Main Stage Events

PAs Go Beyond: Hayley Arceneaux on Space Flight, Medical Research, and Her Infallible Spirit

Speakers: Hayley Arceneaux, PA-C and AAPA President Jennifer M. Orozco, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Join PA Hayley Arceneaux and AAPA President Jennifer M. Orozco for a one-on-one conversation about Arceneaux’s career, her unbelievable experiences, and her infallible spirit.

Arceneaux, a pediatric cancer survivor and current PA at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, made history in 2021 when she traveled to space. On this first all-civilian space flight, she became the youngest American, first pediatric cancer survivor, and the first PA to go to space. On the three-day flight, she and three other crew members traveled farther into space than any human has gone in more than a dozen years. Arceneaux served as the mission’s medical officer and led pre- and post-flight medical-based research and analysis. She also took time to call her patients from space!

Arceneaux embodies the spirit of “going beyond,” not just with her space flight, but with her dedication to her patients and to the PA profession. Don’t miss this insightful and interesting conversation on going beyond – something PAs do every day.

Kicking the Stigma in Your Community: A Panel Discussion With the Indianapolis Colts & Your PA Colleagues

Speakers: Kalen Jackson, vice chair and owner of the Indianapolis Colts with AAPA President Jennifer M. Orozco, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Take home lessons from “Kicking the Stigma,” a community-based mental health initiative founded by the Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family in late 2020.

This program aims to raise awareness about mental health disorders and remove the shame and stigma too often associated with these illnesses.

In this session, AAPA President Jennifer Orozco will host a panel discussion with Kalen Jackson, vice chair and owner of the Indianapolis Colts, other integral members of the Colts’ “Kicking the Stigma” team, and your PA colleagues who will share the lessons they’ve learned as they’ve worked to kick the stigma in their own communities. You’ll hear about challenges they’ve faced and opportunities they’ve found while gaining insight into how to successfully launch a locally-based mental health initiative. After hearing the experiences of our panel participants, you’ll leave AAPA 2022 equipped with the skills to help kick the stigma in your own community.

About Kalen Jackson

Kalen Jackson is entering her 11th season as vice chair/owner. Jackson joined the team in 2010 as vice president and, along with sisters Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Casey Foyt, represents the next generation of Colts ownership. Like her sisters, she grew up with the Colts organization as a significant part of her life since birth. Jackson is involved in various functions of the organization, including coordinating the Irsay family’s community and philanthropic efforts. She currently leads Kicking The Stigma, the family’s initiative to raise awareness about mental health disorders and remove the shame and stigma often associated with these illnesses. Jackson currently serves on the national board of Project Healthy Minds and locally on the board of the United Way of Central Indiana. She also is president of the Indianapolis Colts Women’s Organization. In addition, to representing the Colts at NFL Owners’ Meetings, she serves on the league’s Employee Benefits Committee. As the committee’s youngest member, Jackson is responsible for administering club and league benefit plans, including plan design and amendment, benefit and administrative expense payments and employee eligibility issues. She graduated with honors from Indiana University’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and marketing. Jackson was born and resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Boyd Jackson, and their two daughters.