Bruce T. Allen, M.D., Ph.D.—Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Dr. Allen's research will improve our understanding of Th17 cells, a subset of T cells. Understanding of these cells will point to new therapeutic approaches to psoriasis management.

Maria-Eugenia Ariza, Ph.D.—Research Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina

Dr. Ariza recently received a $50,000 National Psoriasis Foundation grant to study the role of HERV-K dUTPase in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Her research aims to find alternative treatments that block the action(s) of dUTPase, thus improving the quality of life of people with psoriasis. Dr. Ariza received her Ph.D., in molecular toxicology from Ohio State University and continued her post-doctoral studies in cell signaling/cancer biology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and the Burnham Institute.

Bruce F. Bebo Jr., Ph.D.—Director of Research and Medical Programs, National Psoriasis Foundation

Dr. Bebo joined the foundation in April, bringing with him 20 years of experience in autoimmune disease research. He received his Ph.D. in immunology from Texas A&M University and completed post-doctoral training at the Portland VA Medical Center. He served on the research faculty at Oregon Health & Science University. Most recently, he was director of immunology research for a specialty pharmaceutical company in Germany, developing new topical and oral treatments for skin diseases, including psoriasis.

Zachary Bonner

Zachary Bonner is a fifth grade student who developed a commitment to community service after Hurricane Charlie hit Florida in 2004. He collected bottled water from neighbors to distribute to hurricane victims. His valiant efforts resulted in 27 truckloads of bottled water and other necessities. At the time, he was only 6 years old. Since then, Zach's passion for volunteering and helping the less fortunate has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2005, he formed the Little Red Wagon Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to help homeless kids living on the streets by providing them with backpacks of food and supplies.

Alyssa Brown—Advocacy Outreach Manager, National Psoriasis Foundation

Ms. Brown joined the Psoriasis Foundation in 2005. As manager of the Psoriasis Action Network, Ms. Brown shares the message with the psoriasis community that advocacy has a huge impact on members of Congress, and is also easy and fun. She coordinates the Psoriasis Foundation's annual Capitol Hill Day. Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Brown worked at United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan.

Hyon K. Choi, M.D.—DrPH Associate Professor of Medicine, Mary Pack Arthritis Society Chair, Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Dr. Choi received a $50,000 National Psoriasis Foundation "seed grant" this year for his study that looks at how obesity, alcohol intake, smoking and other lifestyle factors may contribute to developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Kristi Chrysler

Kristi Chrysler of Florida is a published author, national speaker and certified health coach through Wellcoaches Corp., in alliance with the American College of Sports Medicine. As a mother of five, Kristi understands how to weave health and healthy communication into the complexities of life. She has experience implementing innovative programs that encourage, equip and educate individuals to become team players. Kristi's mission is to take the knowledge she has gleaned from years of learning and use it to help others.

Carl K. Edwards III, Ph.D.—Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colo.

Dr. Edwards received a $50,000 National Psoriasis Foundation "seed grant" this year for his study that seeks to define the action of a particular protein—FKBP52—expressed in T cells that are present in chronic plaque psoriasis. This protein appears to have a function in the early stages of development of chronic plaque psoriasis. The study will attempt to explain this protein's role in skin inflammation.

Kim Ellis—Wellness coach, Greener Grass Wellness, DeLand, Fla.

After 13 years of nursing, health education and clinical practice, Ms. Ellis found her true calling in wellness coaching, becoming a certified health and wellness coach and opening Greener Grass Wellness. She currently helps clients achieve greater physical and mental wellness through private and group coaching services as well as wellness classes. On a personal note, Ms. Ellis is preparing for a triathlon after years of illness. By discovering and implementing the keys to successfully practicing wellness, she now is "chronically well" rather than chronically ill.

Liz Fischer—Walk for Awareness Manager, National Psoriasis Foundation

Ms. Fischer helps plan, direct and organize the Psoriasis Foundation's walk events throughout the U.S. Liz has extensive experience in managing events. Previously she worked as operations manager for Evanta, an educational program, based in Portland, Ore., for senior executives. There she was responsible for planning and executing their CIO Executive Summit events. Before this, Liz worked as event and training manager at Intel Corp. where she was responsible for developing the company's strategic presence at industry trade shows and events. Liz has a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies from Western Oregon University and a master's degree in science in administration from Central Michigan University.

Jacob Glassmeyer— Artist

Mr. Glassmeyer, who has been inspired by art his entire life, received his degree at Nossi College of Art in Goodlettsville, Tenn. His background includes directing the Exploration in Art program in Franklin and Murfreesboro, Tenn., where worked with children ages 7 to 14. Through this program he showed children the many different styles of self-expression and encouraged them to "think outside the box." His passion is to support children of all ages in their personal journey and to help them discover the world of self-expression.

Dean Goodless, M.D.

Dr. Goodless is a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Celebration, Fla. He also serves as the guide for Time-Warner's www.psoriasis.about.com Web site, writing a weekly column about issues in psoriasis treatment. Dr. Goodless has served as a principal or sub-investigator on more than a dozen U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical drug trials, including those for cutting-edge psoriasis medications. Dr. Goodless received his medical degree and completed a dermatology residency program at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Alla Gruman, M.D.

Dr. Gruman is board-certified in pediatrics and dermatology. She obtained her medical degree from John Hopkins School of Medicine, where she trained with pediatric dermatologist Dr. Bernard Cohen. She completed her pediatric residency at Harvard's Children's Hospital in Boston and then finished her dermatology residency at Boston University/Tuft's Residency program under the mentorship of specialists in psoriasis treatment. Dr. Gruman currently practices pediatric and adult dermatology in Sarasota, Fla.

Johann E. Gudjonsson, M.D., Ph.D.

Lecturer, Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Dr. Gudjonsson's primary research focus is basic immunological and genetic research on psoriasis, with projects directed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. His work has earned several research awards, including awards from the American Skin Association and the Dermatology Foundation. Dr. Gudjonsson has lent his expertise and leadership to the National Psoriasis Foundation analysis of government funding of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research.

Lauren Henschel

Although Lauren, 15, does not have psoriasis, her family has had a history of this disease for several generations. As a result, Lauren is committed to finding a cure by raising money for the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank. Since 2005, Lauren has worked to build awareness among youth. She assembled a Junior Board of volunteers that brought in more than 400 young people and raised more than $40,000 for the 2008 Miami Walk for Awareness. Lauren was also a youth delegate at the National Psoriasis Foundation's Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied congressional representatives for psoriasis research funding.

Troy Ismir—Health Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine

Mr. Ismir has been involved in the health, fitness, and wellness industry since 1993 as a personal trainer, fitness director and strength and conditioning specialist for young athletes. Troy is currently a certified wellness coach specializing in helping clients plan and take action to pursue their ideal level of well-being. Mr. Ismir has a bachelor of science degree in psychology and a master of science degree in exercise and sports science.

Neil Korman, M.D. Ph.D.—Professor of Dermatology, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Dr. Korman is also the clinical director of the Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis, a recently opened psoriasis treatment center in Cleveland. He also serves as director of clinical trials in the Department of Dermatology and has been a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board since 2004.

Mark Lebwohl, M.D.—Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Chairman, National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board

Dr. Lebwohl is founding editor of Psoriasis Forum a journal published by the Psoriasis Foundation for medical professionals, as well as medical editor of Psoriasis Advance, published for Psoriasis Foundation members. He has published two books on psoriasis, as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Lebwohl is actively involved in clinical trials for many new treatments for psoriasis and has run the phototherapy center at Mount Sinai for many years.

Carol McMenamy, M.D.—Medical Director, Medical Policy & Program Administration, Aetna Health Plan, Aetna Inc.

Dr. Menamy also serves as liaison to the American Academy of Dermatology. She is board-certified in internal medicine and hematology, and has worked in the realm of third-party payment and payment policy for eight years. Before joining Aetna, Dr. McMenamy worked as medical director and administrator for the American Red Cross Blood Services in Central Illinois.

Christine Rackley, M.S.—President, Wellness Evolutions LLC.

Ms. Rackley is a licensed wellness coach. Her background includes 18 years of experience in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation as an exercise physiologist, five years in personal training and three years in corporate wellness coaching and education. Her passion is a focus on prevention and helping clients in their personal journey to reach their goals.

Peggy A. Rochon—Senior Case Manager, Patient Advocate Foundation

Ms. Rochon has extensive knowledge about patient services, specializing in working directly with patients to resolve issues related to insurance, employment billing and debt crisis management. She has worked for more than 15 years in the health care field, and brings experience in medical sales, patient support and administrative support. Before joining the Patient Advocate Foundation, Ms. Rochon served as assistant director of human resources and benefits administrator at a community hospital in the Midwest.

Alexis Saire, MEd, M.A.

Ms. Saire is a health educator, fitness instructor and certified personal trainer at Florida Hospital in The Fitness Centre and Day Spa at Celebration Health in Celebration, Fla. Her background includes more than 20 years' teaching experience in hospital, rehabilitation and academic settings. She is a certified fitness coach with Wellcoach/ACSM and holds an MEd in health education and a master of arts degree in dance. Ms. Saire has created a program to promote self-esteem for teens through dance and movement and has enjoyed teaching and practicing yoga for many years.

Wendy Spencer—Chief Executive Officer, Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida)

Volunteer Florida administers Florida's AmeriCorps Programs, coordinates volunteers and assists in developing Florida's network of volunteer centers. Ms. Spencer's 24-year career includes serving as director of the Florida State Park Service and as resource development director for the United Way of the Big Bend from 1991-2001. Wendy has helped raise more than $35 million to benefit communities and has volunteered on numerous boards of charitable organizations.

Aron Stephens, M.P.H.—Advocacy Coordinator, National Psoriasis Foundation

Focused on improving access to care for psoriasis patients, Ms. Stephens works to improve patient self-advocacy, reform health plan medical policies and improve access for the uninsured and underinsured. Before joining the Psoriasis Foundation in November 2007, she worked as a graduate research assistant and as an intern in the Tobacco Prevention and Emergency Preparedness program for the Multnomah County Health Department in Portland, Ore. Ms. Stephens received her master's degree in public health from Portland State University in 2007.

Valorie Treloar, M.D.

Dr. Treloar has practiced dermatology in the greater Boston area for more than 15 years. In 2003, Dr. Treloar, a board-certified dermatologist, opened Integrative Dermatology, a private practice in Newton, Mass., which combines the best of conventional dermatology with the holistic options of an alternative approach. She received nutrition-specialist status from the American College of Nutrition and with co-author Alan C. Logan, NP, wrote "The Clear Skin Diet" in 2007. Dr. Treloar received her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed a dermatology residency at the Boston University-Tufts University Joint Residency Program in Dermatology.

Stefan Weiss, M.D.

Dr. Weiss is a board-certified dermatologist and director of the Weiss Skin Institute, a clinical research center and private practice in Boca Raton, Fla. He is a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and serves as the pharmacology of skin course co-director for the Society of Investigative Dermatology. Before starting his own practice, Dr. Weiss was senior medical director at Connetics Corporation, where he was medical team leader for three approved new drug applications for psoriasis. Dr. Weiss received his medical degree from Yale University and completed his dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Heather Zwickey, Ph.D.—Dean of Research and Associate Professor of Immunology, National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, Ore.

Dr. Zwickey is director of the Helfgott Research Institute, which is devoted to advancing the science of natural medicine. Currently, she heads several pilot studies looking at the effects of botanicals, hydrotherapy, energy medicine and nutrition on immunological parameters. Dr. Zwickey trained at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University, where she studied autoimmune disease and cancer.