Tanya Freirich MS, RD, LDN, CDCES
Tanya has over a decade of experience specializing in nutrition for Lupus and autoimmune diseases. Passionate about empowering others, she combines evidence-based strategies with personal understanding to improve health and quality of life.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Patient & Doctor of Physical Therapy
Soneka Lee, DPT
Dr. Lee has 16 years of experience managing chronic pain and autoimmune disorders. Living with AS, she advocates Tai Chi for pain relief. Combining evidence-based treatments with holistic approaches, she empowers patients to live fully and motivates others to overcome challenges.
Sjögren's & Lupus Patient Advocate
Leila P.L. Valete
Leila is a Health Education Professional with experience in health education and social services. She leads LPL Consulting Services, offering expertise in health initiatives. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, she is dedicated to promoting community well-being through education and advocacy.
Long COVID Patient, Author, & Composer
Matthew S. Rosin, PHD
Matthew is an essayist, songwriter, and stay-at-home dad who explores fatherhood as a journey of learning. With a Ph.D. in Education, his passion for growth and understanding now fuels his creative work. He is the author of Fatherhood Is Learning and has published fiction, poetry, and genre-blending music.
Mental Performance and Leadership Coordinator - Chicago Bears
Andy Riise
Andy, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Col., is a speaker and Mental Fitness Coach. A West Point grad and former Special Forces officer, he leads mental performance for the Chicago Bears, teaches psychology, and helps teams master mindset. He co-authored Deliberate Discomfort and lives in Houston with his family.
Development Director at the Arthritis Foundation
Nancy Sorbella, MHL
Nancy is dedicated to supporting those affected by arthritis. With experience in nonprofit fundraising and community engagement, she works with patients, volunteers, and partners to ensure that people living with arthritis have the resources and support they need. Nancy’s work focuses on building strong connections and creating opportunities for the arthritis community to thrive.