Meet the Team

  • Dr. Christopher Bartalos, D.O.

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

    Dr. Bartalos is a board-certified Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. He is widely respected for his clinical expertise, patient-centered approach, and commitment to advancing digestive health.

    Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Bartalos enjoys spending time outdoors, especially elk hunting in the mountains of Montana. He also owns and operates Circle B Ranch in Missouri, where he raises premium Scottish Highland cattle and elite cutting and reining horses. His dedication to both his patients and his ranching reflects a deep appreciation for hard work, balance, and the natural world.

  • Theodore S. Arnett III

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND SALES

    T.Arnett@bvlresearch.com

    Ted brings over 25 years of experience in emergency medicine, crisis response, and healthcare leadership. Before joining BVL, he led emergency management and business continuity efforts at major trauma centers including University of New Mexico, Stormont Vail Health, and The University of Kansas Health System.

    A former fire fighter, flight paramedic, and certified healthcare emergency professional, Ted holds a Master’s in Health Care Leadership and is nationally recognized for his expertise in preparedness, compliance, and safety training. His career reflects a deep commitment to protecting patients, staff, and systems in high-stakes environments.

  • Samantha Mannuzza

    CLINICAL RESEARCH RECRUITER

    s.mannuzza@bvlresearch.com

    Samantha is the Clinical Research Recruiter at BVL Research, where she connects qualified participants with innovative IBD clinical studies. With a strong foundation in medical sales recruiting, Samantha developed a keen understanding of the healthcare industry and the importance of building meaningful, trust-based relationships.

    Her transition into patient recruitment was driven by a passion for advancing medical research and improving access to clinical trials. She combines her recruitment expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach to ensure every participant feels informed, supported, and valued throughout the research process.

  • Bailey Spiehs

    CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR

    B.Spiehs@bvlresearch.com

    Bailey is passionate about advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes through clinical research and strategic storytelling. She brings strong experience in clinical research operations, including medical terminology, drug accountability, patient assessment, medication administration, and EHR management, and works closely with interdisciplinary teams to support patient-centered care.

    An empathetic listener and skilled storyteller, Bailey specializes in amplifying patient voices within highly regulated environments, blending clinical insight with meaningful, compliant content to support patient engagement and advocacy. She is committed to continuous professional growth and currently balances her work with life as the spouse of a lawyer and the parent of an almost two-year-old — experiences that further shape her compassionate approach to research and care.

  • Kristin Morgan

    CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR

    K.Morgan@bvlresearch.com

    Kristin is a US Army veteran who brings 10+ years of clinical experience to our team. Her research experience includes Phase 1 to Phase 4 clinical trials. An accomplished clinical research professional with a strong track record in Human Abuse Liability, iCardiac, Healthy Normal, First-in-Human, Vaccine, and Opioid-Dependent studies, Kristin is known for maintaining precise, compliant documentation and supporting regulatory excellence across all phases of research. 

    Her passion and dedication to research is unparalleled. To Kristin, patient safety and data integrity are paramount. She strives to ensure each patient receives the time and attention needed to receive top notch care, in addition to establishing appropriate data collection and documentation to ensure trial success. 

    When not at work, Kristin enjoys spending time with family and friends, with a special fondness for her pets. She loves reading and watching movies and television—particularly classics from the 1980s—and is currently exploring a variety of creative crafting projects at home.