Experienced and Committed Airway Health Professionals and Advocates
Our board members and advisors are leaders in their respective fields, contributing a broad range of expertise to our mission from medical dental & allied health professionals to experts in research, education, policy, advocacy, marketing, and business, our team has come together to ensure the realization of our Foundation’s vision.
To learn more about airway health or explore solutions from many perspectives, visit our team’s websites or contact them directly for guidance and support.
Sydney Avis, a passionate advocate for health and wellness, co-founded and serves as the Executive Director of The Airway Revolution Foundation, a non-profit, 501c3 organization. Her journey towards this impactful role was shaped by personal experiences and a deep commitment to helping others achieve optimal health.
After struggling with various health deficiencies for many years, Sydney embarked on a transformative self-healing journey. With a background in Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, and a Certification as an Integrative Health Coach, Sydney worked tirelessly to make sense of her own health struggles as well as those around her. However, despite her education and commitment to wellness through diet, exercise, and stress management, Sydney continued to battle her own health challenges.
It was not until she received a diagnosis of an airway disorder that Sydney found a pivotal piece to her health puzzle—proper breathing and sleep. Motivated by her personal journey and armed with newfound knowledge, Sydney, alongside her father, Dr. Victor Avis, founded The Airway Revolution Foundation.
As the Executive Director of The Airway Revolution Foundation, Sydney is committed to raising awareness about the significance and complexity of airway disorders. Through groundbreaking initiatives such as, a soon to be completed documentary series, “Breathless,” community health literacy programs, and leading a national grassroots movement, The Airway Revolution Foundation will elevate the quality of and access to upper airway disorder care. In this pursuit, the Foundation will help tens of millions of children and adults live better, healthier lives.
Executive Director
Dr. Victor Avis, a graduate of Duke University and Georgetown University Dental School, is a third-generation general dentist. In 2022, the Avis dental practice proudly celebrated its 100th year anniversary on Staten Island, New York. Dr. Avis has a comprehensive restorative practice that includes orthodontics and implant surgery.
During his career-long journey of multidisciplinary studies, Dr. Avis became fascinated with the growing body of knowledge on the oral-systemic connection and the greater role of dentistry in patients’ health span and life span. Dr. Avis’ studies in airway, periodontal disease management, orthodontics, orthotropics, and systemic disease prevention helped him to uncover and successfully co-treat a significant airway disorder in his oldest daughter, Sydney.
Together in 2021, father and daughter founded the not for profit, 501(c)3, The Airway Revolution Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness around upper airway disorders through a captivating documentary series, and community health literacy programs; to impact airway education through partnerships with universities, and to improve airway disorder care so that millions can live better, healthier lives.
Chairman of the Board
Dr. Alfi, a native of Los Angeles, discovered his passion for oral surgery at Columbia University, where he immersed himself in its multifaceted specialties. Following his residency, he joined Houston Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital, where he honed his skills as a full-scope surgeon and associate professor.
Driven by a commitment to research and innovation, he established his private practice, introducing an airway-centric approach to surgical care. Pioneering the custom jaw surgery protocol, known as the Alfi Method, he emphasizes personalized treatment to optimize outcomes. With a focus on excellence and utilizing cutting-edge techniques, Dr. Alfi ensures comfort and confidence for every patient.
Grateful for the opportunity to enhance lives through better health, he approaches each case with dedication and empathy.
Board Member
Dr. DeSimone is the Director of Clinical Services and Founder of The Sensory Studio, a pediatric speech and occupational therapy practice in Staten Island. Dr. DeSimone built her practice based on clinical foundations of teamwork with professional collaboration and mentorship in mind. Michele holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical and Research-based Speech-Language Pathology. She holds a Master’s Degree from New York University in Communication Sciences & Disorders as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology from St. John’s University. Michele holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Dr. DeSimone is an active member of The Special Interest Groups in Speech-Language Pathology for Language Learning & Education, Neurogenic Communication Disorders, Craniofacial & Velopharyngeal Disorders, Swallowing Disorders, and Global Issues in Communication Sciences & Related Disorders. Dr. DeSimone is licensed with the New York State Office for the Professions and holds a Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities Certificate from The New York State Education Department, as well as a Speech-Language Pathology Certificate from The New York State Department of Health. Michele has extensive training in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, pediatric motor speech disorders (including PROMPT and Kaufman Protocol Training), Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, Peer Socialization Skills, and Early Childhood Language Development.
Michele is happily married and resides in Staten Island with her husband, son, and daughter. She enjoys traveling for work and pleasure, practicing yoga, and cooking for her family.
Board Member
Dr. Michael Gelb, DDS, MS is a world-renowned TMJ and Sleep Specialist with practices in both New York City and White Plains.
He received his D.D.S. degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and his M.S. from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Gelb is the co-author of GASP: Airway Health- The Hidden Path to Wellness, and the co-founder of both The Foundation for Airway Health and The American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.
The Gelb Center was founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Michael Gelb’s father, Dr. Harold Gelb. Since then, Dr. Michael has taken his father’s findings to the next level through his Airway Centric® integrated therapy. He invented the ACG™ Airway Centric® System with the help of ProSomnus Sleep Technologies. The ACG System is the first day and night dental appliance solution that offers an integrated approach to addressing airway issues.
Dr. Michael Gelb is dedicated to improving his patients’ health by reducing pain, restoring refreshing sleep and transforming lives.
Board Member
Linda Levy, RN, has been a surgical nurse for the past 12+ years. Her interest in the Airway
Revolution and its mission began with her search for an answer for her son, Michael. Michael
has been suffering from debilitating daytime fatigue, cognitive decline, memory issues, and the
inability to live a normal and fulfilling life for almost 10 years. After extensive consultations
with doctors across the country, Michael has been diagnosed with OSA, CSA, idiopathic
hypersomnia, microarousals, flat onset and offset of melatonin, a cyst on his pineal gland,
narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorder. Michael underwent MMA surgery with Dr. David
Alfi in November 2023, followed by septoplasty and sinus surgery by an ENT in Houston in
February 2024. Michael continues his journey to find answers.
Linda is passionate about making a difference for her son and others like him who struggle with
sleep-related issues. As a member of the board of The Airway Revolution, she is committed to
educating healthcare providers about sleep medicine, ensuring they have the knowledge and
skills to recognize the root causes of many health issues related to airway and sleep disorder.
Board Member
Dr. Devorah Lieberman, President Emerita-University of La Verne, is a distinguished executive, scholar, and changemaker with a passion for leadership and service. A dedicated advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Lieberman broke barriers as the first female president of the 132-year-old University of La Verne.
She has a reputation as an influencer in education, business, and health care sectors. She has extensive board leadership experience, which includes board membership on The Inland Empire Economic Partnership, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Casa Colina Hospital and Rehabilitation, the Council of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, the New American Colleges and Universities, the International Association of University Presidents, and the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement.
Throughout her career, Lieberman has been recognized for her leadership. This includes being named Woman of Distinction by Senator Portantino (2023), CEO of the Year by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (2021), and, the Ellis Island Award (2016). She has also received honorary doctorates from Wagner College, I-Shou University (Taiwan), and, the Oregon Health Sciences University. Lieberman has published extensively on leadership, diversity, institutional transformation, and issues affecting education. These include five books and monographs, 16 book chapters, 30 articles and editorials, and nearly 100 scholarly presentations.
Prior to assuming the presidency at the University, Lieberman spent more than two decades at both Wagner College in New York and Portland State University serving as provost and VP for academic affairs, vice provost, and a tenured full professor. She holds a PhD in Intercultural Communication from the University of Florida, an MA in from San Diego State University, a BA from Humboldt State University, and an AA from Mt. San Antonio Community College. She has received honorary doctorates from Wagner College, Western University of Health Sciences, and I-Shou University in Taiwan.
Board Member
Dr. Gina Pritchard is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment. She is the owner of The Prevent Clinic which has offices in New York and Texas.
She is one of the nation’s leading specialists in the prevention of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and vascular-related dementia. Dr. Pritchard’s Doctoral work focused on ways to increase the global use of preventive medicine through, high-quality assessment of the vascular wall, specifically the arterial intima-media, to ensure life-long arterial wellness. The knowledge, techniques, and treatments are currently available to live a life free from these top devastating diseases – heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia.
Dr. Pritchard’s life work is focused on bringing life-saving education and tools to millions so that each individual can live a beautiful life uninterrupted by disease.
“In my work, I focus on reversing and treating the root causes of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and vascular-related dementia. One of the most common and dangerous, yet often unrecognized, root causes of disease is inadequate oxygenation due to airway-related dysfunction. What an evolution has occurred in recent years in the diagnosis of and treatment options for an inadequate airway and breath-related health concerns! My practice and the practice of my colleagues continues to change as the science guides us to provide better outcomes in quality and length of life.
Board Member
Dr. Schwartz has been a family medicine physician at Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group for twenty-eight years, practicing broad-spectrum family medicine. He has been on leadership groups of multiple large, innovative projects, including LEAN and an innovative project building multidisciplinary teams for chronic care management.
Dr. Schwartz has been passionate and involved with global medical health in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala for over 15 years. He’s a Board member at Timmy Global Health which culminated in a year of volunteer work in Guatemala where he ran a small medical clinic providing care for an indigent population outside of Antigua.
Board Member
Scott A. Siegel, MD, DDS, FACS, FICS, FAAP is a double board certified, dual degree MD, DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Dr. Siegel is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, and the first oral and maxillofacial surgeon awarded Fellowship to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Siegel is also an active member of numerous medical and dental professional organizations. Dr. Siegel has over 25 years experience as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and has devoted the past 21 years to treatment of issues related to tethered oral tissues, (TOTs).
Dr. Siegel has performed over 30,000 tethered oral tissue surgical procedures to date and is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field.
Educated at the State University of New York at Stony Brook Schools of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Siegel maintains a private practice based in New York City, and Long Island, NY.
During his surgical residency and in private practice Dr. Siegel was mentored by world renowned pediatric surgeon and tongue-tie pioneer Elizabeth “Betty” Coryllos, MD, FACS, FRCS, FAAP. Dr. Siegel has been treating TOTs patients for the past 20 plus years ranging from infants to adults. Dr. Siegel lectures internationally and conducts clinical research and publishes in various areas related to TOTs including aerodigestive disorders related to TOTs such as Aerophagia Induced Reflux (AIR). Dr. Siegel is currently working as a clinical investigator in two major IRB approved clinical research projects.
Dr. Siegel is working in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University and Tel Aviv University in understanding the kinematics of tongue movement in infants, children and adults with ankyloglossia. Dr. Siegel is also working with the Child Development Lab, City University of New York investigating objective parameters of infant sleep before and after lingual frenectomy.
Board Member
Dr. Hueldine Webb is a board-certified general surgeon who is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta. She earned her MD degree from the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.
She completed residency in general surgery at the New York Hospital of Cornell University.
She joined the faculty of S.U.N.YDownstate in Brooklyn, New York in 1982. She has dedicated her 40- year career as a teacher and role model to scores of medical students and surgical residents while delivering surgical care to veterans, both male and female at the New York Harbor Health Care Center in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
She is the director of the Breast Clinic at the Hospital where she provides specialized surgical care to veterans in the tristate region.
Board Member
Stanley Werb completed his undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1972 and joined Rivercrest Realty Investors as a property manager for a Newark, Delaware apartment community in the same year. Following his matriculation at Syracuse University Law School in 1973, and coincident with his studies there, Stanley was responsible for managing several large apartment communities for Rivercrest in the central New York area.
Upon his graduation from law school and his admission into the New York State Bar in 1978, Stanley became the managing partner of Rivercrest Realty Associates, the property management arm of the firm. In this capacity he has been responsible for all facets of the business including asset management, commercial lease negotiations, financial and administrative control systems, insurance analysis, real estate tax litigation, federal income tax planning and debt financing.
He is currently focusing his attention on the acquisition of new properties.
Board Member
Dr. Bhargava is a board-certified sleep medicine and internal medicine physician currently practicing at the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. He holds the position of Medical Director at their sleep center in Dublin, California. With over 30 years of experience practicing in the United States, Dr. Bhargava brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
Originally from India, Dr. Bhargava completed his medical education, including additional medical and surgical training, in New Delhi before relocating to the United States. He pursued residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx and has subsequently practiced in both Nevada and California.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bhargava has demonstrated strong management and leadership skills honed through various clinical practices. He provided rural healthcare services in Elko, Nevada, where he served as an internist and sleep medicine specialist. During his tenure at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, where he has held the position of Associate Professor of Medicine for 10 years, Dr. Bhargava played an important role in educating medical students and resident physicians. While at the university he coordinated courses and held numerous administrative positions, including medical directorships at AASM-accredited sleep centers in Nevada. He continues to serve there as volunteer faculty.
Dr. Bhargava is distinguished as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Medical Honor Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (FAASM) and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP). His dedication to excellence in patient care, education, and leadership underscores his commitment to advancing the field of medicine.
Advisory Board Member
A Board –certified Pediatric Dentist, she has 35 years of training and expertise to her credit. A graduate of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Dr Bijoor completed her post-graduate training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Columbia University Medical Center. Dr Bijoor then started her private practice in Briarcliff Manor in NY, and very soon, became the first provider of Pediatric Laser Dentistry for both soft and hard tissue treatment in the Tristate area. In addition, her other main areas of focus have always been prevention of disease and early intervention of any potential problems in the developing child. She continued this quest by successfully completing the Executive MPH Program in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
Advisory Board Member
Kevin Boyd is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Chicago. He is also an attending instructor in the residency-training program in Pediatric Dentistry at Lurie Children’s Hospital where he additionally serves as a dental consultant to the Sleep Medicine service.
Prior to completing his dental degree from Loyola University’s Chicago College of Dentistry in 1986, he obtained an advanced degree (M.Sc.) in Human Nutrition from Michigan State University where his research interests were focused on unhealthy eating, dental caries, obesity and diabetes. Kevin attended the University of Iowa for his post-graduate residency training where he received a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in 1988. Dr. Boyd has served on the teaching faculties of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, the University of Michigan’s College of Dentistry, the University of Chicago Hospital, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center and Michael Reese Hospital as an attending clinical instructor.
He is currently completing pre-requisite course work in Biological Anthropology at Northeastern Illinois University in preparation for graduate study and research in the newly emerging discipline of Evolutionary Medicine. His clinical focus is centered upon prevention of oral and systemic disease through promotion of healthy breathing and eating; his primary research interest is in the area of infant/early childhood feeding practices and how they impact palatal-facial development, naso-respiratory competence and neuro-cognitive development. He is currently a visiting Scholar at U.Pennsylvania doing research in the areas of anthropology and orthodontics
He has recently appointed as an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dept of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas.
Advisory Board Member
Nicolas Elian, DDS, is president and CEO of Vizstara. Renowned for his expertise in the evaluation and retreatment of implants, Dr. Elian’s clinical practice focuses on surgical procedures such as advanced bone grafting and ridge augmentations. He completed his DDS degree and postgraduate studies in prosthodontic and implant dentistry at NYUCD. Dr. Elian was head of the Division of Implant Dentistry and program director, and director of experimental research at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) for over 10 years. Dr. Elian consults on product development for industry manufacturers and is an inventor and expert in both cell culture and tissue engineering. An international instructor, Dr. Elian is a visiting professor at the University of Chietti, Italy, and Tong Ji University, China, as well as an honorary professor at El Instututo de Investigaciones Craneo Dento Maxilo Facial de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Argentina. He was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He is also currently a Board Examiner for the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Piya Gandhi has been practicing dentistry since 2009 and completed her pediatric specialty training at the University of Texas in Houston. Her practice is inspired by her role as a mother to her two daughters, Cyrah and Ayana. Dr. Gandhi emphasizes the critical role of breathing and airway function in oral health. Her practice offers a range of services from routine checkups and dental cleanings to advanced screenings for airway and functional oral disorders. Beyond her residency, Dr. Gandhi has pursued extensive training in airway development, and the diagnosis and treatment of tethered oral tissues. She routinely screens her patients for airway disorders and oral restrictions that may impact growth, development, and healthy sleep. Dr. Gandhi advocates a collaborative approach to treatment and has established a network of practitioners in the greater Houston area. Her in-house team includes a speech-language pathologist, myofunctional therapist, pediatric chiropractor, and international board-certified lactation consultant, ensuring comprehensive and convenient care for her patients. Passionate about education, Dr. Gandhi shares her expertise with fellow practitioners. When not seeing patients, she collaborates with local professionals and lectures nationally to raise awareness and improve training in airway disorders and tongue ties. Understanding the importance of parental involvement in children’s healthcare decisions, Dr. Gandhi encourages parents to actively participate in their child’s oral healthcare appointments. In her leisure time, Dr. Gandhi enjoys traveling with her daughters, practicing yoga and pilates,
and exploring new culinary delights through cooking.
Advisory Board Member
Bill Hang received his BS and DDS degrees from the University of Illinois and his MSD degree in orthodontics from the University of Minnesota. For a brief time he taught orthodontics at U of M, but realized he wanted to go into private practice. He had a private orthodontic practice in Vermont for 21 years before moving to California where he has practiced for 25 years.
An international lecturer, Dr Hang has had multiple articles published in respected refereed journals and book chapters.
Dr. Hang has committed his career to advancing a paradigm of thinking in orthodontics that rejects traditional retractive techniques in patients of all ages. His treatment techniques are designed to: develop the jaws forward, never backward; work toward proper facial balance; create pleasing facial appearance; protect and/or expand the airway; and produce broad smiles that are complete to the corners of the mouth.
His goals are: to educate as many patients, parents and professionals as possible about the benefits of the non-retractive orthodontics; to continue to develop treatments based on non-retractive principles for patients of all ages; and to teach these methods to other dentists and orthodontists worldwide through seminars, workshops and mentorships.
Advisory Board Member
Debbie has been part of her husband’s orthodontic practice (William M Hang, DDS, MSD) since its inception. Not a dentist, but known as a “doctor of details”, she has come to know the art and science of orthodontics and practice management. Until recently retiring from the clinical practice, she oversaw the practice’s day-to-day operations, was the practice treatment coordinator, and continues to be the executive director of OrthO2Health™ which provides educational opportunities for dental professionals. She is also a contributor to the strategy of changing the orthodontic profession from a retraction based, straight teeth-oriented profession to a health-centered, airway aware profession that produces beautiful smiles and balanced faces.
Work outside the orthodontic office has included chairing the Allocations Committee of the Rutland County (VT) United Way which earned her the organization’s Achievement Award. She also served as President of the Community Leaders Association at California Lutheran University earning the William E Hamm Outstanding Service Award.
Debbie and her husband Bill Hang were both awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards by the AAPMD (American Association of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry) in 2016 for their work “in advancing the awareness of airway issues within the medical/dental communities and with the public.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Christine is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist practicing integrated Western and Eastern approaches towards optimizing health in New York City. Dr. Christine received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
Advisory Board Member
Steve MacCarthy is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience leading large-scale business and technology transformations across industries including healthcare, retail, telecommunications, and financial services. A specialist in portfolio and program management, Steve has directed multimillion-dollar integrations and delivery efforts, including the successful $17B Office Depot–OfficeMax merger. He has held leadership roles at KPMG, Freddie Mac, Anthem, and Office Depot, and brings deep expertise in agile transformation, PMO optimization, and enterprise strategy execution. Steve holds a Master’s in Technology Management from George Mason University and a B.S. in Computer Science from Duke University.
Advisory Board Member
After graduating in 1989 with an MBBCh from University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Medical School in Johannesburg South Africa, Dr Lange obtained specialty training in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, serving as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Hospital in St Louis prior to making his way to Denver to practice his multiple specialties, whilst maintaining an affiliate position with Colorado University. Over time, his successful practice evolved primarily towards sleep medicine establishing, managing, and advancing multiple sleep laboratories across the front range including a sleep laboratory in Summit County at an altitude of 9100 feet. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the College of Chest Physicians.
Before rejoining academia in 2020 as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Colorado University School of Medicine, Dr Lange enjoyed a self-funded sabbatical to pursue new advancements in sleep measurement using Cardiopulmonary Coupling (CPC), pioneering applications of this technology to sports, transportation, mining, and manufacturing industries while serving as a Director of, and consultant to, SleepFit South Africa.
His approach in one of inclusivity, valuing multidisciplinary approaches to sleep issues, both in individuals and populations, to include the direct measurement of sleep quality, in assessing complaints of sleepiness and fatigue as well as sleep apnea. He remains passionate about, and committed to, accessible, affordable, personalized, precision medicine achieved through disruptive innovation in the sleep field and am honored to join the Airway Revolution Foundation Advisory Board.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Martha Miqueo is a specialist certified in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. She is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, where she also held a teaching position as assistant clinical professor for several years in graduate and post-graduate programs. She has served as attending physician at Bellevue Hospital, The New York Foundling Hospital,New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Hackensack Hospital. Dr. Miqueo has a vast experience in education and clinical training. At Vizstara Professional, she is the ADA/CERP and AGD/PACE accreditation officer. In this capacity, she sets the standards and protocols for continuing education and clinical training programs. In her ortho/pedo practice she guides growth and development maximizing growth spurts in the childand adolescent patient, creating a more stable and esthetic occlusion. In her adult ortho practice, Dr. Miqueo works with Dr. Elian developing interdisciplinary treatment plans for a sound periodontium and ideal implant placement position to set a new and unique therapeutic paradigm
Advisory Board Member
Lisa is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in private practice in Staten Island NY. Her lactation practice is concentrated on the issue of Tongue tie but she is also educated in functional medicine and works with those struggling with hormonal, thyroid, milk supply, or fertility concerns. Lisa worked for 28 years at Staten Island University Hospital before establishing her private practice in 2015.. At the Hospital, she co-founded and coordinated the Breastfeeding Initiative and worked in collaboration with the NYC Department of Health on efforts toward achieving the “Baby Friendly” designation. Currently, Lisa manages the Tongue Tie Experts brand on Facebook and Instagram, provides education to parents and professionals, through social media outreach and courses, and produces the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast. She loves to lecture and educate the world on the importance of breastfeeding for the health of infants and the developing airway.
Advisory Board Member
Sonia Pulgar is a globally recognized leader in health economics, outcomes research (HEOR), and market access, with over two decades of experience across the biopharmaceutical industry. She has led HEOR and value strategy for more than 10 U.S. and global product launches in oncology, virology, neurology, and rare diseases at companies including GSK, Novartis, Seagen, and Ipsen. Sonia excels at building high-impact, cross-functional teams and developing real-world evidence strategies that drive access, equity, and value across the product life cycle. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a BA in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Wesleyan University.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Amy Racanello is a clinical neuropsychologist, who specializes in comprehensive psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations. She completed her bachelor of science at Cornell University, and she earned her first master’s degree and an advanced certificate in school psychology from Brooklyn College, The City University of New York (CUNY). She earned her second master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the Educational Psychology Department at The Graduate Center, CUNY. Dr. Racanello completed her post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center, and she was the DeHirsch-Robinson Fellow at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian (CHONY)/Columbia University Medical Center. Most recently, through a dual degree program at Cornell’s S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management and Weill Cornell Medical Center, she earned her Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership, as well as her master of business administration (MBA).
Advisory Board Member
Jerald H. Simmons, M.D. is Triple Board-Certified in Neurology, Epilepsy and Sleep Medicine. A graduate of Ohio State University, he did his Neurology residency at Washington University, Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Stanford University and Epilepsy Fellowship at University of California. He began his professional career as Assistant Professor of Neurology at UCLA while co-directing the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center and directing the Clinical Neuro-physiology lab at Olive View UCLA Medical Center. While there he trained Fellows, taught residents and medical students.
Advisory Board Member
Damian Slattery has worked in publishing for decades at iconic brands such as Sports Illustrated, TIME, Fortune, and The New Yorker. At SI he spent 20 years as a reporter prior to serving as the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer. He led marketing teams for TIME, Fortune, and The New Yorker, and, currently, at Fast Company, he is Vice President of Marketing, leading a team dedicated to delivering world-class client solutions for top global brands. Slattery is also a screenwriter who has written numerous scripts, including A DAY IN OCTOBER, filmed in Copenhagen in the early 1990s, and which tells the inspiring tale of the rescue of Danish Jews during World War II, and features Tovah Feldshuh and D.B. Sweeney in the lead roles. More recently, he’s written an English-language adaptation of the classic Danish film, HARRY AND THE BUTLER, which had been Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in 1961, and which is now in development with theater legend and filmmaker George C. Wolfe slated to direct. An experienced documentary writer, Slattery has also written for National Geographic TV, History, Discovery, CNBC, the Travel Channel and more.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Avis is a third-generation dentist who has brought leading edge thinking to his 100 year old practice. Based on a value for whole health and prevention, the Avis Alternative provides excellence in non-extraction, airway centered orthodontics, Orthotropics, and comprehensive prosthetic and implant dentistry.
As Sydney’s father and dentist/orthodontist, he champions her efforts to solve her health challenges.
Senior Advisor & Consultant
Dr. Avis is a third-generation dentist who has brought leading edge thinking to his 100 year old practice. Based on a value for whole health and prevention, the Avis Alternative provides excellence in non-extraction, airway centered orthodontics, Orthotropics, and comprehensive prosthetic and implant dentistry.
As Sydney’s father and dentist/orthodontist, he champions her efforts to solve her health challenges.
Financial Manager
Social Media Manager
The Airway Revolution Foundation
15 St. Pauls Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
contact@airwayrevolution.org
Copyright © 2024 The Airway Revolution Foundation | Privacy Policy | Designed by Scaled Tech Solutions
