2026 DECA Program Conference with NVF Camps Meeting – Speaker Bios
Click on a Presenter’s name to be taken to their bio on this page:
Caitlin Carroll, MSW
Patricia Clark
Carla Cox, PhD, RND, CDCES, EMT
Danielle Dimengo, MS, RD, LD, CDCES
Lauren Figg, MSW
Mark Heyman, PhD, CDCES
Eddie Hill, PhD, CPRP
Adam Johnson
Scott Johnson
Whitney Wright
Stephen Dauchert – Conference Emcee
Jenna White – Conference Emcee
Lisa Gier – DECA Executive Director
John Latimer – Conference Operations Director
Conference Thought Partners
Caitlin Carroll, MSW
Caitlin Carroll comes with a diverse background in both the diabetes community and the camping industry. She graduated in 2015 with her master’s in clinical social work from Florida State University where she then worked as a clinical social worker in multiple areas, including private practice, child welfare, substance abuse, mental health and medical social work. She initially became involved in the camp industry in Summer 2013, but would not return to this calling until 2021 when she combined her passion as a social work with her love of the outdoors at Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville, VA. When not at camp, Caitlin is often found exploring the outdoors with her young son or looking for the best live music around town.
Patricia Clark
Patricia Clark joins Camp Kudzu as their Senior Engagement Manager. She has spent the past 7 years in the ministry world leading middle and high school students with an occasional time serving elementary, college and young adults. She has a passion and heart for young people and their families. Patricia brings over 7 years of experience in directing Youth programs, fundraising events, retreats, community outreach, and leading volunteers. Patricia knew of Camp Kudzu since she grew up serving with Camp Hope at Camp Twin Lakes. She also grew up going to Camp High Harbour where she served as a Leader in Training, Counselor in Training, and Assistant Counselor. Patricia understands the impact and joy camp can have on a youth.
Carla Cox, PhD, RDN, CDCES, EMT
Carla’s work over the last 40 years has focused on pediatric type 1 diabetes. She is a yearly volunteer supporting children with diabetes at multiple summer and winter youth camps. Carla’s current research interests are qualitative assessments of diabetes camp outcomes and parents’ perceptions in feelings of isolation. Carla works at Mountain Vista Medicine – Pediatric and Young Adult Endocrinology.
Danielle Dimengo, MS, RD, LD, CDCES
Danielle Dimengo MS, RD, LD, CDCES is a licensed and registered clinical pediatric dietitian specializing in diabetes and endocrinology at Akron Children’s Hospital. She received her Master of Science in Nutrition from Kent State University and her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Ohio University. She completed her one year internship through Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida.
Once becoming a registered and licensed dietitian in 2013, she moved back to her home in Akron, OH and began working as a clinical dietitian at Akron Children’s Hospital to pursue her passion of helping children. She currently serves as a member of the Hospital’s Wellness Committee and Employee Foundation Council. Danielle has written numerous articles and created nutrition videos for the Hospital’s blog. She has been featured on numerous television outlets including Fox 8 News Cleveland and WKYC.
Danielle has been working in her current position in the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology for 12 years. She provides nutrition education to patients and families living with diabetes and other endocrine disorders. She became a certified diabetes care and education specialist in February 2017 in order to better serve her patients and families.
Lauren Figg, MSW
Lauren Figg is a social worker and research professional committed to supporting the bridge between mental health and type 1 diabetes. Her career spanning more than a decade has been dedicated to equity and access, including managing numerous programs in clinical research and mental health. Working in diabetes research has allowed her to blend her personal and professional skills and interests, and contribute to causes she cares about. Lauren also volunteers in the diabetes community with organizations that support diabetes youth camps like DYF, legislative advocacy, and mutual aid. Lauren has also lived with Type 1 diabetes since 1998.
Mark Heyman, PhD, CDCES
Dr. Mark Heyman is a diabetes psychologist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. He is the CEO of the Center for Diabetes & Mental Health (CDMH) in San Diego. He is passionate about providing diabetes education and evidence-based mental health treatment and online programs to people with diabetes. Mark received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University and completed his psychology internship at the UCSD School of Medicine. He the author of Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It: Your Guide to Managing the Emotional Challenges of T1D. Mark has been living with Type 1 diabetes since 1999.
Eddie Hill, PhD, CPRP
Eddie Hill is an associate professor in the Outdoor & Community Recreation Education program at Weber State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Utah with a focus on youth development and diabetes management. He is the Director of REACH Weber, a year-around recreation program serving youth with type 1 diabetes and their families. Eddie has 25 years experience at family, residential, and day diabetes camps. Eddie is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson is an Executive Director with 14 years of nonprofit experience, focusing heavily on fundraising and development for the past two years. An early adopter of tools like ChatGPT, Adam Johnson quickly integrated AI into daily operations. Adam Johnson shares a key strategy of using AI to align the mission and vision of their organization with potential grantors to write more successful proposals. This presentation is designed to empower Diabetes camp leaders and Program Directors with practical, actionable AI strategies to immediately elevate their development and fundraising success.
Scott Johnson
Scott is a Senior Community Manager at Blue Circle Health, a nonprofit focused on care, education, and support for adults with type 1 diabetes. He is an experienced patient advocate and communicator who has worked with a wide range of stakeholders across the international healthcare industry to establish effective strategies and programs for various and diverse audiences. He is a demonstrated thought leader whose expertise is recognized and sought worldwide. Scott currently sits on the CBDCE Board of Directors and the University of Colorado Primary Care Diabetes Lab Patient Advisory Board. His accomplishments include launching mySugr in America and pioneering diabetes blogging at scottsdiabetes.com among other notable achievements. Scott has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1980. After growing up in Minneapolis, MN, he now lives with his family in San Diego, CA. He enjoys playing basketball, watching hummingbirds, and is well-known for his love of Diet Coke.
Whitney Wright
Whitney has been part of the Diabetes Youth Families (DYF) community for over 10 years and currently serves as Program Director, a role she has held for the past four years. She holds a degree in Environmental Sciences from California State University, Chico, and has extensive experience in environmental and experiential education, including leading wilderness programs across several states. She is passionate about the role of outdoor education, community, and mentorship in empowering youth and families affected by Type 1 Diabetes.
2026 Conference Emcees
Stephen Dauchert
Jenna White
2026 Conference Committee
Anthony Myer
Ashley Wunderlich, CCLS
Conference Staff
Lisa Gier – DECA Executive Director
John Latimer, Conference Operations Director
