Speaker’s Series: Ask the Provider

The 2026 Black Family Wellness Expo will be held Saturday, March 21 at Troy High School, 1950 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY. The event kicks off at 10am with the Speaker’s Series. This interactive panel features healthcare professionals sharing the latest news and developments in their respective fields and offers participants an opportunity to interact directly with the providers. Come prepared to ask questions and get answers straight from the professionals.

On-site registration begins promptly at 9:30 am. The first 50 registered participants will receive a free blood pressure monitor. All attendees over 18 will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win health and fitness related giveaways.

10am Cardio and Metabolic Health: Tips to better manage high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes

**Alain R, Vaval, MD**, is a cardiologist in Albany, NY. He
is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including St. Peter’s and Samaritan. He received his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Dr. Vaval has expertise in treating heart failure, aneurysm and coronary artery disease, among other conditions.

**Tina Omorogbe, DNP, MS, FNP-BC** is a board cerified family nurse practitioner with over 30 years nursing experience in acute care setting. She is the owner of Chasing
Health Integrative Care. In 2021, Dr. Omorogbe obtained her doctorate in nursing practice from Chatham University. Her pursuit to reduce the impact of hypertension came to life after she lost her great uncle and beloved mother to complications from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

**Kayon Forrest-Gongasingh, NP**, cares for patients with general endocrinology conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and osteoporosis. She also assists patients with diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. Forrest-Gongasingh earned her nursing degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, and is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

11am Hot topics in Men’s and Women’s Health

**Anthony P. Benjamin, MD,** is a urologist in Troy, NY. He is affiliated with multiple area hospitals, including St. Peter’s and Samaritan. Dr. Benjamin received his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine/ Hahnemann University and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He has expertise in treating kidney removal and prostate cancer, among other conditions.

**Michael Christine, MD,** is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist in Albany, NY. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1990, and has more than 30 years experience in the medical field specializing in the female reproductive system and care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

12pm Emergency Medical Care and mental health

**L. Sheree Adams, MSN, PMHNP-BC,** is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, entrepreneur and speaker who graduated from SUNY Stony Brook University. Her interests include anxiety, depression, racial trauma and LGBTQIA+ issues. She is dedicated to empowering and educating people about mental health and reducing the stigma. She is the proud
owner of eunoia Wellness Collective.

Boahema Pinto, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She earned her medical degree at the University of Rochester and her undergrad degree from Xavier University. Dr. Pinto works as a full-time attending physician at Albany Medical Center where she oversees resident physicians in the Emergency Department. Associate Director of the division of emergency ultrasound, she teaches medical students, residents, and faculty.