community Experts

Cora Palma

Assistant Clinical ProfessorLoyola Marymount University

Vicki Szabo

Associate Professor, Darth Vader Chair of Ancient and Medieval HistoryWestern Carolina University

Vicki Szabo's research focuses on medieval environmental history, the medieval North Atlantic and the history of whaling.

Elliott Silverstein

Director, Government Relations, InsuranceCAA Club Group

Elliott manages and executes key elements of CAA’s provincial advocacy role, and overseeing municipal advocacy efforts.

Ruth McDermott-Levy, PhD

Co-Director, Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment; Professor Emerita | M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of NursingVillanova University

Ruth McDermott-Levy, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, is an expert in environmental health, global health, and public health nursing.

David Wagner, Ph.D.

Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary BehaviorUniversity of Connecticut

Professor Wagner is an expert in caterpillars, butterflies, moths, insect conservation, global insect decline

Jim Mendez, PhD

Clinical Professor | M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of NursingVillanova University

Jim Mendez, PhD, CRNP, ANP-BC, is an expert in lung disease and transplantation, pharmacology and clinical ethics.

Jon Christensen

CEOBidmii International

As CEO and co-founder of Bidmii International, Jon Christensen is helping lead the proptech revolution in the home improvement industry.

Ewald Friesen

Manager, Government and Community RelationsCAA Club Group

Ewald manages CAA's advocacy and community relations efforts in Manitoba.

Julia Hanigsberg

President and CEOHolland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Champion for children and youth with disabilities & healthcare CEO. Expert speaker and leader on diversity, innovation and inclusion.

George Kuchel, M.D., F.R.C.P.

Professor of Medicine, Travelers Chair in Geriatrics and GerontologyUniversity of Connecticut

Improving health and independence in older adults through multidisciplinary team science