The 2025 Happy Heart Day – a regional heart health event – takes place on February 21, 2025, at Centenary Methodist Church, Danville, Kentucky from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. The event features an array of speakers promoting heart health, including Ephraim’s cardiologists, patients sharing personal testimonies, fitness and dietary experts, and motivational guests. All proceeds from the event support the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation.
As a part of Happy Heart Day and National Heart Health Month, we offer AED grants. More information and a link to apply can be found at the Foundation Grants page.
2025 Speakers
Dr. Ogunbayo, or Dr. O, earned his medical degree at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. He completed his residency at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, NY, where he served as chief resident of internal medicine and founded the EKG Club. He completed a fellowship in general and interventional cardiology at UK HealthCare’s Gill Heart & Vascular Institute.
Dr. O is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He is an active member of the American College of Cardiology, Association of Black Cardiologists, the American Heart Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Ogunbayo has a wide range of experience as a general and interventional cardiologist, with special focus on clinical research, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support, thrombolytic therapy for acute pulmonary embolism, and peripheral vascular disease. He is well known for effective communication and successful, compassionate care of his patients.
In his free time, Dr. O enjoys watching sports, volunteering, spending time with his family, and traveling. He also loves to inspire others and seizes every opportunity he gets to encourage people to be better versions of themselves with the hashtag “begreaterthanaverage”.
Dr. O will lead a breakout session on cardiology and preventative care. He will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Dr. Tran attended Ho Chi Minh City School of Medicine in 1992 in Vietnam, experienced extensive training in Vietnam, and was recognized as one of the outstanding pioneers of laparoscopic and minimally-invasive surgery in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. He completed a fellowship at the University of Louisville (2005) and specialized in interventional endoscopy and pancreatobiliary surgery. He completed residency training at the University of Kentucky (2008), a residency at the University of Florida (2009) and another residency at Marshall University (2012). Dr. Tran has a special interest in pancreatobiliary surgeries, bariatric surgery, advanced endoscopy, gastrointestinal tract cancer surgery and general surgery.
Dr. Tran will lead a breakout session on Obesity & Weight Management and the effects it has on your heart. He will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Dr. Byrd is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Byrd has been providing mental health and substance use treatment to for over a decade. She has specialized training in EMDR to treat trauma and is passionate about enhancing self-care practices for all her patients.
Dr. Byrd lives in Casey County. During her free time, she enjoys bird watching, reading and spending time with her family. Additionally, Dr. Byrd is a published author and guest speaker.
Dr. Byrd will be leading a breakout session on self-care and heart health.
Dr. Turpen is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 2002 and her medical degree from the University of Louisville in 2007. She completed her residency in 2010 and sleep medicine fellowship in 2011, both at the University of Florida.
Dr. Turpen lives in Danville with her husband, Ryan Turpen, M.D., who is a local urologist. They have three girls, Rhodes, Parker and Rollins. During her free time, she enjoys cycling, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Turpen will lead a breakout session on the importance of Sleep and how it relates to your heart. She will also participate in our “Ask A Doc” on-stage panel.
Janet Fluty is a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist and has provided nutrition consultations and coaching at McDowell Wellness Center for 18 years. In addition, she teaches spin, HIIT & Spin and Pilates classes and organizes the annual community Get Moving Challenge and the EMH Associates Wellness FIRST Program. Her areas of nutrition expertise include heart health, weight management and sports/fitness.
Janet is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has resided in Danville since 2000 where she raised her 8 children with her husband, Mark. They enjoy an active lifestyle with their kids, daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren. Janet enjoys cooking and believes all foods can fit in a healthy diet and loves to promote delicious, sustainable and easy ways to eat well.
Janet will lead a breakout session that focuses on diet for heart health, The Mediterranean Plan – Why it’s at the Top for Heart Health.
Dr. Ellis received his undergraduate degree from Centre College and medical degree from Medical College of Georgia. He completed his Family Practice Residency at the University of Virginia and was Chief Resident his final year. Dr. Ellis has been in practice at Danville Family Practice since 1993, and during his tenure at Ephraim, he has served on multiple boards, including recently finishing a 9 year term on the Board of Directors.
Dr. Ellis and his wife, Laurie, have 3 grown sons and 2 grandsons. When not at work, he enjoys gardening, jogging, biking and swimming.
Dr. Ellis will lead a breakout session on the “4 pillars of Heart Health” ( Nutrition, Hydration, Exercise and Rest).
Beth Alvey graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Care Administration. She then went to complete her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2015, and her Master’s of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioner with Campbellsville University in 2023. She has worked in several areas within the Ephraim McDowell Health organization and will soon be the Nurse Practitioner at Ephraim McDowell Bariatric Center with Dr. Tin Tran. Beth has a passion for helping patients with obesity and weight management, as she has experienced the burden of obesity firsthand.
Beth and her husband Blake have lived in Harrodsburg for over 15 years. They have two daughters, Haydon Grace and Sadie Michelle. They also have a dog and four chickens. They spend a lot of time in the gym playing basketball, as her husband is the head coach for the Burgin Middle School girls basketball team and the assistant coach for the high school girls basketball team.
Dr. Lynne Warner Lynn, DNP, RN, CNS, NE-BC, HACP, FCN is the hospital administrator at Ephraim McDowell James B. Haggin hospital and Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan hospital. She also serves as the vice president/administrative officer for Ephraim McDowell Commonwealth Cancer Center.
Lynne, an advanced practice clinical nurse specialist, has 42 years of nursing experience as a registered nurse and over two-thirds of that time spent in healthcare leadership positions. She has spent several years as the chief nursing officer at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center and as the vice president of Clinical Effectiveness (Quality) for the system. Additionally, she has served as vice president for the Ephraim McDowell Health non-nursing clinical divisions and Community Services. She has served as adjunct faculty, a legal nurse consultant and has a wide-range of healthcare experience in various healthcare settings.
In addition to holding a doctorate of nursing practice, Lynne is a certified nurse executive, a certified healthcare accreditation professional, a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a faith community nurse. She serves on several local, state, and national committees, councils, and boards.
Lynne will serve as the stage emcee during the Happy Heart Luncheon and be directing questions to our “Ask a Doc” on-stage panel.
With a foundation established during his time at Panera in his hometown of Cary, Illinois, Chef Benjamin Knapp embarked on a culinary journey by enrolling at the prestigious Illinois Institute of Art. In 2010, his culinary prowess took him to the renowned Graham Elliot, a Michelin one-star-rated restaurant, where he honed his skills during an enriching internship.
Post-graduation, Chef Knapp assumed the role of Sous Chef at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Lincolnshire, Illinois, contributing significantly to his 16-year tenure in the dynamic realm of food service. Eight years were dedicated to serving as a Sous Chef across diverse establishments, including the esteemed Carson’s in Lexington.
His culinary leadership extended to two years as an Executive Chef with Cru Food and Wine Bar and Bayou Bluegrass Catering. Chef Knapp draws inspiration from a familial legacy of exceptional cooks, particularly his parents and grandparents, fostering his love for cooking, which flourished in the heart of his family kitchen, especially during festive occasions.
From early childhood, Chef Knapp’s culinary enthusiasm was palpable, manifesting in a desire to contribute to food preparation, even if it meant simple tasks like making jello or mixing cake batter with a wooden spoon. His culinary journey has been fueled by an insatiable curiosity, manifesting in a commitment to learning something new and exciting about various food-related aspects each day.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chef Knapp views cooking as a therapeutic outlet, providing a means to decompress and relax. Emphasizing a commitment to heart-healthy choices, he champions snacks such as dark berries and quinoa-infused options. His culinary philosophy centers on the transformative power of incorporating superfoods into everyday cooking, fostering not just culinary delights but also promoting heart and overall health for the long term. Chef Benjamin Knapp encapsulates a culinary journey marked by passion, skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Shaunee Taylor, a seasoned culinary professional, has been immersed in the world of cooking since the age of 16. Growing up, he spent weekends at his grandmother’s house, where he would eagerly assist in stirring ingredients and proudly serve as her taste tester. This early exposure to the kitchen sparked a passion that would guide his career path.
Initially pursuing a degree in engineering, Shaunee quickly realized that his natural talent for cooking was undeniable. Encouraged by those around him, he shifted his focus to the culinary arts, enrolling at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in South Carolina. He then embarked on his professional journey, landing his first major role at The Pointe, a renowned five-star resort.
Throughout his career, Shaunee further honed his skills and gained extensive experience, spending more than 20 years as the executive chef at Catering by Donna. Throughout his career, Shaunee has crafted an array of exceptional dishes, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories and ever-evolving culinary creativity.
At home, Shaunee enjoys preparing heart-healthy dishes that reflect his passion for wholesome cooking. His favorite creation is a roasted rosemary lemon chicken served with sautéed spinach and basmati rice, a perfect embodiment of his commitment to both flavor and nutrition.
Dr. Stephanie Boone is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences and Brown Cancer Center. She earned her MPH and her PhD in Public Health – Epidemiology from the University of Louisville. Dr. Boone is a Cancer and Chronic Diseases Epidemiologist and her research focuses on health outcome disparities during cancer survivorship. She is a Principal Investigator for Kentucky Core of the RURAL (Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal) Study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The study includes 10 rural counties in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky to address critical gaps in rural health, focusing on evaluation of social, behavioral, environmental, and biological determinants of disease and cardiovascular and lung health outcomes over time. Dr. Boone leads the community engagement efforts in four KY counties (Breathitt, Boyle, Garrard, and Perry) to assist in recruitment of approximately 1,600 participants, with an emphasis on educating folks about epidemiology research and population health and well-being. Dr. Boone is a Kentucky native, and in her free time, she enjoys playing with her 6/8yo boys, reading, exercising, and going to (any) KY/IN lake!
At just 17 years old, Mallory Jones is a passionate advocate for heart health and a senior at George Rogers Clark High School. She currently serves as Miss Kentucky’s Teen 2024, using her platform, Be Smart. Love Your Heart!, to raise awareness and support heart disease prevention.
Mallory is a dedicated American Heart Association volunteer, performing and speaking at numerous AHA events to inspire and educate others. She was selected for the inaugural National Youth Leadership Council, where she helps shape national heart health initiatives. Her advocacy earned her the 2025 Grassroots Advocate Award, presented by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the AHA. As a Kentucky Youth Advocates Health Ambassador, she has worked on key policies, including Kentucky’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Bill.
A distinguished student leader, Mallory is a Governor’s Scholar, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award recipient, Youth Salute Award winner, and the Sixth Congressional District Youth Ambassador for Congressman Andy Barr. She also serves as Beta Club President, Student Council Vice President, and Mock Trial Team Captain.
As a congenital heart disease survivor, Mallory is dedicated to empowering others to take charge of their heart health and to Be Smart. Love Your Heart!
Photos from the 2024 Happy Heart Luncheon
Premier Partners
Foundation Champions
Foundation Friends
PULSE PARTNERS
HEARTBEAT HEROES
EVENT SPONSORS
- Gill Heart & Vascular Institute
- Inter County Energy Cooperative
- First Southern National Bank
- Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP
- Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
- Dr. Sally Davenport