Featured SPEAKERS
Featured
SPEAKERS
2026 SPEAKERS
2026
SPEAKERS
Jessica Beal-Stahl, PharmD
Founder of The Athlete’s Pharmacist
Education:
Doctor of Pharmacy – PharmD, Pharmacy – Mercer University – College of Pharmacy
Bachelors of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry – University of North Carolina Asheville
About:
Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl, PharmD, is a Clinical Sports Pharmacist, international speaker, and passionate advocate for female athlete health. As the founder of The Athlete’s Pharmacist, she bridges the gap between medicine and performance, helping athletes understand how medications, hormones, and supplements interact with training and recovery. With over 15 years of experience in community pharmacy, clinical innovation, and sports performance, Jessica has become a leading voice in athlete-centered care focusing on performance optimization, hormone and gut health, and clean sport. A former Division I volleyball player and international Olympic weightlifter, she brings both scientific expertise and lived athletic experience to every conversation.
In addition to her clinical work, Jessica serves as Chief Health Officer for the Sports Pharmacy Network, sits on multiple advisory boards including Who We Play For and the U.S. Sports Pharmacy Group, and contributes regularly as a writer and educator on performance health topics. She’s known for making complex science relatable and actionable empowering athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals to collaborate more effectively. Whether she’s presenting on stage or working one-on-one with an athlete, Jessica’s mission is clear: to redefine what’s possible in health, healing, and high performance through smarter, more inclusive care.
Zach Brandon, MS, CMPC
Founder of MVP Mindset Consulting, LLC
Education:
Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership – Arizona State University
Masters of Science in Kinesiology – California State University – Fullerton
Bachelors of Science in Psychology – Linfield College
About:
Zach Brandon is a nationally recognized Performance and Leadership Coach who partners with sport coaches and high-performing leaders to help them win more and live better. With over a decade of experience in elite sport, he has become a trusted advisor for professional athletes, coaches, executives, and organizations seeking to maximize performance and build sustainable cultures of excellence.
Zach is the Founder of MVP Mindset Consulting, LLC, where he works with professional and collegiate sport coaches, executive leaders, and elite athletes to cultivate the mindset and systems required for sustained performance excellence and personal growth. He spent the past seven years serving as the Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball and continues to support the organization in a Leadership Consultant role. Prior to his work in professional baseball, Zach served as a Mental Conditioning Coach at IMG Academy, where he supported elite youth athletes and consulted with Olympic track and field athletes.
He is the host of the Win More, Live Better podcast, a top 10% globally ranked show, that explores the inner game of leadership and high-performance with some of the most respected minds in coaching and leadership. His work has been featured in ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, The Athletic, Leaders in Sport, and MLB.com, and he has contributed to multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles in leading sport psychology publications. Zach has delivered keynotes and workshops for organizations including NASA, Gatorade, Matson Money, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, USA Baseball, and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
Zach holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and is listed on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Mental Performance Registry.
Brook Choulet, MD
Chief Executive Officer of Choulet Wellness: Scottsdale Concierge Psychiatry & Therapy
Education:
M.D. – University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
About:
Brook Choulet, M.D. is a board-certified concierge psychiatrist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in performance psychiatry, helping busy professionals, high achievers, and athletes at all levels optimize their performance. Dr. Choulet is the President of the American Board of Sports & Performance Psychiatry, and she also completed a fellowship in child & adolescent psychiatry. She is passionate about helping high-achievers enhance their mental health and lead more fulfilling lives.
Dr. Choulet is well-known for her role as President of the American Board Of Sports And Performance Psychiatry, where she is also one of seven founding members. Dr. Choulet has worked with athletes at all levels from middle schoolers to professional sports leagues. She has extensive experience working in the NBA and WNBA, as she has been the Consulting Team Psychiatrist for the NBA Phoenix Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury. Dr. Choulet received the Certificate of Additional Training in Sports Psychiatry from the International Society for Sports Psychiatry (ISSP). Dr. Choulet has extensive knowledge in the area of sports and performance psychiatry, and she writes for Psychology Today through her blog channel titled, Sports And Performance Psychiatry.
Dr. Choulet strives to broaden access to mental health treatment for busy professionals, high-profile individuals, and their families in their local communities, which is what led her to establish practices in both Paradise Valley/Scottsdale, AZ and La Jolla, CA that uniquely offer a concierge level of care. Dr. Choulet founded Choulet Wellness: Scottsdale Concierge Psychiatry & Therapy, located in Scottsdale, Arizona and Beverly Hills Concierge Psychiatry, which has locations in LA and San Diego.
Sam Contorno, MS, CSCS
Associate Director of Applied Sports Science for Texas Football
Education:
Master of Science (M.S.), Human Nutrition – University of Bridgeport
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Molecular Integrative Neuroscience and Health & Wellness Studies – Binghamton University
About:
Sam Contorno joined the UT Staff in March 2023 as the Associate Director of Applied Sports Science for the Football Program. Contorno spent the 2022 Season as the Coordinator of Football Sports Science at the University of Maryland.
Contorno spent five seasons (2017-2021) as a Sports Performance Coach and Applied Sports Science Coordinator for the Stanford University Football Program. While at Stanford, she also held roles as the Football Sports Nutritionist, and Sports Performance Coach for Men’s Volleyball & National Champion (2018 & 2019) Women’s Lightweight Crew.
A native of Bethel, Connecticut, Contorno graduated from Binghamton University (NY) with a Bachelors of Science in Molecular Integrative Neuroscience and a minor in Health & Wellness Studies, and received her Masters in Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport (CT). She is pursuing her Doctorate in Human Performance and Innovation through the University of Limerick.
Jess Elis, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, SCS, COMT, CSCS
Founder of Rehab Code LLC
Education:
Ph.D – Concordia University of Chicago
DPT – University of North Dakota
About:
Jess Elis was born and raised in North Dakota and graduated from University of North Dakota in 2009 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He furthered his education by completing a 3-year post-doctorate orthopedic manual physical therapy fellowship from Evidence In Motion (EIM) in 2015. Furthermore, he’s finishing up his Ph.D in Leadership in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and finalizing his dissertation on the Bioethics of Wearable Technology within the NBA.
Jess has dedicated over a decade of working experience in the professional and elite level sport sector. His perspective of athletic care is eclectic and wide-ranging due to the many different career opportunities. Jess held the leadership role of Director of Player Health and Performance for the Portland Trail Blazers for 5 seasons (2017-2022). In this role, he managed all aspects of human performance, medical services, physician consultations, and was the direct medical liaison to upper management, coaching, and agency. During his tenure, the team was statistically ranked the 2nd healthiest team in the league and the team made it to the Western Conference playoffs 4 out of the 5 seasons. Prior to the Blazers, he held the position of Director of Performance Physical Therapy for EXOS and managed the staffing of the 5 legacy facilities. Additionally, he has worked in different consulting and concierge roles which include professional tennis, China Olympics, and different sport agency groups.
After 5 years as a partner in Phoenix Manual Therapy, Jess has started his own continuing education company, Rehab Code, which focuses on sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, and clinical reasoning. Additionally, he also owns Confirmed Medical which is a medical and rehab consulting company tailored to professional athletes. Jess currently lives in Scottsdale with his wife (MicKallyn) and his 2 sons (Ari and Tenneyson).
Sue Falsone, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, ATC, CSCS*D, COMT
Founder of Structure & Function Education
Education:
MS – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
BS – Daemen College
About:
Born in Buffalo, NY, Sue received a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Daemen College in Amherst, New York. She continued her education by earning a master’s degree in human movement science, with a concentration in sports medicine, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Sue has presented at state, national and international level conferences in areas focusing on dry needling, pillar strength, integration of physical therapy and performance training, and comprehensive kinetic chain assessment and rehabilitation. She’s a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS), a certified athletic trainer (ATC), certified orthopedic manual therapist for the spine (COMT), a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT- 200) through Yoga Alliance.
Sue worked at Athletes’ Performance for 13 years, last serving as the Vice President of Performance Physical Therapy and Team Sport. She worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 6 years, last serving as head athletic trainer and physical therapist. She holds the distinction of being the first female head athletic trainer in any of the four major sports in the United States (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA) and served as Head of Athletic Training and Sport Performance with US Soccer’s Men’s National Team. She was also named a Distinguished Alumni at Daemen College and has been inducted into her high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame (Kenmore West).
She is the owner and founder of Structure & Function Education, a company dedicated to educating healthcare professionals in dry needling, as well as, how to clinically Bridge the Gap from Rehab to Performance and has authored a book by the same name. Her philosophy includes looking at the athlete as a whole person, working with the entire body to create an optimal environment for healing and performance training.
Sue currently offers consulting for a variety of organizations in the NBA, MLB and NFL, and continues to work one-on-one with athletes. Customized courses and business advisory are available including sports medicine department organization, physical therapy and movement evaluation and restoration.
Simin Levinson, MS, RD, CSSD
Clinical Professor, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
Education:
MS in Human Nutrition – Arizona State University
BA – University of Arizona
About:
Simin Levinson, MS, RD, CSSD, is a Clinical Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University, where she’s been inspiring students and advancing the field of nutrition for more than a decade. With a passion for helping others understand how food fuels both body and mind, Simin brings real-world experience from her extensive work with elite athletes and organizations. In addition to her academic role, she serves as a Performance Nutrition Consultant for the Phoenix Mercury and a Consulting Sports Nutritionist for the Phoenix Suns—helping professional athletes optimize performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies.
Beyond her university and team work, Simin is also a Performance Coach with TIGNUM, where she guides business leaders in building sustainable high performance through nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle habits. She holds a master’s degree in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. Known for her engaging, practical approach, Simin connects science with everyday life—empowering audiences to make simple, meaningful changes that enhance health, energy, and performance both on and off the field.
Adam Loiacono, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Owner and Performance Coach at Loiacono Performance Therapy
Education:
DPT – Springfield College
BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science – University of Maine
About:
Adam Loiacono has over 15 years of experience providing top-tier rehabilitation and performance training to professional & youth athletes. His career includes reaching the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 2021 and the MLS Cup with the New England Revolution in 2014. Adam is a distinguished member of an elite group of physical therapists, holding the prestigious board certification as a Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association—a credential achieved by only 10% of physical therapists in the United States. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach through the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
Adam’s expertise has been recognized by notable media outlets such as Forbes.com, Arizona’s CW7 television network, and the world-renowned PhysioNetwork.com, among others.
Katie Lucas, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor at Creighton University
Education:
Ph.D. of Philosophy Rehab Science – University of Kentucky
DPT – Bellarmine University
Bachelors in Health Science – Bellarmine University
About:
Katie Lucas, PT, DPT, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Creighton University’s Physical Therapy Department in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Lucas is a board-certified clinical specialist in both orthopedic and sports physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dr. Lucas ran collegiate cross country and track at Bellarmine University where she achieved All-American and Academic All-American honors. She graduated from Bellarmine University’s doctor in physical therapy program in 2009, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s sports physical therapy residency in 2013, and the University of Kentucky’s PhD program in 2020. She then continued her training as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Louisville’s Pediatric NeuroRecovery Lab, studying techniques to promote neurorecovery for children after spinal cord injury. She is a United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Medical Classifier for track and field and an International Classifier for World Para Athletics. She is an item writer and is on the Sports Specialty Panel as the Assistant Item Review Coordinator for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She is a member of Coach Well, a collaboration with Rancho Research Institute and she is co-Program Chair for the 2026 Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society Annual Meeting
Eric Meira, DPT, PT, SCS, CSCS
Consultant at The Science PT
Education:
DPT – Massachusetts General Hospital
BS – University of Florida
About:
Erik Meira is a sports medicine consultant and educator who’s passionate about helping health and performance professionals cut through the noise and think critically about what really drives results. As the founder of The Science PT, Erik has spent the past decade teaching, consulting, and hosting events that challenge conventional wisdom in physical therapy, athletic performance, and injury rehab. Known for his sharp wit and evidence-based perspective, he’s worked with organizations ranging from university athletic programs to professional sports teams, helping clinicians apply solid science to real-world practice.
A licensed physical therapist with degrees from the University of Florida and Massachusetts General Hospital, Erik brings a blend of scientific rigor and down-to-earth communication to every talk. He’s also the creator and longtime host of the PT Inquest Podcast, where he explored the latest research in rehab and human performance with humor and honesty. Whether he’s speaking on stage, teaching a workshop, or flying planes in his spare time, Erik’s mission is simple—make complex science accessible, practical, and just a little bit fun.
Javier Miller-Estrada, CSCS
Founder of Ignite Performance
Education:
B.S. – Arizona State University
About:
Javi is a sport movement specialist and the co-founder of Ignite Performance in Chandler, AZ. In 5 years, Ignite has become one of the premier training facilities for long term athletic development. They take a holistic approach to training, and believe that being a great athlete extends far beyond the weight room.
Ignite works with athletes from the youth to professional levels, and specializes in working with high school athletes. As a team, they have helped over 100 athletes obtain college scholarships.
Javi is also a team member at Emergence, a movement skill education company and the host of the Adaptable Athlete Podcast, where he, along with his world class guests, discuss topics in skill acquisition, sports psychology, and injury rehabilitation.
Javi has dedicated himself to deeply investigating human movement. and believes that taking a more modern approach to skill development leads to more effective outcomes and greater transfer to sport.
Chuck Peterson, MD
Physician at Arizona Sports Medicine Center, Abrazo Health
Education:
MD – Northwestern University Medical School
BA – Brigham Young University
Affiliations:
American Academy of Family Physicians
Arizona Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Sports Medicine
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
NBA Team Physicians Association
Wilderness Medical Society
About:
Dr. Peterson graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in honors history, and earned his medical degree at Northwestern University in Chicago. He completed his residency in family medicine at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and a fellowship in sports medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He entered private practice in 2002, and was one of the original founders of Arizona Sports Medicine in 2004. He is board-certified in sports medicine and family medicine. Dr. Peterson is a team physician for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Arizona Cardinals. He was also the Head Sports Medicine Team Physician for the Phoenix Suns for the 2019-2020 season, and was in “The Bubble” with the team in Orlando. He was named a “Top Doc” by PHOENIX Magazine in sports medicine for 2010, 2011 and every year since 2014.
Robin Thorpe, PhD
Director, Sports Performance, Science & Innovation
Dr. Robin Thorpe spent a decade (2009-2019) working as a Senior Performance Scientist and Conditioning Coach at Manchester United Football Club of the English Premier League. Robin worked with the First Team (under managers’ Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Ryan Giggs, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) delivering performance support to players whilst overseeing and managing recovery and regeneration practices throughout the Club as Head of Recovery and Regeneration. During this time Dr. Thorpe was part of a winning team achieving 10 national and international titles.
Robin completed an applied PhD with Liverpool John Moores University investigating methods of tracking and managing recovery, which has led to a number of original articles published in peer reviewed journals. Much of his work to date has centered around a model to maximize athlete availability, performance and the reduction of injury and illness risk. Dr Thorpe also currently holds a position of Visiting Research Fellow at Liverpool John Moores University and Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University and has worked with many high-profile individual athletes including professional Golf and Boxing. Dr. Thorpe also assisted in the preparation of the Mexican national football team in the lead-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Dr. Thorpe held a position as Director of Performance & Innovation working with World Class Track and Field athletes including Olympic Gold Medalists and World Record Holders in the lead up to the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020). Dr. Thorpe has recently consulted in roles in the EPL, NBA, MLB, MLS & PGA Tour as well as the tech corporation Intel and has expertise in strategic performance leadership. Most recently, Director of Performance at Red Bull in Los Angeles and supporting Red Bull Soccer Teams globally. Dr Thorpe is currently consulting to a number of professional sports teams and organisations across the US and Europe developing strategic processes and systems geared to maximise performance outcomes.
Carrie Yeager, PT, DPT, PRPC
Regional Director of Clinic Operations at Spooner
Education:
D.P.T. – Regis University
B.S. – Gonzaga University, Exercise Physiology
About:
Carrie Yaeger began her career at Spooner Estrella in 2011. Prior to becoming a PT, she was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and went to pursue her passion as a competitive tennis player and played for Gonzaga University. From 2014-2017, she worked in Denver, CO, working in sports medicine, developing a passion for treating patients with hip and labral pathology as well as recognizing the link between the hip and pelvic floor. Carrie then pursued her passion for pelvic health and began specializing in treating this population. She returned to Phoenix and Spooner PT in 2017, and since then has achieved a Pelvic Rehab Certification, and is now an instructor with Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute. Carrie believes in treating the whole person and considering all aspects of the patient’s health to most effectively help them return to optimal function. Her biggest passion is linking orthopedic rehab with pelvic rehab, helping both men, women and children.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running, golf and tennis, yoga, cooking with her husband, and spending time with her new baby girl.
Kaitlyn Keyser, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS
Physical Therapist & Clinic Director at Spooner
Education:
D.P.T – University of Maryland-Baltimore
B.S. in Athletic Training – James Madison University
About:
Kaitlyn is originally from Waldorf, Maryland and grew up playing softball and volleyball. She loves traveling, especially internationally. She enjoys getting to appreciate and experience other cultures, traditions, and the beauty of this world.
Kaitlyn attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA where she earned her B.S. in Athletic Training. Her studies and clinical experiences during her time at JMU fueled her passion for rehabilitation and diving deeper into chronic injuries, performance and wellbeing, along with the multifaceted approach to treating athletes. Her next stop was the University of Maryland-Baltimore where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Kaitlyn then completed a sports physical therapy residency through the University of Mississippi Medical Center affording her the opportunities to work with athletes across the lifespan. She has experience working with high school athletes and Division I athletes at the University of Maryland and Ole Miss. Kaitlyn worked the 2020-2021 NFL football season with the New Orleans Saints.
Kaitlyn is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist by the NSCA, as a HawkGrips Level One IASTM and AHM Kinesiology & Biomechanical Taping Certification by the Academy of Human Movement, and is a Certified Dry Needing Provider through United Dry Needling. Kaitlyn is also a Certified Athletic Trainer.
Dano Norceide, PT, DPT, SCS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PES, CES
Elite Physical Therapist & Athletic Trainer with the Arizona Cardinals
Education:
D.P.T. – New York Institute of Technology
M.S. in Athletic Training – High Point University
B.S. in Health and Physical Education – Lincoln University
About:
Dano Norceide is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist currently working as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist with the Arizona Cardinals. He combines his background in physical therapy and athletic training to help athletes recover, move better, and perform at a high level. Dano earned his DPT from the New York Institute of Technology after completing his Masters in athletic training at High Point University. He’s also gained experience across professional sports, including time with the Carolina Panthers.
Passionate about athlete care and professional growth, Dano enjoys connecting with others in the sports medicine and performance world. He’s especially interested in bridging rehab and performance, lifelong learning, and sharing insights on navigating a career in high-performance settings. When he’s not working with athletes, he’s focused on continuing to grow, network, and contribute to the evolving field of sports medicine.