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Jonathan Bernstein, MD is Adjunct Professor of Clinical Medicine in Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and a partner of Advanced Allergy Services and Bernstein Clinical Research Center. Dr. Bernstein serves in many leadership positions, such as immediate past President of the AAAAI, as well as memberships on esteemed committees such as the Joint Task Force Guideline committee and WAO board of directors. Dr. Bernstein is a DIA-certified clinical trial investigator who conducts therapeutic trials for conditions including chronic urticaria and angioedema. He is director or co-director for several centers of excellence in Cincinnati, including the WAO Center of Excellence and Urticaria Centers of Excellence and Reference (UCARE). 

Karen Rance DNP, CPNP is a seasoned medical affairs executive with over two decades of experience in the allergy field, blending clinical expertise with leadership in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. She currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform. Before joining GAAPP, Dr. Rance spent 20 years practicing medicine and caring for patients with allergic and immunological diseases, building a deep understanding of patient needs and therapeutic strategies. Dr. Rance was the North America Head of Medical Affairs and Senior Director at ALK Abello, a global leader in allergy immunotherapy. Immediately prior to joining GAAPP, she served as the Vice President and Head of Medical Affairs at Bryn Pharma Inc, where she oversaw medical strategy development, clinical operations, and cross-functional collaborations.

Kristen Willard, MS, has been living with urticaria intermittently for 30 years and understands firsthand its impact on the patient and their community. She has a passion for patient advocacy, providing appropriate education to affected communities, and ensuring all impacted by chronic illness receive the care and support they deserve. She currently serves as Vice President of Education at GAAPP, the Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform, which includes chronic urticaria under its umbrella of conditions. Ms. Willard previously worked as the Executive Vice President of Education at the COPD Foundation. She serves as the Acting Executive Director of WeCU.

Tonya Winders, MBA, has more than twenty-five years of experience in respiratory and immunology patient advocacy. For the past seven years, she has served as the President of GAAPP, an umbrella organization of more than 150 patient organizations across the globe. Tonya has co-authored more than ninety peer-reviewed articles and served on CU updates for AAAAI/ACAAI, EAACI, and GALEN. She has a family member living with CU and serves as Chair of the WeCU board of directors.

Ariam Alula (pn: ah-ree-ahm, with a slight roll of the “R”) is We CU’s inaugural Director of Communications and Engagement. An award-winning writer, journalist, and caregiver, Ariam’s work centers on the belief that elevating patient voices is key to advancing research and shaping real-world solutions. At We CU, she builds pathways for community, support, and education for people affected by chronic urticaria. 

Neill T. Peters is a board-certified dermatologist and partner at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago, as well as a clinical instructor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He completed his undergraduate and medical training at the University of Michigan. Since then, Dr. Peters has received multiple teaching awards, including the Founders Award from the Chicago Dermatological Society, and has been recognized as one of the highest-rated dermatologists in Chicago.

Karen Gregory is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Board Certified, with a specialty in asthma, allergy and pulmonary medicine. She is a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Asthma Educator. Karen Gregory obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. She completed doctoral studies at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Karen also works as an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, School of Nursing and Health Studies. She lectures extensively on issues related to allergy, asthma and other pulmonary diseases and is published in these areas. She has served on the Association of Asthma Educators Board of Directors and served as the organization President in 2008 and 2009.