2025 Speaker Biographies

Mary is a seasoned ED nurse with over 45 years’ experience, over 30 in the ED. Mary is a retired educator who continues to work per diem educating nurses in a Level l Trauma center. She is a TNCC Instructor as well as an instructor for the ENA’s triage class. As if that is not enough, Mary is the current immediate past NYS ENA treasurer and has served on national ENA committees. She resides in Suffolk County and has 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren. Mary’s hobbies include: gardening, cooking , traveling and bike riding.

Denise Cuillo has dedicated nearly 30 years to emergency medical services, with the last ten as a highly skilled flight paramedic. Denise celebrates more than 20 years clean, a testament to her strength and determination. Currently, she is advancing her career as a physician assistant student, aspiring to earn her PA-C in December of 2024. Denise’s journey is one of service, perseverance, and continual growth, inspiring those around her with every step.

Brittany is a dedicated and experienced pediatric nurse with a strong background in emergency care and critical transport. After graduating from Molloy College in 2015, Brittany completed a nursing fellowship in the pediatric emergency room and Level 1 trauma center at Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, where she honed her skills in high-acuity care for children and adolescents. Over the course of seven years, Brittany worked in this fast-paced environment, becoming a trusted and skilled member of the team. Almost two years ago, Brittany transitioned into the role of a Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care Transport Nurse, where she now provides specialized care for critically ill and injured infants and children, ensuring the highest level of care during critical transfers.

Dan Misa is night shift nurse educator and administrative manager at Atlantic Health System - Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ. Dan has over 20 years of acute care hospital experience, with over 10 years in emergency nursing. He holds certifications in emergency nursing, pediatric emergency nursing, nursing leadership, nursing professional development, and gerontological nursing. Dan is a lifetime ENA member and has served as member of the ENA Emergency Nursing Conference Education Planning Committee, Nominations and Elections Committee, Peer Review Committee, and chairperson of the Resolutions Committee. Dan is currently the Membership Committee Chairperson for New Jersey ENA.

Philip Poullada worked full-time at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn NY for 30 years as a 911 Paramedic, a Critical Care Interfacility Transfer Paramedic, a Supervisor and a Lead Paramedic. For the past 43 years he has also volunteered in his home town as an EMT and then as a Paramedic in the Fire Medic Company of the Port Washington Fire Department.

> From 2003 until 2014 he occasionally conducted missions as a civilian overseas, mostly in Afghanistan as an NGO Advisor in the civil-military workspace, specializing in civil society and medical reconstruction in post-conflict states. His company has also carried out US Department of Defense sub-contract work providing logistics support and training for research teams in Afghanistan.

From 2006 to 2013 he worked with his company as a subject matter expert and presenter, team teaching in the US and overseas with US and NATO military units preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere through the US Department of Defense Leadership Development and Education for Sustained Peace program.

Philip is the President and sole proprietor of MTIR, Inc, a consulting firm that specializes in transforming data into information and then refining it into actionable knowledge.

Kayla Darienzo began her nursing career as a nursing assistant in 2013 before earning her nursing degree from Farmingdale State College. She developed a passion for pediatric emergency nursing during her capstone at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, later joining its Pediatric Emergency Department Nurse Fellowship in 2019.

An advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kayla co-founded the Ally Task Force, a nurse-led initiative recognized at national and local conferences. She was named Nurse of the Year in 2022 for her contributions to mentorship and clinical excellence. In 2023, she became the Clinical Transformation Program Manager, driving initiatives in mentorship, staffing, and professional practice.

Kayla is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing, with anticipated graduation in May 2025. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, cycling, and spending time with loved ones.

Mary Ann Teeter, MSEd, FNP-C, CEN, SCRN, FAEN is a state and national speaker on stroke care for emergency nurses and EMS providers. She has been an emergency nurse since 1976 and CEN from 1981. She served as NYSENA President in 1994 and 2019 and is currently the NYSENA Trauma/TNCC Chairperson. She developed an award-winning stroke program of care and served as the stroke coordinator/nurse practitioner and manager for 15 years where she obtained her certification as SCRN.

A Clinical Nurse Specialist for over 20 years, received both my Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Nursing from Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing. I started my career at NYU Medical Center as a staff nurse in the PACU and CTICU. After receiving my Master’s, I worked at Lenox Hill Hospital as a Research Nurse for Cardiothoracic Surgery, participating in studies comparing minimally invasive vs. traditional techniques. Became the CNS for Staten Island University’s Cardiothoracic Unit in 2001, the year it was established. In this role I serve as a resource / educator to patients as well as nurses. I participate in Northwell’s Critical Care Performance Improvement and Quality Group as the nurse lead for the Western Region. I now cover CTUICU, CCU Cath and EP labs as their educator, which includes collaborating with our perfusion team on ECMO education, lectures, simulations and a new initiative ECPR bringing together cardiothoracic surgery and our Emergency Department.

With over 30 years in nursing (20 years in the ED) Dr. Dixon has extensive ED, leadership and critical care experience. She also holds specialty certifications in emergency and trauma nursing. Dr. Dixon has served on multiple national ENA committees to include: The Trauma Nursing Core Course (9th edition) revision team and is a current member of the ENA's Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee. She is also currently a Board Member at Large for the state of New York.

Ms. Chernosky has 30 years’ experience working in critical care and emergency nursing. Her first years were spent serving in the United States Army Nurse Corps. The last 18 years she has been in nursing professional development directing educational initiatives in the emergency department, critical care, cardiac catheterization lab and the electrophysiology lab. She graduated with her BSN from Niagara University and received her MSN from The Catholic University of America.

Christopher Sorrentino earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, in 2003. He began his nursing career at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) in Patient Care Services. In 2005, he transitioned to the Emergency Department and began pursuing his master's degrees. He earned a Master of Science in Management/Health Administration from Saint Joseph's College in Brooklyn in 2008 and a Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Wagner College in 2018.

In 2009, he led the Trauma Program at Richmond University Medical Center (formerly Saint Vincent's Hospital Staten Island Campus). During his tenure, he served on numerous committees, including Disaster Preparedness and Transfusion, and initiated the Trauma Multidisciplinary Performance Improvement Committee. He spearheaded new educational programs and rebuilt the trauma program to meet New York State Department of Health requirements for trauma center designation. He also led injury prevention initiatives and became a TNCC Course Director. From 2010 to 2014, he served two terms on the Executive Board of the New York State Division of the American Trauma Society. In 2013, he was awarded "New York State Trauma Coordinator of Distinction."

In February 2013, he returned to SIUH as Pediatric Trauma Program Manager, working towards the hospital's first trauma center verification by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He contributed to the program's significant growth, culminating in its verification as the only dually verified Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in the Northwell Health System. He participated in various organizational committees and helped develop the Pediatric Concussion Program, while also organizing continuing medical education for physicians, advanced care providers, and nurses.

From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Sorrentino served as President of the New York State Division of the American Trauma Society. He also chaired the Trauma Program Manager Committee of the NYC Regional Trauma Advisory Committee, served on the Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Council (REMAC) of New York City, and was a voting member of the New York State Trauma Advisory Committee (STAC). He has authored and co-authored several trauma publications and presented research at national trauma conferences.

In November 2018, he returned to SIUH's Emergency Department as Nurse Manager, leading one of the organization's largest departments. Under his leadership, the department navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and underwent significant transformations, using improvement science to streamline care delivery. In collaboration with physician and nursing leadership, the department consistently exceeds industry standards for throughput and quality.

Since 2021, Mr. Sorrentino has served as Senior Director of Operations for both the North and Prince's Bay Emergency Departments at SIUH, Northwell Health.

Rachel E. Smith, MSN, NP-C, is the Clinical Program Director of the Palliative Care Program at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. With 15 years of experience in various clinical and leadership roles, Rachel spearheaded the Palliative Care Program's achievement of Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Palliative Care in 2023. A results-oriented leader, she utilizes data-driven metrics to implement quality initiatives and enhance patient experiences. Rachel is deeply committed to education and provides training for registered nurses, social workers, physicians, and advanced clinical providers. Her expertise lies in developing and expanding palliative care programs that prioritize patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Jonathan Nover has served NYC with over 15 years of progressive nursing leadership experience in the Emergency Services hospital sector. He has experience leading level 1 and 2 trauma centers, academic emergency medicine training sites, and the community hospital emergency department setting. Additionally taking on concurrent roles overseeing hospital Patient Experience, Critical Care Services, and Med/Surg Inpatient Services. Jonathan’s work has extended to the community as well, he serves as chair for the NYS ENA Government Affairs Committee, and he has partnered with the NYC Board of Education by developing education sessions on the prevention of Opiate and Vaping use for hundreds of junior HS students. He has also advocated for grants that have awarded SAFE training. Lastly, Jonathan was awarded the NYS 1199 Nurse of Distinction for Leadership and a NYC Proclamation by Mayor Eric Adams.

Wendy Allen-Thompson is the current New York State ENA President. She has been a nurse for nearly thirty years, with the majority of that time spent in the emergency department. She worked stretcher side for many years and also worked as a flight nurse for ten years. Wendy has worked in progressive leadership roles for the past 20 years, from charge nurse to executive VP and everything in between. Wendy has enjoyed many years as an ENA member, joining first in 2005 and again in 2012, She has held the positions of Communications Chair, Government Affairs Chair, Board Member at Large, and now President. Wendy is a strong advocate for emergency nurses and has participated in General Assembly and Day on the Hill multiple times. She has made phone calls and sent letters to legislators, and continues to be a part of the ACEP, ENA, ANA alliance on workplace violence. Wendy enjoys doing medical missions work as well and has served on a medical relief team in Puerto Rico after the hurricanes in 2017 and in New York City Covid hot spots in 2020. In her free time she enjoys mentoring new leaders, bringing teams together, volunteering in her local fire department, spending time with family (especially the grandkids), and traveling with her husband.

Benjamin Sensenbach, EMT-P, FP-C, TP-C provides administrative and educational support to the Division of Prehospital Medicine. Mr. Sensenbach is an actively practicing critical care flight paramedic with Mercy Flight Central and provides ground EMS with Pittsford Ambulance. He is a decorated combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where he served as operator with Surveillance / Target Acquisition (STA) Marines and Naval Special Warfare units. His educational expertise is in tactical emergency medicine, EMS operations, quality assurance, and currently supports all administrative and operational programs within the Division of Prehospital Medicine. He serves on numerous committees with Monroe-Livingston Regional EMS Council and is a member of the Regional Medical Advisory Committee.

Robert Breese, EMTP, FP-C, TP-C, CIC is a paramedic educator and clinical paramedic. Mr. Breese is actively practicing as a flight paramedic with Mercy Flight Central and provides Advance Life Support via ground EMS with Wayne County EMS and Critical Care transport with Monroe Ambulance. He is a US Army veteran who served during Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983 serving as a Combat Medic and Combat Arms section chief. He is a graduate of the US Army Allied Health Care Pharmacy School. Mr. Breese continues to teach paramedic courses at Monroe Community College, as he has since 1987. He has extensive expertise in Urban, Suburban, Rural, Industrial, and Tactical EMS. He is an ardent supporter of ENA.

Dr. Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, is a Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience. He currently serves as the president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is the inaugural associate dean of artificial intelligence and professor at the Columbia University School of Nursing. Dr. Ferrara has held leadership roles in various healthcare organizations and has a diverse clinical background including college, correctional, retail, men's, and occupational health. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice.

During his tenure as the executive director of the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State, Dr. Ferrara played a key role in eliminating barriers to NP practice, culminating in the passage of the landmark NP Modernization Act in 2022. This law removed the requirement for collaborative agreements between experienced NPs and physicians, granting full practice authority in New York State.

Dr. Ferrara's commitment to quality care is demonstrated through his passion for health care technology and his efforts to integrate evidence-based practice into daily healthcare. His leadership has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners' NY State Award for Clinical Excellence in June 2012, and his induction as a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Academies of Practice, and the American Academy of Nursing.

Chief Executive Officer, Emergency Care Consultants of the Carolinas. Past President- Emergency Nurses Association 2000. Section Editor- Journal of Emergency Nursing. 40 + years’ experience as a practicing Emergency Nurse. Fellow, Emergency Nursing. Fellow, American Heart Association.

Todd Chennell has been a nurse practitioner for over 10 years. He currently works at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester on a surgical oncology team. Todd works closely with an interdisciplinary team in the management and treatment of thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and surgical oncology patients. When not caring for patients, Todd is a professor in the nursing program at the University of Rochester.

Bradley Rund is a Board Certified - Family Nurse Practitioner with Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, IN with a sub-specialty is Pediatric Mental Health. In addition to working as a nurse practitioner, Bradley is a full-time Lieutenant with Shelbyville Fire Department and elected Shelby County Coroner.

In 2014, Bradley attended Ivy Tech to obtain his associate's degree in Nursing, immediately followed by attending Indiana State University to obtain his bachelor’s in science in Nursing. He began working in a rural emergency room and Riley Hospital Emergency Room and Trauma Center. In 2016, Bradley obtained his master’s in nursing administration and continued to complete his post-graduate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Ball State University.

While working at Riley Hospital, Bradley was inspired by one of his patients to further his education in pediatric mental health. He has since completed a Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Fellowship through the Reach Institute.

Gina Slobogin DNP APRN FNP-BC NHDP-BC NEA-BC PGMT-BC BC-ADM TCRN CEN CPEN CFRN CTRN PHRN is a highly accomplished healthcare professional with a diverse background in nursing practice, leadership, and education. She is known for her insightful perspectives on a wide range of topics. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the emergency nursing profession, having held positions in the prehospital, emergency, primary, and urgent care arenas. As a sought-after speaker, Gina brings a unique blend of humor and witticism to every engagement, ensuring that audiences not only gain new perspectives but also feel motivated to implement positive change in their own contexts.

Teresa Dodge is a Nurse Practitioner currently working with US Acute Care Solutions as a nurse practitioner at Guthrie Cortland Emergency Department. She also works perdiem in pediatric primary care and caring for newborns in the nursery. Previously she spent over eight years working in various EDs throughout NYS. She has volunteered with ENA as a member of the Education Planning Committee and, recently, on the Emergency Nursing Advanced Practice Advisory Committee. Teresa is a State Representative for New York State with the AAENP. Teresa is both a state and national speaker, lecturing at ENA and NPA conferences. Teresa completed her DNP at FNU in the summer of 2023 with a project focused on improving telephone triage at the pediatric office.

Dana Cortapasso is a highly organized and passionate healthcare leader with over a decade of experience optimizing clinical operations and quality. With a bachelor’s degree from Molloy College and Master of Business Administration with a focus on Strategic Healthcare from Hofstra University, Dana has a wealth of experience as a nursing leader. As Senior Director of Clinical Care for the Emergency Medicine Service Line (EMSL) in Northwell Health, she oversees the clinical operations of 17 Emergency Departments with over 900,000 annual visits. Dana is a champion for process improvement, leveraging Lean methodology and her expertise in quality improvement and regulatory requirements. Her accomplishments include creating a mobile sexual assault program, significantly reducing transfer volumes, and leading Northwell’s Epic implementation for the Emergency Departments. She is also a dedicated mentor, having developed the first Emergency Medicine Service Line Public Speaking Course. Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time with her family, focusing on nutrition and fitness, and exploring her culinary and vlogging passions.

Karyn Treval RN, MSN, MBA, NE-BC, CEN - Culture Leader. Karyn brings over a decade of healthcare leadership experience to the topic of authentic leadership. In her many roles, Karyn has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving patient care and fostering positive work environments. Karyn's leadership has led to successful implementations of electronic medical records systems, achievement of Joint Commission program certifications, and top rankings for employee experience. Her experience underscores her dedication to leading with integrity and impact. Karyn holds Master's degrees in Nursing and Business Administration, is a board-certified Nurse Executive and holds a certification in Emergency Nursing.

Lance San Souci is the Associate Director of Aging Programs at the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS). In his role, Lance directs HANYS’ statewide Age-Friendly Health Systems and Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation initiatives and provides strategic guidance to leadership in support of the organization’s aging programs portfolio. Prior to his current role, Lance served as Research Project Manager for the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University; Lance continues to serve as the study’s Data Manager. From 2018 to 2019, Lance served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Reno, Nevada, where he worked on various hospital and community-based Age-Friendly initiatives. Lance earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and received his graduate education in public health from Boston University.

Cara Gibbons, MHA, BSN, RN, is the Nurse Manager at Northwell Glen Cove Hospital's Emergency Department, where she champions exceptional care for the age-friendly patient population. Her experience in critical care and emergency medicine provides a strong foundation for her leadership in developing and implementing best practices. Cara is a passionate advocate for patient-centered care and continually empowers her team to elevate nursing practice through education and clinical expertise.

Eileen Cella, MBA, RN, CEN, BSN, is making a difference in the lives of our age-friendly patient population. Driven by a passion for providing exceptional care, constantly seeking ways to improve their experience and enhance their well-being. Eileen is a true advocate for the unique needs of the age-friendly patient.

Eric Cohen is the Trauma Program Director for Maimonides Medical Center, a dual designated Adult Level 1/Pediatric Level 2 American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified trauma center located in Brooklyn, NY. He additionally serves as a Nurse Reviewer for the American College of Surgeons Verification Review Committee, and the Arkansas State Department of Health.

With over 25 years of Emergency/Trauma nursing experience Eric is involved with many national organizations including Past Chair of the Emergency Nurses Association Trauma Committee, Past President of the NYS Chapter of the American Trauma Society (ATS), Interim Chair of the NYS Trauma Advisory Committee’s Systems subcommittee and active member of the ATS Trauma Nurse Leader council.

Eric is passionate about nursing education and truly feels that education is empowerment for nurses. He serves as national faculty for many educational programs such as the ENA’s Trauma Nursing Core Course, ATS’s Trauma Program Managers Course and the Society of Trauma Nurses Trauma Operations and Performance Improvement Course (TOPIC).

Ralph Villar is a dedicated Clinical Nurse Educator specializing in Emergency & Trauma Services at Bassett Medical Center. With over 15 years of experience as an ER and trauma nurse, educator, and researcher, he has made significant contributions to nursing education and practice.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Ralph earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Arts in Nursing there. His passion for emergency nursing was profoundly shaped by one of the most challenging days of his career—the 2011 bus terrorist bombing in Manila—an event that reinforced his commitment to excellence in emergency trauma care.

Ralph’s career has spanned multiple countries, including Qatar, where he was invited as a speaker at various conferences, sharing insights on innovations in nursing care and research. As a published researcher, he has explored social behaviors in nursing, contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

Having experienced diverse onboarding strategies worldwide, Ralph is committed to improving the transition process for new ER nurses. He eventually gravitated towards nursing education and professional development. At Bassett Medical Center, he spearheaded the first-ever structured onboarding program for emergency nurses, ensuring a smooth, effective, and supportive transition for new graduates entering high-stakes environments.

A passionate advocate for evidence-based nursing education and professional development, Ralph continues to lead initiatives that enhance emergency nursing practice and patient care. His dedication to fostering the next generation of ER nurses makes him a respected leader in the field.

Nursing Manager at Northwell Health

Bio - Not available