Advisors

Aaron Carpenter (he/his)
Chronic Illness Patient, Patient Caregiver

Mr. Carpenter is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds degrees in Computational Physics and Mathematics. He works as a Software Engineer at University of Washington and enjoys DIY projects, North Carolina barbecue, and modifying his Subaru. Aaron lives in Las Vegas with his family, including two children with lifelong illnesses, and also serves on the board of for Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.

Carissa Klundt
Wellness Instructor, Chronic Illness Patient

Ms. Klundt has been in health and wellness for nearly two decades. She holds a degree in Psychology and numerous certifications in health, wellness and fitness, specializing in Meditation, Yoga, Sound Healing and Breath Mastery. You can find her teaching classes, exploring nature with her family or having tea ceremonies under the moonlight. Carissa lives in Las Vegas and you can learn more about her work at Celestial Sol.

Stacie Lampkin, PharmD, BCPPS, CA (she/her)
Pediatric Pharmacist, Cancer Survivor

As pediatric pharmacist and pharmacy educator, Ms. Lampkin has spent more than 10 years providing clinical pharmacy services and supporting providers and families who care for medically complex kids and adolescents. Most recently, Stacie founded KidocateRx, Inc. which strives to create a future where easy-to-understand and reliable information about children’s medications forms the foundation of improved health outcomes, ultimately nurturing a generation of healthier, happier, and thriving individuals. Stacie is raising 2 kiddos in Buffalo, NY with her husband and loves ice cream.

Courtney Leaver
Insurance Broker, Chronic Illness Patient

Ms. Leaver is a graduate of Roger Williams University and a Licensed Broker at Durante Insurance & Financial Services. She provides her clients with the utmost care when it comes to their insurance needs. Courtney prides herself on spending time getting to know her clients and is passionate about educating them on policy coverages, limitations, and exclusions. Courtney lives in Las Vegas with her husband and two children.

L. Natalie Lee, RN, BSN
Women & Family Health Nurse, Family Caregiver

Ms. Lee holds a degree in Biology from University of California Irvine and a degree in Nursing from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Chamberlain University and lives in Las Vegas. At a young age, Natalie was aware of the hardships and inequities in the healthcare system, and she acted as medical translator for her mother. She saw how the language barrier prevented many people in her neighborhood from seeking care and has dedicated her nursing career to helping the most marginalized patients.

Dijonasse Lofton
Chronic Illness Patient, Family Caregiver

Ms. Lofton is a nursing student living with complex, chronic illness. She has learned the hard way to keep excellent records, speak up when no one is listening, and ask questions until she has answers. She is hopeful her care team’s plan will help her return to school and become a nurse advocate. Dijonasse lives in Las Vegas and is active in several patient support groups. Be sure to watch her Dysautonomia awareness videos on TikTok.

Alex Sakash
Patient Caregiver

Mr. Sakash earned a degree in Education from Framingham State University and currently directs an elementary school enrichment program. He is the parent of two children, one born with complex congenital heart defects, and is a devoted parent advocate. When not spending time with his family, Alex can be found making videos on the disc golf course. He lives outside Boston MA.

Nathan Say
Chronic Illness Patient

Mr. Say is currently working on a Masters degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling and lives with Cerebral Palsy and chronic illnesses. He enjoys combining professional and personal experiences in teaching others to dismantle internalized ableism while living authentically within the boundaries of his conditions. Nathan lives in Las Vegas and provides support to peers living with disabilities across the country.

Nauman Shahid, BSc, MPH
Public Health Professional, Chronic Illness Patient

Mr. Shahid earned a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Masters in Public Health Policy, and is currently in medical school. He is an active patient advocate in the congenital heart disease community and has been featured on various podcasts and a DocuFilm. Nauman lobbied for disease funding on Capitol Hill and is a published author in the European Heart Journal. He takes great pride in guiding those with health conditions through higher education, enjoys cooking, and lives in West Virginia.

Tabitha Rainey (she/her)
Chronic Illness Patient, Patient Caregiver

Ms. Rainey is the Founder and President of Roll For The Heart, an organization bringing awareness to chronic illness through the martial art of Jiu Jitsu. She is an experienced advocate for her son living with congenital defects and medical injury, and currently serves as a Parent Liaison to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Tabitha is dedicated to her practice of Jiu Jitsu, enjoys nature, and lives with her family in Lexington KY.

Jennifer Williams (she/her)
Patient Caregiver, Family Caregiver

Ms. Williams is a graduate of East Carolina University and Walden University, holding a degree in Education with a concentration in middle level social studies. She won Teacher of the Year in 2015 and 2020 and currently teaches 7th grade History. Jennifer is the parent of two teens living with genetic conditions and an experienced parent advocate within their disease community. Jennifer lives in Raleigh NC.