Get to know how our Reach Beyond Celiac ambassadors have discovered helpful tips to live a gluten-free life.

Catalin Varela never allowed her celiac disease health crisis to hinder her ambitions. In this episode, Leah Popovic of Beyond Celiac speaks to Varela about her intense diagnosis journey which ignited a passion for nutrition, exploration and education. Now pioneering her own business based out of Florence, “The Celiac in Italy'' has lots to share with the community and beyond. Visit https://www.catalinvarela.com/ to view Catalin’s business.

Shanese Shields, also known as “DramaKueen,” across the internet, is well-known for her time on A&E’s “60 Days In,” as a voluntary inmate of an Alabama correctional facility. Leah Popovic of Beyond Celiac moderates this episode, where we learn more about her experiences as a woman with celiac disease and how her time on television has drawn attention to the unjust treatment of incarcerated individuals with autoimmune diseases and dietary restrictions. Visit youtube.com/c/DramaKueenVlog to watch some of Shanese’s content.

Kate Avery and Claire Baker of Beyond Celiac are joined by Doug Jacobstein, M.D. and Dan Leffler, M.D. for this town hall discussion, focusing on how patients are a pivotal aspect of developments in the celiac research community. Both panelists speak about their experiences with clinical trials and how new research can emerge with the help of patient participation.

In 2021, Beyond Celiac held a virtual mini conference entitled “Hidden in Plain Sight” to explore the numerous experiences faced by celiac patients, especially those who struggle with misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis. 

This episode (a recording from the mini-conference) centers on the invasive testing procedures endured by celiac patients, as well as the importance of accurate testing and scientific development. Along with Amy Ratner of Beyond Celiac, Hilary Jericho, MD and Isabel Hujoel, MD, share their professional opinions and ambitions. 

World-renowned pediatrician and celiac disease expert Dr. Stefano Guandalini sat down with us to answer your questions about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. Even the most informed patients can learn something new from this episode!

In this episode, our male ambassadors discuss some of the unique challenges men face in getting diagnosed and living with celiac disease, as well as the stigma friends and family may have about the gluten-free diet. 

Note: any use of the term "cross-contamination" should actually be "cross-contact."

“That advisory board concluded that race, ethnicity, age and gender can all cause delays in diagnosis, or, worse than that, a failure to diagnose at all.”

Amy Ratner of Beyond Celiac, Pooja Mehta, MD, of Children’s Hospital Colorado and patient representative Jocelyn Langevine discuss disparities in diagnosing celiac disease; how they happen, why they happen, and what we can do to get more people diagnosed.

Note: The term "cross-contamination" used at timestamps 38:34 and 38:45 should be "cross-contact."