Featured Speakers
Marci Bencomo
Head of Marketing, Pacifica Compounding Pharmacy, Torrance, California
Marci Bencomo
Marci leads marketing and relationship development for Pacifica Pharmacy. She got her start in brand development at Red Bull over 20 years ago and has been building brands for entrepreneurs and companies small to large ever since. She enjoys staying active in yoga, surfing, and hiking, as well as cooking healthful foods, which is a perfect complement to her work at Pacifica Pharmacy.
Lemrey “Al” Carter, MS, PharmD, RPh
Executive Director/CEO at the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Lemrey “Al” Carter, MS, PharmD, RPh
At NABP, Dr. Carter manages budgets, and engages with stakeholders to protect public health. Previously, he served as VP of pharmacy operations at Walgreens, overseeing regulatory compliance and operations of over 9,200 pharmacies. He holds an MS from the University of Florida and a PharmD from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, APhA
APhA Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Practice and Government Affairs
Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA
In her 30+ years at the FDA, Dr. Bernstein held senior leadership positions and advocated for pharmacy and patient interests. She began there as a clinical pharmacology reviewer of investigational and new drug applications and has expertise in compounding, supply chain security, drug quality, shortages and post-market safety.
Robyn Crow, RPh
Owner of Clark's Rx in Huber Heights, Ohio
Robyn Crow, RPh
With a background in retail pharmacy, Robin expanded the services of Clarks Rx to include compounding, enabling her team to provide personalized solutions for patients in her community.
Robyn's dedication to patient care is evident as she serves on the PCCA Advisory Council, aiming to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Mary Caire, MD
Physician, Lecturer and Leader in DNA-Informed Precision Medicine
Mary Caire, MD
Dr. Caire integrates traditional medicine with advanced diagnostics, nutritional science, exercise physiology, stress management, DNA-informed precision medicine and hormonal balancing.
She is a published author and has lectured extensively on precision medicine and related topics.
Savannah Cunningham, PharmD
APC Director of Public Policy
Savannah Cunningham, PharmD
Savannah Cunningham, PharmD, is a pharmacist who graduated in 2022 from Mercer University College of Pharmacy and resides in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She works full-time as the Director of Public Policy for the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. She is active in professional pharmacy associations and has served in various leadership roles since the beginning of pharmacy school.
Eddie DeCaria, RPh, FAPC
Co-Owner of Porter’s Pharmacy and Compounding Lab in Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Eddie DeCaria, RPh, FAPC
Eddie’s pharmacy is a PCAB-accredited retail pharmacy that fulfills traditional prescriptions and prepares customized medications for their human and pet patients. As a longtime pharmacist, Eddie finds great satisfaction in helping patients through compounding. A member of PCCA since 1982, Eddie is currently a member of PCCA’s Advisory Council.
Cheri Garvin, RPh
President and CEO, The Compounding Center, Leesburg, Virginia
Cheri Garvin, RPh
Cheri is an active member of the Loudoun CEO Cabinet, American Pharmacists Association, National Community Pharmacists Association, Virginia Pharmacists Association, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and was named Preceptor of the Year by the Medical College of Virginia. Cheri earned her pharmacy degree from The Medical College of Virginia.
Bobby Harshbarger, PharmD
Pharmacy Operations Manager, Premier Pharmacy, Kingsport, Tennessee
Bobby Harshbarger, PharmD
Dr. Harshbarger has a member of the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, serving a 5-year term. He has been a licensed pharmacist for over a decade, trained as an HRT Compounding Specialist at PCCA and is a Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Mercer University College of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ronna Hauser, PharmD
NCPA Senior Vice President of Policy and Pharmacy Affairs
Ronna Hauser, PharmD
Guiding professional affairs and policy initiatives, Ronna represents the NCPA at governmental and private sector meetings. She leads outreach to groups such as the FDA, CMS, DEA and DHA, and played a key role in implementing Title I of the Drug Quality and Security Act. Previously, she worked with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and worked as a licensed community pharmacist.
Tim Hines
a.k.a. The Marketing Starter
Tim Hines
As an author, podcast host, keynote speaker and consultant, Tim shows people how to harness the power of the entrepreneurial spirit to excel in all that they do. He specializes in developing omni-channel marketing programs within the tech industry and partnering with startups to get their dreams off the ground. With nearly 20 years of experience, Tim has developed strategic marketing initiatives with clients such as Dialpad, Tribune Media, Ticketmaster and the CIA.
Margie Lamberth
Vice President at El Toro IP Targeting and Modeling
Margie Lamberth
An Auburn University graduate, Margie actively participates in organizations such as the University of Alabama Culverhouse School's Leadership Council, the Junior League of Alabama and King's Home. Her journey to motherhood involved seven years of fertility treatments, during which she relied on Honea, Houserman, and Long, as well as her local compounding pharmacy. With compounded medications tailored to her monthly blood work, Margie successfully conceived and gave birth to her son in 2002, inspiring hope for others facing fertility challenges.
Katie Lewis
Director of Operations and Marketing, Pharmacy Solutions, Lincoln, Nebraska
Katie Lewis
Katie started her career at Pharmacy Solutions as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in 2010 and worked in that role for four years, but today her focus is business operations and marketing. Today she fosters relationships with patients, customers and practitioners and shares her knowledge of compounding with pharmacy staff members. Katie holds a BA from Doane University.
Peter Lovatt, PhD
Dr. Dance
Peter Lovatt, PhD
As the co-founder of the Movement in Practice Academy, Dr. Lovatt specializes in the psychology of movement and dance. Drawing from his two decades of university research and founding of the first Dance Psychology Lab, he explores how movement influences our cognition, problem-solving, social interaction and emotions.
Dr. Lovatt authored "The Dance Cure" and is known for engaging keynote speeches that energize audiences.
Jennifer Palazzolo, RPh
Owner of Flatirons Family Pharmacy in Longmont, Colorado
Jennifer Palazzolo, RPh
After spending all of her career as a chain pharmacist, Jen opened Flatirons Family Pharmacy in April 2014. Her strong belief in the pharmacist-patient relationship has led her and her staff to embrace functional medicine, wellness and treating the whole patient. This focus has branded Flatirons Family Pharmacy as a wellness destination, and Jen now shares her own journey to health, weight loss and burnout relief so others can live their best lives without the constant burden of being overmedicated.
Jeff H. Roberts, CEC, CIC, CBC
Leadership & Business Coach
Jeff H. Roberts, CEC, CIC, CBC
With 30+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Jeff Roberts excels in mergers. As a Certified Executive Coach, Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Behavioral Consultant, he offers valuable insights into leadership, hiring and communication. Based in Branson, MO, Jeff enjoys being an active participant in community activities, spending time with his family, fly fishing and reading.
Holly Seyler, PharmD (cand.)
Pharmacy Student Contest Winner
Holly Seyler, PharmD (cand.)
Holly Seyler, PharmD (cand.), is a third-year pharmacy student at the University of Washington. She also holds a BA in biology and anthropology and a MS in Museum and Field Studies with a focus in paleontology. She is passionate about pharmacist advocacy and education. In her free time, she likes to read, play video games, and play with her dog, Delilah.
Pamela W. Smith, MD, MPH, MS
Diplomat of the Board of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Physicians
Pamela W. Smith, MD, MPH, MS
Dr. Smith is an emergency room physician turned anti-aging/functional medicine specialist. She is a diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Physicians and is a renowned international speaker and author in the field of anti-aging/precision medicine. She leads The Center for Precision Medicine and has appeared on CNN, PBS and other outlets. Her best-selling books share her expertise on vitamins, minerals, herbs, hormones and immune system optimization.
Scotty W. Sykes, CPA, CFP®
Accountant and tax advisor
Scotty W. Sykes, CPA, CFP®
Scotty W. Sykes, CPA, CFP®, has helped lead Sykes & Company, P.A. forward by building strong relationships with pharmacy owners, third parties and key vendors to enable pharmacy clients to have access to the best possible resources, accounting, tax and advisory in the pharmacy industry. He is actively involved in all areas of pharmacy accounting and tax with an emphasis on high-level advisory for pharmacy clients. He is also a frequent speaker and writer on various pharmacy accounting and tax matters.
Jenny Yoakum, RPh
Pharmacist-In-Charge, Med Shop Total Care Pharmacy, Longview, Texas
Jenny Yoakum, RPh
Jenny currently serves on the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. She practiced in community pharmacy for 17 years, including seven years as a pharmacy consultant with PCCA in Houston. She is a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and National Community Pharmacist Association. She has served terms with NCPA and the Alliance Board of Directors.
Sarah Zielsdorf, MD, MS
Owner and Medical Director of Motivated Medicine
Sarah Zielsdorf, MD, MS
Dr. Zielsdorf is an innovative medical practitioner with an MS in Public Health and MD from Loyola University. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine. As an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, she excels in diagnostics and patient care. Dr. Z serves as an advisor and education director to the Low-Dose Naltrexone Research Trust, emphasizing the individualized approach to patient-physician relationships based on biochemical and genetic uniqueness.
PCCA & Eagle Speakers
Daniel Banov, MS, RPh
PCCA Director of Research & Development
Daniel Banov, MS, RPh
Daniel is an experienced pharmacist with over 20 years of expertise. He specializes in pre-formulation, formulation and re-formulation of various dosage forms. Daniel's focus on innovative techniques for skin permeation enhancement has led to multiple granted and pending U.S. patents. Daniel's additional contributions include founding the Anti-Aging Society in Brazil and publishing articles on cosmetics.
Gus Bassani, PharmD
PCCA Chief Scientific Officer
Gus Bassani, PharmD
Gus fulfills scientific, technical, and public affairs roles at PCCA. Using his background in pharmacy practice and industry settings, he has educated pharmacy students on compounding principles. He has served on the US Pharmacopeia Council of Experts and Drake University's National Advisory Council. Gus is a member of the National Community Pharmacists Association, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
Deborah Clark, RPh, FACVP
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Deborah Clark, RPh, FACVP
Since 2009, Deborah has been a valuable member of PCCA's Clinical Services team. She specializes in veterinary compounding and supports other areas such as hormone replacement, pain/wound care, pediatrics and dermatology. Deborah frequently speaks at PCCA symposiums and is a Fellow of the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. She is a UNC Chapel Hill pharmacy graduate and licensed in North Carolina.
A.J. Day, PharmD
PCCA Vice President of Clinical Services
A.J. Day, PharmD
A.J. specializes in veterinary compounding, aseptic compounding, pain management and regulatory compliance. He has delivered presentations to physicians, veterinarians and pharmacists worldwide and provided expert testimony to the FDA. A.J. is involved with the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, National Community Pharmacists Association and other pharmacy groups. He serves as a preceptor for doctoral pharmacy students nationwide.
Sebastian Denison, RPh, FAARM (candidate)
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Sebastian Denison, RPh, FAARM (candidate)
Sebastian is a sought-after speaker covering topics such as nutrition, pain, pharmacy compounding and alternative uses for Naltrexone. During his 11-year tenure at Northmount Pharmacy in North Vancouver, he specialized in HRT, veterinary, pain and sports compounding. Sebastian also managed Pharmacy Operations for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games and the Whistler Olympic Village Polyclinic Pharmacy.
Andrew Eng
EAGLE Analytical Business Development Manager
Andrew Eng
Andrew joined Eagle in 2018 and serves as the liaison between the laboratory and Eagle’s clients. In his role, he supervises the Sample Management and Client Care teams and generates quotes and summary reports for the stability testing program at Eagle. Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University.
Jacqueline Esqueda, PharmD, BCSCP, RPh
EAGLE Analytical Senior Business Development Specialist
Jacqueline Esqueda, PharmD, BCSCP, RPh
Prior to joining the Eagle team, Jacqueline worked as an R&D scientist for a contract drug manufacturing organization where she was responsible for analytical method development, formulation development, and process development from the laboratory. She holds a BS in Chemistry and PharmD Feik School of Pharmacy in San Antonio.
Jeffrey Gloyer, MS
EAGLE Analytical Principle Engineer
Jeffrey Gloyer, MS
Jeff’s background includes leading engineering design processes for projects in the energy, automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, robotics and pharmaceutical industries. He has also worked with cleanroom spaces for the satellite and semiconductor manufacturing industries. Jeff holds a BS in Electrical Systems Engineering and an MS in Engineering from Arizona State University.
Mark Gonzalez, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Mark Gonzalez, PharmD
Mark holds degrees from Loma Linda University and Midwestern University. He operated Med Specialties for 18 years while working as a contract consultant for PCCA. Since 2017, he has been a clinical compounding pharmacist at PCCA, specializing in HRT, dermatology and veterinary compounding. Mark's expertise extends globally, as he has collaborated with facilities in Haiti, India and Cuba to expand patient access to vital pharmaceutical and compounding options.
Lizzie Harbin
PCCA Vice President of Public Affairs, Education & Human Relations
Lizzie Harbin
As PCCA's Vice President of Public Affairs, Education and Human Relations, Lizzie focuses on preserving the organization's culture and ensuring patient access to compounded medication. She utilizes her industry leadership and fundraising background to strengthen relationships with members. Lizzie was honored with the PCCA Eagle Leadership Award and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Tulane University.
Tricia Heitman, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Tricia Heitman, PharmD
Tricia is a University of Houston College of Pharmacy graduate and completed a PCCA PharmD Residency. Since 2000, she has been a full-time clinical compounding pharmacist at PCCA, assisting pharmacists in the US and Canada. Tricia frequently lectures at PCCA International Seminars, specializing in pediatric compounding (including autism treatment), women's health, GI health and pain management.
Sara Hover, RPh, FAARM
PCCA Director of Clinical Services
Sara Hover, RPh, FAARM
Sara has over 20 years of experience as a compounding pharmacist. As the former owner of Creative Compounds in Prosper, Texas, Sara specializes in women's health and nutrition, and has extensive knowledge of HRT, homeopathics, herbal supplements and vitamins. She holds a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin and remains a lifetime member of the university's College of Pharmacy Alumni Association.
Nat Jones, RPh, FAPC
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Nat Jones, RPh, FAPC
Nat, a VCU Pharmacy graduate, owned a compounding pharmacy for 20 years before joining PCCA's Clinical Services in Houston. He's an esteemed international speaker on various medical topics and a fellow in the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. Nat's published articles in lay and professional journals, presented at conferences, and authored an open-access eBook on psoriasis. His greatest joy is being a grandparent to nine grandchildren.
Micheal Jones, SHRM-CP
PCCA Senior Human Relations Specialist
Micheal Jones, SHRM-CP
Michael Jones is the Senior Human Relations Specialist at PCCA, overseeing employee benefits for populations across the United States, Canada and Australia. A SHRM-Certified Professional with over 10 years of experience, he specializes in employee well-being, compensation, benefits education and fostering employee engagement and empowerment. Michael's expertise contributes to creating a positive and supportive work environment for PCCA employees worldwide.
Ranel Larsen, PharmD
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharamicst
Ranel Larsen, PharmD
Ranel joined PCCA as a clinical compounding pharmacist in 2014. After working in retail pharmacy for three years, Ranel transitioned to a compounding-only pharmacy, where she worked for over four years. Her areas of interest include HRT for men and women, veterinary medicine, pain management and dermatology. Ranel is a graduate of the Roseman University School of Pharmacy, where she obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy.
Stacey Lemus, BS
PCCA Senior Formulation Specialist
Stacey Lemus, BS
Stacey worked with a PCCA member pharmacy for more than 10 years before joining the PCCA Formulation Development team in 2012. Her work at PCCA focuses on new formula development and updating and testing existing formulations. Her experience with equipment, compounding technique and calculations makes her a valuable resource for member technical calls. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Texas A&M University – Kingsville.
Matthew Lester, RPh, MBA
PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharamcist
Matthew Lester, RPh, MBA
Matthew Lester was previously COO of Oakdell Pharmacy where he excelled in infusion, long-term care, consulting and disease management. With a passion for patient care, Matthew serves as a luminary for CPESN Texas and contributes to the NCPA Compounding Steering Committee. He is an adjunct professor and preceptor for pharmacy schools and holds advanced certifications in sterile compounding and hormone replacement.
Jay Patel, PhD
EAGLE Analytical Director of Analytical Sciences
Jay Patel, PhD
Dr. Patel leads EAGLE's team of R&D and QC chemists to deliver efficient analytical testing for 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies formulations (sterile and non-sterile formulations) as well as NDA and ANDA products for pharmaceutical companies. He acts as a consultant to provide regulatory and technical guidance to clients and leads efforts to streamline logistics relevant to client specifics.
Matt Martin, PharmD, BCSCP
PCCA Director of Clinical Services
Matt Martin, PharmD, BCSCP
Matt joined the PCCA Clinical Services team in 2014. Matt brings his expertise in both sterile and nonsterile compounding. Matt's willingness to share his knowledge with our industry is evident through his elected position as Coordinator-Elect for the APhA-APPM Compounding Special Interest Group. Prior to working for PCCA, he gained over eight years of experience in compounding pharmacy.
Melissa Merrell Rhoads, PharmD
PCCA Director of Formulations
Melissa Merrell Rhoads, PharmD
Leading PCCA Formulations team, Melissa plays a key role in developing and implementing new compounding formulas. With over six years of compounding experience in Georgia and Florida, Melissa joined PCCA in 2004. Her areas of expertise include women's health, veterinary compounding and pain management. Melissa earned her doctor of pharmacy degree from Mercer University.
Erin Michael, MBA, MS, CPhT, FAPC
PCCA Director of Member Engagement
Erin Michael, MBA, MS, CPhT, FAPC
Erin joined PCCA in 2006, serving members through her various roles. Of her 25 years in pharmacy, she has dedicated 23 years to compounding and promoting its practice. Erin's experience includes managing multiple locations for an independent pharmacy owner and developing growth programs. Erin has been recognized through awards such as PCCA Technician of the Month and California Pharmacists Association Technician of the Year and Steven Feldman Compounder of the Year.
Bryan Prescott, PharmD, MBA
PCCA Director of Business Coaching Services
Bryan Prescott, PharmD, MBA
Bryan Prescott brings expertise in financial analysis, marketing, and human resources to assist compounding pharmacies. With 10 years at Pharmcare in Texas as PIC and operations manager, he joined PCCA's Pharmacy Consulting Department in 2012. Bryan transitioned to the Compounding Pharmacy Management Services department in 2015 as a business coach. He is a featured speaker at PCCA and A4M seminars, covering pain, palliative care, wound care, scar management, ENT and marketing.
Amy Shank
PCCA Director of Government Affairs
Amy Shank
Amy joined PCCA in 2014 as Director of Government Relations. Previously, she served as vice president of Capitol Hill Consulting Group (CHCG), where she advised pharmacy, pharmaceutical and university clients on federal legislative priorities.
Amy has more than 10 years of experience in the United States Senate, having worked for two Senate Committees and the Whip operation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College.
Jim Smith
PCCA President
Jim Smith
Jim Smith has served as President of PCCA since April 2009. With a background in leadership roles, he joined PCCA in 2000 and has held positions such as COO, VP of Sales and Marketing, and a crucial member of the Strategic Management team. Jim's expertise has driven continuous improvement in PCCA's core competencies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from West Texas A&M University and an MBA from The University of Portland.
Kim Speairs, APR, MBA
PCCA Director of Marketing & Communications
Kim Speairs, APR, MBA
Kim leads PCCA’s internal and external marketing and communications in the U.S. and provides guidance for its global entities. She joined PCCA as Director of Communications and Engagement in 2017, and previously helped support PCCA’s branding and marketing initiatives while she was with Balcom Agency. Kim holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and an MBA from the TCU Neeley School of Business.