Susan Fitzell, M.Ed., CSP, neurodiversity keynoter, consultant, and trainer, shows forward-thinking educators and corporate leaders how to access and retain a largely untapped, loyal, hardworking talent pool that will give them a competitive edge. She has over 30 years of experience in the education space, teaching people how to learn, stay motivated, and maximize their talents. Her specialty is training and leading neurodivergent thinkers: dyslexic, autistic, ADHD, OCD, etc.

Susan’s neurodivergence was diagnosed the same day as one of her children. The doctor said, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Understanding the struggles of someone whose brain is wired differently, she is passionate about creating a world that empowers and values neurodivergent talent.

Julie Rake has been practicing medicine as a PA for over 20 years. After practicing family medicine for 15 years, she attended the Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona. Since 2015, she has practiced Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona. Julie’s current practice focuses on integrative mental health care. Her specialty lies in helping to regulate the stressed nervous system of those with trauma and PTSD. She is partnered with “Redefine Wellness and Treatment,” a cutting-edge holistic healing center offering PHP, IOP, retreats, and individual wellness services.

Julie is currently a director for “Alter of Earth,” a Scottish-based, non-profit organization providing nature-based mental wellness and trauma recovery programs. From 2016 to 2023, she was a board member and chair (three years) for the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona. From 2015 to 2020, she was a provider for the SPARTA Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help heal the moral and spiritual wounds of our warfighters, veterans, and first responders. Julie currently teaches modules on PTSD for East Valley police and fire departments for their “Crisis Intervention Team” (CIT) cohorts on a roving basis.

Julie is a speaker, poet, and writer, and is firmly committed to serving her patients and her community.

A brain tumor survivor, Ryan’s journey into the brain injury community began with a series of unexplained symptoms, including vertigo, migraines, and hearing loss, that ultimately led to a life-changing diagnosis in 2021. Following a successful craniotomy to remove a rare meningioma, Ryan faced the emotional, physical, and practical realities of recovery head-on.

Throughout his recovery, Ryan drew on his experience as a C-suite executive and business owner, applying lessons in resilience, goal-setting, and strategic problem-solving to his healing process. With the support of his family, faith, and community, he gained a deep appreciation for the importance of strong support systems in long-term recovery. Ryan has already been an active voice within BIAAZ, recently serving as guest editor of The Noggin for a special edition focused on returning to work after brain injury, an issue he understands both personally and professionally.

As the owner of AZ Floor Haven and Align Business Growth, as well as vice president of the Greater Tucson Area Christian Chamber of Commerce, Ryan hopes to use his professional experience and community relationships to support BIAAZ’s mission. He is especially interested in helping strengthen connections between Arizona’s professional community and the critical resources BIAAZ provides to brain injury survivors, families, and caregivers across the state.