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Barbara O’Connor-Wells is a professor and clinical supervisor in the Department of 
Speech-Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 
Her research and clinical interests include swallowing problems, communication 
problems in bilingual individuals and speakers of Spanish, and the aging brain. 
She is the co-editor/author of the book, A Caregivers Guide to Communication 
Problems from Brain Injury and Disease.
Kara Skorupa, diagnosed with MS in 2011 and lives in Miami Beach, Fla. Kara is 
a practicing attorney who enjoys spending free time reading, traveling, dancing, 
exploring genealogy and learning new languages. With much fortitude and 
enthusiasm, Kara wants you all to see that “We are not limiting our lives.” She 
is a member of the MS Focus Lived Experience Advisory Panel and recently 
joined the organization's board of directors.
Ben Thrower is the medical director emeritus of the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute 
at Shepherd Center. He previously served as the medical director of the Holy 
Family Multiple Sclerosis Institute in Spokane, Wash. In Spokane, he was the 
chair of the Inland Northwest Chapter of the NMSS. In 2000, he was awarded 
the Norm Cohn Hope Chest Award by the National MS Society, recognizing his work 
with the MS community. In 2005, he was the first physician inductee into the Georgia 
Chapter of the National MS Society Volunteer Hall of Fame. Dr. Thrower has 
served the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation for many years as Senior Medical Advisor.
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Samia Alamgir is a board-certified doctor of occupational therapy based in Palm 
Beach, Fla. Following her own multiple sclerosis diagnosis in October 2023, Samia 
founded Conserve & Conquer, a specialized telehealth program dedicated to  
fatigue management and adaptive equipment solutions. Additionally, Samia con­
tributes her clinical insights as a member of the Medical Advisory Board,  
advocating for better outcomes within the MS community.

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