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
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
Advisory Board Member
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.
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
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.
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
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.
Advisory Board Member
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
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