As always, registration is free and open to all!


May 1-2, 2026

8:00 am PDT - 4:00 pm PDT

About the Event

This fully virtual two‑day event, designed for patients, clinicians, family members and support partners, explores this year’s theme—Living Well with SpA: Practical Approaches to Everyday Challenges. Join leading experts for practical sessions on movement, workplace adaptations, aging with SpA, fatigue management, nutrition, mental health, integrative therapies, the latest research, and more. Mark your calendar and be part of this empowering global gathering!

Agenda

01/05/2026 08:00 AM

Explore the platform, network with other virtual attendees, and visit the exhibit hall.

01/05/2026 08:30 AM

Morning Exercise #1: Mobility Training

David Smith, FRCms, FR, FRA, LMT

David Smith is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Manta Massage in Boise, Idaho. With a background in personal training and corrective exercise, David blends relaxation, soft tissue management, and mobility training to help clients move and feel better. His approach, which he calls “conscious bodywork,” focuses on both the tissues and the nervous system — supporting recovery, managing chronic pain, and building long-term resilience. Inspired by the graceful strength of manta rays he encountered while living in Hawaii, David’s work emphasizes calm, fluid, and powerful movement.

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Overview of Spondyloarthritis

Maureen Dubreuil, MD

Dr. Dubreuil is a rheumatologist in Boston, specializing in spondyloarthritis. She works within the Rheumatology section at Boston University School of Medicine and the Boston VA. Her research focuses on comorbidities and epidemiology of spondyloarthritis. Dr. Dubreuil has received numerous competitive research grants from the NIH, private foundations and industry and in 2018 she received the SAA Jane Bruckel Early Career Investigator Award. 

01/05/2026 09:30 AM

Live Q&A with Dr. Dubreuil

01/05/2026 10:00 AM

BREAK

01/05/2026 10:15 AM

Movement and Exercise

Emily Clarke, BSc. (Hons) MCSP

Emily Clarke is a physiotherapist specialising in Spondyloarthritis, with over 20 years in healthcare practice.

Emily worked within the Spondyloarthritis Service at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) in Bath, UK, where she delivered the two-week residential self-management programme for individuals living with axial spondyloarthritis. Emily has also contributed to research in spondyloarthritis and co-authored publications exploring sleep in axial SpA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily was commissioned by the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) to provide remote consultations to members with the greatest clinical need. She also pioneered the development of a remote NASS self-management group; providing remote, physiotherapist-led classes to members across the UK which continues today.

01/05/2026 10:45 AM

Live Q&A with Emily Clarke

01/05/2026 11:15 AM

Workplace and Career Adaptations

Yeliz Prior, PhD, BSc (Hons), FHEA, HCPC

Yeliz Prior is a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation at the University of Salford in the UK and an honorary Consultant Occupational Therapist in the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust. She leads the WORKWELL programme, a free evidence-based resource developed from over 15 years of research, including NHS-based randomised clinical trials, to help people with inflammatory arthritis stay in work. She has held national leadership roles, including Vice President of the British Society for Rheumatology (2020–2023), and works closely with UK patient organisations such as the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS). She lives with axial spondyloarthritis, bringing together lived experience, clinical practice, and research to support people in working well with their condition.


Her published works, including publications to support the evidence base behind  WORKWELL are available open access through google scholar or the University of Salford repository. 


01/05/2026 11:45 AM

Live Q&A with Yeliz Prior

01/05/2026 12:15 PM

LUNCH BREAK

01/05/2026 01:00 PM

Aging with SpA

John Reveille, MD

John Reveille, MD is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School and director of its Spondyloarthritis Program, where he leads NIH‑funded research on the genetics and outcomes of spondyloarthritis. He co‑founded the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) and has served on the Board of Directors of the Spondylitis Association of America since 2007. Dr. Reveille also directs the HIV Rheumatology Clinic at Thomas Street Clinic and is involved in clinical trials of biologic therapies. He is a Master of the American College of Rheumatology and has been repeatedly named among Texas Monthly magazine’s “Super Docs” and to Best Doctors in America, a peer-selected national physician list.

01/05/2026 01:30 PM

Live Q&A with Dr. Reveille

01/05/2026 02:00 PM

BREAK

01/05/2026 02:15 PM

Family, Relationships, and Intimacy

Tina Mansfield, PhD

Dr. Tina Mansfield is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Cumberlands, where she is passionate about teaching online classes to counselors-in-training. She earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision at the University of Wyoming. She resides in Denver, Colorado. Her career experience includes working as a clinician and a program developer. She was also the lead Mental Health Examiner in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and a drug court program director. 


During her career, Dr. Mansfield has been given perspectives of human suffering, especially in suicide care, chronic illness, and substance abuse problems. Providing counseling to patients and caregivers at a local cancer center was some of her most meaningful work ever. She believes that mental health can and should be assessed alongside all other vital signs of a patient - (blood pressure, oxygen, temperature, etc.). Dr. Mansfield is focused on giving back by conducting qualitative research to investigate unheard stories, educating new counselors, and developing better patient access to excellent care. 


As a Woman of Color, Dr. Mansfield is a social justice advocate committed to allyship with individuals whose voices have been silenced. She believes deeply in each individual knowing their voice, speaking it out loud, and having the experience of being heard. Her personal curiosities are nutrition, traveling, yoga, and other holistic approaches to wellness. She draws heavily from a Gottman Level 3 approach in her work with couples in private practice. As a complex grief therapist, she believes in developing meaning and transforming “grief and loss” into “grief and growth.”  


01/05/2026 02:45 PM

Live Q&A with Dr. Mansfield

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Biologic Abatement and Capturing Kids’ Outcomes & Flare Frequency in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (BACK-OFF JSpA): Differences in anti-drug antibody development and role of MRI in predicting flare

Biologic Abatement and Capturing Kids’ Outcomes & Flare Frequency in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (BACK-OFF JSpA) was created to address pressing questions from both physcians and families about juvenile spondyloarthritis. With the help from PCORI, NIH, and SAA, a randomized trial was developed to study tapering and/or stopping TNF inhibitors in JSpA patients who have achieved a clinically inactive disease state.

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) - Ankylosing spondylitis organization in USA

Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) spondylitis.org

Since our founding in 1983, the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) has been the face, voice and leading nationwide nonprofit organization educating, empowering and advocating for people living with spondyloarthritis. Through our extensive work with patients, the medical community, and partners we provide information and resources to help people impacted by the disease live better lives and champion research to find a cure.

16430 Ventura Blvd., Suite. 300 Encino, CA 91436 USA

Tel. (+1-818) 892-1616 Fax (+1-818) 892-1611

info@spondylitis.org

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Ankylosing Spondylitis Association of Switzerland

This poster serves to introduce the BeFit concept of the Swiss Ankylosing Spondylitis Association, a blended-care program designed to empower people with AxSpA to take control of their health and stay active in line with international recommendations.

https://www.bechterew.ch/

Schweizerische Vereinigung Morbus Bechterew Leutschenbachstrasse

45 CH-8050 Zürich

Phone +41 44 272 78 66

Fax +41 44 272 78 75

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

India StandForAS - Ankylosing spondylitis organization of Mumbai

StandForAS - Raising awareness for AxSpa to reduce delay in diagnosis. Founded in 2016 to raise awareness about AxSpa to reduce the delay in diagnosis, share correct medical information, and normalize AxSpa related discussion. 350+ videos on YouTube with around 6 million views.

AS Foundation, c/o Mumbai Arthritis Clinic, Mayuresh Srishti, opp Asian Paints, LBS Road, Bhandup (w), Mumbai, India

StandForAS@gmail.com

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society (ASWS) – Ankylosing spondylitis organization of India

Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society (ASWS) – Empowering axSpA Patients in India

Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society (ASWS) is a patient-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in India. Founded in 2020, ASWS actively supports and advocates for axSpA patients across the country.

Our mission is to reduce diagnostic delays, ensuring early intervention and better disease management. We focus on raising awareness, providing emotional support to patients and caregivers, and advocating for improved healthcare access. Additionally, we strive to assist patients facing financial hardship by raising funds for essential medications and surgeries.

Looking ahead, ASWS is committed to amplifying patient voices in research and policy discussions. By fostering collaborations, we aim to drive meaningful change in axSpA care and ensure that patient perspectives are at the forefront of decision-making.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society B-1105, Madhupushpa, Behind Edenn Towers, Wakad, Pune - 411057, Maharashtra, India

spondylitissociety@gmail.com

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of the Philippines

AS Association of the Philippines

Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of the Philippines (ASAPh) or formerly known as Ankylosing Spondylitis Association of the Philippines is an online community for people living with Ankylosing Spondylitis, their families, friends and loved ones.

#6 Arthur Street Dela Paz, City of Pasig, Metro Manila Philippines

Tel. (+632) 9682386

https://www.facebook.com/asaph.org/

asaph.org@gmail.com

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Remissions and Vigilance

Patient Perspectives Poster by Michael Scepaniak

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Search for a New Rheumatologist: What Happened When My Trusted Rheumatologist Retired

Patient Perspective Poster: By Lawrence Phillips

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

From Denial of Spondyloarthritis to Becoming a Support Group Leader and Medical Doctor of Rheumatology

Patient Perspective Poster by Dr. Shung Chiu

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Design Thinking Applied to Unmet Needs in Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Novel Model of Care to Address Diagnostic Delay

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Reduced Frequency of RORγt+ Regulatory T Cells Is Associated with Secukinumab Response in Axial SpondyloarthritisAbstract

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Incidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis in the US Army

The incidence of AS in the US has been under-studied and incompletely characterized. This research addresses uncertainties as to whether AS incidence differs by sex.

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Bacteria in the Gut of Patients with AS Break Down Tryptophan into Inflammation-causing Indole Products

The purpose of this poster is to answer the questions, “How does the microbiome stimulate immune responses that lead to ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?”

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

The Fungal Signaling Molecule CARD9 Promotes Disease in Experimental Spondyloarthritis

In this study we investigated a role for Card9 within neutrophils in controlling activation downstream of fungal recognition and secondarily we studied neutrophil responses in SpA patients.

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Metabolic Profiling to Dissect the Role of HLA-B27 in Axial Spondyloarthritis

In this study, we aim to perform a comprehensive analysis of microbial metabolites in the fecal and plasma samples associated with HLA-B27 in healthy individuals and axSpA patients in comparison with the HLA-B27 negative healthy individuals.

01/05/2026 09:00 AM

Development, Refinement, and Weighting of Candidate Criteria for Axial Disease in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis: An International Collaboration

02/05/2026 08:00 AM

Explore the platform, network with other virtual attendees, and visit the exhibit hall.

02/05/2026 08:30 AM

Morning Exercise #2: Pilates

Shane Rhoads, M.S.Ed, MES, Rehabilitation Pilates C.S.C.S

Shane Keith Rhoads is the Founder/Co-Owner of Movement Med and is a movement specialist with over 37 years of experience in fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation. His background spans professional baseball, collegiate athletics, spine and back rehabilitation, physical therapy, private training, and consulting. He is the This wide-ranging expertise informs his holistic, results-driven approach to working with individuals of all abilities. For 14 years, Shane worked exclusively in Pilates, designing programs for people managing chronic conditions, recovering from injury, or seeking better postural alignment. While he continues to use Pilates as a powerful tool, he now integrates it with movement assessment, mobility and strength training, postural realignment, and breathing mechanics. His goal is simple: to help clients move with greater strength, function, and confidence. Shane holds a Master of Science in Athletic Training and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. Is a certified Medical Exercise Specialist, He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a certified Rehabilitation Pilates Instructor through Polestar Education. 


Beyond the studio, Shane is a visual artist exploring themes of embodiment and interconnectivity through painting and sculpture. His work is held in private collections in Hawaii, Southern California, Arizona, and Illinois. This unique combination of scientific rigor and artistic sensibility allows Shane to approach the human body as both a biomechanical system and a work of art. Shane’s specialties include post-rehabilitation Pilates, athletic conditioning, spinal health, postural and movement re-education, and functional strength and mobility programs. With a deep commitment to each client, Shane helps people reconnect with their bodies, overcome limitations, and build a more resilient future.


02/05/2026 09:00 AM

Latest in SpA Research

Kristi Kuhn, MD

Kristi Kuhn, MD, PhD, is the Scoville Endowed Chair and Head of the Division of Rheumatology, and a Professor of Medicine, Immunology, and Microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Her research focuses on how specific intestinal microbe–mucosal interactions drive systemic inflammation in spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. She also serves on the Spondylitis Association of America’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Board.

02/05/2026 09:30 AM

Live Q&A with Dr. Kuhn

02/05/2026 10:00 AM

BREAK

02/05/2026 10:15 AM

Energy and Fatigue Management

Emma Dures, PhD

Emma Dures is a chartered psychologist and professor of rheumatology and psychology at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Emma began working in rheumatology in 2009. Since then, fatigue has been an important part of her research. 

Emma was part of the team who designed and tested a cognitive-behavioural group intervention for fatigue self-management. Emma has also explored one-to-one support, delivered as part of routine care. Currently, Emma is working with teams in Denmark and Sweden to explore combining cognitive-behavioural approaches with physical activity to help patients with their fatigue. 


Emma has been involved in projects to develop novel patient reported outcome measures, including the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Scales (BRAFs) which have been translated into over 30 languages. The BRAFs have been created to measure the severity, impact and importance of fatigue from the patient’s perspective.


Emma was the convenor of a task force set up by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) to develop fatigue management recommendations. This involved doing systematic reviews of the evidence for both pharmacological (drug) and non-pharmacological (non-drug) interventions. The Recommendations for managing fatigue in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases were published in 2023. 


02/05/2026 10:45 AM

Live Q&A with Emma Dures

02/05/2026 11:15 AM

Nutrition and Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Cristina Montoya, RD

Cristina Montoya, RD, is a Registered Dietitian, speaker, and founder of Arthritis Dietitian, specializing in evidence-based nutrition for people living with autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis, including Sjögren’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis. She has presented for national organizations, advocacy groups, and international summits focused on rheumatic diseases. 


Cristina also co-hosts the Spanish-language podcast Inmunidad Consciente, supporting Spanish-speaking patients with evidence-based education. She integrates research, gut health science, and lived experience to deliver practical, sustainable strategies that improve quality of life, without unnecessary restrictions. 


02/05/2026 11:45 AM

Live Q&A with Cristina Montoya

02/05/2026 12:15 PM

LUNCH BREAK

02/05/2026 01:00 PM

Mental Health and Resilience

Antonia Repollet, PsyD

Dr. Antonia Repollet, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist with multi state licensure in NJ, NY, VA, Fl, IL, and MA. She earned her doctorate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where her dissertation focused on the mind body connection—specifically, how chronic medical conditions affect self concept and academic performance. Dr. Repollet is recognized for her warm, compassionate, and creative approach in her work with children, teens, and adults. She incorporates personalized, engaging methods to build resilience and empower her patients through collaborative, partnership-based care. She also has advanced training across a wide range of therapeutic modalities—including Clinical Hypnosis, CBT, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, somatic approaches, and more. 


In her role as a school psychologist, she supports students with gastrointestinal and other chronic health conditions by collaborating with schools to develop tailored accommodations such as 504 Plans, IHPs, and IEPs, helping them overcome emotional, academic, and occupational challenges. Her holistic framework blends clinical care with advocacy, nutritional guidance, stress management, and psychoeducation—emphasizing the critical link between mental and physical well being. Dr. Repollet treats a broad spectrum of concerns, including GI and complex health disorders, health anxiety, chronic pain, women's concerns, eating disorders, insomnia, medical trauma, developmental disorders, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief, and more!


02/05/2026 01:30 PM

Live Q&A with Dr. Repollet

02/05/2026 02:00 PM

BREAK

02/05/2026 02:15 PM

Integrative & Complementary Therapies

Michael Mueller, MD

Dr. Michael Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and the Section Head for Integrative Medicine at Mayo Clinic. He is a recognized expert in the field of integrative medicine and its application to patient-centered care. His work focuses on bridging the gap between conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies, with an interest in leveraging innovative approaches to promote healthy aging and longevity.

 

Dr. Mueller's research and clinical practice are dedicated to understanding and addressing complex, chronic conditions that impact an individual's healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. As a researcher, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of conditions such as fibromyalgia and Long COVID, and his contributions have been recognized with the GIM Research Award and an Education Science Career Development Award from Mayo Clinic. As a clinician, he is committed to developing personalized strategies that empower patients to optimize their health and vitality throughout their lives.

 

This commitment to education has been recognized by the Mayo Fellows' Association, which named him Teacher of the Year for the Division of General Internal Medicine in 2025.


02/05/2026 02:45 PM

Live Q&A with Dr. Mueller

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