Fibroid Awareness Month is July 1-31
Event Guests' Bios
Rose Brown, LPC-MHSP
Facilitator
Who I am: Rooting Myself in My Values
Rose Browne, LPC-MHSP, is a licensed mental health therapist, Army veteran, and incoming doctoral student in clinical psychology at Austin Peay State University. She is the founder of Reflection Hour Counseling & Wellness, a private practice based in Tennessee.
She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University.
Rose specializes in helping individuals develop deeper self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and more fulfilling relationships. Her clinical approach integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic, reflective framework that empowers clients to reconnect with themselves and move forward with clarity and intention.
As a veteran with a background in Human Resources and leadership within the military, Rose brings both structure and compassion to her work. Her experience in crisis intervention, including advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, has shaped her trauma-informed, client-centered approach to care.
Hannah Byrom
Panel Moderator
Hannah Byrom is a local media personality and the co-host of The Mix Morning Show on Mix 92.9. After years of being assured that her pain and symptoms were normal, an 8.5cm fibroid was finally discovered as the source of the problem. Now, through sharing her experience, she hopes to bring awareness to this issue that is affecting thousands of women across the country.
Johnny Croft
Spotlight Session Guest
From a Man’s Perspective
Johnny and DeJeane met in Detroit, Michigan at their neighborhood while in elementary school. Both are MNPS employees: Johnny serves as Director of Bands at Cane Ridge High School whole DeJeane serves as an Administrative Assistant in the MNPS Support Hub.
They are especially proud of their daughter Jada, a recent high school graduate who has begun her journey at Tennessee State University. The couple will be celebrating 21 years of marriage on November 19, 2026.
DeJeane has had her share of challenges with uterine fibroids. She has dealt with menstrual issues since she was a teenager, but didn't realize the underlying issues until after the birth of her daughter in 2007. Because of her health challenges with fibroids, both Johnny and her have been vocal about their journey and spreading awareness.
Nicole Donaldson
Facilitator
Move With Intention: Physical Fitness on the Journey
Nicole Donaldson is a Personal Trainer based in Nashville, TN. She is a graduate of Tennessee State University where she ran Cross Country and Track and Field. She focuses on a three-prong fitness approach that encompasses mindset renewal, physical strength, and healthy lifestyle choices that promote generational health.
Her compassionate approach to fitness encourages, educates, and inspires her clients to reach their goals. Nicole uses her expertise to train clients of all fitness levels. In addition to one-on-one training, she also has a background in virtual group training, 5k and Marathon conditioning, as well as small group and bootcamp training.
When not spending time in the gym Nicole can be found with her nose in a book, journaling, supporting her children’s sporting and acting events or challenging herself by competing in running events or figure competitions. She also enjoys cheering on the Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State University’s sports teams. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Tennessee State University.
Accomplishments/Certifications Personal Trainer
TRX Trainer
CPR & AED
USATF Track & Field Coach
USATF Track & Field Official
Team Chocolate Milk Sponsored Athlete
St Jude Hero
Hot Chocolate 5k/15k Ambassador National Qualified Fitness Competitor
Deana S. Drake
Deana S. Drake
Spotlight Session Guest
A Safe Space: One Woman’s Fibroid Story
Leading with authenticity, wisdom, and a hint of humor, Deana S. Drake is a minister, dedicated mentor, published author, and the founder of Deana Shares, a sisterhood for women to connect and grow through weekly bible study, prayer calls, a podcast, and fellowship. With more than 25 years of faithful service in the local church, an associate’s degree in theology, and studies underway toward a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education, she brings academic grounding and heartfelt compassion to all her engagements.
Deana is a Nashville native; the youngest and only daughter among 5 siblings; a devoted wife to Simba Drake; a bonus mom to KeDarius, KeShawn and Jaquai; and a “momtie” to her niece, Nia.
LaToya Dwight
Deana S. Drake
Panel Guest
LaToya Dwight, BBA, MSM, RHU, ChCC, REBC is a fibroid survivor, women’s health advocate, speaker, philanthropist, employee benefits professional, and the Founder of The Fibroid Pandemic and Pad The Pandemic Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to eliminating period poverty, advancing fibroid awareness and resources, and helping prevent unnecessary hysterectomies.
Professionally, LaToya works in the employee benefits industry, where she has built deep expertise in healthcare access, benefits strategy, medical plan navigation, and the complex ways individuals interact with the healthcare system. Personally, she brings an even deeper expertise: the lived experience of a woman whose life was profoundly impacted by uterine fibroids.
Her advocacy was not born from theory. It was born from pain, survival, and purpose.
After years of navigating the physical, emotional, financial, and medical trauma of fibroids, LaToya’s journey reached a critical turning point when fibroids nearly took her life. What could have become a private tragedy became a public mission. She transformed her pain into purpose and her survival into a platform for education, advocacy, philanthropy, and systemic change.
As a Black woman and fibroid survivor, LaToya understands the quiet suffering many women endure: the heavy bleeding, anemia, exhaustion, fertility concerns, surgical decisions, fear, isolation, and frustration of being dismissed or told to “watch and wait” while their bodies are pleading for intervention. Her work gives language to the experiences many women have carried silently for years.
Through The Fibroid Pandemic, LaToya has created a platform that challenges the normalization of women’s pain and elevates the conversation around fibroids, medical advocacy, informed decision-making, and reproductive health equity. Through Pad The Pandemic Foundation, she expands that mission through three core pillars: eliminating period poverty, increasing access to fibroid education and resources, and helping reduce unnecessary hysterectomies through awareness, advocacy, and informed care.
She is also the visionary behind the Run F.A.R. 5K — Fibroid Awareness & Resources — a community-centered run/walk created to bring visibility, education, resources, and action to the fibroid awareness movement. Now in its 5th year, Run F.A.R. continues to remind communities that fibroids may be noncancerous, but they are not harmless.
LaToya’s voice is distinct because it lives at the intersection of professional knowledge and personal truth. She understands healthcare from the inside as a benefits strategist, and she understands fibroids from the inside as a survivor. That combination allows her to speak with both intellectual authority and emotional clarity.
Her message is clear: women deserve to be heard before crisis, educated before surgery, supported before suffering becomes unbearable, and empowered before life-altering decisions are made for them. No woman should have to nearly lose her life before her pain is believed.
Kayla Hall Ransom
Facilitator
From the Root Up: How What You Drink Is Talking to Your Blood
Kayla Hall-Ransom is the founder and CEO of The City Juicery, a wellness brand rooted in Nashville that promotes healing through cold press juices.
Kayla is deeply passionate about making wellness accessible to everyone. Her goal is to contribute to a future where prioritizing health is a fundamental right, not a luxury.
Dr. Kendra Hayslett
Facilitator
When Fibroids Become an Emergency: What Brings Patients to the ER?
A Nashville native, Kendra D. Hayslett graduated from Hume-Fogg Academic High School. She was accepted into Xavier University in New Orleans, LA; where she majored in Biology/Pre-Medicine with a minor in Chemistry. She diligently focused on her studies and later graduated with the previously aforementioned degree in 2003. With degree in tow, she was led back home to attend Meharry Medical College to further assist in reaching the self-actualization of becoming a doctor.
After graduating from Meharry Medical College, she entered into the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at Meharry and completed her training in June of 2012. Dr. Hayslett is currently the Medical Director of the Women's Emergency Department at Centennial Women's Hospital. Her goal-oriented motto is to Empower, Educate, and Elevate. Kendra is deeply rooted in her faith and believes that if we all take advantage of our potential, we will astound the world.
Gini Ikwuezunma, M.D., MSCR
Facilitator
Dr. Gini Ikwuezunma is a fellowship-trained urogynecologist specializing in pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and complex pelvic floor disorders. He completed advanced fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center following his residency at Meharry Medical College. He earned his medical degree and Master of Science in Clinical Research from the Medical University of South Carolina and graduated with honors from the University of Georgia.
He provides comprehensive pelvic floor care, from conservative therapy to advanced reconstructive surgery. His approach integrates evidence-based treatment, advanced pelvic imaging, and minimally invasive techniques—including vaginal, laparoscopic, and vNOTES procedures—with a focus on restoring quality of life and minimizing recovery time.
An active clinical researcher, Dr. Ikwuezunma advances evidence-based pelvic floor surgery through outcomes research and multidisciplinary collaboration. He has presented his work nationally and internationally at the International Continence Society (ICS), the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), and the American Urological Association (AUA), and collaborates with the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons to improve surgical outcomes and patient care.
He is the recipient of the Banov Award for international humanitarian service and multiple teaching awards recognizing his commitment to surgical excellence and mentorship.
Originally from Cartersville, Georgia, he enjoys spending Saturdays in the fall with his family and cheering on the Bulldogs.
Crystal Joy
Panel Moderator
It's been said to be in Crystal Joy's presence is to experience the joy of the Lord. Blessed with the gifts of humor and wit, balanced with a brilliant mind of communicating through the arts, Crystal has a unique ability to command the stage whether she is teaching about dramatic ministry, mistress of ceremony for an event or teaching the artistic community, and financial management. Her creative and bold delivery cannot be ignored.
As Crystal's desire to enhance her talents to become a more excellent resource to help others, she continued higher education after high school. She established a degree in Broadcasting and Telecommunications, training in Social Work, and counseling, and finished her formal training with a Masters in Administration and Education. In addition, she is trained as a financial literacy Coach as developed L.I.F.E. (Living In Financial Excellence) Financial Literacy workshop to teach families how to live financially stress free.
Her versatile background experience consists of teaching in public schools and college level, radio personality, television and film actress, writing, producing and performing in plays, conducting training workshops in financial literacy, the arts and ministry arts programs facilitator as well as a product developer, acting, singing and writing curriculums and books. Recently, Crystal was appointed as an Ordained Minister at Born Again Church. And she is currently the Sunday Morning Radio Host of "Joyfully Yours" on 99.1 FM and 790 AM of The Gospel Nashville Radio Station. She is also an accomplished author, having recently released her book, Who ART in Heaven? Conceptual Strategy of Arts and Academics for Ministry Leaders.
Kristen Keen MBA, RDN, LD
Kristen Keen MBA, RDN, LD
Facilitator
Kristen Keen (MBA, RDN, LD) believes that a healthy life starts with a strong relationship with nutrition, grounded in self‑love and compassion.
Kenya Kilpatrick
Dr. Annette Kyzer
Facilitator
Who I am: Rooting Myself in My Values
Kenya Kilpatrick is a wife, mom of three, and proud grandmother of two who is passionate about helping young people understand who they are and how much they matter.
She has worked with youth and families since August 2020 at Youth Villages, where she has supported young people through some of life’s hardest moments. In July 2022, she started her own private practice, Lantern Lane Farm, creating a space where people can feel safe, heard, and supported as they grow. In April 2025, Kenya followed her heart and founded Before, After, & In-Between, a nonprofit designed to help youth and families have real conversations about identity, relationships, self-worth, and life in every stage—before, during, and after the hard moments. But beyond all of her titles, Kenya is someone who understands that life doesn’t always go the way we expect—and that doesn’t mean your story is over.
She loves traveling, creating new experiences, and encouraging others to step into who they were created to be with confidence and purpose.
Dr. Annette Kyzer
Dr. Annette Kyzer
Panel Guest
Annette Kyzer, MD, FACOG is a board-certified OBGYN, with more than 27 years of experience. She provides expert surgical and clinical care focused on improving women’s health outcomes through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans.
As a surgicalist, Dr. Kyzer’s clinical interests include gynecologic specialty surgeries, with a focus on minimally invasive laparoscopies and hysteroscopies, Sonata RFA fibroid treatments, hysteroscopic and open myomectomies, and other surgeries. She has extensive experience in the treatment and surgical management of fibroids and endometriosis, as well as procedures for endometrial polyps, intrauterine adhesions, and retained tissue following miscarriages. She also performs a variety of fertility-related surgeries to support patients on their reproductive journey.
She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Education at the UT School of Medicine. Dr. Kyzer is actively involved in leadership and quality initiatives, including participation previously on the Ascension Saint Thomas Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Executive Committee and current participation on the Peer Review Committee. She has been recognized as one of America’s Best Physicians from 2020 through 2026. Her academic and training achievements include serving as Chief Administrative Resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she also received the Best Teaching Resident Award. She earned multiple honors during her medical education at Tulane University School of Medicine including Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with several academic distinctions.
Dr. Kyzer is committed to empowering patients to take an active role in their care, working collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans that best meet each patient’s needs.
Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Kyzer enjoys music, concerts, action movies, traveling, and
connecting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Dr. Lorina Poe
Panel Guest
Spotlight Session Guest
Transitions & Truths about Perimenopause and Menopause
American Academy of Family Physicians board-certified Family Medicine physician Dr. Lorina Poe has practiced medicine for more than a decade, with advanced expertise in hormone optimization and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women and men. Originally from Milwaukee, she earned her psychology degree from Fisk University before obtaining both her Master of Science in Public Health and medical degree from Meharry Medical College. She completed residency training at Medical College of Wisconsin.
After medical school, Dr. Poe pursued additional specialized training in the dosing and management of bioidentical hormones for perimenopause, menopause, and hormone decline in men (“man-opause”/andropause). Her clinical focus includes helping patients optimize energy, metabolism, cognitive function, sexual wellness, and healthy aging through personalized hormone therapy.
Prior to opening Cryo & Contour, Dr. Poe served as Assistant Professor for the School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University and practiced within the Vanderbilt Health and Medical Group network.
Sherry Siarezi, MD, FACOG
Facilitator
Dr. Sherry Siarezi is the visionary founder and chief medical officer of FeMD Gynecology, where she leads with a commitment to advancing women's healthcare. A board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Siarezi began her journey in medicine after graduating cum laude from SUNY Stony Brook University with a degree in biochemistry. She continued her education at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, New York, earning her medical degree before completing her Ob/Gyn residency at the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern in Austin. To further enhance her expertise, she achieved practice-focused certification in Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology.
With a wealth of experience in both private practice and academia, Dr. Siarezi has served as a teaching attending at the University of Texas, the University of Hawaii, and currently the University of Tennessee where she has shared her knowledge and passion for women's health with future healthcare professionals. Her clinical interests encompass a comprehensive range of obstetric and gynecological services, including minimally invasive surgery, contraceptive counseling, and adolescent gynecology and well care.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Siarezi values quality time with her family and enjoys exploring her creative side through cooking and painting. Her dedication to education, patient care, and the advancement of women's health has established her as a respected leader in her field, making a positive impact on the lives of countless women.
Marva Southall
Facilitator
Marva Renee Southall is a retired elementary and university level educator. She recently earned certificates for Mental Health Coaching from Light University in 2020.
Marva has been a volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Davidson, in Nashville, Tennessee for nine years. Her volunteer efforts include co-teaching peer family support groups, facilitating peer support group sessions for family members and loved ones of those with mental illnesses, speaking, and staffing the crises line once a week. She was an age level finalist for the 2019 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award, the 2023 Service Award from NAMI Tennessee and has received various recognitions from NAMI Davidson. She also is a volunteer with Suicide Prevention in the African American Faith Communities’ Coalition and reports information to her church.
Marva Southall has one brother, Kenneth Southall. She is a member of Born Again Church and Christian Outreach Ministries in Nashville Tennessee, where she serves as an Elder.
Alaina Stochaj-Oman, WHNP-BC
Facilitator
Alaina Stochaj, APN, is a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner with Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, Tennessee. She listens to understand you and your health concerns, taking the time to get to know you and your family's health history and create a personalized care plan that's right for you. As a NP, Alaina can diagnose illness and injury, prescribe medication and provide non-surgical care.
Whether you have new symptoms or just want to talk to a provider about your health, Alaina is here for you.
Alaina specializes in affirming, inclusive gender care and provides obstetrics and gynecology care for women across the lifespan.
Alaina believes in empowering individuals to understand and advocate for their own health and wellness. She partners with her patients to support their unique goals and provide compassionate, personalized care.
When not caring for patients, Alaina enjoys attending live shows and collecting records-favorites include Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Tom Waits. She also loves playing tennis on Nashville's public courts and spending quality time with the people and pets she loves (often while watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia).
Gina Webb
Tory Woodard
Tory Woodard
Facilitator
Gina Webb, of White House, TN, is the owner of Moringa Tree Organic Kitchen, Healing Roots Wellness, and Restoration Acres. Guided by the belief in “Real Health and Real Food,” she is devoted to restoring ancient healing paths through natural, holistic living.
Tory Woodard
Tory Woodard
Tory Woodard
Panel Guest
Tory A. Woodard is a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner with almost 20 years of experience as a prescriber, and 27 years total in the mental health field. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee State University, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Middle Tennessee University, and a Master of Science in Nursing, with a specialty in psychiatry, from Vanderbilt University. He began his career as a counselor for juveniles at a youth development center and then transitioned into a school-based therapist in inner-city Nashville. After working closely with psychiatrists for several years, he decided to further advance his career and pursue becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Since graduating with his MSN in 2008, he has worked in community mental health, faith-based organizations, as well as private practice settings, utilizing a natural, caring approach to promote well-being in the clients he serves. He has a passion for promoting mental, physical, and spiritual growth in the clients he serves.
