Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Imran Khan, Executive Director of UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics
Imran Khan is Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP). The BCSP exists to explore the potential of psychedelics, through independent and rigorous research, training, and public education at one of the world’s foremost public universities. Imran has spent most of his career working at the nexus of science & society. He was previously the CEO of the British Science Association, and ran grants programs for the Wellcome Trust – the world’s third-largest charitable foundation – as well as advising lawmakers in the UK Parliament. He has presented at fora ranging from the Aspen Ideas Festival, the World Economic Forum, and SXSW. His writing has appeared in the Financial Times, the Guardian newspaper, and BBC News. Imran has degrees in biology and in science communication from the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, respectively, as well as an MBA from City University, London. He now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoys trail-running, many forms of nerdery, and trying to cook the perfect daal.
Keyaira Lock Adewunmi
Founder, Spice & Sage; Director of Entrepreneurship at The Garage at Northwestern San Francisco
Keyaira Lock Adewunmi is a distinguished innovator and cultural strategist, known for integrating cultural, emotional, and spiritual intelligence into organizational practices. As the founder of Spice & Sage, a psychedelic culture marketing consultancy, she pioneers research that shapes industry standards. Her work includes co-founding the Kellogg Business of Psychedelic Therapies conference and authoring influential papers on psychedelic messaging in marketing. Additionally, as the Director of Entrepreneurship at The Garage at Northwestern in San Francisco, Keyaira has developed a thriving network of over 1,000 alumni founders, contributing significantly to the tech landscape. Her efforts continually redefine the realms of cultural equity and conscious creation.
Manish Agrawal, MD
CEO, Sunstone Therapies
Dr. Manish Agrawal’s extensive background and experience spans medicine, engineering, philosophy, ethics, and research. He currently serves as CEO of Sunstone Therapies, a leader in the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the medical setting and the development and execution of clinical trials for those affected by complex mental health challenges. Manish previously held the position of Co-Director of Clinical Research at Maryland Oncology Hematology, where he dedicated 15 years to the care of cancer patients. He completed a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and his residency at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Michael Cotton
Former COO, Meridian Health Plan & Senior Adviser, Enthea
Michael Cotton is a veteran managed care executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Over the course of Michael’s tenure as Chief Operating Officer and other senior executive roles at Meridian Health Plan, a multistate managed care provider, he focused on continuous improvement, efficiency, and population health strategies that emphasized better patient outcomes. This was instrumental in Meridian’s plans consistently achieving the highest quality ratings in the country while servicing in excess of a million Medicaid-eligible citizens. Reaching beyond Medicaid, Michael was instrumental in bringing Meridian’s award-winning managed care services to tens of thousands of Medicare participants. He currently brings this keen operational acumen and decades of experience to a number of entrepreneurial and nonprofit endeavors focused in the mental health space.
David Esselman
Executive Director, BrainFutures
As the former Executive Director and now Senior Advisor of BrainFutures, a mental health nonprofit, David led a robust strategy to prepare payers, providers, and policymakers to roll out psychedelic-assisted therapy with a focus on equity and access. Previously, he consulted and led projects for prominent philanthropic organizations like the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he facilitated learning collaboratives among large urban school districts. Notably, one of his projects was recognized as a practical application of MIT professor Dr. Josh Angrist’s 2021 Nobel Prize-winning theory on conducting natural experiments in economics, with Dr. Angrist himself advising on the project.
His journey into psychedelics began in 2017, when he was a participant in a complex-PTSD trial at Yale University. Since then, he has committed his work to providing safe, affordable access to psychedelics for the purpose of healing.
David holds a BA and MBA, both from UCLA.
Lisa Evia
Managing Partner, SeedFund Capital
A feminist to the core, Lisa founded SeedFund to empower women to build the wealth they deserve. Driven by endless curiosity and killer instincts, she exceled as an operational leader and head of growth/M&A for a top five global marketing company. She also led strategic planning, financial communication and marketing for a Fortune 200 company. As a founder herself, Lisa understands how insights from corporate strategy and marketing can give start-ups an advantage. Lisa holds an MS in Integrated Marketing from Northwestern University and is a Board Member of Yellowstone Forever.
Daniel Goldberg
Co-Founder & Partner, Palo Santo
Daniel Goldberg is a co-founder & Partner of the Palo Santo Fund, the largest venture capital investment fund focused on psychedelic therapeutics. Daniel's passion for the space is purpose‐driven and science informed. He is thrilled to be a part of Palo Santo’s mission of supporting promising, novel treatments to increase access to safe, legal, and effective solutions.
Dan Grossman
Head of Field Building, PSFC
Dan recently became the Head of Field Building at the Psychedelic Science Funders Collaborative (PSFC) after over 20 years at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he focused on healthcare strategy and innovation. His extensive experience includes significant contributions to neuroscience and roles in learning and development. Beyond his professional work, Dan actively contributes to the arts and education as a board member at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Math Cultural Center of Chicago. He holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton University.
Brendan Hussey, Ph.D
Investment Banking, Stifel Financial Corp
A former synthetic biologist and biotech entrepreneur, Brendan now works in finance to help translate the best in deep tech into successful businesses that meet real challenges. He conducts technical due diligence, sources opportunities, and provides financial advisory services for companies in any area touching on biotechnology, including traditional biopharma, cell and gene therapies, brain-machine interfaces, biomanufacturing, and AI.
Nicholas Kadysh
Founding CEO, PharmAla Biotech
With over a decade of experience as a Public Affairs and Regulatory expert, Nick Kadysh is the founder and CEO of PharmAla Biotech, a Toronto-based Life Sciences company focused on the manufacturing and development of MDMA and MDXX-class molecules.
Prior to launching PharmAla in 2020, Nick led government relations and regulatory departments for a number of large corporations, including acting as Head of Corporate Affairs for JUUL Labs, as Government Affairs & Public Policy Leader for General Electric Canada, and as Director of Public Affairs for Red Bull Canada.
Dan Karlin, MD, MA
CMO, MindMed
Dan is the Chief Medical Officer at MindMed and is board-certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Clinical Informatics. He co-founded and was CEO of HealthMode, which developed digital measurement technology for medicine and was acquired by MindMed. Previously, he served as Chief Medical Officer at NightWare, leading it through FDA clearance, and held multiple roles at Pfizer, including Head of Clinical, Informatics, and Regulatory Strategy for Digital Medicine. He is also an Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and a co-founder of Column Health, a tech-enabled addiction treatment startup.
Rachel Mahoney
VP of BD & Clin Ops, Stella
Rachel Mahoney is the Vice-President of Business Development & Clinical Operation at Stella, where she recruits network providers and spearheads strategic growth initiatives. She has significantly contributed to the launch and management of new Centers of Excellence nationwide. Previously, Rachel excelled at Rally Health, managing multimillion-dollar payer accounts before its acquisition by United Health Group. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Arizona and continues to drive innovation and excellence in the healthcare sector.
Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD
President, Psychedelic Medicine Association
Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD, is the president of the Psychedelic Medicine Association and host of the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast. She sits on the advisory boards of Psychedelics Today, Cybin, VETS, Inc. (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions), the Oxenberg Foundation, and the Ketamine Task Force.
Dr. Morski received her medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, completed family medicine residency at Mayo Clinic, and did her sports medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona. She later received her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is a member of the California Bar.
Sherry Rais
Co-Founder & CEO, Enthea
Sherry Rais, MSc, has helped dozens of startups, non-profit organizations, academic/research institutions, and small businesses raise funds, operate according to their mission and values, and implement processes that enhance their overall efficiency. Before this, Sherry consulted for over 10 years with the United Nations and World Bank, implementing cash transfer programs at the national level in over 35 countries. Sherry holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and International Development from McGill University. She also completed the Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Research from CIIS in 2021. In addition to being Enthea's CEO, she is the Executive Director of the Boston Psychedelic Research Group and the Grants Manager for CIIS.
Kim Roddy, MBA
COO, Sunstone Therapies
Kim, with over 25 years of experience in healthcare management, serves as the Chief Operations Officer at Sunstone. Her expertise spans strategy, marketing, finance, and clinical practice development. She has played a key role in the establishment of the Bill Richards Center for Healing and has previously directed cancer services at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and managed Maryland's largest oncology practice. Kim holds an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology and is a proponent of the potential of psychedelic medicines in treating complex mental health challenges and cancer-related emotional distress.
Britt Rollins
Co-Founder & CEO, National Psychedelics Association
Britt Rollins brings a wealth of experience from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Having worked at renowned agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB, and Real Chemistry, Britt has been instrumental in guiding brands through pivotal moments, from launches to rebrands and FDA expansions. His tenure as Managing Director of Verdant Brand Communications saw him delve into emerging areas, notably women’s sexual health and adult-use cannabis, where he crafted narratives that resonated. Britt’s roles with Educational Foundation of America and Veterans of War highlight a genuine drive to make a difference.
David Schonthal
Clinical Professor of Strategy, Kellogg School of Management
David Schonthal is an award-winning Professor of Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the Kellogg School of Management and co-author of the Wall Street Journal best seller The Human Element: Overcoming the Resistance That Awaits New Ideas. Outside of Kellogg David has been practitioner of entrepreneurship, design, and innovation for over 20 years. He has spent a decade working at world-renowned design firm, IDEO, and currently serves as an Operating Partner at 7Wire Ventures, a healthcare technology-focused venture capital firm and a Venture Partner at Pritzker Group Venture Capital, a consumer and enterprise-focused fund.
Justin LaPree
Founder & President, The Illuminating Co.
Justin LaPree is the visionary founder of The Illuminating Co. (TICo), a pioneering nonprofit helping individuals heal, transform, and find purpose through community, connection, and sacred medicine ceremonies - in America.
A decorated Marine and a former Austin firefighter, Justin has forged a path shaped by service, sacrifice, and resilience. His tenure on Wall Street and entrepreneurial ventures further honed his leadership, and his quest to turn his trauma into transformation inspired The Illuminating Co’s two sanctuaries: Illuminating Heroes, created for veterans and first responders, and Illuminating Hearts, geared towards civilians seeking to unlock their true potential.
As a facilitator and respected medicine carrier, Justin merges ancient wisdom with modern science to offer transformative paths for healing and human optimization in a legal, secure and sacred environment – in America. His belief in the power of spiritual practices to navigate life’s challenges underpins his mission, making TICo a beacon of hope and renewal for those on their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.
Hanifa Nayo Washington
Co-Lead Investigator, Psychedelic Health Equity Initiative
Hanifa Nayo Washington is a transformational healer and dynamic leader actively shaping the psychedelic field to better serve communities that face marginalization.
She is the Co-Lead Investigator for the Psychedelic Health Equity Initiative (PHEI), which is committed to facilitating federal and state approval for Medicaid payments for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) as a strategy for ensuring that marginalized communities gain equitable access to these breakthrough mental health interventions. In addition, Hanifa supported the launch of the national Psychedelic Peer Support Line as a founding team member of the Fireside Project. The support line has served over 20K people since launching in 2021.
Brett Waters, Esq.
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Reason for Hope
Brett Waters, Esq. is the co-founder and Executive Director of Reason for Hope and the co-founder of the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (“VMHLC”). He earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law, after which he spent five years as an antitrust litigation associate at Winston & Strawn. Brett's work through Reason for Hope and the VMHLC includes educating stakeholders on legal and regulatory issues related to psychedelic-assisted therapy, developing policy, and leading grassroots patient advocacy, particularly focused on those who have not benefited from existing treatments for mental and behavioral health conditions. Over the last year, he led federal and state advocacy initiatives to reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and successfully unlock millions of dollars for psychedelic therapy research and workforce development. Brett testified in November 2023 before the House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee in the first ever Congressional hearing focused on the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for Veteran suicide prevention.
Reason for Hope is named in memory of Brett’s mother, Sherrie Hope Waters, who he lost to suicide in 2018. Brett also lost his grandfather – a World War II Veteran – to suicide when he was young. He previously served as Policy and Advocacy Chair for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, NYC Chapter.
Ilse Wiechers, MD, MPP, MHS
Deputy Executive Director, VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Dr. Wiechers is the Deputy Executive Director in the VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, where she oversees operations and policy implementation for mental health and suicide prevention services for over 1.9 million Veterans annually. She leads legislative policy and partnerships, notably in innovative treatments like ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Wiechers, a board-certified Adult and Geriatric Psychiatrist, trained at Duke, MGH/McLean, and Yale, holds master's degrees in Public Policy and Health Science. Additionally, she is a distinguished faculty member at UCSF and Yale and has made significant contributions to mental health literature.
Senator Rachel Ventura
IL State Senator
Ventura was born and raised in Joliet. She is a proud mother to twin daughters. She graduated from Benedictine University with a B.S. in Mathematics and later with an A.S. in Biology from Tidewater Community College. Former actuary, naturalist, pet nurse, substitute teacher and business director. She served from 2018-2022 on the Will County Board and was the Vice President of the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
She serves as a full-time legislator and is assigned to Public Health; Local Government; Early Childhood Education; Human Rights; Special Committee on Pensions (Vice-Chair). She is a member of NCSL and appointed to the Human Trafficking Task Force, Public Financing of Judicial Elections Task Force, Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force, and The Council of State Governments National Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.
Lieutenant General Martin Steele USMC (Ret.)
Co-Founder & CEO, Reason for Hope
Martin R. Steele is a retired three-star General in the United States Marine Corps. He serves on the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s National Security Advisory Council, served as Vice Chairman of the Board for Veterans Florida, and served on the VA Commission on Care during the Obama Administration (nominated by Mitch McConnell). Lt Gen Steele has testified before the United States Congress three times about Veteran mental health care and suicide prevention. He is the former president and CEO of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in NYC, the largest naval museum in the world, and the former associate vice president for Veterans research and executive director of military partnerships at the University of South Florida.
