Food Allergy Conference Speakers

Keynote speaker:
Lynda Mitchell is Founder & President of Kids With Food Allergies (kidswithfoodallergies.org) - a 10,000-member nationwide nonprofit online support organization. She has lectured on Food Allergy Management and Lifestyle Strategies and Surfing the Internet for Quality Information about Food Allergies, and was co-host of the Kid Protein Intolerance & Allergy Initiative national conference. In addition to her hospital management background, she is a mother to a teenager with multiple food allergies.

Barb Lehr is a Registered Respiratory Therapist, a Neonatal Respiratory Care Practitioner, and is a Certified Asthma Educator with Pediatric Home Service in Roseville.

Tara Mahin is a teacher & parent of a child with life threatening food allergies. As AFAA's Speakers' Bureau Director, she has given presentations, seminars, & training to educators & parents. She authored a children's allergy book; & founded Med Bags.

Nona Narvaez is the Co-Founder & Director of AFAA. She is recognized nationally for her policy work in Minnesota (e.g. epinephrine in ambulances, epinephrine in schools, elemental formula advocacy) & research analysis for the U.S. Congress.

Dr. Mee Lee Nelson, M.D. practices at Southdale Pediatrics and works at the University of Minnesota as a clinical assistant professor. Her research includes the Regulation by Complement of the Release of Basophil Mediators in Asthmatic Patients.

Dr. Nancy Ott, M.D. is president of the Minnesota Allergy Society - a division of the Minnesota Medical Association. She practices at Southdale Pediatrics, and is a founding Board Member and Medical Advisor of AFAA.

Janelle Peterson, RD, LD, CNSD is a nutrition specialist with Pediatric Home Service; on the MN Board of Dietetics; American Dietetic Assn. Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, & American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Melisa Priem is the author of 8 Degrees of Ingredients - a cookbook of 250 recipes free from the 8 major U.S. allergens. She is also the mother of a child with multiple food allergies.

Dr. Allan Stillerman, M.D. practices with Allergy & Asthma Specialists, P.A. in Mpls, Plymouth, & Maple Grove; conducts research with the Clinical Research Institute; lectures; and is AFAA Medical Advisor & Board Member.

Dr. John Sweet, M.D. practices with Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Clinic, located in Stillwater and Shoreview. He is fully bi-lingual (English & Spanish). He has presented at allergy conferences & conducted research for Stratys Health.