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
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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.
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Bethany Smilovitch
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
Built and led multiple successful businesses; caregiver turned advocate known for persistence, problem-solving, and execution.
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Biju Parekkadan, PhD
SCIENTIFIC CO-FOUNDER
Rutgers Professor and Harvard Medical School faculty member with expertise in precision medicine, biotechnology, and translational science.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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JUSTIN SKOLNICK, DO
STRATEGIC HEALTHCARE ADVISOR
Board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician with extensive experience evaluating complex cases and guiding critical medical decisions.
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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.
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JESSICA ZUMMO
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH ADVISOR
Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine with expertise in holistic health, clinical nutrition, chronic illness, and naturopathic cancer support.
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MATT CAIOLA
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR
CEO of 5WPR, one of America's largest independent PR agencies, helping organizations build visibility, credibility, and national influence.
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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.
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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.
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JONATHAN BETLEY, CPA
TREASURER
CPA and finance executive with leadership experience across major financial institutions, providing financial oversight and governance for the Foundation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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CHRISTINA MARCHAK
INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS ADVISOR
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Herbal Educator, Owner of Abide Provisions Wellness.