Session Agenda

Tenzin Choden is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of Chicago. She completed her residency and general gastroenterology fellowship at Georgetown University, and subsequently finished advanced training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at the University of Chicago. She joined the faculty at the University of Chicago in the fall of 2022. Her research focuses on understanding and improving outcomes in older adults with IBD. She is a former ACG Young Physicians Leadership Scholar.

Christina Sands, APRN, FNP-C is a gastroenterology nurse practitioner with specialty focus in inflammatory bowel disease, practicing at the University of Chicago's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. She manages patietnts with complex Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with expertise in biologic therapy management, treatment optimization, and multidisciplinary chronic disease care.

Christina has a professional interest in emerging therapeutic targets, immnologic mechanisms in IBD, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based and patient-centered approaches. She regularly participates in educational and collaborative initiatives focused on advances in gastroenterology and immune-mediated disease treatment.

Tenzin Choden is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of Chicago. She completed her residency and general gastroenterology fellowship at Georgetown University, and subsequently finished advanced training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at the University of Chicago. She joined the faculty at the University of Chicago in the fall of 2022. Her research focuses on understanding and improving outcomes in older adults with IBD. She is a former ACG Young Physicians Leadership Scholar.

Christina Sands, APRN, FNP-C is a gastroenterology nurse practitioner with specialty focus in inflammatory bowel disease, practicing at the University of Chicago's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. She manages patietnts with complex Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with expertise in biologic therapy management, treatment optimization, and multidisciplinary chronic disease care.

Christina has a professional interest in emerging therapeutic targets, immnologic mechanisms in IBD, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based and patient-centered approaches. She regularly participates in educational and collaborative initiatives focused on advances in gastroenterology and immune-mediated disease treatment.

Dr. Maia Kayal is an Associate Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and The Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Center. She graduated from New York University School of Medicine Alpha Omega Alpha. She then completed her internal medicine residency at Columbia University Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital and fellowship training in gastroenterology at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Kayal's research in inflammatory conditions of the ileal pouch is funded by the NIH, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and Rainin Foundation. She is a former ACG Young Physicians Leadership Scholar and AGA Future Leader.

Amy Stewart, MSN, FNP-C is the lead Advanced Practice Provider for her division of Capital Digestive Care in Washington, DC. In 2024, Amy was awarded the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) APP Outstanding Research Award, Presidential Poster Award, and Outstanding Poster Presentation for an abstract on prior authorization and drug initiation times for IBD advanced therapies. She is the 2025 recipient of the State Award for Outstanding Contributions from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for the District of Columbia. Amy is also the 2025 AGA-Pfizer Beacon of Hope award winner. She serves as the current vice-chair of the American College of Gastroenterology APP Committee, leads the new mentoring sub-committee, and is on the GHAPP (GI & Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider) Education Committee. Amy is passionate about APP education and excellent patient-centered care and speaks nationally and regionally.

Heather Rosario, PA-C, MHSc is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Physician Assistant at Mercy Medical Center’s Melissa L Posner Center for Digestive Health and Liver Disease in Baltmiore, MD. She graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with degrees in Supply Chain & information Systems and Integrative arts and subsequently completed her Physician Assistant degree, at Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Masters in Health Science through Nova Southeastern University. Before falling in love with gastroenterology, she worked as a hospitalist, urgent care provider and primary care provider in a medically underserved area.

After working in a hybrid (inpatient and community) gastroenterology practice, she joined the Melissa L Posner Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, where she serves predominantly patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, she is responsible for development and implementation of EMR projects for the IBD team as well as leading the anal pap program. She has particular interest in optimizing care through patient education, provider education, and correcting healthcare disparities.

Amy Stewart, MSN, FNP-C is the lead Advanced Practice Provider for her division of Capital Digestive Care in Washington, DC. In 2024, Amy was awarded the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) APP Outstanding Research Award, Presidential Poster Award, and Outstanding Poster Presentation for an abstract on prior authorization and drug initiation times for IBD advanced therapies. She is the 2025 recipient of the State Award for Outstanding Contributions from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for the District of Columbia. Amy is also the 2025 AGA-Pfizer Beacon of Hope award winner. She serves as the current vice-chair of the American College of Gastroenterology APP Committee, leads the new mentoring sub-committee, and is on the GHAPP (GI & Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider) Education Committee. Amy is passionate about APP education and excellent patient-centered care and speaks nationally and regionally.

Heather Rosario, PA-C, MHSc is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Physician Assistant at Mercy Medical Center’s Melissa L Posner Center for Digestive Health and Liver Disease in Baltmiore, MD. She graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with degrees in Supply Chain & information Systems and Integrative arts and subsequently completed her Physician Assistant degree, at Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Masters in Health Science through Nova Southeastern University. Before falling in love with gastroenterology, she worked as a hospitalist, urgent care provider and primary care provider in a medically underserved area.

After working in a hybrid (inpatient and community) gastroenterology practice, she joined the Melissa L Posner Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, where she serves predominantly patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, she is responsible for development and implementation of EMR projects for the IBD team as well as leading the anal pap program. She has particular interest in optimizing care through patient education, provider education, and correcting healthcare disparities.

Amy Stewart, MSN, FNP-C is the lead Advanced Practice Provider for her division of Capital Digestive Care in Washington, DC. In 2024, Amy was awarded the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) APP Outstanding Research Award, Presidential Poster Award, and Outstanding Poster Presentation for an abstract on prior authorization and drug initiation times for IBD advanced therapies. She is the 2025 recipient of the State Award for Outstanding Contributions from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for the District of Columbia. Amy is also the 2025 AGA-Pfizer Beacon of Hope award winner. She serves as the current vice-chair of the American College of Gastroenterology APP Committee, leads the new mentoring sub-committee, and is on the GHAPP (GI & Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider) Education Committee. Amy is passionate about APP education and excellent patient-centered care and speaks nationally and regionally.

Kimberly Orleck is a graduate of the Emory Physician Assistant program and has been a PA in GI for the last 16+ years at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates. She is the Vice President of APPs for United Digestive, where she leads a team of 130+ NP/PAs. She is also on the Board of Trustees for GHAPP and oversees the Education Committee of GHAPP. Additionally, Kim is a committee member for the ACG APP education committee and practice management committee. She precepts PA students from Emory and Mercer University and she holds a part time faculty position at the Emory PA program. She sees and treats all types of GI conditions but has a true passion for IBD.

Stephanie Vogel is a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Mercy Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. With a deep commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care, she supports individuals across all stages of Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Stephanie was awarded an IBD Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Preceptorship from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, which she completed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California. She currently serves as a committee member for the Mid-America Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and remains actively involved in the IBD community throughout the St. Louis area. In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie is passionate about advancing education and support for APP's, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of providers and patients in rural communities. She collaborates with industry partners and GI colleagues and continues to speak both regionally and nationally.

Alexis Oonk, MSN, FNP-C earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee prior to obtaining her Master’s of Science in Nursing at University of Southern Maine. She joined the IBD team at University of Colorado Crohn’s and Colitis Center in 2013 and has contributed to launching an IBD Multi-D clinic in 2022, allowing for more efficient IBD, surgical, nutritional and psychological care for these complex patients with IBD. She is passionate about education and contributes to the development of clinical resources and presentations aimed at supporting advanced practice providers in delivering optimal care. To this end, she was the co-director of the 2026 APP track at Rocky Mountain IBD this past year. Outside of work, Alexis’ hobbies include skiing, running and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Alexis Oonk, MSN, FNP-C earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee prior to obtaining her Master’s of Science in Nursing at University of Southern Maine. She joined the IBD team at University of Colorado Crohn’s and Colitis Center in 2013 and has contributed to launching an IBD Multi-D clinic in 2022, allowing for more efficient IBD, surgical, nutritional and psychological care for these complex patients with IBD. She is passionate about education and contributes to the development of clinical resources and presentations aimed at supporting advanced practice providers in delivering optimal care. To this end, she was the co-director of the 2026 APP track at Rocky Mountain IBD this past year. Outside of work, Alexis’ hobbies include skiing, running and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Kimberly Orleck is a graduate of the Emory Physician Assistant program and has been a PA in GI for the last 16+ years at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates. She is the Vice President of APPs for United Digestive, where she leads a team of 130+ NP/PAs. She is also on the Board of Trustees for GHAPP and oversees the Education Committee of GHAPP. Additionally, Kim is a committee member for the ACG APP education committee and practice management committee. She precepts PA students from Emory and Mercer University and she holds a part time faculty position at the Emory PA program. She sees and treats all types of GI conditions but has a true passion for IBD.

Stephanie Vogel is a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Mercy Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. With a deep commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care, she supports individuals across all stages of Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Stephanie was awarded an IBD Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Preceptorship from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, which she completed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California. She currently serves as a committee member for the Mid-America Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and remains actively involved in the IBD community throughout the St. Louis area. In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie is passionate about advancing education and support for APP's, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of providers and patients in rural communities. She collaborates with industry partners and GI colleagues and continues to speak both regionally and nationally.

Angelina Collins is a Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of California, San Diego. Angelina completed her nursing and master's degree in nursing from the University of San Diego. She is passionate about delivering comprehensive, patient centered care for those with all stages of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and is dedicated to empowering NPs and PAs through education. Angelina is the co-director of the Crohn's & Colitis Congress APP track, APP director for the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) Principles in GI for the NP/PA course, serves on the NP/PA Task force for the AGA, and the Nurse & Advanced Practice Provider subcommittee of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's National Scientific Advisory Committee, and is co-director of ChatAPP, a monthly IBD case series for APPs.

Dr. Maia Kayal is an Associate Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and The Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Center. She graduated from New York University School of Medicine Alpha Omega Alpha. She then completed her internal medicine residency at Columbia University Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital and fellowship training in gastroenterology at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Kayal's research in inflammatory conditions of the ileal pouch is funded by the NIH, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and Rainin Foundation. She is a former ACG Young Physicians Leadership Scholar and AGA Future Leader.

Marita Kametas, DNP, MPH, MSN, APN, COCN is an IBD and Ostomy Specialist at UChicago Medicine, where she provides expert care to adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A nationally recognized leader in advanced practice provider (APP) education and program development, she serves as Advanced Practice Provider Program Director for the UChicago IBD Center, Director of the IBD APP Fellowship Program, and Manager of Gastroenterology APP Services at the University of Chicago.
Marita is deeply committed to advancing health and gender equity through clinical care, education, and systems-level innovation. She has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on women’s leadership, health equity, and food insecurity—key drivers of disparities in chronic disease outcomes.
As the Founding Director of ChatAPP: IBD Case Series by APPs for APPs, Marita has created a globally accessible, interactive case-based learning platform that democratizes high-quality IBD education for APPs across the globe. Through this initiative and her national mentorship work with the Crohn’s and Colitis APP community, she is expanding access to specialized knowledge and empowering clinicians to deliver more equitable, patient-centered care.
She has been recognized with numerous honors, including Distinguished APP at the University of Chicago (2023, 2024), the National APP Week Rising Star Award (2024), Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 (2025), and Outstanding APP Innovator at the University of Chicago (2025) and the American Gastroenterology Association Beacon of Hope: Gender and Health Equity Award in 2026.

Kimberly Orleck is a graduate of the Emory Physician Assistant program and has been a PA in GI for the last 16+ years at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates. She is the Vice President of APPs for United Digestive, where she leads a team of 130+ NP/PAs. She is also on the Board of Trustees for GHAPP and oversees the Education Committee of GHAPP. Additionally, Kim is a committee member for the ACG APP education committee and practice management committee. She precepts PA students from Emory and Mercer University and she holds a part time faculty position at the Emory PA program. She sees and treats all types of GI conditions but has a true passion for IBD.

Dr. Shadi Hamdeh is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He subsequently completed fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He pursued additional advanced fellowship training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Dr. Hamdeh’s clinical and academic interests focus on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, particularly the development, evaluation, and clinical application of emerging therapies. He also has a strong academic interest in drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and has authored comprehensive review articles on drug-induced colitis and enteritis that have been widely cited and serve as important references in the field.

Dr. Hamdeh currently serves on the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) FDA-Related Matters Committee and is a member of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Committee of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). He also contributes to the academic community as a peer reviewer for multiple high-impact journals in gastroenterology.

Amy Stewart, MSN, FNP-C is the lead Advanced Practice Provider for her division of Capital Digestive Care in Washington, DC. In 2024, Amy was awarded the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) APP Outstanding Research Award, Presidential Poster Award, and Outstanding Poster Presentation for an abstract on prior authorization and drug initiation times for IBD advanced therapies. She is the 2025 recipient of the State Award for Outstanding Contributions from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for the District of Columbia. Amy is also the 2025 AGA-Pfizer Beacon of Hope award winner. She serves as the current vice-chair of the American College of Gastroenterology APP Committee, leads the new mentoring sub-committee, and is on the GHAPP (GI & Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider) Education Committee. Amy is passionate about APP education and excellent patient-centered care and speaks nationally and regionally.

Jennifer Geremia, MSPAS, PA-C, is a practicing Physician Assistant in outpatient gastroenterology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. With GI experience for 15 years including community and tertiary care. She is faculty at multiple PA programs in New England. Faculty and education committe member for GHAPP, Co-Chair of AGA APP Task Force, APP Contributor to ASGE, CCF, Miletones, NPF and POCN.

Jamie Thale Brogan is a certified Nurse Practitioner with Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute in Chicago, IL. Jamie specializes in the diagnosis and management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition to IBD, Jamie also manages patients with recurrent Clostridium Difficle and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) induce colitis. Jamie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication in 2004 from Augustana College. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2008 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science degree in 2013 from DePaul University. Jamie is a strong supporter of education and mentorship. She has helped develop educational tools to empower patients, serves as a student preceptor, and educational programs. Jamie has also participated in educational videos and panels for the AJMC, in educational videos for the CFF, podcast series, and hosted the IBD APP Preceptorship program. She is worked with SGNA on IBD publications as well as broadcasts in 2024. She has been a Sub-Investigator on numerous IBD clinical trials at Northwestern Medicine. Her professional memberships include the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF). Jamie serves on the Northwestern Advanced Practice Providers Planning Committee and stepped in as co-chair for the 2024 conference and 2025 conference, is a Gastrointestinal Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider (GHAPP) faculty member, and has presented at national and regional medical conferences, including the 2022 CCF Congress and the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider and GI Reconnect 2024.

Jamie Thale Brogan is a certified Nurse Practitioner with Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute in Chicago, IL. Jamie specializes in the diagnosis and management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition to IBD, Jamie also manages patients with recurrent Clostridium Difficle and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) induce colitis. Jamie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication in 2004 from Augustana College. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2008 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science degree in 2013 from DePaul University. Jamie is a strong supporter of education and mentorship. She has helped develop educational tools to empower patients, serves as a student preceptor, and educational programs. Jamie has also participated in educational videos and panels for the AJMC, in educational videos for the CFF, podcast series, and hosted the IBD APP Preceptorship program. She is worked with SGNA on IBD publications as well as broadcasts in 2024. She has been a Sub-Investigator on numerous IBD clinical trials at Northwestern Medicine. Her professional memberships include the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF). Jamie serves on the Northwestern Advanced Practice Providers Planning Committee and stepped in as co-chair for the 2024 conference and 2025 conference, is a Gastrointestinal Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider (GHAPP) faculty member, and has presented at national and regional medical conferences, including the 2022 CCF Congress and the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider and GI Reconnect 2024.

Jennifer Geremia, MSPAS, PA-C, is a practicing Physician Assistant in outpatient gastroenterology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. With GI experience for 15 years including community and tertiary care. She is faculty at multiple PA programs in New England. Faculty and education committe member for GHAPP, Co-Chair of AGA APP Task Force, APP Contributor to ASGE, CCF, Miletones, NPF and POCN.

Melissa J Ferrari, MPAS, PAC is the lead PA for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program for Scripps Clinic Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in San Diego, California. She is on the board of directors for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's greater San Diego chapter, and she teaches the colorectal inflammatory, obstructive, and perianal disease courses at UC San Diego's Atkinson Physician Assistant program. She is a leader in IBD education through the GHAPP IBD community network, and partners with industry to provided needed IBD education to her peers. Outside of her career, she thoroughly enjoys nature; she can be found hiking through national parks, or tending to her garden!

Quaadir Otto-Smallwood, MSPAS, PA-C is a board-certified physician associate who specializes in the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and general gastrointesfinal disorders. Quaadir graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2018 with a BS in Health Science. Thereafter, be received his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021 from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He currently pracfices at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center where he also serves as an Instructor of Medicine. In addition to his current work duties, Quaadir is currently enrolled as a doctoral candidate in Shenandoah University's Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program. Outside of his love for managing his patients, Quaadir posssesses an immense love for the arts- primarily theater.

Melissa J Ferrari, MPAS, PAC is the lead PA for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program for Scripps Clinic Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in San Diego, California. She is on the board of directors for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's greater San Diego chapter, and she teaches the colorectal inflammatory, obstructive, and perianal disease courses at UC San Diego's Atkinson Physician Assistant program. She is a leader in IBD education through the GHAPP IBD community network, and partners with industry to provided needed IBD education to her peers. Outside of her career, she thoroughly enjoys nature; she can be found hiking through national parks, or tending to her garden!

Quaadir Otto-Smallwood, MSPAS, PA-C is a board-certified physician associate who specializes in the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and general gastrointesfinal disorders. Quaadir graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2018 with a BS in Health Science. Thereafter, be received his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021 from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He currently pracfices at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center where he also serves as an Instructor of Medicine. In addition to his current work duties, Quaadir is currently enrolled as a doctoral candidate in Shenandoah University's Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program. Outside of his love for managing his patients, Quaadir posssesses an immense love for the arts- primarily theater.

Teddy Solomon is a nurse practitioner at the F. Widjaja Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, he gained extensive experience as a floor nurse on a GI and post-surgical unit and as a certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse. In addition to his clinical duties, Teddy is committed to healthcare education and advocacy. He frequently presents at panels and training sessions on topics such as inflammatory bowel disease, managing healthcare costs and ostomy education. In addition to his professional commitments, Teddy has been involved with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, reflecting his dedication to making a broader impact in the lives of IBD patients. In his current role at Cedars Sinai, Teddy utilizes his diverse background as an IBD Nurse Practitioner to enhance patient care.

Marita Kametas, DNP, MPH, MSN, APN, COCN is an IBD and Ostomy Specialist at UChicago Medicine, where she provides expert care to adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A nationally recognized leader in advanced practice provider (APP) education and program development, she serves as Advanced Practice Provider Program Director for the UChicago IBD Center, Director of the IBD APP Fellowship Program, and Manager of Gastroenterology APP Services at the University of Chicago.
Marita is deeply committed to advancing health and gender equity through clinical care, education, and systems-level innovation. She has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on women’s leadership, health equity, and food insecurity—key drivers of disparities in chronic disease outcomes.
As the Founding Director of ChatAPP: IBD Case Series by APPs for APPs, Marita has created a globally accessible, interactive case-based learning platform that democratizes high-quality IBD education for APPs across the globe. Through this initiative and her national mentorship work with the Crohn’s and Colitis APP community, she is expanding access to specialized knowledge and empowering clinicians to deliver more equitable, patient-centered care.
She has been recognized with numerous honors, including Distinguished APP at the University of Chicago (2023, 2024), the National APP Week Rising Star Award (2024), Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 (2025), and Outstanding APP Innovator at the University of Chicago (2025) and the American Gastroenterology Association Beacon of Hope: Gender and Health Equity Award in 2026.

Dr. Shadi Hamdeh is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He subsequently completed fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He pursued additional advanced fellowship training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Dr. Hamdeh’s clinical and academic interests focus on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, particularly the development, evaluation, and clinical application of emerging therapies. He also has a strong academic interest in drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and has authored comprehensive review articles on drug-induced colitis and enteritis that have been widely cited and serve as important references in the field.

Dr. Hamdeh currently serves on the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) FDA-Related Matters Committee and is a member of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Committee of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). He also contributes to the academic community as a peer reviewer for multiple high-impact journals in gastroenterology.

Marita Kametas, DNP, MPH, MSN, APN, COCN is an IBD and Ostomy Specialist at UChicago Medicine, where she provides expert care to adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A nationally recognized leader in advanced practice provider (APP) education and program development, she serves as Advanced Practice Provider Program Director for the UChicago IBD Center, Director of the IBD APP Fellowship Program, and Manager of Gastroenterology APP Services at the University of Chicago.
Marita is deeply committed to advancing health and gender equity through clinical care, education, and systems-level innovation. She has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on women’s leadership, health equity, and food insecurity—key drivers of disparities in chronic disease outcomes.
As the Founding Director of ChatAPP: IBD Case Series by APPs for APPs, Marita has created a globally accessible, interactive case-based learning platform that democratizes high-quality IBD education for APPs across the globe. Through this initiative and her national mentorship work with the Crohn’s and Colitis APP community, she is expanding access to specialized knowledge and empowering clinicians to deliver more equitable, patient-centered care.
She has been recognized with numerous honors, including Distinguished APP at the University of Chicago (2023, 2024), the National APP Week Rising Star Award (2024), Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 (2025), and Outstanding APP Innovator at the University of Chicago (2025) and the American Gastroenterology Association Beacon of Hope: Gender and Health Equity Award in 2026.

Carly Koelsch is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner from Sarasota FL where she currently practices for Florida Digestive Health. Has been a NP for the last 15 years specializing in GI for the entirety of her career with a focus IBD. She has a passion for mentoring APPs that are new to the IBD space along with forging lasting relationships with her IBD colleagues.

Sarah Massey, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She currently practics at the University of Chicago, where she is part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals with IBD. Sarah brings prior experience in managing a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders and is committed to advancing the role of advanced practice providers in the field of gastroenterology through clinical excellence, education and collaberation.

Janette Villalon is a Physician Assistant at the University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange, CA. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine and completed her PA training at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. She has been practicing since 2001 and has worked at UCI since 2003. In  2014,  she began  working in  inflammatory bowel disease, an area she has become deeply passionate about. She has combined her experience in clinical work and her passion for patient care with a strong comittment to education having served as faculty for national meetings including the Gastroenterology & Hepatology APP Conference and  has spoken for  Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, as well as participating  in several industry educational programs and multiple podcasts.

Courtney Schuchmann is a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in digestive health at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She specializes in gastrointestinal nutrition and is the co-director of the Diet and Nutrition for Inflammatory Bowel Disease program at the University of Chicago. She is an IBD specialist dedicated to supporting individuals living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Courtney provides evidence-based nutrition therapy and personalized care to help patients manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, prepare for surgery, address nutrient defficiencies, correct malnutrition, and improve overall quality of life. She works with clients to create realistic, nourishing strategies tailored to each stage of their disease, educating and empowering them to feel more confident and in control of their health.

Christie Morrison is a Board Certified Adult Advanced Practice Nurse and Medical Education Lead at Oshi Health, a digital digestive health practice and IBD APP at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants in San Antonio, Texas. She strives to improve the lives of patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions through a multidisciplinary approach. She has worked in various roles as a GI advanced practice provider, including inpatient, outpatient clinic, and telehealth since 2015.
Mrs. Morrison is currently an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology where she is serving on the Editorial Board. She is also a member of several GI societies, including TSGE, AGA, ASGE, and GHAPP. Christie was recently honored with the ACG APP Clinical Excellence Award for community practice. She collaborates with industry partners and GI colleagues to enhance education and engagement for APPs working in Gastroenterology.
She is particularly passionate about enhancing the treatment and quality of life for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Christie completed an advanced practice provider preceptorship sponsored by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and volunteers in her local chapter, organizing and participating in Patient Education Conferences.

Angelina Collins is a Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of California, San Diego. Angelina completed her nursing and master's degree in nursing from the University of San Diego. She is passionate about delivering comprehensive, patient centered care for those with all stages of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and is dedicated to empowering NPs and PAs through education. Angelina is the co-director of the Crohn's & Colitis Congress APP track, APP director for the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) Principles in GI for the NP/PA course, serves on the NP/PA Task force for the AGA, and the Nurse & Advanced Practice Provider subcommittee of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's National Scientific Advisory Committee, and is co-director of ChatAPP, a monthly IBD case series for APPs.