WHO WE ARE

President

Dr. Patrick Fratellone

Distinguished as one of the few integrative cardiologists in the United States with active hospital admitting privileges at Mount Sinai. Fellow of Integrative Medicine from University of Arizona, trained under Dr. Andrew Weil. Professional member of American Herbal Guild with botanical medicine expertise. Former adjunct professor at University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Vice President

Trish Thompson

North Carolina Master Beekeeper and Vice President of AAS. Founded Pollen Peddlers Apiary, managing 150+ colonies and shipping live bees nationwide for bee venom therapy. Specializes in medicinal applications of hive products since 2018, including venom, propolis, honey, pollen, and royal jelly. President of Union County Beekeepers Association, combining science, sustainability, and education.

Secretary

Nathalie B.

One of only five Texas Master Craftsman Beekeepers with 16 years of experience. Manages 400 honey bee colonies at Bee Mindful entirely without miticides, ensuring quality apitherapy products. International speaker and professional educator presenting across the US, Australia, Europe, and Africa. Passionate advocate for Horizontal Natural Beekeeping as an accessible pathway to miticide-free therapeutic products.

Treasurer

Michael Szakacs

Finance professional with MBA from University of Edinburgh, serving as AAS Treasurer. Discovered apitherapy in 1996 during a health crisis in Hungary, successfully treating his own psoriatic arthritis. AAS member since 1998, combining roles as patient, therapist, and beekeeper for over 25 years. Associate member of Hungarian Apitherapy Society, bringing international perspective and financial expertise to the board.

CMACC Director

Lacey Ann Ingrao

CMACC Director and Transpersonal Wellness Practitioner specializing in nature-based therapies. Lacey is a Co-founder of Heroes to Hives program and co-owner of Bee Wise Farms in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. At Bee Wise Farms, she is the resident apitherapist, lavender farmer, and somatic movement guide, integrating eco-spiritual practices with apitherapy to support healing transitions and veteran wellness programs.

Executive Board Member

Emily Mueller

Beekeeper, researcher, and doctoral student in Integrative Health Sciences with over 13 years of apiculture experience. Owner of Mueller Honey Bee Rescue, specializing in sustainable beekeeping and apitherapy education. Holds Master's degrees in Integrative Health Sciences and Herbal Medicine. Research focuses on evidence-informed integration of bee-derived products into complementary health practices.

Executive Board Member

Dr. Susan Allen

Doctor of Pharmacy with 26 years in collaborative practice, now founder of Honeybee Harmony at 7 Hawk Ranch. Combines apitherapy, herbals, and integrative medicine with evidence-based principles. Manages a nationally designated pollinator-friendly ranch with certified honey, produce, and agritourism programs. Dedicated to harmonizing science and holistic healing through education and prevention.

Executive Board Member

Dr. Mehmet Tanyüksel

Physician-scientist bridging conventional and complementary medicine with over 30 years of expertise in medical parasitology, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics. Former Professor and Chair of Medical Parasitology in Turkey, currently conducting NIH-funded research at University of Virginia. Two decades dedicated to apitherapy and biotherapeutics research, advancing evidence-based alternative healing modalities.

Executive Board Member

Terry Duvall

Brings 14 years of oncology clinical research expertise and 25 years as licensed North Carolina real estate professional. Discovered bee venom therapy during her own triple-negative breast cancer journey in 2023, deepening her commitment to apitherapy and pollinator health. Mother and grandmother dedicated to protecting bees for future generations through collaboration, education, and community stewardship.

Executive Board Member

Cahit Ozturk

Associate researcher at Arizona State University with over 35 years of beekeeping expertise. Holds Ph.D. in Bee Genetics and Breeding and Master's in Royal Jelly production. Manages ASU's honeybee research facility, specializing in queen rearing, hygienic behavior selection, and instrumental insemination. Former department head in Turkey, now passionate about apitherapy applications through Antonio Couto training.

Executive Board Member

April DeVito

Senior Vice President with 30 years of corporate leadership in strategic operations and finance. New Jersey Apis Meliffera Steward | Apiarist serving as Head Apiarist for county apiaries and Apiary Manager of Raritan Valley Beekeepers. Advanced training from Cornell, Penn State, and Dr. Stangaciu's International Apitherapy Certification, and Apitherapy Wellness Center, Niagra-on-the-Falls, Canada.Created Apiarist Apprenticeship Program with 11+ years of service leadership.

Chair of the Continuing Medical and Veterinary Education Committee

Ferhat Ozturk

Dr. Ozturk is the Project Director of the HONEY Pathway and an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas, San Antonio. He combines his strong Ph.D. background in gene therapy, molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, and biochemistry research with a fervent passion for exploring honey's medicinal uses.

Executive Board Member

Samantha Winship

Samantha is a passionate beekeeper, educator, and holistic wellness advocate. She is the founder and operator of Mother’s Finest Family Farm, offering a variety of handmade apitherapy products. Samantha operates a Bee Frequency Chamber where she explores and teaches the therapeutic potential of sound therapy through the unique vibrations of bee frequencies.

Executive Board Member

Kristine Jacobson

Administering bee venom therapy since 2003 with over 20 years of hands-on experience. Featured speaker at national organizations and Travel Channel demonstrator bringing apitherapy to mainstream audiences. Active AAS board member and former secretary since 2011. Dedicated to proving that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference in healing.

Executive Board Member

Joerg Mayer

Veterinarian with doctoral degree from University of Budapest, Hungary, serving as full professor of Zoological Medicine at University of Georgia. International speaker at conferences worldwide on exotic animal medicine with specialized expertise in honey bee medicinals. Bridges veterinary science with apitherapy, bringing unique perspective on animal health and bee product applications to human wellness.