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Community Summit 2025 – Southern Ohio
February 2, 2025, Sharonville, OH
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is an educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). This year, the Breakthrough T1D Community Summit will bring our community together to learn from T1D experts, hear about the latest breakthroughs in T1D research, meet vendor exhibitors, connect with others impacted by T1D, and more!
Join Us for an Inspiring T1D Community Event
This free event is designed to bring together the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community, including newly diagnosed families, individuals living with T1D, caregivers, and supporters.
What to Expect:
- Keynote Speaker: Hear from April Blackwell, a NASA pilot, engineer, and T1D advocate, as she shares her inspiring journey of breaking barriers and thriving with diabetes.
- Breakout Sessions: Participate in discussions tailored for both newly diagnosed families and those with years of T1D experience.
- Research and Clinical Trials: Explore the latest advancements in T1D care and management in a dedicated session.
- Insights from Blue Circle Health: Learn valuable tips and gain support from experienced professionals.
- Activities for All Ages: Enjoy engaging activities, including special sessions for kids.
- Community Connections: Meet others in the T1D community and build lasting connections.
Registration is required to attend this event. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and find inspiration for living boldly with T1D. Register today and be part of a day dedicated to education, support, and community.
Schedule
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12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Vendor Fair & Networking, Snacks Provided1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Welcome Message, Keynote Presentation, and Research Update
(Kids will participate)2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Kid Zone Check-In & Vendor Fair2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Breakout Session 1 (3 Options)3:00 PM – 3:10 PM
Break/Vendors/Snacks3:10 PM – 3:50 PM
Breakout Session 2 (3 Options)3:50 PM – 4:00 PM
Vendor Fair & Networking4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing, and Closing4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Kid Zone Check-Out, Vendor Fair -
Option #1: A New School Year, A New Plan: Diabetes Management Across Transitions
This session equips families with strategies to manage type 1 diabetes during life transitions, offering guidance on care plans, school collaboration, and empowering children to advocate for their needs
Moderators: Erin Kemphues/ Melissa Webber/ Karishma Tilton/ Amy Camins
Option #2: Clinical Trials and Early Detection: Unlocking the Future of T1D
Clinical trials and screening are essential to shaping the future of T1D. Take a journey with us to understand how your active participation in clinical trials and screening can contribute to advancements in the field. This engaging session empowers individuals to take a step forward and help advance life changing breakthroughs for T1D.
Moderator: Amanda Gilchrist
Option #3: Life Stages with T1D: From College to Careers and Beyond
Life Stages with T1D: From College to Careers and Beyond is a session designed for adults navigating type 1 diabetes through significant life milestones, including college, starting a career, and managing the complexities of adult life. The presentation focuses on practical strategies for balancing diabetes management with the demands of higher education, the workplace, and personal life. Topics include advocating for needs in various environments, leveraging technology for better glucose control, and finding community support to thrive at every stage.
Moderators: Lily O’Bryan/ Zack Lutz/ Anna Lubbe / Petra Vester
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Option #1: CGMs and Beyond: Mastering Diabetes Management with Technology (with 15 minutes Q&A)
Dr. Nicole Sheanon (Presenter), Aaron Silvestain (Moderator)
Option #2: Thriving with T1D: Exercise and Nutrition for Wellness
This session offers adults with type 1 diabetes practical strategies for integrating fitness and nutrition into daily life to support stable glucose levels and overall well-being.
Amy Poetker (CCHMC), Bassey Eno-Idem & Samantha Redden
Option #3: Transitioning to Adulthood with T1D: Resources & Tips for Success from Blue Circle HealthEleni Sheehan and Carrie Matuzsan, healthcare professionals living with T1D, share resources and virtual support from Blue Circle Health to help adults navigate the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care.Blue Circle Health- Eleni Sheehan FNP-BC, CDCES and Carrie Matuzsan Case Manager, LSW, CDCES -
We are excited to feature a Youth and Teen Program at this year’s Breakthrough T1D Community Summit! Join us for a session on exercising with T1D led by Mrs. Ohio American 2024, Samantha Redden, and enjoy fun camp activities and crafts brought to you by Camp Joy.To ensure a safe and secure experience, we kindly ask for your assistance with the following:
- Registration: All children participating in the Youth and Teen Program must be registered. When registering your family, please select the appropriate ticket type:
- Youth Ticket: For children in kindergarten through 7th grade.
- Teen Ticket: For children in 8th through 12th grade.
Thank you for helping us create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone!
- Registration: All children participating in the Youth and Teen Program must be registered. When registering your family, please select the appropriate ticket type:
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We’re thrilled to announce that TrialNet will be joining us at the 2025 Breakthrough T1D Community Summit! TrialNet is a dedicated network of physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals at the forefront of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research. Many of their team members have a personal connection to T1D, which fuels their passion for supporting families affected by the disease. You can consider them family, too.
TrialNet screening will be available at the Summit! TrialNet offers free screening for individuals at risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes, helping to identify early signs of the disease before it fully develops. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to participate in this life-changing program.
TrialNet will also be available to answer any questions you may have about their screening programs, research, and clinical trials. They’ll provide information on how you can get involved in these groundbreaking studies and how they’re working toward making T1D a disease of the past.
Speakers
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/April-with-moon-globe124476-scaled-e1737663804613-400x366.jpg)
April Blackwell
Keynote Speaker
Aerospace Engineer at NASA
BioApril Blackwell
Keynote Speaker
Aerospace Engineer at NASA
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/sheanon-nicole-2-e1737663905970.jpg)
Nicole M. Sheanon, MD, MS
Research Update
Pediatric Endocrinologist, Division of Endocrinology Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
BioNicole M. Sheanon, MD, MS
Research Update
Pediatric Endocrinologist, Division of Endocrinology Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child. Since then, I knew I wanted to become a doctor to care for others with chronic illness and help patients see that they can live a full life. As an pediatric endocrinologist and diabetes doctor, I treat children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, Turner syndrome, steroid-induced diabetes, adrenal insufficiency and general endocrine disorders.
For me, it’s essential to listen to a patient to see if they are thriving and how their health is impacting their life. I try to understand what I can do to help them manage their medical issues and reach their goals. I like to work as part of a medical team to determine the patient’s care plan that works best and is safe.
In my research, my colleagues and I want to learn how technology can be used to improve diabetes care. We are also looking at how to screen and identify diabetes complications, how to prevent or treat hypoglycemia associated with type 1 diabetes, and how to identify the risks of diabetes in patients with other conditions, such as Turner syndrome.
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and children. We like to play freeze tag and have movie nights at home with popcorn. I also have been active with diabetes camps for the last 30 years.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Samantha-Headshot-400x542.jpg)
Samantha Redden
Kids Zone/ Speaker
Mrs. Ohio American 2024
BioSamantha Redden
Kids Zone/ Speaker
Mrs. Ohio American 2024
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-AmyPoetker_C-e1737663984439-400x496.jpg)
Amy Poetker
Speaker
Diabetes Clinical Program Manager at Cincinnati Children's Diabetes Center.
BioAmy Poetker
Speaker
Diabetes Clinical Program Manager at Cincinnati Children's Diabetes Center.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Amy-Camins-Headshot-400x500.jpg)
Amy Camins
Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioAmy Camins
Speaker
T1D Advocate
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Carrie-Matuzsan-1-400x500.jpeg)
Carrie Matuzsan
Speaker
Case Manager and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Blue Circle Health
BioCarrie Matuzsan
Speaker
Case Manager and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Blue Circle Health
Carrie is a Case Manager and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Blue Circle Health. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, she uses her experiences navigating T1D during college and early adulthood to support teens and young adults in gaining independence. At the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she created a program to help patients transition to adult endocrinology care.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Laura-Smith_Headshot_2020-Copy-002-400x600.jpg)
Laura Smith, PhD, CDCES
Speaker
Pediatric psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist
BioLaura Smith, PhD, CDCES
Speaker
Pediatric psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist
Dr. Laura Smith is a pediatric psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist providing behavioral health services to children, teens and young adults with type 1 diabetes and their families at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. She was inspired to work in this area after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a young adult. As a researcher, she has most recently been focused on understanding the psychological and behavioral impact of learning through autoantibody screening that your child is at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Amanda-Gilchrist-Headshot-400x267.jpg)
Amanda Gilchrist
Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioAmanda Gilchrist
Speaker
T1D Advocate
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Petra-Headshot-400x469.jpg)
Petra Vester
Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioPetra Vester
Speaker
T1D Advocate
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Eleni-Sheehan-Headshot-2022-002-1-400x404.jpg)
Eleni Sheehan, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES
Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioEleni Sheehan, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES
Speaker
T1D Advocate
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Zack-Lutz-Headshot-400x267.jpg)
Zack Lutz
Speaker
T1D Senior Account Executive for FC Cincinnati
BioZack Lutz
Speaker
T1D Senior Account Executive for FC Cincinnati
Zack was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 9 months old, facing early challenges that shaped a resilient mindset. Growing up, Zack thrived in sports, with a particular passion for baseball, ultimately playing at the collegiate level. This athletic foundation fostered discipline, perseverance, and adaptability—traits that have been invaluable throughout life. Currently, Zack serves as a Senior Account Executive for FC Cincinnati, where his commitment to teamwork and excellence continues to drive success both professionally and personally.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Erin-Kemphues-Headshot-400x618.jpg)
Erin Kemphues
Kids Zone/ Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioErin Kemphues
Kids Zone/ Speaker
T1D Advocate
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Eno-Idem_Bassey_1-400x478.jpg)
Bassey Eno-Idem
Speaker
T1D Advocate / Run Chair
BioBassey Eno-Idem
Speaker
T1D Advocate / Run Chair
Bassey is a 10-year fundraiser for Breakthrough T1D, raising $178K through his annual Flying Pig Half Marathon races in Cincinnati, driven by a passion to honor his brother. A leader in the CPG industry, Bassey is also a franchise owner of Shed 415 Red Bank, where he shares his love for exercise and wellness. He combines his corporate and entrepreneurial expertise to maximize his community impact.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/large-Melissa-S.-Webber-headshot-400x533.jpeg)
Melissa Webber
Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioMelissa Webber
Speaker
T1D Advocate
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/Karishma-Tilton-headshot.jpg)
Karishma Tilton
BioKarishma Tilton
Karishma Tilton, a nurse practitioner in the Division of Endocrinology, is committed to patient- and family-centered care for children with Type 1 Diabetes. She partners with families to achieve personalized goals, empowering them through education and collaborative disease management. As the school program liaison at Cincinnati Children's, Karishma provides diabetes education to schools across the tri-state area and has created online training modules for Kentucky school nurses. Passionate about working with children, she values their curiosity and adaptability, which motivate her to stay informed on the latest advancements in diabetes care.
![](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/socentralohio/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/Lily-OBryan_NKU-Headshot-400x600.jpg)
Lily O'Bryan
Speaker
T1D Advocate
BioLily O'Bryan
Speaker
T1D Advocate
Lily O'Bryan has been living with type 1 diabetes since 2009, though her connection to T1D began earlier when her older sister was diagnosed in 2006. Since that time, Lily and her family have been dedicated supporters of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).
Professionally, Lily has built a successful career in fundraising and donor relations. She currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations and Campaign Operations at her alma mater, Northern Kentucky University. As a volunteer for Breakthrough T1D, Lily is grateful for the opportunity to merge her personal passion for the cause with her professional expertise. |
Event Contact
Kelsey Boeckermann
513-766-8337 | kboeckermann@breakthrought1d.org
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