Candidates for Board and Officer Positions
Brandi Ewing, MSRC, RRT-ACCS-NPS, AE-C
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, MA; Master of Science in Respiratory Care Leadership – Healthcare Management, 2013
Quinnipiac College (Quinnipiac University), Hamden, CT; Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Care, 2000
Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY; Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic, 2004
Present Position
Regional Director of Respiratory Services
St. Peter’s Health Partners, Albany, NY and St. Joseph’s Health, Syracuse, NY
2022 to present
Previous Positions
Director of Respiratory Services, Acute Care
St. Peter’s Health Partners, Albany, NY
2018 to 2022
Manager, Respiratory Therapy & Pulmonary Function
St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY
2014 to 2018
Registered Respiratory Therapist
St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY
2000 to 2014
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY
2003 to 2014
Years in Profession: 26
Years as an AARC member: 24
AARC elected positions / committee memberships
- Vice President, NYSSRC 2020-present
- Regional Director, Northeast Region, NYSSRC 2016-2020
- Chair – Awards Committee, NYSSRC 2020-present
- Member – Budget and Audit Committee member, NYSSRC 2020-present
- Member – By-Laws Committee, NYSSRC 2020-present
- Member – Program Committee, NYSSRC (Northeast Region) 2013-present
- Chair – Public Relations and Society Affairs Committee, NYSSRC 2020-present
- Member – Awards Committee, NYSSRC 2016-2020
- Member – Disaster Response Committee, NYSSRC 2016-2020
- Member – Nominations and Elections Committee, NYSSRC 2016-2020
Joseph McDonald MS, RRT
Joseph McDonald MS, RRT is currently the Associate Director at Upstate Medical University and Golisano Children’s Hospital. AARC member for 20+ years. Past NYSSRC activities include Regional Director, Completed Presidential Track in 2015. Served on many committees including Seminar, Awards, and Public Relations. Past Chair of Turning Stone Conference and Managers and Educators Conference. Education included AAS in Respiratory Care, BS in Advanced Cardio-Respiratory Science, and MS degree in Health Services Management & Policy. Currently I serve as the treasurer and a delegate for the United University Professional union.
Stephen G. Smith, MPA, RT, RRT, FAARC
Steve received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Long Island University in 1978 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Administration from Long Island University in 1983. He successfully completed the registry examination in June of 1979. Steve started his career as a respiratory therapist at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica, NY. In 1980, he accepted a position as a Respiratory Care Clinician at Stony Brook University Hospital and in 1981 was promoted to Assistant Director of Respiratory Care. In 1984, he accepted a position as Director of Respiratory Care at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and in 1985 he became a partner and Vice President of Operations and Clinical Services at Anthony Home Health Care, Inc. In 1993, his company was honored and awarded the New York State Society – Southeastern Chapter Bruce Witz Award as the outstanding respiratory Home Healthcare Company in the New York Metropolitan area. In 1995, he left the corporate world to return to clinical practice as the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY. He remained there until October of 2000 when he returned to Stony Brook University Hospital as Associate Director of Respiratory Care for Education. In 1996, Steve was inducted into the National Board for Respiratory Therapy’s Lambda Beta Honor Society as a faculty member of the Stony Brook University Chapter and in 2008 was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society of the Allied Health Professions Stony Brook University Chapter. In 2005, Steve accepted a full-time faculty position at Stony Brook University, in the School of Health Technology and Management’s Respiratory Care Program, now known as the School of Health Professions, and was responsible for teaching the department’s cardiology courses and medical ethics course. He has served on the SBU - SHTM Faculty Assembly as Vice-President, President and Parliamentarian. Steve continues to serve as the clinical liaison to the Long Island State Veteran’s Home, which is located on the campus of Stony Brook University. In 2002, Steve was appointed by the New York State Education Department’s Board of Regents as a member of the New York State Education Department Licensure Board for Respiratory Therapy, where he served for two, 5-year consecutive terms, and was elected, during that period, as Chair of the Board for three consecutive 2-year terms. After his term as an active member of the NYSED RT Licensure Board, the Board of Regents selected him to become an Extended Member to the New York State Education Department’s Respiratory Therapy Licensure Board from 2012 to 2022. In 2008, he received the Stony Brook University “President’s Award for Excellence in Team Achievement” for exemplary creativity and collaboration across department lines and for demonstrating that the achievement of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In 2014, he was elected by the members of the New York State Society for Respiratory Care to a four-year term as the Long Island Regional Director and in 2017 was elected by the members of the NYSSRC to a four-year term to represent them as a New York State delegate to the House of Delegates of the American Association for Respiratory Care. In 2014, he was appointed as a peer reviewer for Journal of Respiratory Care. In 2015, he received the Jonathan Schwarz “Respiratory Therapist of the Year “Award from the New York Downstate Association for Respiratory Therapy. In 2012, he was recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the Respiratory Therapy Licensure Board and in 2014, he received the Stony Brook University, School of Health Technology and Management’s Faculty Honor Award. From 2011 to 2017, Steve served as Vice President for Academics for the United University Professions Stony Brook Health Science Center Chapter, and was awarded the Certificate of Recognition for outstanding, sustained commitment to the advancement of public higher education and for unparalleled service to the academic and professional faculty. In 2019, the AARC, FAARC Selection Committee selected Steve as a Fellow of the AARC. In 2019, Steve was asked to serve as Co-Chair of the NYSSRC Ad Hoc Committee for the Academic Advancement of the Respiratory Care Profession in New York State. He continues to serve in this position collaborating with the NYSSRC Ad Hoc Team, NYSSRC legal counsel, the NYSED and legislators to advance the profession. In June of 2021, Steve received “Thank a Teacher Award, Excellence in Learning and Teaching,” Stony Brook University. In April of 2022, Steve was awarded, with two other colleagues, First Place for outstanding performance in the 11th Annual Open Forum of the Louisiana Society for Respiratory Care (Practitioner Division), at the 50th Annual Educational Meeting, held on April 27, 2022.
He has spoken at many conferences, reviewed textbooks, reviewed manuscripts for publication, continues to be actively involved in research, has received research grants and has been published in medical journals. His areas of interest and responsibilities include topics on hemodynamic monitoring, EKG interpretations, cardiac catheterization, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac pathologies, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, cardiac pathologies related to sleep disorders, medical ethics, public health and advanced respiratory care techniques. As a dedicated educator, his primary objective was to educate respiratory therapy students about the field of cardiopulmonary medicine and to prepare them as future respiratory care practitioners.
Sierra M. Coyle MS, RT, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
I attended York College of Pennsylvania and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care in 2010. She went on to work at Boston Children’s Hospital and specialized in pediatric intensive care units. Sierra enhanced her practice by joining the ECMO team in 2015. Sierra completed her Master of Science in Healthcare Administration in 2019 from Southern New Hampshire University. She and her family relocated to Syracuse, NY where she became a Clinical Specialist for Transonic System’s extracorporeal products. Sierra joined the Respiratory Care Program at Upstate Medical University as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant in August of 2020 and accepted her current role as Director of Clinical Education in June 2021. Her interest and experience with clinical simulation unifies the department's continued upgrades and improvements to provide students a well-rounded educational experience.
Dennis Maid, BSRT, RRT
My name is Dennis Maid, BSRT, RRT. I am the Cardiopulmonary Manager at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo. I also continue a per diem position at Adirondack Medical Center. I have been a Respiratory Therapist now for 18 years and love the profession.
I earned my associate degree at Genesee Community College, a baccalaureate degree in Advanced Respiratory and a baccalaureate degree in Respiratory management. I am currently on the advisory board for Mohawk Valley Community college. I have had a great career and have been able to work in some amazing areas across the state as well as other states. I have worked with some outstanding departments and count many therapists among my friends. I am a proponent of advanced education. I feel that the profession will only grow if the education standards are brought into line with other professions. At this point in my career, I would like to give back by getting involved in the state association and help to continue moving the profession forward.
Joseph McDonald MS, RRT
Joseph McDonald MS, RRT is currently the Associate Director at Upstate Medical University and Golisano Children’s Hospital. AARC member for 20+ years. Past NYSSRC activities include Regional Director, Completed Presidential Track in 2015. Served on many committees including Seminar, Awards, and Public Relations. Past Chair of Turning Stone Conference and Managers and Educators Conference. Education included AAS in Respiratory Care, BS in Advanced Cardio-Respiratory Science, and MS degree in Health Services Management & Policy. Currently I serve as the treasurer and a delegate for the United University Professional union.
Dennis Maid, BSRT, RRT
My name is Dennis Maid, BSRT, RRT. I am the Cardiopulmonary Manager at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo. I also continue a per diem position at Adirondack Medical Center. I have been a Respiratory Therapist now for 18 years and love the profession.
I earned my associate degree at Genesee Community College, a baccalaureate degree in Advanced Respiratory and a baccalaureate degree in Respiratory management. I am currently on the advisory board for Mohawk Valley Community college. I have had a great career and have been able to work in some amazing areas across the state as well as other states. I have worked with some outstanding departments and count many therapists among my friends. I am a proponent of advanced education. I feel that the profession will only grow if the education standards are brought into line with other professions. At this point in my career, I would like to give back by getting involved in the state association and help to continue moving the profession forward.
Thomas F. Paolillo RT, RRT-NPS, FAARC
- Respiratory Therapist, Manager, Educator, since 1979
- National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)
- The University of the State of New York, NY State Education Department, Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT)
- Uninterrupted member of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) since 1979
- Appointed as Fellow of the AARC 2015 (FAARC)
- Currently, Board Member of the New York State Society for Respiratory Care, Regional Director, NYC Region
- NYS Society for Respiratory Care/Southeastern Chapter, (NYSSRC/SEC) President 2007
- NY State Society for Respiratory Care – Southeastern Chapter, received the “Respiratory Therapist of The Year” award, 2009
- US Dept. of Veterans Affairs NY Harbor Healthcare System, Respiratory Care Services, Clinical Education Coordinator since 1993. Retired in 2020 and continue as a consultant.
- Specialist in adult critical care mechanical ventilation.
- Medical malpractice legal consultant for multiple law firms.
- Adjunct Instructor, part time, BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College) Respiratory Therapy Program.
- Regularly attend and participate in professional conferences, seminars, webinars.
- Present PowerPoint lectures at various national symposiums and conduct workshops providing continuing education in respiratory care, critical care and pulmonary medicine.
Jennifer Pedley MPH, BSRT, RRT
Jennifer holds a Master’s in Public Health from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from Pima Medical Institute, an associate degree in Respiratory Care from Onondaga Community College, and an associate degree in Nursing from Crouse School of Nursing. She is a Clinical Supervisor of Respiratory and Neurophysiology at Crouse Health in Syracuse, NY. Jennifer is currently part of the adult and neonatal ECMO teams. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Health Science Center Upstate Medical and Mohawk Valley Community College.
Jennifer serves on the New York State Society for Respiratory Care (NYSSRC) as Secretary and is also on the Annual State Symposium at the Turning Stone. She has presented multiple poster presentations at the national conference and co-published a few articles at the national level. Jennifer has been an RT for 22 years and an AARC member for 18 years.
Candidates for Regional Director
Lesa Ward MHA, RRT-NPS
Education
Utica College, Utica NY
Master of Healthcare Administration and Education, 2018
Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Baccalaureate in Respiratory Therapy, 2014
Magna Cum Laude
Present Position
Children’s Hospital Respiratory Educator
Albany Med Health System, Albany NY
2021-Present
Past Positions
Respiratory Therapist, Life Support Educator
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
2018-2021
Respiratory Therapist
Albany Med Health System, Albany NY
2014-2018
Years in the Profession: 10 years
Years as an AARC Member: 12 years
Wendy Fascia MA, MBA, RRT, RT-NPS, CES-A
I am currently the Manager of the Respiratory, EEG, and ECMO Programs at Crouse Health in Syracuse, NY. I have worked at Crouse for 35+years holding a RRT credential. I have been a frontline therapist, Coordinator, Supervisor, Adjunct Clinical instructor, NICU Transport Therapist, and now Manager. I hold a MA in Community and Economic development and a MBA in Healthcare Leadership, both from SUNY ESC. I am an AARC Member, and currently am the 2024 Committee Chair for NYSSRC Annual Symposium, in the Fall of 2024.
I have presented at many conferences including WNY Respiratory Conference, NAMDRC, Rhode Island, CHEST, and AARC Congress. I have co-authored many published articles including our latest in CHEST Journal, How to Create a Primary Respiratory Care Model, was a co-recipient of the College of CHEST Physicians FISH BOWL People’s Choice Award, and also a co-recipient of the 2021 AARC Mitchell A Baran Achievement Award.
Dennis Maid, BSRT, RRT
My name is Dennis Maid, BSRT, RRT. I am the Cardiopulmonary Manager at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo. I also continue a per diem position at Adirondack Medical Center. I have been a Respiratory Therapist now for 18 years and love the profession.
I earned my associate degree at Genesee Community College, a baccalaureate degree in Advanced Respiratory and a baccalaureate degree in Respiratory management. I am currently on the advisory board for Mohawk Valley Community college. I have had a great career and have been able to work in some amazing areas across the state as well as other states. I have worked with some outstanding departments and count many therapists among my friends. I am a proponent of advanced education. I feel that the profession will only grow if the education standards are brought into line with other professions. At this point in my career, I would like to give back by getting involved in the state association and help to continue moving the profession forward.
Leema Mugalli, BS, RRT
After graduating in 2010 with my baccalaureate degree in Biology and a minor in Psych, I chose to further my studies and pursued a career in Respiratory Therapy. Since 2014, I have broadened my skills in our field by gaining invaluable experience throughout numerous hospitals in the Western New York region. In late 2023, I accepted a department manager position at Buffalo General Hospital after briefly serving as the clinical supervisor. In my position, I am hoping to be a valuable resource as well as an advocate for our profession, furthering the advancement of our field.
Vernon Druses, MBA, RRT
I started my career in Respiratory Therapy 38 years ago with a desire deepen my knowledge of Asthma which was my personal affliction. I was a United States Marine Corp Reservist and was advised by my sister to pursue Respiratory Therapy as it was a burgeoning field. I applied for the Respiratory Therapy program at Borough Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and immediately engrossed myself in my studies. I later went on to achieve my undergraduate baccalaureate degree and graduate MBA degree.
In July of 1988 I obtained my first position as a Respiratory Therapist, working night shift. Immediately leadership was observed in me by my peers as well as managerial staff. I became a “go to” person/problem solver. Working in concert with medical staff in the role of consultant as well as care practitioner we were able to address the complexities of obstructive and restrictive airways diseases i.e. asthma management, COPD, and emphysema and Cystic Fibrosis.
I later took on the position of Pulmonary Function Technician, and in 2006 I was promoted to a Supervisory position at Lutheran Medical Center. The position was expanded to clinical coordinator. As I was purposed with departmental educational training and in-service as well as facilitating house training for parallel professionals and medical staff.
In 2018 I became the Director of Respiratory Therapy for NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn. Immediately I was placed on the Critical Care Coordination committee, Protective airways / tracheostomy committee and wound care committee. Today I continue to pursue and encourage excellence in healthcare and healthcare administrative leadership.
Russell Rozensky, MS, RT, RRT-SDS, CPFT, RPSGT, CCSH
Russell received his associate degree in biology from Suffolk County Community College in 1993 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1997. He continued to earn a certificate in Healthcare Policy in 2011 and then finally his Master's degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 2013.
Russ has over 25 years’ experience in the fields of both respiratory care and sleep diagnostics and therapeutics. Russ began his career at Southside Community Hospital and John T. Mather Memorial Hospital as a respiratory therapist. In 2005, Russ made the transition to work full time in academia in Stony Brook Universities Respiratory Care Program. Russ began as a clinical instructor and was tasked with heading a continuing education program for both Respiratory Therapists and training courses in Polysomnography.
Over the years, Russ has authored or co-authored over 15 articles, presented at various national, state and local conferences, presented numerous poster presentations, consulted as an expert witness, and consulted at opening, managing, and assisted in AASM accreditation at various sleep centers across the tri state area. Russ was an item writer for the NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialist exam, and for several past years, is a writer for the NBRCs Credential Maintenance Program for the Registered Respiratory Therapist and the Sleep Disorders Specialist credentials. He has been a site visitor for Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) Polysomnographic Specialty Option for 19 years and was selected as a site visitor for Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs’ (CAAHEP) Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologist Education programs (CoA PSG).
Russ has also been actively involved in various volunteer positions such as a Board Member of the NY State Respiratory Therapy Board (term ending this summer), Past Chair of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Professional Review Committee, committee member of the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) Standard and Guidelines Committee and Educational Committee, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Technologist and Respiratory Therapist Education Committee.