Space Health Nexus Pre-symposium

Ashley attended the College of Holy Cross for two years where she played division 1 basketball on a full scholarship. She then hung up her sneakers and transferred to NYU where she graduated with a double major in Chinese and International Politics while working in public relations for the New York Rangers. Along with her husband Ernesto, they created a campaign called SNAP-2-LIVE to fight road crashes which is the #1 killer of youth. They partnered with the UN foundation, FIA foundation and many youth organizations… this campaign reached over 5 million people. Together with Ernesto, she also co-created the CanWe app—an app that helps people form connection and meaning in their life, as well as improve their health through community. Ashley is passionate about health, family and friendships, sports and making the world a better place.

Ernesto’s parents inspired him to make this world a better place. Shortly after obtaining a double major in civil engineering and architectural engineering from the University of Miami, Ernesto and his brother created an internationally-recognized initiative to build entire housing communities that offered a variety of uplifting and empowering opportunities including helping residents financing their way to homeownership and providing education, employment, safety, sports, and entrepreneurship programs. Ernesto calls it a NOT-ONLY FOR PROFIT model. Ernesto and his team have helped change the lives of 15,000 people in Honduras and Panama during the last 20 years. In 2023, continuing with the NOT-ONLY FOR PROFIT approach to business, Ernesto his wife Ashley co-founded the CanWe app. CanWe is a new category of app called SOCIAL NAVIGATION; it helps create in-person relationships curated by interests and intentions. Building communities with win/win models is Ernesto’s calling.

Dr. Barnes is an expert in austere nursing. A Former US Army Green Beret, he has 30+ years of nursing experience around the world. He has developed and continues to develop courses in providing nursing care in extreme environments. Dr. Barnes is currently a Clinical Associate Professor for Texas A&M University as Coordinator for the Aerospace and Extreme Environment Nursing Program at Texas A&M. 

Jane began her journey in first response at the age of 18 with a Volunteer Fire Department. This experience set her on a path toward a career in fire and rescue. After earning her Paramedic license, she started her first job in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with Citrus County EMS. Over her 48-year career, Jane has worked in various EMS systems, including non-profit, for-profit, hospital-based, and fire-based. She has also served as a dispatcher and is a licensed registered nurse. Jane has dedicated her entire career to improving patient outcomes. She is a tireless advocate for patients and works to enhance EMS services in Florida and beyond. Currently, she oversees the EMS community paramedic section of the Florida Department of Health. In this role, she develops strategies for a statewide community paramedicine program that addresses local community needs, reduces care costs, and prevents avoidable emergency room visits. Jane also supports evidence-based practices that empower healthcare workers and first responders to increase access to local patient services and prevent emergency department visits.

Byers has 6+ years of post-secondary technical school education from working at a Technical Institute. In her role, she implemented the integration of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) certifications into student curriculum to ensure training met manufacturers’ standards. Byers currently serves the workforce needs for construction and hospitality employers as a business liaison for CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia and is a state-appointed Apprenticeship Navigator. Byers has formed regional partnerships resulting in a robust network focusing on paving logical apprenticeship pathways. This includes working with Anne Everly, Apprenticeship Training Representative with the State of Florida. Their joint efforts have resulted in new registered apprenticeship programs that were the first for the state and nation—from healthcare to semiconductors. Her partnership with intermediaries has landed her national speaking engagements to highlight Apprenticeship Navigator and Business Liaison models that work. Aside from her work efforts, Byers focuses on community service and mentoring for Take Stock in Children. Byers is soon graduating from Lead Brevard Class of 2024, is a top 12 finalist for Lead Brevard 2025 ‘4 under 40’, and is a National Society for Leadership and Success member.

Dr. Castulik comes to us from the Czech Republic. He is an expert in the detection, identification, decontamination, protection, and defense against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials (CBRNE) as well as weapons of mass destruction. His expertise includes crisis and emergency management during CBRNE events, the training and education of first responders for CBRNE and hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents, medical countermeasures and intervention during CBRNE scenarios, and forensic investigation of such events. Dr. Castulik served as the Director of the R&D Division of NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) Defense at the Military Research Institute. He was also an Inspector for the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM), focusing on the inventory and destruction of weapons of mass destruction stockpiles. Dr. Castulik earned his degree at the Military Academy in Brno, Czech Republic, specializing in chemical technology and protection against NBC weapons. His PhD is in NBC defense, with a focus on decontamination.

Dr. DeMeo is a renowned surgeon, scientist, entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist whose groundbreaking innovations have transformed industries globally. Drawing on his expertise in physics and biochemistry, Dr. DeMeo invented Demron®, an advanced radiation-shielding material, in response to the dangers faced by healthcare workers exposed to harmful radiation. By 1998, Demron® became a critical solution for first responders, military personnel, and even space exploration, offering unparalleled protection against nuclear radiation and chemical threats. At RST, Dr. DeMeo leads the development of cutting-edge protective gear, including CBRN Suits, full-body suits, vests, and blankets designed to shield users from high-energy gamma and beta radiation while ensuring comfort and durability. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, RST is at the forefront of global demand for its innovative products. Dr. DeMeo’s contributions extend beyond technology, supporting disaster relief efforts and community initiatives through philanthropy. Dr. DeMeo earned his BS in Biochemistry with a Physics Minor from the University of Florida, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He completed MD at the University of South Florida, and his MBA with a specialization in Health Care Administration from the University of Miami.

Fire Chief Darrel Donatto has dedicated 44 years to fire rescue, serving 23 years with the City of Riviera Beach Fire Rescue Department and 20 years with the Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue before joining the Town of Jupiter Fire Rescue Department in January 2024. A highly respected leader in the fire service, he has received numerous awards and commendations, including being named the FFCA Fire Chief of the Year in 2016 and receiving the Palm Beach County EMS Providers Association EMS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Chief Donatto holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and has been deeply involved with the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association in various leadership roles. He remains a strong advocate for legislative initiatives impacting fire rescue services, ensuring the continued advancement of the profession and the safety of the communities he serves.

With 5+ years of experience in human-centered design, AI systems, physiological signals, and biomechanics, Erikson has managed $5M+ in DoD and commercial research funding. Her projects include wearable system for heat stress monitoring, non-contact vitals monitoring system for senior living, and AI agent system for research. She also has 3 years of experience in design control for FDA regulated systems at Medtronic and GE Healthcare. She holds an MS in industrial and systems engineering and a BS in biomedical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Anne Everly has served for 3+ years as the Florida Department of Education Apprenticeship Training Representative for Region 6 (Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Port St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties). Everly has 17+ years of experience working in Secondary Education as the Program Manager for the Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentoring Program for Middle and High School Students and the Pre-apprenticeship and Student Internship Coordinator for the Brevard Public Schools Career and Technical Education Program.

Dr. Haddad is a dedicated nurse leader with 30+ years of nursing experience. She is a clinical professor and the executive associate dean at Texas A&M College of Nursing. Dr. Haddad has a proven track record in addressing critical healthcare challenges. Her experience includes tackling the nursing shortage through innovative recruitment strategies and expanding clinical preceptor networks to enhance practical training opportunities. She has been instrumental in developing and streamlining educational pathways, successfully designing, and implementing programs that support student success while meeting workforce demands. She has succeeded in growing nursing programs and fostering partnerships to ensure quality education and patient care. She is currently overseeing the development of Aerospace and Extreme Environment Nursing Program.

Jamie Harley has served as the Outreach Coordinator for the Florida Health Information Exchange (HIE) since 2024. In this role, she is responsible for identifying and conducting educational opportunities and sessions, development of educational material explaining Health IT programs and various innovative approaches, working with community partners on Health IT and its impact, and working directly with healthcare providers. Jamie has 18+ years of experience working with individuals through her previous sales career.

Joy Jamerson leads outreach efforts to prospective partners interested in developing health occupation Registered Apprenticeships through the Healthcare Career Advancement Program (H-CAP). H-CAP is a national labor-management organization that promotes innovation and quality in healthcare career education. It also functions as a National Industry Intermediary Contractor and Apprenticeship Ambassador with the U.S. Department of Labor, offering free technical assistance, subject matter expertise, shareable resources, and capacity-building infrastructure through Registered Apprenticeships. Joy has 21+ years of experience and a proven track record in workforce development, state policies, and regulations related to the eligible training provider list. Her expertise spans recruitment, strategic planning, coordination, talent acquisition, student placement, and budgeting. Throughout her career, Joy has dedicated herself to academia and workforce development. She understands the academic challenges faced by both traditional and non-traditional students and emphasizes the importance of enhancing career knowledge in today’s competitive labor market. Joy received her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Southern University in New Orleans.

Stephen Shaw is father, a husband, and a 29-year veteran of the Fire Rescue service. In 2024 he became a Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Jupiter Fire Rescue Department, after serving 24+ years with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Deputy Chief Shaw is an accredited Chief Fire Officer and will complete his Executive Fire Officer in April of this year. He is a IAFC Hazmat Committee member and a Hazmat Specialist for FEMA USAR Task Force 2. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He is a Registered Nurse through the State of Florida. Deputy Chief Shaw is an author for Fire Engineering magazine, a speaker for numerous conferences, and the host of the “Perspectives on Leadership” podcast. He has a beautiful wife and two wonderful boys

Mary Showstark is a Physician Associate/Assistant (PA), an Assistant Professor at Yale University, and an affiliate faculty member of the Yale Institute of Global Health. Showstark is involved in growing the healthcare workforce for the PA profession globally and currently works with World Continuing Education Alliance. She is also Chief Liaison Officer to Health Tech Without Borders and holds a PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies from the University of Buckingham. Showstark is a physician associate with clinical experience in trauma surgery, emergency medicine, urgent care, disaster preparedness and response, wilderness, event, and mass gathering medicine. She has extensive experience with online education, group learning, organizational culture, and utilization of extended reality and artificial intelligence. She is also a consultant for the World Bank specializing in disaster, health, and climate.

Kate Whitaker is a senior communications professional with 25+ years of experience in higher education, nonprofits, and government. Specializing in communicating complex scientific and technical ideas and information to various audiences, Whitaker is an expert in program development, project management, digital media, media relations, and internal and external communications. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded a variety of comprehensive branding, fund-raising, and event and program outreach campaigns across multiple channels to a spectrum of stakeholders. She holds a BA in English and an MBA in Management. At Cyber Florida, she leads a team of talented professionals who promote the center’s activities and accomplishments and conduct statewide public awareness campaigns, events, and programs to encourage better cyber-self-defense among organizations and individuals.

Dr. Willis is a Board-Certified Family Physician practicing family physician and CommHIT’s co-founder. In addition to remaining on the pulse of healthcare, he has 20+ years of experience as a private entrepreneur, hospital CMIO, and a community health center CMO at an NCQA Level-3 Certified Medical Home with eight clinical locations offering the following services: pediatric and adult medicine and dental, maternity, and behavioral health. He merges his clinical and technology expertise to assist medical providers and social service organizations with cybersecurity, community engagement research, and better uses of technology to improve community health. He established Healthy Ocala in 2007, a secure and private digital mechanism to share patient data in Ocala, FL. CommHIT expanded that into the first rurally-based Health Information Exchange in the nation. Dr. Willis was awarded the 2013 Critical Access and Rural Hospital Champion Award from the Office of the National Coordinator (now the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy). Dr. Willis completed his undergraduate training in mathematics at Stetson University and obtained his Medical Doctorate at University of South Florida (USF). He completed his training at the Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency in Orlando in 2000.

Lauren Young Work, LCSW coordinates Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Lauren has a Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University with a specialization in illness/disability, medical trauma, and bereavement. For 31 years, Lauren has provided counseling, crisis intervention, and medical care coordination in healthcare settings. Lauren is recognized within Florida and nationally for her work in MIH program development and for the integration of social work into EMS and MIH patient care. Lauren wrote the first ever chapter on psychiatric emergencies for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) national and international exam textbook. She is a frequent subject matter expert and educator on topics related to MIH-CP, mental health, peer support, addiction, adjustment to illness and disability, grief, and medical trauma in the field of healthcare, EMS, and in higher education. Lauren is passionate about helping individuals and families and is honored to serve within EMS and MIH.