The EduMed Team

Aaron has extensive experience managing pharmacies for Kroger and CVS. In 2013, he received the Outcomes Platform Most Outstanding Quality MTM Services award at Kroger Pharmacy in Walton, Kentucky. He also serves as the Vice-President of Discipleship House in Independence, a non-profit organization supporting local high school and college students.

Adrienne Augustus is a mental health advocate with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and public administration. She is the founder of A Beautiful Mind Foundation Inc., a grantmaking charity focused on funding culturally competent mental health support services and programs for communities of color. Augustus holds a BA in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Alaina Ross, RN, BSN, brings 10 years of nursing experience working in some of the largest hospitals on the West Coast. She is an expert contributor for Test Prep Insight, a company that assists nursing students in preparing for exams such as the TEAS and NCLEX.

Alexander Belkin is a physician with a background as a medical assistant and medical school training. He developed an interest in hematology and oncology during his medical education. Outside of his professional work, Alex enjoys reading books, watching movies and TV shows, and attending concerts.

Alexandrea Holder is a South Florida-based content marketing strategist and copywriter with extensive experience in creative problem-solving. A lifelong creative, she specializes in content marketing and copywriting while also pursuing interests as an artist, musician, and amateur photographer. When not working, Alexandrea volunteers at a local animal shelter, listens to true crime podcasts and documentaries, and explores local parks and nature centers.

Allison Spain, RN, holds a BA in Psychology, a BSN, and an MSN in Nursing, backed by over 10 years of nursing experience. Her clinical expertise includes oncology and medical-surgical patient care. Beyond bedside nursing, she has held administrative and care coordination roles and has authored healthcare policies affecting patient care, reimbursement, and Medicaid expansion.

Amanda E. Randles, PhD, is the Alfred Winborne Mordecai and Victoria Stover Mordecai Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Duke University, specializing in high-performance computing and vascular modeling. She holds 120 U.S. patents and has published 71 peer-reviewed articles. Randles has received several prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER award, the ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award, the IEEE-CS Technical Consortium on High-Performance Computing (TCHPC) Award, the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award, and the LLNL Lawrence Fellowship. Additionally, she has been recognized on the World Economic Forum Young Scientist List and the MIT Technology Review World’s Top 35 Innovators under the Age of 35 list.

Amanda Gorman is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience in primary and urgent pediatric care. In early 2017, she founded Nest Collaborative, a women’s health technology company focused on providing affordable and accessible virtual lactation and pediatric care for families with young children. As an early adopter of health technology for family care, she identified and addressed the need for reliable healthcare access by leveraging digital platforms. Amanda holds degrees from Columbia University, the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, and Fordham University, reflecting a strong academic background supporting her clinical and entrepreneurial work.

Dr. Amanda Jondle is a licensed veterinarian specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. She is a graduate of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has a particular interest in integrative medicine, including acupuncture and chiropractic care. In addition to caring for the animals on her farm, Dr. Jondle writes for her blog, Vetmewsings.com.

Amy Spark is an environmental scientist with a Master of Science degree, specializing in the intersection of ecological and mental health. She has served as the Sustainability Coordinator at Bow Valley College in Calgary, Alberta, since 2017, bringing over six years of experience in sustainability management. Currently, Amy is expanding her expertise as a student in the Climate Action Leadership program at Royal Roads University. Outside her professional work, she enjoys backpacking, canoeing, and science fiction.

Andrea Clement is the President of Clem.co, Healthcare Communications and Career Collateral, with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare staffing industry. She has specialized expertise as a healthcare recruiter, placing physicians and Adv. practice clinicians in hospitals and health systems nationwide for ten years. Additionally, she brings more than a decade of experience in media relations and communications for healthcare staffing, clinical research, medical publishing, and physician consulting firms. From 2007 to 2018, Andrea wrote extensively about healthcare careers and provided online medical career and job search advice for About.com, which is now VeryWell.com and TheBalance.com, where much of her health career content is currently hosted.

Angel Gibson holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Charleston Southern University and an associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Trident Technical College. She is a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) with experience preparing to work in acute rehab and skilled nursing settings, in addition to travel therapy roles that allow her to explore different environments. Her future plans include pursuing a doctorate in rehabilitation science to become a university professor.

April Hays is the Student Affairs Associate Director for the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, with a professional background in student affairs and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In her role, she has direct experience with issues related to disability access on campus, providing her with practical insight into these challenges.

Ashley Simpson, MSN, RN, holds a master's degree in nursing from Missouri State University, where she also earned her bachelor's degree through their online programs. She began her nursing career after receiving an associate degree in nursing from North Arkansas College in Harrison, Arkansas. With clinical experience on the post-surgical floor and intensive care unit at Cox Medical Center Branson, she brings hands-on expertise in acute care settings. Since 2017, Ashley has been dedicated to nursing education, teaching and advising RN-to-BSN students at Missouri State University.

Austen is a pediatric occupational therapist with expertise in movement and motor development for children from birth to five years old. She owns and operates Steps 2 Grow, a private practice where she specializes in both typical and atypical development. Through her practice, Austen provides pediatric occupational therapy services, virtual parent consultations, and online courses for caregivers. She is dedicated to working closely with children and supporting parents with practical developmental tools.

Ayna Molina is a special education teacher with 30 years of experience in the educational field. A native of Miami, Florida, she earned her degree from the University of Arkansas while raising a family as a single mother. Her personal experience as both a single parent and student motivated her to pursue a career in education. Since graduating, she has worked in her hometown of Miami, combining her expertise in special education with her commitment to students and families. Molina is also a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of one.

Barbara Olive is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with 20 years of experience providing care in nursing homes and home health settings. She specialized in night shift nursing for 15 of those years, focusing on patient care during overnight hours. Barbara is now happily retired.

Ben Tanner is a physician assistant with over a decade of experience practicing emergency medicine in Las Vegas since 2014. In addition to his primary focus on emergency care, he also works part-time in family practice and urgent care. In 2016, he launched a medical Spanish website and subsequently developed an online course on the same subject, reflecting his commitment to improving communication with Spanish-speaking patients, with whom he regularly speaks.

Caleb is an Ivy League-educated nurse consultant with extensive clinical experience, including supervisory roles in ICU and ER settings. He holds multiple Adv. certifications in emergency and trauma nursing and is an active member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. In addition to his clinical expertise, Caleb has authored hundreds of healthcare-related articles and blog posts, practicing as both an expert nurse consultant and nurse writer.

Robert W. Schmidt, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor with over forty years of experience in public education as a counselor and teacher, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and crisis management. He practiced and lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, and served as an adjunct professor in the Counselor Education Department at Fairfield University for ten years. Schmidt has held leadership roles, including past president of the Connecticut Counseling Association, the Connecticut Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the Connecticut School Counseling Association. He also served as the American Counseling Association North Atlantic Regional Chair and received the ACA Samuel T. Gladding Unsung Hero Award for his work following the Sandy Hook tragedy. Currently, he chairs the Newtown Sandy Hook Community Foundation’s Distribution Committee. Schmidt and co-author Sharon Cohen wrote *Disaster Mental Health and Community Planning*, a manual focused on trauma-informed collaboration and mental health during crises.

Brian A. Carroll is a doctoral candidate specializing in second language assessment at Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds an M.A. and Ed.M. in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College, and a bachelor's degree in Russian Language and Literature from Ohio State University. With several years of experience teaching English as a foreign language in Russia and Taiwan, Carroll’s expertise encompasses classroom-based language assessment, second language pragmatics assessment, educational measurement, education technology, and machine learning for educational purposes. He co-founded Tiro, an edtech company that supports classroom teachers in designing, delivering, and statistically analyzing student assessment data.

Brian Jones, MEd, LMHC, LPC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Seattle, Washington, with over five years of professional experience. He specializes in treating eating disorders across diverse settings, including residential care and individual private practice. In addition, Brian focuses on helping adults with religious trauma and spiritual abuse, as well as issues related to careers and relationships. His practice offers telehealth services to clients throughout Washington. More information can be found on his website at www.bjonescounseling.com.

Dr. Cali Estes, Ph.D., is a Celebrity Addiction Therapist, Life Coach, Recovery Coach, and Wellness Guru with over 20 years of experience specializing in drug, alcohol, and food addictions. She combines talk therapy with forward and positive change to assist clients in unlocking their true potential. Dr. Estes integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and life coaching in her approach, delivering solution-focused support tailored to her clients’ needs.

Canon Welch holds the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Paramedic certification and has built her career with experience as an EMT-Basic and firefighter. She completed the Foothill College Paramedic program and currently serves as an instructor for the American Heart Association, where she teaches future paramedics and proctors the NREMT exam.

Caroline is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she specialized in military social work and adult healthy aging. She focuses on counseling, skill-building, independent living resources, assessment, and advocacy. With experience in therapeutic settings, case management, diagnoses, and assessments, Caroline has a strong commitment to mental health support.

Cassidy Cobbs (they/them) is a molecular and evolutionary biologist with extensive experience in animal research, encompassing both field and laboratory work. They hold a BA from the University of North Carolina, a BS from North Carolina State University, and an MS in ecology and evolution from Vanderbilt University. Currently, Cassidy serves as a senior project manager and scientific liaison for the Integrated Genomics Operation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where they have worked for eight years. A native of northwest North Carolina, they lived primarily in natural settings before relocating to Manhattan. Their hands-on animal experience is now focused on caring for a 4-year-old pit bull named Mando.

Cassie Spencer is a career coach with extensive experience working with students, young professionals, career changers, and job seekers to prepare them for their next career move. She began her career working on college campuses, where she coached students in career exploration, managed internship programs, and provided resources for resume development, cover letter writing, job searching, and career option exploration. Currently, Cassie works full time as a freelance career coach. She is also the co-host of the podcast *Your Career GPS* and the host of *Happenstance the Podcast*. Cassie shares career-related content on social media at @CareerCoachCassie.

Chalice Blinick, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, has 12 years of experience in hospital and outpatient care. Her clinical expertise spans renal care, ortho-neuro-trauma, medical-surgical, family medicine, and urgent care settings. She also maintains a blog, nursechalice.com, where she shares her professional knowledge and experience.

Christian Worstell is a licensed health insurance agent specializing in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and life insurance products. He serves as a senior staff writer for MedicareAdvantage.com, where he has authored thousands of educational articles to help older Americans navigate Medicare and understand their coverage options. His expertise in Medicare and health insurance has been featured in major outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post. Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Shippensburg University and currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

Christine Stetler is a registered nurse and principal solutions architect with Allscripts FollowMyHealth, bringing over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She specializes in integrating healthcare technology directly to consumers, aiming to enhance patient care through innovative solutions. Christine has extensive experience in both direct patient care and the development of technology-enabled healthcare services. Her work focuses on aligning technical solutions with healthcare needs to support individuals in living their best lives.

Colin Ma is a problem-solver with experience in developing creative solutions at the intersection of technology, marketing, and strategy. He has built applications for Fortune 500 companies, sold digital businesses, and won breakdancing competitions. Currently, he works in digital marketing and is in the process of applying to medical school.

Cory Trevena, M.Psych., serves as Senior Director of Education at Caron Treatment Centers, where she provides leadership to deliver prevention and early intervention services focused on student assistance for K-12 and higher education. She has been with Caron since 2005 and was promoted to senior director in January 2020 after serving as a regional director for the Student Assistance Program. Cory holds a master’s degree in general psychology and is a certified prevention specialist (CPS) in Pennsylvania. She is dedicated to supporting young people and their families in addressing substance use challenges through exceptional service delivery.

Courtney Fankhanel, MMSc, PA-C, is an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Clinical Education in the Yale Physician Associate Program. She earned her Master of Medical Science (MMSc) degree from Yale University School of Medicine in 2008 and has practiced clinically in cardiac surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital since 2009. Since joining Yale's Physician Associate Program faculty in 2016, she has been responsible for clinical curriculum development and assessment, maintaining accreditation standards, and collaborating with clinical partners. Her teaching portfolio includes lecturing and leading courses in EKG, surgery, transitional skills, cardiology didactics, ultrasound, simulation, and procedural competencies. Additionally, she serves on multiple program committees, including Admissions, Program Assessment, and Educational Policy and Curriculum.

Cynthia C. Durley, M.Ed., MBA, is the Executive Director of the Dental Assisting National Board and the DALE Foundation. She brings over 35 years of experience working in oral healthcare organizations, specializing in leadership within the dental assisting field.

Cyrus Vanover is the founder of the Frugal Budgeter and author of Earn a Debt-Free College Degree, a guide that specializes in earning college credit affordably through non-traditional methods such as CLEP, DSST, and AP exams. His expertise in college budgeting and personal finance has been recognized and featured in prominent outlets including Business Insider, Reader's Digest, Fox Business, MSN, and Yahoo Finance.

Dana Baker-Williams is a parent and teen coach specializing in ADHD and anxiety, with extensive experience providing one-to-one support and facilitating small groups. She equips parents with practical tools to better understand these challenges, parent more effectively, and foster stronger connections with their children. Dana also works directly with teens and young adults, helping them develop self-advocacy skills, resilience, emotional regulation, and confidence. Her coaching is focused on giving families the knowledge and strategies needed to ease family dynamics and support children in achieving happier, more independent lives. Parents and families can connect with her through her website, where they can also access her blog and social media channels.

Daniel T. Chazin, PT, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist based in Nashville, TN, specializing in acute care rehabilitation and neurological impairments. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is an active member of both the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA).

Danielle Harris Medlock, RN, BSN, is a registered nurse currently working as a travel nurse for Gifted Healthcare based in Louisiana. She is practicing during the pandemic and shares insights into her nursing profession during this period.

Danielle Zolotnitsky is the transplant and digestive disease dietitian at Einstein Medical Center, specializing in nutritional care for patients undergoing liver and kidney transplant surgeries. She also manages dietary needs for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Celiac Disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and related conditions. Outside of her clinical work, Danielle enjoys walking her dog, cooking, and teaching fitness classes.

Dave Bratcher is the President of The STAR Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities realize their potential by transforming perceived liabilities into assets. Under his leadership, The STAR Center received the Non-Profit of the Year awards in 2008 and 2015 and was nationally recognized as one of the top 50 Best Non-Profits to Work For in 2017 and 2018.

Dr. Dean Drosnes is the Medical Director of the Pennsylvania campus of Caron Treatment Centers with extensive experience in Addiction Medicine since 2010. He is board certified in Addiction Medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine and in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Drosnes is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and serves on the ASAM Physicians-In-Training Committee. He is also a member of the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine, the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Additionally, he holds a Clinical Assistant Professor appointment in Psychiatry at Penn State University College of Medicine.

Derek Auguste served in the U.S. Army for 11 years, beginning in 2004. His initial assignment was with the 1st Armored Division in Germany, including a deployment to Iraq in 2007. He later served with Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), deploying in support of Operation Unified Response to aid Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Derek separated from the Army in 2015 and subsequently earned an associate degree in International Relations from Miami Dade College. In May 2020, he completed a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Miami. He is also an alumnus of the Warrior-Scholar Project, having attended the Humanities Academic Boot Camp at Harvard University in 2019 and returned as a Virtual Training Team fellow in 2020.

Dianne Barnard, RN, is a Board Certified Registered Nurse with over 20 years of nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and maintains board certifications in both psychiatric and holistic nursing. Throughout her career, Dianne has worked in diverse clinical settings, including bedside care, oncology, intensive care units (ICU), home health, clinical nursing instruction, and mental health.

Donna Shisler, RN, BSN, is a clinical manager with over nine years of experience, including roles as a cardiac step-down nurse, ICU travel nurse, and legal nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Methodist College of Nursing and was invited to join the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing within six years of graduation, recognizing her academic excellence and professional achievement. Currently, she serves as a clinical manager at Advantis Medical Staffing, where she educates others about nursing, and works as a legal consultant, assisting individuals in vulnerable situations to pursue justice.

Dr. Amanda (Banes) Darnley is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than ten years of experience specializing in adolescent and parent mental health. She has provided clinical services across a range of settings, including inpatient hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient practices.

Dr. Ann Marie Sastry is President and CEO of Amesite, an artificial intelligence-powered software company. She has over 17 years of academic experience as Professor of Mechanical, Biomedical, and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, where she was named an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, the university’s highest teaching honor. Dr. Sastry was invited to the White House in 2015 for recognition in technology entrepreneurship and met with President Barack Obama. She holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware.

Dr. Enchanta Jenkins is a board-certified OB/GYN physician with over 25 years of experience specializing in women’s health and general medical care. She combines her extensive medical expertise with a passion for supporting clients through medical visits and engaging with music and books. Dr. Jenkins can be reached on Instagram at dr.enchanta and on Facebook at Dr.Enchantaj Gyn.

Dr. Jordin Wiggins is a Naturopathic Doctor with specialization in women’s sexual health, hormone and mood imbalance, and bio-marker testing. She holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and a First-Class Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from Brock University. Dr. Wiggins owns and operates Health Over All, a private practice where she and her team provide individualized health care aimed at helping patients improve energy, mood, and libido. She is also the author of The Pink Canary (published March 10, 2020), a book exploring women’s wellness and sexual health. Through her work, Dr. Wiggins focuses on transforming the conversation and approach to women’s sexual health by emphasizing pleasure as a pathway to improved relationships, desire, and overall health, rather than relying on pharmaceutical solutions.

Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., is an accomplished behavioral health expert specializing in brain health, with nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals with brain-related diagnoses, their families, providers, and advocacy organizations. She holds a Doctorate in Behavioral Health, a Master’s degree in Psychology of Adult Development and Aging, a graduate certificate in Gerontology, and a Bachelor's degree in Gerontology and Sociology with a minor in Developmental Psychology. Dr. Culler is the Founder of Your Brain Health Matters, LLC, and a Senior Atlantic Fellow with the Global Brain Health Institute. Her expertise spans behavioral sciences including psychology of aging, gerontology, and sociology. She is deeply committed to promoting brain health equity across the lifespan and leads innovative programs to support brain health in community and clinical settings.

Dr. LaTashia Kiel, DNP, RN, CEN, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared registered nurse with specialized interests in cancer care, acute nursing care, and community advocacy. She has earned three degrees from the University of Texas at Austin: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master’s degree in Adult Health with a Focus on Teaching, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Currently, Dr. Kiel teaches a Professional Nursing Management course at UT-Austin, where she supports students in preparing for their nursing careers.

Dr. Laura Schwarz, DNP, RN, CNE, AHN-BC, is an Associate Nursing Professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, with nearly 30 years of registered nursing experience and 25 years in nurse education. She serves as the director of the 100% online RN-BS Completion Program, where she also teaches. Dr. Schwarz is a Certified Nurse Educator and a Board Certified Adv. Holistic Nurse. Her scholarly contributions include multiple publications in professional nursing and technology journals, along with presentations at international, national, regional, and local conferences.

Dr. Amiri joined the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM) team in 2017. As Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment, she oversees the admissions and recruitment processes across all three UICOM campuses. Dr. Amiri is a dedicated advocate for holistic review in admissions and actively supports students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Dr. Manfredi is a neuropsychologist and certified school psychologist with extensive experience in private practice in Bensalem, PA. She specializes in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan, focusing particularly on learning differences and disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. For more information about Dr. Manfredi or her practice, please visit www.neuroassessconsult.com.

Dr. Michael Gisondi is the inaugural Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is also the Principal and Founder of the Precision Education and Assessment Research Lab (The PEARL). In this role, he oversees all emergency medicine training for students, residents, and fellows within the department. Additionally, Dr. Gisondi teaches multiple courses in both the Stanford School of Medicine and undergraduate programs. He has served as a mentor to dozens of trainees and junior faculty and advises the Stanford LGBTQ-Meds student affinity organization.

Dr. Patrick Fratellone, MD, RH (AHG), FIM, FACC, is an integrative medical doctor and clinical herbalist with 25 years of private practice experience in New York City and Fairfield, Connecticut. He specializes in cardiology, autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease, and cancer. Dr. Fratellone holds credentials including Registered Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild, Fellow of Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona, and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He serves as a professor at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and has authored several medical journal articles and books. His practice emphasizes an individualized, integrative approach combining conventional and complementary medicine to support whole-person health.

Dr. Rajan Grewal is a board-certified psychiatrist with a private practice specializing in integrative women’s mental health at Wildflower Psychiatry. She serves as an adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona Department of Psychiatry. Her expertise includes a variety of treatment approaches tailored to women’s mental health needs.

Dr. Robert Williams, MD, is a family medicine physician and geriatrician based in Lakewood, Colorado, with 57 years of clinical experience. He graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1968 and completed his internship and residency in surgery and transitional year programs shortly thereafter. Dr. Williams holds an active Colorado medical license valid through 2027 and serves as a medical advisor for eMediHealth. His extensive career includes specialization in family medicine and geriatrics, providing comprehensive care to patients across age groups.

Eileen Johnson, MSN, RN, is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse with nearly 40 years of experience in acute care, hospice and palliative care, long-term care, healthcare education, and hospital medicine. Throughout her career, she has provided direct patient care and held multiple leadership positions. Her areas of expertise include quality, risk management, business analysis in healthcare, and process improvement.

Elizabeth Provanzana is a licensed physician assistant with 13 years of clinical experience across multiple specialties, including general, vascular, thoracic, gynecology, obstetrics, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and urological surgery. She earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Physician Assistant Sciences from St. Francis University, demonstrating a strong educational foundation in her field. Her diverse background reflects extensive expertise in various surgical and medical disciplines.

Eric Endlich, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants, specializing in guiding students worldwide—particularly those with learning differences and neurodiversity—through the college admissions and transition process. He has served on the Learning Differences/Neurodiversity Committee of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and recently co-authored an article for IECA Insights focused on counseling young women with ADHD. With extensive experience as both a clinician and a special needs parent, Dr. Endlich brings firsthand understanding of the challenges families face and expertise in helping them navigate college admissions successfully.

Gail Gazelle, MD, is a part-time Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an Associate Scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She specializes in internal medicine and has extensive experience coaching physicians, having guided over 500 physicians and physician leaders. Dr. Gazelle is also a Master Certified Coach and a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, integrating neuroscience, mindfulness, and social psychology into her work to address physician burnout, leadership, and resilience. She is the author of the 2020 book *Everyday Resilience: A Practical Guide to Build Inner Strength and Weather Life's Challenges*. A free chapter of the book is available for download at her website.

Gauri Joshi holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, where she specialized in health education and promotion. Her expertise covers chronic diseases, substance abuse disorders, and mental health conditions. She has focused her work on serving hard-to-reach populations and has a particular interest in healthcare in the digital era.

Hannah Johnson is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Department of Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Honors College at Portland State University, where she completed her undergraduate Honors Senior Thesis on drug-resistant tuberculosis. Hannah will begin pursuing a Master of Public Health in the Global Health Track at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Fall 2020, continuing her focus on infectious disease.

Holly Parsons (formerly known as Jeb Edmondson) is a member of the legislative team at StepUp, a nonprofit organization advocating for the transgender community at both national and state levels. She previously served as the student representative for the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs at the University of North Georgia, where she advocated for minority groups on campus to ensure proper representation and funding. In this role, she also addressed the Georgia Senate to advocate for reduced regulations on student freedom of speech.

James DeVito is a radiologic technologist based in New York who successfully passed the ARRT exam with a score of 85%, completing it with more than an hour remaining. His credentials include certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), demonstrating his qualification in the field. He is actively employed in radiologic technology, applying his expertise in medical imaging.

Jane Wrigglesworth is a certified sleep science coach with 12 years of experience studying sleep science, including sleep and neurobiology at Michigan University, and natural medicine and nutrition at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. She operates her own private clinic, How To Sleep Well, where she consults with individuals and corporate groups on sleep and fatigue management and conducts regular workshops. Jane is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Janet Ferone, MEd, brings over 30 years of experience as a Boston Public Schools administrator specializing in programs for adolescents with special needs. She is president of Ferone Educational Consulting, which offers training, program design and evaluation, and technical support aimed at transforming schools into environments where all students thrive. Ferone also serves as an Associate Lecturer at Lesley University and Curry College Graduate Schools of Education. Additionally, she is a frequent speaker on mental health issues at national and international educational conferences.

Jannah Amiel, MS, BSN, RN, has been a registered nurse since 2007 with specialized clinical experience in Pediatrics, including Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU), Pediatric Emergency and Level 1 Trauma, as well as Pediatric Urgent Care and School Health. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Florida Atlantic University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from Keiser University. Currently, Jannah oversees the instructional design of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Osmosis.

Jenn Dazey, ND, RH (AHG), is Core Faculty and Chair of the Department of Botanical Medicine at Bastyr University. She is a registered herbalist and a practicing naturopathic physician, with expertise in tropical and temperate folk medicines, including specialties in seaweeds and mushrooms. Dr. Dazey’s educational focus includes botanical fusion medicine, which integrates herbal medicine into culinary arts, hydrotherapy, environmental medicine, and mainstream lifestyles. She also identifies as a pleomorphist and permaculturist. Dr. Dazey graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA, in 2008.

Jennifer Duran, RN, is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse with over 21 years of experience at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She specializes in neonatal care and has extensive experience conducting professional educational courses for clinical staff. Jennifer is dedicated to educating families and caregivers on the care of their neonates. In November 2018, she served as a nursing fellow at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, where she collaborated with neonatal staff to provide daily educational sessions, contributing to improved clinical practices.

Jennifer McGivney is a licensed dental hygienist with ten years of experience in dental care. She began her career as a dental assistant and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Loma Linda University.

Jessica Dzubak, MSN, RN, is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Nursing, specializing in education. She has experience practicing in the emergency department and currently serves as the Director of Nursing Practice for a professional nursing organization. In addition, Jessica is a nursing professional development practitioner and a freelance healthcare writer.

Julia Esteve Boyd is an etiquette consultant with over 15 years of professional experience. She has specialized expertise in teaching members of royal families, business professionals worldwide, students at prestigious finishing schools, and young graduates preparing for interviews, internships, and first jobs. Her extensive background encompasses international etiquette and protocol, reflecting her broad range of teaching and consulting engagements.

Karen Balerna, RN, BSN, is a Board-certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) and the Founder and Clinical Director of Nurse Advocate Partners, a private advocacy firm. She holds a Dementia Specialist Certificate from The University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health and brings extensive experience in patient advocacy and healthcare navigation.

Karen Gross is an author and educator with over 40 years of professional experience specializing in student success and trauma-responsive education across the PreK–20 educational pipeline. She served as a college president and was a senior policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Education. Gross is a certified psychological first aid provider and teaches in the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work Continuing Education Division as well as at other institutions. Her recent book, Trauma Doesn't Stop at the School Door, published in 2020, addresses the creation of trauma-responsive educational environments.

Karen Southall Watts has over 20 years of experience in adult education, currently teaching online at Bellingham Technical College. She has also taught in various community settings. She is the author of several books, including *Success in College: Strategies for New Grads and Non-Trads*. Her courses incorporate her diverse background in public speaking, counseling, coaching, and her own experience as an online student.

Keena Hoyle is a licensed Occupational Therapist with 20 years of experience. She holds a degree from Chicago State University’s Occupational Therapy program and a B.S. in Allied Health. Hoyle has worked across various settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, and schools, with a specialty in pediatric therapy. For the past 11 years, she has held a contract with the School City of East Chicago. In 2019, she founded Off Season, a company providing therapies, mental health, financial, educational, and personal care services to professional athletes and their families. She is currently developing a new occupational therapy subfield focused on professional sports.

Kelley Kitley, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma (including rape and sexual abuse), eating disorders, substance abuse, loss, and life phase issues. She employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in short-term treatments and also provides longer-term therapy using a holistic, action-oriented approach that incorporates positive psychology and coaching to help clients achieve their goals. As a sought-after international women’s mental health expert and author, Kelley has appeared in hundreds of publications, podcasts, live news, and radio programs including WGN, NBC, The Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, Self, and Shape. She has also contributed as a columnist for Fitness Magazine, Recovery Connection, and Thrive Global. Kelley has shared her experience and expertise on national media outlets such as Dr. Oz, Megyn Kelly TODAY, and Access Live, and she is a TEDx speaker.

Kori D. Novak, PhD, MBA, is a branch manager at a hospice in Southern California with expertise in human services and gerontology. She holds a PhD in human services and gerontology from Capella University, an MBA in marketing and public relations from Pepperdine University, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Denver. Dr. Novak draws on her academic background and practical experience to answer key questions about working in hospice care and the essential skills needed for those considering this field.

Kristy Goodman, MS, MPH, PA-C, is Co-Founder and CEO of PreConception Inc., an online platform providing direct-to-consumer preconception testing for women planning pregnancy. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Master of Public Health in Health Education and Behavioral Science from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Rutgers University). Kristy completed a postgraduate fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology and brings extensive clinical experience in women's health, including sexual health, obstetrics, infertility evaluation, prenatal screening, and gynecologic procedures. Her work spans diverse settings such as emergency obstetric triage, labor and delivery, and infertility treatment. Based in Los Angeles, California, Kristy also maintains a presence on Instagram @theobgynpa.

Lauren Bergey, Ph.D., is a marine ecologist and animal behaviorist with extensive expertise in biology. She serves as a professor of biology and dean of special academic programs at Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey, where she also advises pre-med and pre-veterinary students. Her research focuses on the ecological impact of an invasive shrimp species from Japan on native shrimp populations in New Jersey waters, as well as investigations into canine cognition of human social interactions.

Leo Sanada is Co-founder and CEO of WeAdmit Technologies, Inc., an education technology company specializing in online college admissions consulting for high school students. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Meiji University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Sanada has led WeAdmit since its founding in 2017, guiding students to colleges that align with their passions and long-term goals through a structured, method-driven counseling approach.

Lillie Marshall is a National Board Certified public school English teacher with over two decades of teaching experience since 2003. She has taught on three continents, including roles in Ghana, Thailand, and Spain, and currently teaches in Boston. In addition to her teaching career, she is a prolific writer with more than 700 published articles since 2009 on her travel and education blog, AroundTheWorldL.com. Lillie also founded TeachingTraveling.com in 2010, a global education community offering expert curriculum resources and travel ideas for educators. She showcases her art and educational cartoons on DrawingsOf.com and maintains an active social media presence at @WorldLillie.

Linda Abraham is the founder and CEO of Accepted, a graduate admissions consultancy with approximately 27 years of experience specializing in medical school admissions consulting. She hosts Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast, one of the first graduate admissions podcasts globally, where she has interviewed numerous medical school admissions directors. Abraham co-founded the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC), serving as its first president and later as treasurer. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, US News, and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Lironne Koret is the Director of International Outreach and Projects at the Center for Jewish Impact, where she applies her expertise in diplomacy, public affairs, and Jewish advocacy to develop initiatives supporting Israeli civil society and Jewish communities. She has professional experience with the Israeli Mission to the United Nations, the American Jewish Committee, Israeli politics, and Wikistrat consulting. Koret holds a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences from Minerva University, specializing in government, politics, and designing societies.

Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in nutrition counseling and research. She holds a PhD and master's degrees in Nutrition from New York University and a bachelor's degree in Economics and Health Care Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Young is the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim and serves as an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University. She maintains a private practice where she counsels adults and children on nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices and provides group classes, corporate wellness programs, and lectures.

Lowell K. Davis holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs with an emphasis on the History of Education from Indiana University. He also earned a master's degree in Counseling with an emphasis on College Student Development and a bachelor's degree in English Arts-Secondary Education from Hampton University. Currently, he serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Prior to this, he was the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success at Western Carolina University and Adv. through roles in both Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Alabama. His professional experience includes leadership in student affairs administration, collegiate leadership, and oversight of various student services such as housing, student organizations, career services, and student health programs.

Lynell Ross is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach accredited through Wellcoaches, a psychology-based coaching program. She is also a nutritionist, a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise, and a National Diabetes Prevention Program Instructor. Lynell founded Zivadream, an education advocacy website focused on helping individuals improve their lives. The Zivadream team consists of experienced professionals dedicated to providing guidance that enables people to achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.

Mari Verano, M.A., L.M.F.T., is a licensed therapist in California with over ten years of experience in mental health. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley and John F. Kennedy University, as well as a certificate in Neuroscience for Clinical Practice. Mari specializes in supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ survivors of narcissistic abuse. Through her coaching and consulting company, Mari Verano LLC, she works with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ leaders worldwide to identify, cope with, and eliminate toxic behavior in their workplaces and lives.

Mark Herschberg holds a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in electrical engineering and computer science, and a M.Eng. in electrical engineering and computer science with a focus on cryptography, all from MIT. With over twenty years of experience, he has specialized in launching and improving ventures across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and academia. His technical work includes developing new software languages, online marketplaces, authentication systems, and tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web. Mark co-created and has taught in MIT’s Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, known as the “Career Success Accelerator,” for two decades. He also serves on the boards of the non-profits Techie Youth and Plant a Million Corals.

Martha Paulson, MSN, RN, CEPN, is an experienced nurse leader with 20 years of clinical expertise in critical, cardiovascular, and acute care across major healthcare systems in Denver, CO. She recently relocated to Plano, TX, and currently serves as a Clinical Manager at Advantis Medical Staffing. Her professional strengths include nursing program strategy and design, crisis management, team and individual development, mentorship, and enhancing service excellence. In her role, she focuses on interviewing, coaching, and supporting new clinicians as they transition into travel nursing to advance their careers.

Matt Kohls graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania in 2020 and is currently seeking a position as a Physician Assistant.

Melissa Capps, BSN, MSN, is a nursing professional with over 11 years of acute care experience specializing in adult neuro-telemetry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2007 and completed a Master of Science in Nursing with an educator focus at Webster University in 2016. Melissa worked full time as a staff nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor on a neuro-telemetry floor, where she also contributed to mentoring, coaching, and onboarding new graduate nurses in the nursing residency program across two telemetry units. For the past four years, she has served as a full-time nursing instructor at a college, focusing on nursing education and training.

Michealla Edwards is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and patient care coordinator with cross-training in dental assisting. She is currently pursuing a degree in nursing. When not working with dental patients or studying nursing courses, she enjoys spending time with her daughter.

Michelle Katz, MSN, LPN, brings over 20 years of experience across clinical, administrative, and political spheres within the healthcare system. She is a recognized healthcare consumer advocate featured on numerous media outlets, notably for her contributions to ABC World News Tonight’s Real Money series and The Doctor's Doc on a Dime series. Katz is the author of three publications—*Healthcare for Less*, *101 Health Insurance Tips*, and *Healthcare Made Easy*—which focus on practical strategies for reducing healthcare costs.

Mike Lee holds undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Music, as well as Adv. degrees in Religious Studies and Ethnomusicology. With academic expertise spanning both the humanities and social sciences, he also has experience in student affairs administration, having served as a hall director responsible for supervising several Resident Assistants and managing a residence hall housing 200 first-year students.

Nancy Brook, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, is a nurse practitioner specializing in orthopedic tumor surgery at Stanford Healthcare. She holds board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. With over twenty years of experience, she works closely with nurses and healthcare professionals focused on developing meaningful careers and healthier lifestyles. Her clinical expertise centers on orthopedic surgery, specifically sarcomas and malignant tumors of bone and soft tissue. More information can be found at www.nursepractitionerbook.com.

Nicholas McGowan, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a critical care nurse with 10 years of experience specializing in cardiovascular, surgical intensive care, and neurological trauma nursing. He applies his background in education, leadership, and public speaking to support and mentor other nurses. Nicholas actively expands his expertise through online learning while continuing to practice at the bedside, directly applying his Adv. critical care knowledge.

Nicolle Merrill is the author of *Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots*, where she teaches people how to learn new skills and adapt to the future of work. She is also a professional career coach with experience hosting the podcast *50 Conversations*, which focuses on career changers. Merrill specializes in career transitions and upskilling, drawing on her background as a four-time career changer and her work coaching professionals through career development. Through her book and podcast, she shares practical guidance for navigating career change effectively.

Norma is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse with over 35 years of clinical and leadership experience. She has focused extensively on education throughout her career, teaching and coordinating programs for students, EMS providers, nurses, physicians, and community groups. Norma combines her expertise in EMS, acute care, and public health to mentor others in becoming integral members of the healthcare system.

Omaida Bichara is a board-certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with clinical expertise in cardiology and critical care medicine. She currently provides care in the cardiology division at a local hospital, serving the adult population. In addition to her clinical role, Ms. Bichara is an adjunct faculty member at Barry University, contributing to the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.Ms. Bichara earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from Barry University. She is expected to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in December 2020. She resides in Miami, Florida, with her husband and two children. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys participating in animal rescues, traveling, painting, and gardening.

Pat Byrnes is a registered nurse with degrees in nursing and business management, holding an active nursing license as well as certification as a medical biller and coder. With over 27 years of experience, she began her career working in hospitals and medical practices before founding her own company in 1994. Her company specializes in providing skilled medical billers, consultants, accountants, and credentialing specialists by integrating her clinical knowledge with business expertise. Pat’s firm focuses on comprehensive medical billing, consulting, and revenue cycle management services designed to improve financial outcomes for healthcare providers.

Phil Ollenberg has 15 years of experience in enrollment management, marketing, and student services within higher education. He has represented universities and colleges across Canada, the United States, and Asia, speaking to audiences of up to 1,000 attendees. Currently, Phil is a doctoral student in education management at Taft University.

Rebecca Buckley is a psychiatric physician assistant with experience providing care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has also served on the faculty of the physician assistant program at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Rene Roberts is a board-certified Family Medicine physician practicing in the Chicago area, with specialized expertise in mentoring and coaching high school and college students pursuing careers in medicine. She earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2011 and completed her Family Medicine residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. Before her medical career, Dr. Roberts was a competitive figure skater in high school.

Renee Leuschke, MS, OTR/L, is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience in hospital and outpatient clinical settings. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Renee specializes in working with clients who have neuro-related diagnoses, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.

Renee Warmbrodt, MSN, is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in pediatric care across diverse clinical settings. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University and currently practices with a pediatric urology group in St. Louis, MO. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Renee worked for several years as a PICU staff nurse, providing care for critically ill children. She also brings experience in educating, precepting, and mentoring nursing students.

Robert Kohen is an independent educational consultant specializing in college admissions. He holds a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Kohen is a member of both the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, reflecting his professional engagement in the field.

Dr. Ryan Kaple is an assistant professor of medicine at Yale University, where he earned his M.D. He specializes in cardiovascular medicine with focused research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and mitral valve replacement. Dr. Kaple completed his internship and internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, followed by fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell, during which he served as chief cardiology fellow. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine, and interventional cardiology. Alongside his clinical practice, he actively conducts research in his areas of specialization.

Sadie Black is a certified and licensed pharmacy technician with an Associate of Science degree in Pharmacy Technician and a pre-major in pharmacy study. She holds state certification and national licensure from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Sadie has experience working as a lead pharmacy technician in both chain and independent pharmacy settings. She is also a member of the National Pharmacy Tech Association.

Sai Thumuluru holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and an MBA from Georgia Tech and has several years of experience building technology companies. He is the founder of DirectShifts, a Y Combinator-backed medical staffing startup that uses AI to directly match locum and per diem clinicians with employers across healthcare settings who have open shifts. Through DirectShifts, Sai leverages his expertise to innovate healthcare recruiting by creating a fast, transparent, and efficient platform that connects clinicians and employers without intermediaries.

Dr. Samantha Alperin is the founder and creator of My Accreditation Assistant and L.E.A.D. Educational Consultants. She brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and accreditation, working at both the departmental and institutional levels. As an independent consultant, Dr. Alperin specializes in guiding higher education departments through the accreditation process, offering strategic support and continuous feedback throughout.

Sanket Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Applied Health Sciences. He has over 15 years of experience in healthcare information technology, with expertise spanning healthcare business intelligence, healthcare data, knowledge management, and health data science. Professor Shah has developed course curricula focused on these areas and brings extensive executive management and technology innovation experience from roles across provider, payer, government, and vendor sectors within the healthcare industry.

Sarah Johnson is a registered nurse with experience specializing in geriatric care. She currently serves as the Health Ambassador for Family Assets, an eldercare resource that provides seniors and their families with a comprehensive guide to various eldercare options and extensive information on aging and eldercare issues. In this role, she offers expert guidance and practical resources tailored to the needs of seniors and caregivers.

Scott W. Cohen, MD, FAAP, is a board certified pediatrician with extensive training and recognized achievements in pediatric care. He completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he received multiple awards including the Victor E. Stork Award for continued excellence and future promise in the care of children, the Associates and Affiliates Award for scientific knowledge, clinical judgment, and excellence in human relations, and the Community Service Award for developing pediatric advocacy curriculum. Dr. Cohen is the co-founder of Beverly Hills Pediatrics and serves as an attending physician and member of the teaching staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He is also the co-founder of Kids Doctors on Call (KidsDOC), a pediatric telemedicine platform connecting families with their pediatricians via live video calls. Dr. Cohen is the author of the bestselling parenting guide *Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year* which reflects his stress-free, common sense approach to parenting.

Scott Winstead is the founder and higher education expert at MyeLearningWorld.com. He has extensive experience in analyzing and reporting on student loan debt, with his work featured on prominent platforms such as MSN, Yahoo Finance, and FOX Business.

Seema Thomas is an adjunct professor of urban sustainability at the University of the District of Columbia and an urban development consultant with over two decades of experience addressing urban challenges domestically and internationally, focusing on community engagement. She holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Harvard University, a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Shana Myers, RN, holds a Master of Science in Nursing and has over 12 years of experience in diverse nursing specialties, including medical-surgical nursing, informatics, and nurse education. Her clinical background spans gynecology, colorectal, palliative medicine, neurology, orthopedics, and urology. Currently, she applies her expertise as a hospital educator, supporting new graduate nurses in their transition to professional nursing roles.

Shariann Tom is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach with over 20 years of coaching experience and a five-time cancer survivor. Her expertise lies in life and cancer coaching, specializing in supporting the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of cancer journeys. Inspired by her personal experiences, she founded The Cancer Journey Institute and created a worldwide movement to change how people experience cancer. Notably, in 2010, she was recognized as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Honoree of the Year.

Siah Bonita Hagin is a School Counselor with the New York City Department of Education, where she has worked for fourteen years. She specializes in supporting children and families and draws on her personal experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in her work. Hagin is also a published poet; her first book, *The Journey Continues: Stories of A Survivor*, is a collection of poetry that explores the path from tragedy to victory and from defeat to triumph.

Stephanie Johannsen is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). She has extensive experience across clinical and administrative roles in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), pharmaceutical companies, start-up joint ventures, ambulatory centers, hospice, long-term care, home health, travel nursing, and overseas education. Additionally, Stephanie worked as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC), supporting class action lawsuits, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury cases. Her career encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare environments, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the field, which she shares with those interested in entering healthcare.

Stuart Siegel is a financial aid expert with over 25 years of experience in college planning and financial aid. He is the founder of FAFSAssist, an online platform that provides tools and expert guidance to help parents navigate the financial aid process from start to finish. Siegel has assisted thousands of families in saving significant amounts and achieving their goal of affording their child's preferred college. He also serves as the Director of the College Family Care Center for Collegiate Funding Solutions, supporting independent financial advisors and clients from organizations such as the Pentagon, NASA, and Boeing Corporation federal credit unions.

Dr. Susan Cheng, PhD, MPH, is the Associate Dean for Public Health Practice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist with expertise in STI research, pandemic preparedness, mental health, health disparities, maternal and child health, and social determinants of health. Dr. Cheng earned her MPH and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University joint program. She has years of experience in public health practice, policy, communications, and advocacy across diverse settings, including work with BIPOC communities, American Indian tribes, and populations experiencing homelessness. Previously, she served as Associate Professor and Department Chair at Benedictine University, where she led the MPH program, managed residential and online public health programs, and oversaw program accreditation. In 2025, she was inducted as a distinguished fellow by the Public Health Academy at the National Academies of Practice, recognizing her significant and enduring contributions to the profession.

Tade Souaiaia, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Cell Biology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University with expertise in computational biology and statistical genetics. He specializes in developing novel algorithms and statistical methods to enhance genetic prediction and integrates large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data to advance understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders. His current research investigates the impact of social effects and environmentally mediated interventions on genetic architecture. In addition to his academic role, he is a co-founder of a computer vision company and has a background as a former Division I track and field athlete.

Terri Bogue, PCNS-BC, APRN, is a clinical nurse specialist with over 30 years of nursing experience in both bedside and leadership roles. She specializes in the prevention and reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and applies a systems approach to quality improvement projects. Terri is an accomplished speaker and author on topics including HAI impact, prevention, reduction, and inter-professional practices, delivering her expertise in an engaging and encouraging manner. As a consultant to hospitals and healthcare systems, she supports practice standards and develops solutions for HAI prevention challenges. Terri is also the co-author of the SHRM-published book, *Extinguish Burnout: A Practical Guide to Prevention and Recovery*.

Tessa is a MSN-prepared Registered Nurse with 10 years of experience in adult critical care. She specializes in neurovascular progressive care and holds a national certification in this area. In 2017, she received the Golden Stethoscope, a nurse-excellence award at her facility. In addition to her clinical practice, Tessa is dedicated to academic writing and passionate about educating both patients and healthcare professionals.

Tim Connon is an entrepreneur and the founder of ParamountQuote. Born in Florida, he entered the life insurance field in his early 20s and worked in it until his mid-30s. His experience in life insurance sales led him to establish ParamountQuote, a company focused on providing consumers with a streamlined process for purchasing burial insurance. Tim is also a licensed insurance agent in over 30 states and holds elite underwriting training for the carriers ParamountQuote works with, enabling a high coverage approval rate.

Tom Shortreed, CRPC, CFP, is a Certified Financial Planner professional with over 25 years of experience in financial advising. He is the CEO of Financial Psychology and Guidelight Financial Group, a financial advising firm affiliated with Ameriprise Financial in Ohio. Throughout his career, Tom has specialized in helping clients manage their finances and applying financial psychology to assist them in achieving their financial goals.

Victoria Taylor is a writer and teacher with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. She has specialized in supporting educational needs and has founded Best Case Parenting to assist first-time parents. With a strong background in teaching and a focus on family support, her expertise is centered on educational and parenting guidance.

William Christie is an organizational expert who specializes in helping students and nurses develop skills to stay organized and productive while managing multiple responsibilities. He shares his expertise through his blog at studyinghood.com.