Speakers

Dr. Kelsey Klaas is a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with clinical and research interests in dysautonomia, orthostatic intolerance, POTS, and related autonomic conditions. She cares for children and adolescents, navigating complex cases involving functional limitations, autonomic dysfunction, and rare disorders, while serving on pediatric and autonomic society committees.

Dr. Satish Raj is a Canadian cardiologist and Professor of Cardiac Sciences at the University of Calgary, where he directs clinical and research efforts in autonomic disorders. An internationally recognized expert on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), he has published extensively and helped shape modern diagnostic and treatment strategies. His work bridges patient care, education, and research to improve outcomes for those living with autonomic dysfunction.

Dr. Anne Maitland is a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). Her clinical focus is to upgrade efforts to meet the needs of under-served communities, plagued by immune-mediated disorders, such as mast cell activation disorders, such as anaphylaxis, asthma, and food sensitivities as well as primary immunodeficiencies.

Currently she is the Medical Director, Center for Ehlers-Danlos Care at the Medical University of South Carolina;  Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina - Division of Rheumatology Consultant Allergy / immunology - Clinical Paradigms

Dr. Pradeep Chopra is a Harvard-trained, board-certified specialist in pain medicine and anesthesiology, with over 25 years’ experience in managing complex chronic pain and multisystem conditions. He serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine and is Director of the Center for Complex Conditions, where his clinical and research interests include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation disorders, and central sensitization syndromes. Dr. Chopra is recognized for his patient-focused, mechanism-informed approach—striving to treat underlying drivers of illness rather than merely alleviating symptoms—and he has contributed numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations in the field of autonomic and pain medicine.

Ella Eastin, an American medley specialist from Orange County, California, discovered her passion for swimming at just six years old under the guidance of her first coach, Todd Larson. Coming from a family of accomplished athletes, Eastin quickly developed her skills in every stroke and a deep love for the sport. In 2010, Larson passed away after a year-long battle with leukemia, leaving a lasting impact on Eastin. She credits him as the inspiration that fueled her dedication, driving her to pursue challenges that ignite her passion both in and out of the pool.

Dr. Melissa Cortez is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Utah and a leading clinician-researcher in autonomic neurology. She is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology, and serves as Director and Founder of the Autonomic Physiology Lab at the University of Utah, where she integrates patient care with mechanistic research to advance diagnostics and therapies for autonomic and sensory network disorders (including POTS, post-infectious syndromes, headache, and multiple sclerosis). Dr. Cortez also leads the Autonomic Disorders Fellowship program at Utah, helping mentor the next generation of autonomic specialists. (U of U School of Medicine

Dr. Nathan Richards is Chief Medical Officer at Utah Valley Regional Hospital, where he oversees clinical operations and strategic medical leadership. He is also deeply involved in medical education, contributing to the development of curriculum and training for a new medical school in Utah.

A board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Richards earned his MD from the University of Utah and held advanced surgical training at George Washington University and Thomas Jefferson University. He maintains academic ties as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Surgery at University of Utah.

Luke Heyliger, MD, is a board-certified pediatric neurologist with advanced expertise in diagnosing and managing autonomic nervous system disorders in children and adolescents. His clinical focus includes postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), syncope, autonomic neuropathies, orthostatic intolerance, GI dysmotility, and complex multisystem dysautonomias.

Dr. Heyliger completed his medical degree at Loma Linda University, followed by a pediatric neurology residency at Primary Childrens Hospital, where he developed a deep interest in pediatric autonomic physiology and the unique challenges of chronic dysautonomia in the developing nervous system. He went on to complete specialized fellowship training in Autonomic Disorders / Clinical Neurophysiology at University of Utah, receiving advanced training in tilt-table testing, autonomic reflex evaluation, and multidisciplinary management of complex autonomic conditions.

Dr. Kirti Sivakoti is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah and practices at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Her clinical focus lies in pediatric dysautonomia—including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), chronic fatigue, and post-exertional malaise—through her role in the PAUSE (Pain & Autonomic Symptoms Evaluation and Support) Program. She is also certified as a Physician Executive and Health Care Quality Manager, reflecting her dedication to leadership and quality improvement in pediatric care.

Olivia Parnel graduated from University of Utah with Bachelor of Science in Biology, with an emphasis in Human Anatomy and Physiology, along with two minors- Chemistry and Pediatric Clinical Research. 

Currently, she is a Pediatric Medical Assistant and a Research Assistant supporting Dr. Sivakoti at the PAUSE Clinic.  Her primary interests involve gaining deeper insight into pediatrics to better support current and future patients.  Additionally, shei is passionate about clinical research focusing on pediatric dysautonomia conditions, such as Postural Tachycardic Syndrome (POTS) and Orthostatic Intolerance (OI). 

Cate Siniscalchi is a rare disease patient and advocate living with multiple chronic illnesses, including POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and several vascular compression syndromes. She shares her journey to highlight the patient perspective, inspire resilience, and advocate for more compassionate care and innovative solutions.