Our team brings together firsthand patient experience, scientific expertise, technology innovation, and operational leadership to help patients access information, explore options, and navigate cancer with greater confidence and hope.

Meet Our Team

  • Michael Smilovitch

    CHIEF MISSION OFFICER & CO-FOUNDER

    Former banking executive, entrepreneur, and Stage 4 cancer patient whose journey inspired the creation of the Smilo Foundation.

  • Bethany Smilovitch

    PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER

    Built and led multiple successful businesses; caregiver turned advocate known for persistence, problem-solving, and execution.

  • Biju Parekkadan, PhD

    SCIENTIFIC CO-FOUNDER

    Rutgers Professor and Harvard Medical School faculty member with expertise in precision medicine, biotechnology, and translational science.

  • VIKRAM BELLAPRAVALU

    TECH & AI ADVISOR

    Technology executive and AI leader who previously co-founded WiseLayer and sold to BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL). Currently leads the New York AI Hub at BlackLine.

  • NICK LIVERIS

    STRATEGY & GOVERNANCE ADVISOR

    Executive, board director, and investor who leads investments and strategic initiatives for the Liveris Family Office. Former CFO of NOVONIX and McKinsey consultant, with experience helping organizations scale through strong governance, strategic partnerships, and capital allocation.

  • MICHAEL MENG

    HEALTHCARE STRATEGY & GROWTH ADVISOR

    Founder/CEO of Stellar Health and entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience at Apax Partners, a global private equity firm managing over $50 billion in assets.

  • GEORGE ANSSTAS, MD

    PRECISION ONCOLOGY ADVISOR

    Director of Melanoma & Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine. An internationally recognized melanoma specialist, his research focuses on precision oncology, genomic biomarkers, novel combination therapies, and circulating tumor DNA to improve treatment selection and monitor response. His work aims to advance more personalized treatment strategies for patients with advanced melanoma.

  • JUSTIN SKOLNICK, DO

    STRATEGIC HEALTHCARE ADVISOR

    Board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician with extensive experience evaluating complex cases and guiding critical medical decisions.

  • DINA BOULOS

    CLINICAL TRIALS ADVISOR, PHARM D

    Research pharmacist with extensive experience in numerous clinical trials working at the world’s top cancer hospital, trying to make a difference and extend lives.

  • JESSICA ZUMMO

    INTEGRATIVE HEALTH ADVISOR

    Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine with expertise in holistic health, clinical nutrition, chronic illness, and naturopathic cancer support.

  • MATT CAIOLA

    STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR

    CEO of 5WPR, one of America's largest independent PR agencies, helping organizations build visibility, credibility, and national influence. 

  • Anthony Russo

    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

    President of the Commerce and Industry Association of NJ and CEO/Publisher of COMMERCE Magazine. He has decades of experience in business leadership, government affairs, and public policy, advocating for New Jersey's business community.

  • MARISA BERSON

    PARTNERSHIPS & BRAND STRATEGY

    Senior Agency Lead at Google with nearly 20 years of experience building partnerships and driving growth for some of the world's leading brands.

  • JONATHAN BETLEY, CPA

    TREASURER

    CPA and finance executive with leadership experience across major financial institutions, providing financial oversight and governance for the Foundation.

  • AMBER HUNTER

    CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

    Business operator with extensive experience leading high-performing teams, managing hundreds of employees, and expertise in HR, compliance, and HIPAA standards.

  • Sean Wachter

    PATIENT ADVOCACY & PEER SUPPORT

    Two-time Stage IV cancer survivor, former professional football player and wrestler, and nationally recognized cancer advocate. Known as "The Cancer Fighter," he has used his platform to raise awareness and inspire hope for cancer patients.

  • Ron Alfaro

    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

    JPMorgan executive, entrepreneur, and investor. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center and is committed to advancing healthcare and supporting stronger communities.

  • DAWN PIZZICHILLO

    FAITH & COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADVISOR

    Experienced leader and community builder dedicated to fostering faith, connection, and hope.

    John 8:12

    “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

  • CHRISTINA MARCHAK

    INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS ADVISOR

    Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Herbal Educator, Owner of Abide Provisions Wellness.