Stephen Karpen, PharmD

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Keynote Speaker: "From Research Innovation to Regulatory Approval: Bringing Breakthrough Therapies Home"

Stephen Karpen, PharmD joined Breakthrough T1D in 2023 and is the Senior Director for Regulatory Affairs. Dr. Karpen is responsible for implementing Breakthrough T1D’s regulatory strategy and works to accelerate the development of T1D therapies by implementing solutions to challenges faced by researchers, sponsors, and regulators. Prior to joining Breakthrough T1D, Dr. Karpen was the Senior Scientific Director for the Critical Path Institute’s Type 1 Diabetes Consortium, a Breakthrough T1D funded initiative, and established the Institute’s Regulatory Science Program. Dr. Karpen received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and is a Professor of Practice with the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. An Arizona native, Dr. Karpen now lives in Denver, Colorado with his wonderful wife Jaci, and their two pups, Brown Dog and Scout.

Linda Santo

Daughter of Ron Santo Hall of Fame third baseman for Chicago Cubs and T1D advocate

Linda Santo is daughter of Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame baseball player, Ron Santo who was the first MLB player to play with T1D becoming a leading advocate for JRDF and raising over 60 million in his lifetime. Linda is marketing executing with Arizona Sports and KTAR News and a proud mother of two boys ( Ron's favorite grandsons) She and her family continue her father's legacy and passion for finding a cure for T1D sharing his inspirational story.

Rachel Calendo

Pediatric Endocrine Nurse Practitioner, Diabetes Program Manager at Banner Children's Endocrinology

Breakout Session: “New and Emerging Technologies in T1D”

Rachel Calendo is a Pediatric Diabetes Nurse Practitioner working for Banner Children’s Endocrinology. Besides seeing patients with type 1 she manages the Diabetes Program for Banner Children’s. She has over 26 years’ experience working with patients and families. She is a sincere patient advocate, and strives to deliver compassionate, high-quality care and education. Rachel is passionate about raising awareness of diabetes in our community and works with local diabetes organizations and school nurse associations to provide outreach and education about diabetes care. Rachel is married to Tom, who has Type 1 Diabetes. This is what sparked her passion and interest in working with families living with type 1. She has 3 sons- whom she adores! She has 3 very big dogs whom she also adores! Rachel enjoys, outdoor activities greatly.

Brooke Cassoff

Founder & Community Facilitator, Diabetes Sangha

Breakout Sessions : “Cultivating Self-Compassion In & Through Our Lives with Diabetes” and Teen Track “Greater Than Our Highs & Lows: Building Resilience & Compassion through Our Lives with T1D”

Brooke Cassoff is a Certified Compassion Educator that has been living life with type 1 diabetes since 2005. Brooke was introduced to mindfulness and contemplative practices shortly after being diagnosed with diabetes and has dedicated herself to deepening and sharing these practices ever since.

As a graduate of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research & Education Applied Compassion Training, Brooke develops and facilitates self-compassion cultivation trainings specifically designed to address the needs of those living with T1D using evidence-based practices. Brooke is also a founding facilitators of Diabetes Sangha, an online community that provides meditation programs, experiences, and resources by and for people affected by T1D.

Mindfulness and compassion-based practices have been tremendous forces for good in Brooke’s life and she is excited to continue to share them with the broader diabetes community.

Corinne Ciuris

RD, CDCES

Breakout Session: “New and Emerging Technologies in T1D”

Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator at Phoenix Children's, Pump Trainer, and Type 1 Diabetic for 20 years

Julianne Lally, DMSc, MHS, PA-C

Associate Director, Community Screening & Clinical Trial Education at Breakthrough T1D

Julianne Lally, DMSc, MHS, PA-C, is associate director of the Community Screening and Clinical Trial Education department at Breakthrough T1D, which focuses on raising awareness about early detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and accelerating progress towards prevention of and cures for T1D. She leads the Early Detection Pilot Program and facilitates healthcare professional education efforts.

Julianne has earned a B.S. in exercise science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a M.H.S. in physician assistant studies from the University of South Alabama. She has a decade of clinical experience in acute care, having worked in busy emergency departments prior to entering the world of clinical education and healthcare logistics. Prior to Breakthrough T1D, Julianne spent years transforming where and how healthcare is delivered to increase health equity across the nation. Her passion for healthcare innovation led her to earn a Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2023.

Julianne’s professional interest in T1D directly stems from her own personal diagnosis at age twelve. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, and spending quality time with her husband and dogs.

Julie Lammers

Pediatric Registered Dietitian

Breakout Session: Practical Tips for Controlling T1D During and After Exercise

Julie has been a Registered Dietitian for 9 years and has developed a love for working with families in the diabetes community over the last 7 years. She was married during the pandemic to her now-husband Kurt. They have two adorable cats, Jack and Sally, named for their love of the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Her hobbies include puzzling, video games, and yoga.

Mac McGraw

Medical Student

Teen Track: Navigating School, Sports, and Stress with T1D - A Medical Student's Personal Perspective

Mac has been living with type 1 diabetes since his fourth birthday. His mother was diagnosed around 10 years later. He's currently in his second year of medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson.

Dr. Oliver Oatman

Pediatric Endocrinologist

Breakout Session: Practical Tips for Controlling T1D During and After Exercise

Dr. Oatman is a pediatric endocrinologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He completed his pediatric residency at Loma Linda University in California and a fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Dr. Oatman’s main interests in endocrinology include diabetes, pituitary, and thyroid disorders. He has served on the board of directors with Breakthrough T1D since 2015. He has been the co-medical director at Breakthrough T1D camps and has been the captain of the PCH Breakthrough T1D walk team. He enjoys running, tennis, and spending time with his family.

Synthia Puffenberger, PhD

Pediatric Psychologist, Phoenix Children’s

Breakout Session: “The Role of the Caregiver, Partner and Friend. How to be Helpful and Supportive while Maintaining a Strong Relationship”

Dr. Synthia Puffenberger is a pediatric health psychologist specializing in diabetes and endocrinology. She completed her graduate training at the Ohio State University and has been a faculty member at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since completing her residency there in 2013. Her interests include resilience, coping with diabetes, and treating sequalae associated with endocrine disorders. Dr. Puffenberger is a certified diabetes behavioral health specialist by the American Diabetes Association.

James Stagg

Breakout Session: Practical Tips for Controlling T1D During and After Exercise

James Stagg was diagnosed with T1D in 2018, and since then, has been on a journey to balance life, athletics, and managing T1D. He played football at Princeton University, where he was part of the 2021 Ivy League Championship team and the 2022 All-Star roster. Currently, James works as a research analyst at a global consulting firm, and stays active through exercise, hiking, and reading. He is thrilled to share his experiences and practical tips on diet, exercise, and thriving with T1D at this Breakthrough T1D event. He can’t wait to connect with you all!

Dr. Bithika Thompson

Adult Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic

Breakout Session: “Beyond Insulin: Adjunctive Therapies in Type 1 Diabetes Care”

Dr. Thompson is an adult endocrinologist and Chair of Endocrinology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She has a special interest in type 1 diabetes. She has served on the Board of Directors of Breakthrough T1D for 8 years.