Dr. Stephen Avery
Dr. Stephen Avery is a Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of Global Radiation Physics. As a medical physicist, he is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality cancer care, particularly in low-resource settings, through research, education, and program development. His leadership in the Global Health Catalyst Summit fosters international collaborations to improve radiation oncology infrastructure and training. Passionate about health equity, Dr. Avery recognizes the critical role of sleep health in overall well-being and the disparities that exist in access to care. As a member of the PRISM Advisory Board, he looks forward to contributing his expertise to advance research, raise awareness, and develop solutions for better sleep health. He is excited to collaborate with a diverse team, learn from others, and support initiatives that align with his commitment to eliminating health disparities.
David Bishop, LCSW
David Bishop, LCSW is a sleep apnea patient and a leading advocate for sleep health equity. He is the founder of the Sleep Equity Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the impact of insufficient sleep and sleep disorders on chronic health conditions. With experience serving on national sleep nonprofit boards, collaborating on research studies, and advocating for congressional funding, he actively works to advance sleep health awareness and policy. In July 2024, he was appointed to the Sleep Disorder Research Advisory Board of the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for a four-year term. His work focuses on advocacy, education, and addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Driven by personal experience with sleep apnea in his family, David is committed to bridging gaps in sleep health equity and improving outcomes for all.
Syreta Carter
Syreta Carter is the Clinical Service Coordinator at the Sleep Medicine department at the University of Pennsylvania, where she has been since 2021. With over a decade of experience in the Penn health system, she has worked in Dermatology and Hematology Oncology before transitioning to sleep medicine. She is currently pursuing a master’s in healthcare administration to deepen her knowledge and impact in the field. In her role, she oversees daily operations, scheduling, and process improvements to enhance patient care. Passionate about raising awareness of sleep disorders, Syreta’s personal experience has underscored the profound impact of sleep on overall health. As a PRISM Advisory Board member, she looks forward to educating others on prevention and contributing to meaningful change in sleep health.
Kenniah C. Chestnut, Esq., MSS, MLSP
Kenniah C. Chestnut, Esq., M.S.S. & M.L.S.P. is the Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager for the US Medical Innovations family of companies, a position she has held since 2013. She also serves as the Secretary of the Board of Managers for US Patent Innovations, LLC. Before joining USMI, she worked in private practice, including as a partner in The Chestnut Law Firm, specializing in Criminal and Civil Litigation. Mrs. Chestnut holds multiple degrees, including a Juris Doctor from the University of the District of Columbia Law School, where she graduated cum laude, and Master’s degrees in Social Science and Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College. Originally from the Philadelphia area, she is deeply involved in her community, serving on the School Committee at Abington Friends School and as the president of the Home and School Association. In her personal life, Kenniah enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and participating in church activities, including her roles in the Deaconess Ministry and Health and Wellness Ministry at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church.
Morgan Dopplick
Morgan Dopplick is the General Manager and SVP of Sleep and Respiratory at AdaptHealth, where she leads efforts to deliver patient-centric solutions in an evolving healthcare landscape. With extensive experience working with diverse patient populations, she is committed to providing dynamic, multimodality care options focused on empathy and therapeutic outcomes. Morgan’s leadership is driven by a passion for industry excellence and improving healthcare delivery. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, often found cheering on her goalkeeper at soccer games. She is excited to join the advisory board, believing that the healthcare industry is at a crucial moment for change, and looks forward to contributing insights that will drive meaningful improvements for patients and the broader ecosystem.
Belen Esparis
Belen Esparis is a sleep medicine specialist at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL, where she diagnoses and manages sleep disorders, mentors sleep fellows, residents, and medical students, and interprets sleep studies. Passionate about advancing patient care and fostering the next generation of sleep medicine professionals, she is committed to improving sleep health through both her clinical work and teaching. Her dedication to sleep medicine grew after experiencing the physical and emotional toll of chronic sleep deprivation following the birth of her first child. Outside of work, Belen enjoys Zumba, hiking, and spending quality time with her family, which helps her maintain balance and reflect on the importance of health. She is excited to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders to develop innovative research initiatives that will advance sleep medicine and improve lives.
Janalyn Edmonds, BSN, MSN & PhD
Dr. Janalyn Cantey Edmonds hold a BSN, MSN, and a PhD in Nursing. She is now a retired university nursing professor. Her nursing practice and health care experience has included health promotion, risk management, quality management, administrative management, bioethics, managed care, ambulatory care, home health care, critical care, and medical and nursing education. Previously, having participated in research of individuals’ response to treatment of sleep disorders and a long time user of CPAP, she is excited to contribute her knowledge and experience to improve patient outcomes. She has been active in inter-professional educational collaborations and participatory community research activities. Currently, she also serves on The Catholic University of America, Conway School of Nursing, Board of Visitors. During her free time, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, and baking; And spending time with family, friends, and her grandpup–Khaleesi.
Tahirah Garrett
Tashonda High
Tashonda High is a recent graduate in Healthcare Studies, having earned her A.A. Degree and Patient Service Representative Credential in Spring 2024. She plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration at St. Joseph’s University in September 2025, with a focus on modernizing healthcare systems and improving patient treatment. Tashonda is passionate about contributing to advancements in healthcare, particularly in the area of sleep disorders, as she personally experiences insomnia. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, and working with advisors to achieve her goals. Tashonda is excited to be part of the PRISM Advisory Board, where she hopes to learn from other board members and contribute her knowledge and skills to help improve care for individuals with sleep disorders.
Leanne Kaye
In her role as Director of Person-Centered Science at ResMed, Leanne Kaye leads a team focused on generating and translating research that supports patient engagement, long-term retention, and better sleep health outcomes. She is especially passionate about putting the person at the center of care—recognizing the real-life context that shapes how people experience and manage their health.
Outside of work, Leanne Kaye stays busy as a “taxi mom” to her young family. They enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new-to-them parts of the U.S.
At ResMed, Leanne sees the impact of person-centered care every day—especially when the right insights and tools are used to truly meet people where they are. She is excited to bring that perspective to the Advisory Board and to collaborate and learn from others.
Leanne began her career as a clinical dietitian, driven by a desire to help people reach their health goals. That early motivation continues to guide her work—now through research and behavioral science that make health programs more relevant, human-centered, and effective
Allan I. Pack, M.B.Ch.B., Ph.D., FRCP
Dr. Allan Pack directs both clinical and basic research programs focused on sleep and its disorders, with a primary emphasis on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He was the founding director of the first university-wide center at the University of Pennsylvania dedicated to sleep and circadian research, as well as the first independent, multidisciplinary sleep medicine division. He has since stepped away from these administrative roles to dedicate more time to research. With advancements in techniques, methodologies, and data sources, he believes this is an exciting and transformative time for both animal and clinical research. He values the insights of patients and stakeholders, recognizing that their input helps ensure research remains relevant and appropriately focused. Allan is deeply passionate about his work, finding intellectual stimulation and fulfillment in the challenges of research. As his niece once said, “My uncle is paid to do his hobby—his research.” Outside of work, he enjoys keeping up with the news (despite its challenges), playing golf (though he humbly admits he’s not very good), spending time with his children and 11 grandchildren, and traveling with his wife.
Michael Perlis, PhD, FSBSM
Dr. Michael Perlis, PhD, FSBSM, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of Penn Behavioral Sleep Medicine. He is a clinical psychologist with a research focus on insomnia, aiming to have a broad impact despite the narrow scope of his work. His everyday responsibilities involve clinical research to advance the understanding of sleep disorders and improve treatment options. While his free time is limited, he remains dedicated to his research efforts. Dr. Perlis is excited to be part of the Advisory Board, where he looks forward to contributing to CER and PCORI-type work. He is committed to advancing sleep health and making meaningful progress in the field.
Paul Saskin
Paul Saskin is the Medical Director for Insomnia at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, a Swiss company with a U.S. presence in Radnor, PA. A clinical psychologist by training, he is board-certified in sleep medicine and behavioral sleep medicine. Before transitioning to industry in 2018, Paul had a successful clinical practice in Las Vegas and Kansas City, where he contributed to early research that helped develop cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. In his current role, he oversees strategy for insomnia products and coordinates educational programs and scientific discussions on insomnia and sleep. Originally from Montreal, Paul enjoys skiing, road cycling, and running, and in his spare time, he loves traveling, cooking (especially BBQ in KC), and exploring new food options with his wife. He is excited to join the group, bringing both a clinical and industry perspective to community engagement in sleep health.
Samantha Simonsen
Samantha Simonsen began her career in sleep medicine as a college student, balancing her studies in Biology with performing overnight sleep studies at Bacharach Rehabilitation Hospital. With over 29 years of experience in the field, she currently serves as the Director for Clinical Operations at Penn Sleep Medicine. Outside of her professional work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and two large dogs, as well as snowboarding, golfing, reading, and wine tasting. She is also actively involved in her community, volunteering as a firefighter with the South Media Fire Company and as a dog/puppy handler for the Providence Animal Center. Samantha is honored to join the PRISM Advisory Board, where she looks forward to collaborating with others to promote sleep awareness and reduce healthcare disparities.
Gianne Ratliff
Gianne Ratliff works with children in her day-to-day role, a responsibility she finds both meaningful and impactful. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, valuing those moments of connection and joy. As a member of the Advisory Board, Gianne is most excited about the opportunity to meet new people and engage with diverse perspectives.
Ella Rose, MSW
Ella Rose is a dedicated social work professional with a passion for supporting families in creating the lives they deserve. As the Director of Self-Sufficiency at ACHIEVEability, she leads initiatives to break the generational cycle of poverty through education, affordable housing, and fostering holistic well-being. Ella holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, which has equipped her with a deep understanding of complex social issues. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, learning, creating arts and crafts, and spending quality time with friends and family, especially outdoors, hiking, and connecting with nature. Ella is excited to be part of the PRISM Advisory Board, where she aims to contribute to the development of resources for partnered research, leveraging her belief in the transformative power of listening and understanding.\