Allergy & Asthma Network's De De Gardner Named a 2026 Distinguished CHEST Educator

Gardner will present on inhaler education; Allergy & Asthma Network will exhibit with practical resources to support patient care.

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- De De Gardner, DrPH, RRT, FAARC, FCCP, chief research and programs officer at Allergy & Asthma Network, has been named a 2026 Distinguished CHEST Educator by the American College of Chest Physicians. This honor is awarded to faculty who demonstrate excellence and impact in education and places her among the top 3% of CHEST faculty worldwide.

Gardner will also present on inhaler education at CHEST 2026, taking place Oct. 18–21 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Allergy & Asthma Network, a national nonprofit patient advocacy organization, will exhibit at Booth 160 with educational resources for healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

"De De's recognition highlights the expertise Allergy & Asthma Network brings to patient and clinician education," said Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. "Her work helps connect the science of respiratory care with the questions and challenges patients face in managing their conditions."

Gardner will join a multidisciplinary team of respiratory care professionals to present "Video Case-Based Inhaler Vignettes and Hands-On Inhaler Use: Potential Inhaler Switch." The session will focus on teaching patients how to use their inhalers correctly and helping them adjust when their inhaler device changes. It will take place Monday, Oct. 19, from 8 to 9 a.m. MST in the Phoenix Convention Center West Building, Room 104 B.

"Inhaler education needs to address what patients experience when they use their devices at home, especially when a device changes," said Gardner. "I'm honored by this recognition and look forward to sharing practical teaching approaches with colleagues at CHEST."

A respiratory therapist, educator and researcher, Gardner works to strengthen respiratory health education for both patients and healthcare professionals. Her leadership at Allergy & Asthma Network connects patient needs with research and educational programs designed to help people understand and manage their conditions.

At Booth 160, conference attendees can meet Allergy & Asthma Network representatives and explore the new 2026 Respiratory Treatment Poster and other educational tools. Visitors can also learn about the Network's patient education, professional learning, research and advocacy programs, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

CHEST 2026 brings together healthcare professionals in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine for research presentations, clinical education and hands-on learning. Premeeting courses begin Oct. 17.

Allergy & Asthma Network representatives are available for interviews about inhaler education, device transitions and patient education needs. To arrange a conversation before or during the meeting, contact Jennifer Wilson.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Wilson
571-395-8909
[email protected]

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promoting evidence-based care, and fostering collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

SOURCE Allergy & Asthma Network