Webinars

Alison Rebman, MPH earned her graduate degree from Columbia University in Sociomedical Sciences. She is currently an assistant professor in the Division of Rheumatology within the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. She is also the Co-Director for Clinical and Epidemiological Research at the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center. Alison has specific research interests in chronic and infectious diseases, and sex and gender-based differences in health, with a focus on underserved populations and/or medically contested conditions. She began working in the Lyme disease field in 2008 when she helped launch the SLICE studies with Dr. John Aucott. She has co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters across a variety of disciplines within the field of Lyme disease and Lyme infection-associated illnesses.

Illness invalidation, by medical professionals or others, is a common experience for patients with Lyme disease. This talk will discuss recent scientific articles in Lyme and other illnesses about the patient effects of invalidation. It will also discuss the gendered history of invalidation and how it influences the medical encounter today.

Please join us as we welcome back physician-scientist John Aucott, MD, Director of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center, for his 8th annual update and keynote talk to the Lyme Care Resource Center. Dr. Aucott will be discussing research advances in Lyme Disease and Tickborne Diseases, including an update on diagnostics, biomarker discovery, dysautonomia, advanced neuroimaging, and future treatments. Dr. Aucott is the Barbara Townsend Cromwell Professor in Lyme Disease and Tickborne Illness, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the Director of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center. Please join us for this valuable opportunity to learn from a renowned expert in Lyme disease.

Dr. Robert C. Bransfield, MD, graduated from Rutgers College and George Washington University School of Medicine. His residency training was at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Dr. Bransfield’s clinical activities have focused upon treating patients who are considered to be treatment-resistant. Many of these patients were found to have infectious disease contributors to their psychiatric symptoms. As a result, his research has often focused upon the association between infectious disease and mental illness. Lyme/tick-borne diseases are a complex interactive infections that can result in significant neuropsychiatric symptoms. The association between microbes and mental illness shall be reviewed with a greater attention to Lyme/tick-borne diseases. Pathophysiology, assessment and treatment shall be discussed.

Please join us as we welcome back physician-scientist John Aucott, MD, Director of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center, for his 7th annual update and keynote talk to the Lyme Care Resource Center. Dr. Aucott will be discussing research advances in Lyme Disease and Tickborne Diseases, including an update on diagnostics, potential biomarkers, advanced neuroimaging, and future treatments.  Please join us for this valuable opportunity to learn from a renowned expert in Lyme disease.

Join us as we welcome Olivia Goodreau presenting “From Illness to Activism” – a talk that is filled with new perspectives, hope and inspiration! Olivia will share some of her lyme journey and highlight how it led her passionate pursuit to help other individuals and families impacted by Lyme disease and tick-borne illness. Olivia is the founder of LivLyme Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial assistance to children and their families struggling with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases while also supporting the work of researchers and scientists who are dedicated to finding effective treatments and cures for tick-borne diseases. Olivia is also the inventor of the free global TickTracker App, the Tickmojis App, and recently launched her latest free app, LongHaulTracker. Olivia founded the LivLyme Foundation in 2017 when she was 12 years old to raise money for children who cannot afford their Lyme treatments, to fund research to find a cure for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and to educate the world about ticks. Olivia has given over 100 financial grants to children ranging in age from 2-21 to help with their Lyme and tick-borne disease treatments. She has received nearly 1000 applications from 49 states. Olivia has given multiple scientific grants to Stanford University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the University of New Haven. Olivia’s memoir “But She Looks Fine – From Illness to Advocacy” launches May 9, 2023. So many people are faced with life-changing hardships— from illness and disease to loss and calamity. What Olivia discovers through her journey with chronic Lyme, and what she has been sharing with the world, is that inside of every predicament is also a possibility. This is the story of how Olivia turned the physical challenges and emotional hardships she had faced since she was a little girl into an engaged life of advocacy for others. Please join us on April 19th for this informative and uplifting presentation!

Join us as we welcome back Pegah Touradji, PhD presenting Chronic Illness, Illness Identity and Resilience. This talk will discuss ways in which chronic illness can bring on an illness identity. Pegah will describe strategies for positive meaning-making to better cope with chronic illness, including acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT). The presentation will incorporate a group discussion about our resilience, particularly as survivors of chronic illnesses. Pegah Touradji, PhD earned her doctorate from Columbia University. She completed post-doctoral fellowships in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology. She is an assistant professor in the Division of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University. Her current research examines cognitive functioning in those with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Clinically, she provides neuropsychological assessments to individuals with acquired or traumatic brain injury as well as those with neurological illnesses. She further provides psychological interventions to help with improved management of cognitive dysfunction through addressing related issues with sleep, fatigue, pain, and mood.

As the CEO of UNMUTED, a training and development company, Rachel Druckenmiller is on a mission to ignite resilience, connection, confidence, and compassion in organizations, leaders and teams. Recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women of 2022, Forbes as a Next1000 honoree in 2021, the #1 Health Promotion Professional in the U.S. by the Wellness Council of America in 2015, and a 40 Under 40 Game Changer in 2019, Rachel is a national thought leader in the field of employee engagement and wellbeing. As we come to the end of another year, it’s important to take time to pause, reflect and recalibrate. How can we continue to stay clear and confident in the midst of constant change and uncertainty? We may not be able to control what happens to us or around us, but we can choose how we respond. We can learn to equip ourselves to better respond to change and challenge and those “I didn’t see it coming moments.” Join us for this engaging session to discover a 3-step process to gain perspective and clarity and elevate your resilience.

Join us Wednesday November 16th at 7pm EST for our fourth annual Attitude of Gratitude talk presented by Gina Costa. This presentation was designed to explore the practice of gratitude while focusing on empowerment, hope and resilience in responding to life challenges and adversaries. We will discuss the benefits of what happens in our brains and bodies when we consistently apply gratitude practices and choose a positive mindset. This presentation will provide examples of strategies that can be applied when coping with the unknown, overcoming setbacks and intentionally choosing to cultivate a positive mindset through changes and ongoing challenges. Gina will share some of her experiences from her 2013 Lyme diagnosis and speak to the dynamic of helping others affected by Lyme in her role as Director of the Lyme Care Resource Center. We will discuss some of the challenges that arise in the healing journey as one navigates diagnosis, treatment options, patient/doctor relationships and much needed support for the mind, body and spirit. This is a good talk for someone looking for extra resources and uplift to create well -being practices that focus on seeing the opportunity and positive side in everything. Please join us for this uplifting and informative talk.

This month we welcome Meghan Sims presenting on the topic of Using Healing Foods and Lifestyle Habits to Fight Inflammation and Disease. This presentation will focus on understanding the process of inflammation in our bodies by taking a closer look at what happens to our gut when we present with inflammation. Meghan will also take a deep dive into the many ways we can use foods to heal our bodies. She will address detoxification, anti-inflammatory foods, and ways that you can use food everyday to aid your body in healing from disease. Meghan Sims is a Registered Dietitian with a private practice in Superior, CO. Meghan believes eating whole foods and practicing intuitive eating will pave the path towards greater overall wellness. She is passionate about educating others and really enjoys speaking about nutrition by breaking down the science to explain how foods can work to heal our bodies.

Please join us for our 6th annual update and keynote talk presented by John Aucott, MD, Director of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Aucott will be addressing recent advances in Lyme and Tick Borne Diseases, including a recent publication by the Johns Hopkins Research Center that shows persistent symptoms are significant, real, and “not in patients’ heads”. He will also be discussing a groundbreaking Johns Hopkins Fellowship for Lyme Disease and Tick Borne Disease that his Center is launching this summer. Please join us for this valuable opportunity to learn from a renowned expert in Lyme disease.

Are you tired of suffering for years with long haul Lyme disease and coinfections? Do you feel like you’ve tried so many tactics, yet your recovery has plateaued? Are you tired of the side effects of antibiotics and doctor jumping? How is your emotional and spiritual wellness in comparison to your physical distress? Are you curious about the different modalities of holistic medicine? Please join us on March 2nd with renowned homeopathic practitioner and holistic educator, Katina Makris, the author of the groundbreaking book ‘Out of the Woods’ and three other Lyme disease and chronic illness books. The popular host of Lyme light radio for two years and a favorite inspirational speaker with over 200 engagements. Katina is a survivor of advanced neurological and cardiac Lyme, given only a 10% chance of survival after 17 neurologist visits, ER episodes, cardiologists, gastroenterologists and more! She is one of us, yet also a talented practitioner with 37 years’ experience, the last 12 devoted to Lyme disease and autoimmune illnesses. Katina is a graduate of Duke University, the Hanneman School of Homeopathy, The Stillpoint School of Integrative Medicine and exemplifies the wellspring of inner healing resources we all bear but need to learn how to tap into with guidance, as well as how to create restoration to the rampant damages and depletions many of your organ & glandular systems have suffered from the inflammation and infections of tickborne diseases. Please join us for this informative talk filled with hope and healing.

Join us Wednesday December 15th at 7pm EST for our third annual “Attitude of Gratitude” presented by Gina Costa. This year Gina will share some experiences of her Lyme healing story since her 2013 diagnosis. The presentation will focus on gratitude as it relates to healing and discovering deeper connectedness with ourselves and others. This presentation will discuss strategies to coping with the unknown, overcoming setbacks, and cultivating a positive attitude though changes and ongoing challenges. There will be examples provided of gratitude in action in a dynamic presentation that highlights examples of finding and developing strong reasons for living as we take control of our health. We will discuss what happens in our brains and bodies when we apply gratitude and choose a positive mindset. Please join us for this uplifting and informative talk!

Dr. Sclocco received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2014. She then moved to Boston to join the Napadow Lab at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. During her post-doctoral training, she gained expertise in ultra-high MRI imaging for in vivo functional brainstem applications, as well as transcutaneous vagus nerve modulation. In 2020, she joined the Faculty at Martinos Center as an Instructor. Led by her interest in the central control of the autonomic nervous system, she is currently developing imaging techniques for the noninvasive interrogation and modulation of the gut-brain axis.

Dr. Sclocco will describe novel technologies and methods that allow noninvasive study of the brainstem, vagus nerve, and gut-brain axis function. Using these techniques, she is able to directly interrogate gastric motility, and modulate it via interaction with brainstem nuclei. She will present published and unpublished data showcasing these techniques, and their application in health and disease.

With any unexpected challenging news comes the aftermath of emotions. These emotions can be overwhelming, even dismantling of the lives we’ve known. Come learn how to begin to live life anew despite any news or challenge that steals your joy. Resilience is like a super power, hidden until absolutely called upon. Let’s unpack together how resilience is yours for the asking. Come learn how to build a new vision for your life ahead no matter the challenges you face today.

Raphael Aguon spends his life energy as a Transformational Life Coach, Corporate Trainer, and Motivational Speaker for the past 17 years. He also works as a Licensed Occupational Therapist for 30+ years specializing in physical disabilities & mental health. In an effort to create a more holistic approach to his work Raphael completed 2 years of Graduate Studies in Theology with an emphasis on Carmelite Spirituality, a Contemplative Catholic Tradition. Raphael specializes in teaching people how being happy is a choice and creating an abundant life in every area can be the result. He teaches principles that ultimately and completely transforms lives, and businesses. He has lived a lifetime modeled after a simple quote by his favorite Catholic Saint – St. Therese of Lisieux (The Little Flower) at a tender young age she spoke “I choose all!” Being the fourth of ten children in a home full of love, Raphael has had a taste of ten careers to date and continually endeavors for more.

Please join us for our 5th annual update and keynote talk presented by John Aucott, MD addressing the potential mechanisms of persistent symptoms in Lyme disease. Dr. Aucott received his undergraduate degree in molecular biology from the University of California at Berkeley and his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He trained at University Hospitals of Cleveland and is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with board certification in Infectious Diseases. Dr. Aucott is the Director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center and an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has been a clinical researcher involved in care of patients and research in Lyme disease since joining the Johns Hopkins faculty in 1996. The Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center was established in 2015 under the direction of John Aucott, MD. The Center’s mission is to understand and urgently address the varied manifestations of Lyme disease and translate pioneering multidisciplinary research into improved patient care, education, and health outcomes. Please join us for this valuable opportunity to learn from a renowned expert in the field about the latest in Lyme disease and tick-borne illness. Dr. Aucott’s leading edge research program gives us hope for a brighter future. We encourage you to invite family, friends and colleagues to this livestream event. Helping expand knowledge in others is a great way to have an impact during Lyme disease awareness month.

This month we welcome Mrs. Meghan Sims presenting on the topic of Nourishing Nutrition for Optimal Health and Healing. The presentation will focus on the vital role that nutrition plays in strengthening the immune system, aiding in detoxification, decreasing inflammation, and healing the gut. The presentation will explore ways to incorporate power foods and lifestyle habits as a part of your nutritional intake and routines which can be so central to the underlying strength and resilience of your health. Meghan is a Registered Dietitian with a private practice in Superior, CO. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Maryland, College Park where she also completed her Dietetic Internship. Meghan believes eating whole foods and practicing intuitive eating will pave the path towards greater overall wellness. Some of her specialties include: digestive wellness, food allergies and intolerance, anti-inflammatory nutrition, healthy cooking and meal planning, and weight management. After the keynote presentation, there will be time to respond to participant specific questions and comments for discussion. Mrs. Sims is passionate on educating others and really enjoys speaking about gut health by breaking down the science of nutrition in explaining what happens in our bodies in coping with illness, antibiotics, food sensitivities, and varying levels of stress.

​Join us for a dynamic co-presentation on the benefits of breathwork! Jessica will present an introduction to integrative breathwork’s origins, benefits and techniques. Mary will speak about how breathwork has impacted her life. Both Jessica and Mary will speak about their experiences of having Lyme disease and how integrative breathwork has aided in the healing process.

Over the past forty years there has been a surge in the blending of ancient breathing techniques for health and awareness with contemporary therapeutic practices and processes for healing, personal growth and developing expanded consciousness. Integrative Breathing has emerged as a unique potent modality for cultivating optimal physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth and well-being. Benefits of an Integrative Breathwork session include stress relief, support for optimal wellness, awareness and integration of presence, wisdom, love in body, mind and heart.

Maintaining a strong immune system is of course key to fending off infection and speeding recovery if you do become ill, but it’s never been more important than right now. That’s especially true for patients with chronic Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses, who are already contending with decreased immune function and increased vulnerability to infection. Fortunately, many of the best ways to bolster immune health are well within our control, to include certain dietary and lifestyle habits and herbal therapy. Please join us for an insightful presentation from Bill Rawls, MD, on using natural therapies and strategies to promote healthy immune function in the context of the current pandemic and cold and flu season.

Bill Rawls is an OB-GYN and leading expert in Lyme disease, integrative health, and herbal medicine. In the middle of his successful medical career, Dr. Rawls’ life was interrupted by Lyme disease. As he struggled to overcome it, he explored nearly every treatment possible – from conventional medicine to a range of alternative therapies. In the process, Dr. Rawls discovered a dearth of knowledge about Lyme disease in the medical community, and a shocking amount of controversy and confusion around causes, diagnosis, and treatment that left thousands of patients confused, unsupported, and chronically ill.

An avid reader and lifelong student, Dr. Rawls studied all of the research available on Lyme disease, and put everything he learned into practice in his own life. Ultimately, it was a combination of diet, lifestyle, and herbal therapy that resulted in his recovery. In the more than 10 years since, Dr. Rawls has helped thousands of patients find their path to healing from Lyme disease and chronic illness. He is the author of the best-selling book Unlocking Lyme, and the Medical Director of RawlsMD.com and Vital Plan, an online holistic health company and Certified B Corporation®.