SPEAKER PROFILES & PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Chloe Reiman holds a PhD in electrical engineering and is a licensed electrologist in both Oregon and California (In Bloom Electrolysis). She studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has held researcher positions at Sandia National Labs and Intel Corporation. She left that industry in 2024 to pursue opening an electrology practice and was trained at the Monterey Bay Institute of Electrology.

The Physics of Electrolysis for Hair Removal The lecture covers the fundamentals of physics and electricity and how they apply to electrolysis for hair removal. The talk will start with an overview of electrical engineering and then focus on both DC (Galvanic) and AC (RF or Thermolysis) electrical action and how each can be used to treat superfluous hairs.

Houda Karam is a Certified Advanced Esthetician Instructor with a focus on laser treatments, and a Certified Laser Hair Removal Specialist with over 8 years of experience providing personalized hair removal services. Owner of Oswego Beauty and Laser, Karam specializes in advanced aesthetic treatments and is knowledgeable in various laser hair removal methods, including diode and Alexandrite, Q-switch, YAG lasers.

Electrolysis & Laser: Know your skin, Benefits, Techniques & Considerations This lecture will provide an in-depth understanding of laser hair removal, exploring its effectiveness, benefits, and the technology behind it. Attendees will learn how the process works, the different types of lasers used, and the safety measures necessary for optimal results. The discussion will cover the advantages of laser hair removal over traditional methods like waxing, shaving, and tweezing, with a focus on long-term hair reduction, precision, and minimal side effects. Additionally, attendees will be informed of the potential risks, skin types, and the importance of selecting a certified professional for the procedure. By the end of the lecture, participants will have a clear understanding of the science behind laser hair removal and the factors that contribute to a successful treatment.

Patsy Kirby, MA, LE & CPE has more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. A licensed cosmetologist, electrologist, and an instructor in both fields, she holds a range of qualifications; Master's degree in education, lifetime Community College Teaching Credential for Teaching Cosmetology and Electrology, and a Bachelor’s degree in business. 

She has owned and managed her electrology business for over 10 years and has taught in private schools and community colleges, Fullerton and Citrus Community in California. She is currently the Director of the International Board of Electrologist (IBEC) Certification, since 2013; she is responsible for the CPE certification and state licensure exams for electrology. She has lectured internationally, Japan and AEA state affiliate events. She is one of the main contributors to several publications and most recently the Milady’s Electrolysis and Hair Removal text book.  

Hand Washing - How and Why This lecture will cover the guidelines for washing hands, reasons why we should wash hands, and the importance of how we wash our hands to prevent diseases.

Look What AEA Is Doing For Its Membership This lecture will cover the various benefits of what the American Electrology Associations provides for its membership, as many members may not be aware of how to maximize their benefits.

Rich West Blatt, LMT, specializes in a seamless and intuitive blend of deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage, structural bodywork, myofascial release and muscle energy techniques, bringing relief and integration to tired, overworked, strained muscle tissue. Rich received his certification from East West College and has been in practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist (Portland Bodywork) for over a decade.

A Massage Therapist’s Approach to Self Care Zooming out for a more holistic view of self care, we will hear a bit of my self care story and how it applies to and saved my career as an LMT, and then zooming back in for practical application, we will demonstrate five different mobility devices.

Everett Redente (he/they) is the Transgender Health Program Manager & Clinical Trainer at CareOregon, supporting members' access to gender affirming care through direct work with clients, as well as advocacy and education within CareOregon and with its community partners. They have previously worked within the micro, mezzo, and macro areas of the social work field, predominantly working for and with other trans and gender non-conforming folks. They are passionate about advocacy, community education, and transformative justice as they envision a world where trans folks are free from violence.

Madeline Vucovich (She/Her) is the Manager of Integrated Specialty Care at PacificSource Health Plans. Maddie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with over 20 years experience in community mental health and healthcare.  She currently manages a team focused on providing intensive support to vulnerable individuals navigating complex healthcare systems. She has spent the last four years problem solving how to improve insurance processes to positively impact the healthcare experience for transgender and gender diverse individuals, including authorizations, care management, contracting, and billing. She supports access to care for Medicaid, Medicare, and Commercially insured individuals. She is passionate about providing education to providers and community partners that will improve access to gender-affirming care.

Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Electrolysis for Transgender and Gender-Minority Patients Navigating insurance coverage for gender-affirming services including electrolysis can feel overwhelming. With the law changing in Oregon in 2023, insurance companies are recognizing the medical necessity of permanent hair removal, not just hair removal that is a prerequisite for gender-affirming surgery. This workshop will provide information to support electrologists wanting to credential and contract with insurance carriers. This workshop will also review the history of advocacy to increase the workforce to meet the high demand and reduce barriers for transgender patient access to services and future advocacy efforts in the state.