TEDxOchsner

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Diane Neal

  Regional Chief Nursing Officer / VP of Quality - Ochsner Baton Rouge

  Clinical and Operations Executive with proven success in leading healthcare organizations to improved performance. Broad experience including general management, strategic planning and service line development. Excellent problem solving, process improvement, communication and team building skills. An enthusiastic and dedicated leader that promotes a positive and realistic organizational culture.

• Dr. Carolyn Zeno

  Doctor

  Carolyn Williams has devoted more than a decade to helping other parents grieving the loss of a child, particularly those killed by gun violence. Williams’ own son, Chad, was killed in a shooting in 2007 when he was 21 years old. Soon after her son’s death, she says she attended a support group meeting but didn’t feel like she was getting the help she needed. She often turned to her Bible, and one night in 2011, a sentence from Deuteronomy 1:6 popped out at her: “Ye have dwelt long enough at this mountain.” Williams, a nurse, felt God was calling her to start a grief support group for mothers like her and had even written out a plan to get started, but she says she hadn’t acted. That night, after reaching out to a friend she had confided in, she was put in touch with a mother who was approaching the first anniversary of her child’s death, and Healing Hearts Grief Support Group was born.

• Erica Badowski

  Adult Learning and Instructional Design Strategist

  Passionate adult learning professional and DEI advocate with 15+ years of experience in creating transformative educational experiences. As an Associate Director of Adult Learning at Beloved Community, I've dedicated my career to fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments that empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

• Fawad Khan M.D.

  Neurologist

  Dr. Fawad A. Khan is a neurologist at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He specializes in epilepsy and seizure disorders, headache care and dizziness. He completed his residency in adult neurology at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Khan completed a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy at the University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is the Section Head of The McCasland Family Comprehensive Headache Center and The International Center for Epilepsy at Ochsner. Dr. Khan is a clinician-researcher, and is passionate about exploring innovative solutions to improve clinical care.

• Jill Collins

  Clinical Research Associate

  Jill Collins, has worked in clinical research for over 20 years; serving as a clinical research associate(CRA), clinical research coordinator(CRC), study coordinator, research associate, and research assistant. Author of The Morgan Jane Winters Mystery Series

• Kristen Rogers

  Primary Care Physician

  Dr. Kristen Toups practices internal medicine at Ochsner Health. Dr. Toups is a Louisiana native who graduated cum laude from Tulane University, where she studied Cell and Molecular Biology and English Literature. She completed her Masters in Public Health at the Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, and then received her medical degree with honors from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Following this, she completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Toups is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has been elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society ('15 U of Washington), elected Fellow in the American College of Physicians, and elected Senior Physician at Ochsner Health. She is a Senior Lecturer in Medicine for the University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School. Dr. Toups serves as the Vice Chair for Operations in the Department of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner.

• Laura Finn M.D.

  Doctor of Hematology/Oncology

  Dr. Laura Finn is the section chair of hematology at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center. She received her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She completed residency in internal medicine at Earl K. Long at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she was chief medical resident. Dr. Finn completed a hematology/oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Jacksonville, Florida. There she was chief fellow and remained on faculty of hematology and stem cell transplant as an assistant professor of medicine and also medical director of inpatient bone marrow transplant for two years. She also completed advanced training in stem cell transplant as a Mayo Clinic Scholar at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Finn is director of Ochsner Health's Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Program. She has interests in all blood disorders with a research focus in leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

• Meredith Miceli

  Deputy General Counsel at Ochsner Health

  Lawyer Meredith M. Miceli, graduated from University of New Orleans, B.A., summa cum laude, 1994 Tulane University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1997. and is now acting Vice President, Deputy General Counsel at Ochsner Health System Louisiana.

• Suzana Flores M.D.

  Psychologist

  a distinguished psychologist, author, and specialist in PTSD and trauma therapy. Dr. Flores brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her private practice in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. With a profound dedication to mental health, Dr. Flores has made significant strides in the field of psychology. She has a remarkable history of helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma, providing them with the tools and support needed to reclaim their lives. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Flores is also a celebrated author. Her groundbreaking book, “Facehooked,” explores the psychological impact of social media on our well-being. Her subsequent work, “Untamed,” delves into the intricate psychological profile of Wolverine, the iconic comic book character, blending her expertise with a love for storytelling.

• William Monson

  Media Instructor

  Will Monson has been working within the marketing field for nearly 20 years. He has experience in both agency settings—servicing companies like McDonald’s, NAPA Auto Parts, and the Audubon Nature Institute—as well as on in-house marketing teams for Ochsner Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences, and New Orleans Public Schools. Will began his career with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from Louisiana State University and has evolved from designer to marketing strategist, leading comprehensive digital marketing initiatives. In 2021, he earned his Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Louisiana State University Shreveport and currently serves on the board for the American Marketing Association New Orleans Chapter. Will now serves as the Email Strategist at M.S. Rau, a world-renowned fine art and antiques gallery in New Orleans.