Voice of the Patient - Arizona Commerce Authority - 17 Oct 25 09:00
2025-10-17 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Arizona Commerce Authority, 118 North 7th Avenue | Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
Patients are the reason we do what we do.
Join the conversation on life science innovation from the patient perspective.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Arizona Commerce Authority

100 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Registration is complementary but space is limited.

Free Parking is available in the ACA Garage.

Agenda

9:00 AM Check-in, Networking, Refreshments

10:00 AM Program Begins

Welcome - Joan Koerber-Walker

Patient Voices:

Michael Davis
Barby Ingle
Ben Malin & Dr. Lindsay Ackerman
Carolina Little & Dr. Alina Boelman
BJ Reed
Sonia Vohnout
Brad Smith

Panel: Advocating for Patients

Joan Koerber-Walker (Moderator)
Representative Selina Bliss
Representative Stacey Travers

12:00 PM Program concludes
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

About our Speakers

Brad Smith is a pioneering Neuralink participant, becoming the first ALS patient to receive the brain-computer interface implant in November 2024. As a "super user," he provides crucial feedback to refine the technology, drawing from his experiences to address patient needs like device design and functionality; he now uses it to control a MacBook Pro for all communication, enabling him to lead and teach.

His most cherished titles are father, husband, and son. With logistics expertise, Brad has scaled companies from 20 employees to hundreds, guided them through IPOs, and turned ideas into products—always figuring out how to get it done. After moving to Arizona to support a growing golf shoe company, he faced an ALS diagnosis, tackling it with determination by adapting step by step (or now rolling along, as he can no longer walk). Committed to innovation, he explored non-medical eye-gaze devices, Synchron, and Neuralink BCIs, proactively sharing insights to better serve patients.

Lindsay S. Ackerman, MD, FAAD

Dr. Lindsay Ackerman was the founding physician of Medical Dermatology Specialists, and the Medical Dermatology Specialists’ Clinical Research Unit (now a part of US Dermatology Partners), in Phoenix, Arizona, where she actively practices clinical dermatology and serves as both a Principle Investigator and Director of Research. Dr. Ackerman is also an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Lead faculty attending for resident education in Dermatology, and the Chief of Inpatient Dermatology at Banner University Medical Center.

Dr. Ackerman has served in many roles in both leadership and advocacy. She was elected to serve as the member representative to the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) Nominating Committee in 2024 and has served as a Delegate for the AAD to the American Medical Association (AMA) since 2005. She has been active in local dermatology societies, as a founding and former board member of the Arizona Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society, and as a member of the Phoenix Dermatologic Society. Dr. Ackerman has served on several task forces for the AAD, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and remains an active member of the Dermatology Foundation Advisory Council.

Dr. Alina Boelman is a board certified pediatrician, IBCLC and managing partner at Tanque Verde Pediatrics in Tucson, Arizona. After her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety, she became involved in 4th Trimester Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Arizona families during their transition to parenthood and beyond, and now serves as the Board Chair. She and her husband, Jake, have two young children and enjoy watching them grow and thrive.

Michael Davis – Veteran, Advocate, and Mental Health Leader

Michael Davis is a retired U.S. Navy Air Rescue Swimmer whose career was shaped by high-stakes readiness, specialized training, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. Trained to operate under extreme pressure in life-or-death scenarios, Michael brings that same focus and discipline to his work in the mental health community. For over 20 years, Michael has navigated life with a serious mental health condition—an experience that fuels his advocacy and grounds his message in authenticity. Determined to use his journey to help others, Michael found a meaningful path through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), where he has volunteered for more than four years. Today, he serves as a public speaker and state trainer for NAMI, sharing his story to break down stigma, promote understanding, and encourage hope. His voice has become a powerfu

l tool for education and healing, connecting deeply with audiences across Arizona—from support groups to professional trainings and community events. Michael’s dedication to peer support and mental health education exemplifies resilience and leadership. Through every presentation and training, he reminds people that recovery is not only possible—it’s worth fighting for.

Barby Ingle is a passionate patient, health advocate, and Vice-President of the International Pain Foundation. Living with AlgoNeuroDystrophy and other chronic conditions, she channels her experiences into advocacy for the rare and chronic illness communities. A best-selling author and motivational speaker, Barby has earned over 45 awards for her impactful work. She has authored four Arizona bills that are now law, and worked on over 100 bills nationwide significantly influencing healthcare legislation. Currently, she is authoring HHS deregulation options, such as removing the 21 C.F.R. 1306.04(h) to improve telemedicine access. Barby brings her inspiring journey and expertise to everything she does, empowering others through her advocacy.

Joan Koerber-Walker is president and CEO of AZBio and a member of the AZBio Board of Directors, Joan Koerber-Walker works on behalf of the

Arizona Bioscience and Medical Technology Industry to support the growth of the industry, its members and our community on the local and national level. Ms. Koerber-Walker is also a life science investor and has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations. Learn more

Carolina Little is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Perinatal Mental health counselor in the greater central-west side of Arizona. She is passionate about supporting the community's access to mental health resources, and an advocate for parents having the tools and resources to thrive in parenthood.

My name is Ben Malin. An Arizona native and graduate of Northern Arizona University, I've spent my adult life navigating the challenges of psoriasis. I had exhausted every traditional treatment, and at my lowest point, the disease covered more than 80% of my body. Thankfully, biologic medications have been a game changer, and my skin is now almost entirely clear. This has given me the freedom to enjoy life as a father to my two girls. Outside of work, my family and I love to travel and cheer on our Phoenix Suns.

My name is B.J. Reed. I have spent the majority of my life in Arizona, aside from several years residing on US coastlines as a Naval Officer’s spouse, during which time I volunteered and organized events for military families. Upon returning to Arizona, I earned an honors degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology from Arizona State University.

My professional experience spans multiple fields, including roles such as corporate meeting planner coordinating national sales meetings, marketing specialist in the airline industry, elementary school teacher (grades 1–4), and co-owner of a travel company developing vacation packages for Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus nationwide. Additionally, I dedicated twelve years to marketing at the medical device company CR Bard (now Becton Dickinson). While at CR Bard, working in the Oncology Marketing department, I discovered that I had an aggressive breast cancer. What a wonderful support system to have while going through this frightening ordeal. The encouragement I received, and amazing knowledge shared, helped me through the process and successful recovery. I have been cancer free for five plus years!

Currently retired, I serve as a full-time caregiver for my husband as he manages Parkinson’s Disease. I am also a member of the Board of Directors for Rock Steady Boxing, an organization that provides specialized physical therapy programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.

Representative Selina Bliss represents Legislative District 1 which encompasses most of Yavapai County. Having lived in LD-1 since 1971, she has a deep respect for our rich history and is dedicated to protecting and strengthening Arizona.
She serves as Chair of the House Health and Humas Services Committee and as Co-chair of the Arizona Legislative Bioscience & Healthcare Caucus.

After working as a nurse at Yavapai Regional Medical Center for 36 years, while teaching nursing at Yavapai College for 27 years, she is accustomed to making a difference in the lives of others. Selina comes from a long line of public servants in her family and is called to serve the community in which she was raised. Selina is honored to serve in the State House to protect and defend Arizona while keeping this State great.

Representative Stacey Travers represents District 12 in the Arizona House of Representatives which includes Ahwatukee, South Tempe, West Chandler, and part of the Gila River Indian Community.

She serves as House Minority Whip and as Co-chair of the Arizona Legislative Bioscience & Healthcare Caucus.

Stacey is a United States Army veteran, scientist, and mom. She I was born in the birthplace of democracy, Athens, Greece, to a U.S. military father and Greek mother. Coming from a family with a history of military service, she wanted to serve our country and did so proudly as a Russian Intelligence Interceptor in the U.S. Army. After leaving the Military I came to Arizona to study at the University of Arizona in Tucson and earned her Bachelor of Science in Geosciences. She works to support the people of LD12 and to get government working again while creating a bright and sustainable future for hard-working Arizona families.

Sonia Vohnout is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Immune Deficiency Foundation. IDF improves the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of people affected by primary immunodeficiency through fostering a community empowered by advocacy, education, and research. Active in our life science community, Sonia is also the founder & CEO of OppsSpot LLC. Her company provides consulting services for small technology companies looking to commercialize their ideas through strategic partnering and Government contracting and grants.

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