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2025 Guest Speakers
Guest Speakers
January 21, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Please join us as we combine with the Minnesota Lyme Association (MLA) to hear our first guest speaker of the new year, Dr. Soleil Arrieta of Soleil Integrative, Winona, MN. Dr. Arrieta is in functional medicine and will speak to our Zoom groups regarding SOL Therapy and other knowledge gained at ILADS. We hope you’ll be able to join us. (Please note this ZOOM LINK will be for all the THIRD TUESDAY GUEST SPEAKER meetings EXCEPT OUR LAGKC APRIL MEETING.) Follow the newsletter each month for promotion of speakers and reminders of all meetings.
Feel free to review her practice at: https://www.soleilintegrative.com/
February 18, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Matthew Grundy – Attorney at Law for Disability in Missouri/Kansas
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Matthew, who also goes by Matt, focuses his practice on the representation of disabled persons seeking Social Security disability benefits in Kansas City, Missouri. By assisting those who are unable to work and function in their daily lives, Matt can achieve his goal of helping others seek compensation through social security law.
As a seventh-generation Clay County resident and fourth-generation attorney Matt has a deep respect for the Midwestern work ethic of those he represents. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in May 2001.
Matt is also a member of the Missouri and Kansas Bar Associations, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, and the Clay County and Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Associations. As a social security lawyer, he is admitted and licensed to practice in both the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri and the District of Kansas.
During Matt’s presentation, he will provide an outline of what he will cover in a note-taking format. He will cover the Social Security Disability programs & how you qualify for these benefits, the definition of Disability in the eyes of Social Security, and what is needed to document the inability to work, and therefore be found disabled.
Note: While he has no direct connections for disability attorneys in Minnesota, his office has provided the number for our National Organization that people can call to seek representation in their area: NOSSCR – National Organization of Social Security Claimant Representatives 845-682-1880
March 18, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Burrascano & Johan Gumaelius
Dr. Burrascano is a physician who was an early innovator in the field of tick-borne diseases, having begun his clinical research in the mid-1980s in cooperation with several other key pioneers. He is well known for his pioneering monographs on diagnostic and treatment guidelines for Lyme and related tick-borne illnesses- a classic series that has been freely circulated around the world since 1989.
A founding Board Member of ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Foundation, he also served as a Director of the ILADS Educational Foundation, and continues to be active in educating practitioners and the public on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of people with Lyme and related diseases.
As a result of his many contributions to this field, he has authored or edited articles, book chapters, whole textbooks, book reviews and more, and has appeared in and on virtually every form of media. He has advised the CDC and NIH, testified before the U.S. Senate, an armed services joint subcommittee, and at various governor's councils. In addition, he serves on the editorial review board for several medical journals.
A graduate of the NYU School of Medicine with a specialty in Internal Medicine, Dr. Burrascano currently works full time as a project analyst and manager for a private biotech company, helping to bring advanced technologies and treatments out of the lab and into general use.
He is dedicated to the education of practitioners, patients and other stakeholders, and is well known for his highly detailed presentations at medical conferences and Zoom meetings. Dr. Burrascano is pleased to be able to join you today to discuss the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of Lyme and related tick-borne diseases.
Johan Gumaelius
IGeneX Midwest Sales Rep
Johan Gumaelius has 15+ years of medical sales experience, the last 7 years with IGeneX.
Responsible for all sales activity in the central USA, including education of IGeneX’s market leading tick-borne tests to physicians and other medical providers. Regularly attend national and regional conferences dealing with tick-borne diseases focusing on many different specialty areas.
April 8, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Sue Faber, LymeHope
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Presentation on Perinatal Transmission of Lyme disease: Past, Present and Future Direction
Sue is the President and Co-Founder of LymeHope, a Canadian not-for-profit organization with a specific focus and research interest in perinatal (mother-to-baby) transmission of Lyme disease. Sue is a co-author on two recent publications on Lyme disease and pregnancy and has received invitations to speak at various conferences and webinars. She served as a subcommittee member for the 2022 US HHS Tick-Borne Disease Working Group Clinical Presentation and Pathogenesis Subcommittee and co-chaired a Banbury meeting on Perinatal Transmission of Lyme disease.
Sue’s work aims to amplify and support collaborative research initiatives to investigate the multi-faceted aspects of maternal-fetal transmission of Lyme disease, prioritizing inclusive partnerships between patients and patient-led advocacy organizations, academic clinicians and researchers, and government policy makers. It is her hope that these efforts will open new doors for better diagnostics, treatment, healthcare professional education and resources, policy tools and ultimately support and medical care for families and children impacted by perinatal transmission of Lyme disease.
We look forward to this presentation and you won’t want to miss it!
May 20, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Mary Collins, Insect Shield LLC
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Using Permethrin to Protect Yourself from Tick Bites
What You Need to Know
Permethrin is an excellent choice for tick protection, but many people have questions about how it works and the "do's and don'ts" of how to use it. Mary will answer questions such as “Yuck, why would I wear insect repellent clothing? Insect repellent is sticky and smelly" and "Why can't I use permethrin spray directly on my skin? Does that mean it is dangerous?". She will also review where ticks are, how they try to attach to humans, and with this Knowledge how you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about tick attachments. Keeping ticks off us is the first step in reducing tick borne disease.
Mary Collins joined Insect Shield LLC 2007 as Sales Manager. In 2012, Mary relocated to Shanghai China to oversee International Business Development, the Insect Shield China treatment plant and the building of Insect Shield Vietnam in 2014. She is an integral part of growing Insect Shields’ international presence and operations. Mary also manages a variety of outreach programs designed to help educate the public on insect borne diseases, their risks, and prevention. Previous to her time at Insect Shield, Mary worked at Ex Officio with Insect Shield VP Richard Hemmerling for 19 years in a variety of positions from marketing to product development and sales including the original launch of Insect Shield apparel. Collins holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles & Apparel from Cornell University.
We look forward to this presentation and you won’t want to miss it!
June 17, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Julie Parker, LPC, MHSP Counseling Associates LLC
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Julie Parker, LPC, MHSP, Counseling Associates LLC. Julie owns her practice and is a counselor with over 25 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families. Julie works with patients of all ages, is a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II), and has had extensive training in helping those with chronic conditions and illnesses.
Julie will be talking to us about mental health and Lyme Disease. She will give you a chance to interact with Q&A. Julie understands what you're going through. Not only is she Lyme Literate (trained to help those with Lyme and other chronic illnesses), but she and family members have Lyme disease and personally know the trials of diagnosis and treatment. She is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society ("ILADS"), and has had further training regarding Lyme, co-infections, PANDAS, and PANS. If you don't know what all that means or if you already know but want to learn more, her website provides links to information and groups you may find helpful (https://www.counselingassociatesllc.com/lyme-disease).
We look forward to this time together as neurological Lyme is a culprit with many afflicted with Lyme Disease and/or other co-infections. You won’t want to miss it!
July 15, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Elizabeth Maloney, MD.
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Dr. Elizabeth Maloney, MD. Dr. Maloney will be talking to us about Advancements in Science and Medical Education in Vector-borne Diseases This talk will introduce viewers to several developments in vector-borne diseases that may have escaped their notice, including:
1. VectorWise CME is a new online platform hosting free, accredited continuing medical education modules on vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and others.
2. A recent paper on alpha-gal syndrome arising from blacklegged tick bites and the implications for people in Minnesota and Wisconsin and
3. The Clinical Trials Network Coordinating Center (CTNCC) for Lyme and other Tick-Borne Diseases, which is conducting pilot studies on Lyme-related exposure outcomes and Lyme disease therapeutics.
We look forward to this time together , you won’t want to miss it!
August 19, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
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Dr. Marna Ericson, Director of Research at Tlab Inc.
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Dr. Marna Ericson Director of Research at Tlab Inc. Dr. Ericson is currently Director of Research at Tlab Inc, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Medical School, a consultant in Biological Sciences University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School a Fellow at Think, Learn Innovate. Her research has focused on vector-borne diseases, cancer, peripheral pain and hair disease using advanced imaging techniques including single- and multi-photon microscopy, second harmonic generation, super-resolution microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM). She is dedicated to developing new techniques and protocols to better detect vector-borne diseases (VBD) in all human tissues, incorporating molecular biology and investigating the role of the peripheral nervous system in pain and VBD.
Dr. Ericson will be talking to us about Advances in the role of Biofilm in Vector-borne diseases.
We look forward to this time together as neurological Lyme is a culprit with many afflicted with Lyme Disease and/or other co-infections. You won’t want to miss it!
September 16, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
TBD
October 21, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Joseph Brewer, MD, Infectious Disease Spc.
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Dr. Joseph Brewer, MD, Infectious Disease Spc. Dr. Brewer is an infectious disease specialist in Kansas City, Mo. He is with St. Luke’s Infectious Disease and practices at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. He is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine. Dr. Brewer is involved in clinical teaching at St. Luke’s and UMKC. He has been in practice for over 40 years including clinical practice of infectious disease, teaching responsibilities and clinical research. Dr. Brewer has had a long- standing interest in chronic illness patients including chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease and similar chronic conditions.
Dr. Brewer will be talking to us about new treatment for Lyme Disease and the protocol he is prescribing patients now.
We look forward to this time together , you won’t want to miss it!
November 18, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Jonathan Otten, N.D.
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Dr. Jonathan Otten, N.D. Dr. Otten is a naturopathic doctor with a deep focus on complex, chronic illnesses—most notably Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. With a foundation in both naturopathic and functional medicine, he is passionate about crafting highly personalized treatment plans that support long-term healing and restore vitality.
A Minnesota native, Dr. Otten holds a degree in nutrition science and the history of medicine from the University of Minnesota and earned his doctorate from the National University of Health Sciences in Illinois. His clinical expertise is enriched by advanced training with leading clinicians and researchers in complex chronic illness across the U.S. and Europe.
In 2019, he founded Northern Lights Medicine, a Minnesota-based clinic devoted to individualized, root-cause care. His practice reflects a commitment to integrative, patient-centered healing for those navigating the most difficult and often misunderstood health journeys.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Otten is a proud father of four and partner to Danielle. He finds joy in trail running, cycling, skiing, and family adventures in the great outdoors—alongside a love of cooking and sharing nourishing meals.
Dr. Otten will be talking to us about Beyond the Bugs: Naturopathic and Integrative Strategies for Healing Lyme and Stealth Infections
We look forward to this time together , you won’t want to miss it!
December 16, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Bill Rawls, M.D. - Vital Plan Co-Founder
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Dr. Bill Rawls, M.D. Dr. Rawls is a Co-Founder of Vital Plan. For over 30 years, Dr. Bill Rawls has dedicated his life to medicine. When a health crisis with chronic Lyme disease abruptly changed his quality of life, he came face to face with the limitations of modern medicine and began to explore the vast possibilities of alternative treatments. Restoring his health through holistic and herbal therapies inspired him to share his revelations on the importance of cellular wellness for defending against microbes and other root causes of illness. Today, he works to bring life and vitality to others as he helps them establish their own paths to wellness through modern herbology.
Through his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, Dr. Rawls demonstrates why crucial herbal phytochemicals are key to protecting cellular health and strengthening the body's defense against illness. Dr. Rawls is also the founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company, where he developed the signature RESTORE180 program, an advanced herbal protocol that has helped thousands to reclaim vibrant health.
Dr. Rawls is a #1 bestselling author and seasoned speaker and interviewee. With a compassionate approach and an incredible depth of knowledge, Dr. Rawls has a distinct ability to make scientific concepts accessible and enriching for everyone.
We look forward to this time together , you won’t want to miss it!
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August 19, 2025 Monthly Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Marna Ericson, Director of Research at Tlab Inc.
Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City and
Minnesota Lyme Association Guest Speaker
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We are pleased to have, Dr. Marna Ericson Director of Research at Tlab Inc. Dr. Ericson is currently Director of Research at Tlab Inc, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Medical School, a consultant in Biological Sciences University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School a Fellow at Think, Learn Innovate. Her research has focused on vector-borne diseases, cancer, peripheral pain and hair disease using advanced imaging techniques including single- and multi-photon microscopy, second harmonic generation, super-resolution microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM). She is dedicated to developing new techniques and protocols to better detect vector-borne diseases (VBD) in all human tissues, incorporating molecular biology and investigating the role of the peripheral nervous system in pain and VBD.
Dr. Ericson will be talking to us about Advances in the role of Biofilm in Vector-borne diseases.
We look forward to this time together as neurological Lyme is a culprit with many afflicted with Lyme Disease and/or other co-infections. You won’t want to miss it!
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