Meet the New Way RA™ Experts

Deborah Norville

News Anchor, Author

Deborah Norville, Emmy^®* Award-winning journalist, is host of Inside Edition. She has been credited with bringing new strength and respect to the news magazine program. In addition to having significant professional credentials, she discusses her personal connection with rheumatoid arthritis through her mother's challenges with the disease.

Amye Leong

RA Advocate and Author

Internationally-recognized advocate, author, and motivational speaker Amye Leong joins Deborah Norville and Sara Nash on the panel in Season 2 of New Way RA™. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 18 and confined to a wheelchair by age 26, Ms. Leong underwent 16 surgeries and 12 joint replacements before she was able to walk and function independently again. Today, Ms. Leong travels widely as the international spokesperson for the United Nations Bone and Joint Decade and is the author of Get a Grip: A Take-Charge Approach to Living with Arthritis and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Arthritis. Amye draws on personal and professional experiences to shed light on the importance of advocating for yourself and maintaining a positive outlook.

Sara Nash

RA Blogger

Sara Nash, a young professional and active blogger living with rheumatoid arthritis, rounds out the Season 2 panel. Diagnosed with RA at 29, Sara was living on her own in Manhattan for the first time, had just been promoted to a fast-paced job as a senior producer, and was all set to enjoy her so-called fabulous single life. She suddenly found herself dealing with a diagnosis of RA, countless doctor visits, pain and fatigue, and a lot of fear and questions. What she didn't find were resources reflecting her story or situation, so she started a blog, The Single Gal’s Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis, through which she’s been able to connect with many others with RA. She is also a regular contributor to the health-focused website MyRACentral.com. In Season 2, Sara shares her personal stories and experiences on everything from dating and working to exercise and traveling.

Clinton Kelly

Fashion Expert and TV Personality

Clinton Kelly is a fashion consultant and media personality known for his role as co-host on What Not to Wear. However, what people may not know about Clinton is that, like Deborah Norville, he has a close connection to rheumatoid arthritis through his grandmother and close friend whom are living with the condition. In Season 2, Clinton draws on his style savvy to provide easy-to-implement style and grooming suggestions for people living with RA.

W. Hayes Wilson, M.D.

Chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA

W. Hayes Wilson, M.D., is Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta and is a board member of the Trustees for the Arthritis Foundation National representing the Southeast Region. Additionally, Dr. Wilson served as the president of the Atlanta Clinical Society and was the president of the Georgia Society of Rheumatology. He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and serves on the medical advisory board for the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia chapter.

Gail Saltz, M.D.

Psychiatrist and Intimacy Expert

Psychiatrist, columnist, bestselling author, and television commentator Dr. Gail Saltz joins Season 2 of New Way RA™ for candid conversation about the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on romantic relationships. Having treated men and women with rheumatoid arthritis in her psychiatry practice, Dr. Saltz understands the limitations and frustrations brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. She is joined by New Way RA™ veteran Laurie Ferguson, Ph.D. for candid discussions about intimacy and dating when you or your partner have RA.

Laurie Ferguson, Ph.D., Psychologist 

Vice President of Research and Education at CreakyJoints

Laurie Ferguson, Psychologist, Ph.D., is Vice President of Research and Education at the advocacy organization CreakyJoints. Her work serves the organization's mission of helping people take responsibility for managing their arthritis. She works with people living with rheumatoid arthritis as well as with physicians on topics that include maintaining a positive mindset, improving communication between patient and physician, and creating healthy mental habits.

Matt Iseman

Comedian and TV Personality

Host of the cable television programs Clean House and Sports Soup, comedian Matt Iseman lived with chronic pain in his feet, back and neck for over a year before receiving a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in 2002. Matt joins the panel in Season 2 to help dispel some of the common myths about RA and to stress the importance of maintaining a sense of humor while living with this chronic condition.

Chantelle Sterling

Chantelle Sterling, a property manager from Boston, opens up her home to show us a typical day in her life. Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis for more than 10 years, Chantelle has learned that making adjustments and reprioritizing different aspects of her life can help achieve her goals. She has worked closely with her rheumatologist to find a treatment that manages her symptoms and allows her to get back to doing the everyday activities she enjoys. She believes information is key when you’re living with RA. Educating yourself about your disease can make a big difference.

Ellie Krieger, M.S., R.D.

Food Network Host, Registered Dietitian, and Author

Ellie Krieger, M.S., R.D., is a culinary expert, registered dietitian, and host of the hit show Healthy Appetite on Food Network. She's also the author of the New York Times bestsellers So Easy and The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life. Her extensive work in the media has earned her a loyal following and national recognition as a trusted health professional. Ellie demonstrates easy, healthful recipes and provides tips on healthy eating for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ellen Shmueli

Certified Fitness Trainer

Ellen Shmueli was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 28, when she noticed that pain was making everyday activities difficult. She had just given birth to her first son and suffered the emotional toll of not being able to physically care for him. Working with her physician, Ellen found the right treatment option for herself and now works as a fitness trainer, specially certified in training others with arthritis. She speaks about the difficulties she faced in her own experiences with RA and provides tips to help others work through the disease.

Rosalind Joffe

Chronic Illness Career Coach

Building on her experiences living with chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, Rosalind Joffe founded the chronic illness career-coaching practice, cicoach.com. Dedicated to helping others with chronic illness develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers, Rosalind firmly believes that living with chronic illness does not preclude one from living a full and successful life. She is a recognized national expert on chronic illness in the workplace and recently coauthored the book Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend! She discusses her personal experiences of living with chronic disease and provides informative pointers to help others come to terms with their condition.