Experts

Dr. John Connolly is President & CEO of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., America's "trusted" source for identifying top doctors. He has an extensive background in management and healthcare. For more than a decade, he was President of New York Medical College where he successfully revitalized the school while insuring its financial security. Dr. Connolly is extensively involved in healthcare activities including serving as a director of the New York Business Group on Health, as founder, a director and past chair of the American Lyme Disease Foundation, as a member of the Presidents Advisory Council of the United Hospital Fund of New York, and as a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He has also served on the boards of two hospitals and as chairman of the board of one, and is also currently Chairman of Professional Examination Service, Inc. He also is a frequent guest on regional and national TV and radio shows, including 20/20, CNN and Good Morning America.

Jacqueline Marcell is a former television executive who was so compelled by caring for her elderly parents (both with early Alzheimer’s not diagnosed for over a year) she wrote "Elder Rage", a Book-of-the-Month Club selection being considered for a film. She is also an International speaker on eldercare and host of the popular Internet radio program "Coping With Caregiving." To learn more about Jacqueline see: www.ElderRage.com

Dr. Videnovic is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at MCP Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, and a Neurology residency at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago where he served as Chief Resident. Subsequently he trained in Movement disorders at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He obtained a Master of Science degree in clinical research from the Rush Graduate College in 2007. Dr. Videnovic is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, Movement Disorders Society, and Parkinson Study Group. Dr. Videnovic cares for patients with Parkinson's disease and various movement disorders. He is a principal investigator and co-investigator on several clinical trials in the field of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. His research focuses on sleep dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease.

Jon P. Beyrer, EA, CFP® is the Vice President of Financial Planning at Blankinship & Foster, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in Solana Beach, California. Mr. Beyrer earned his Master of Science Degree in Financial and Tax Planning from San Diego State University. He is licensed to use the Certified Financial Planner and CFP® marks by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, and is enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Beyrer is a member of the Financial Planning Association and currently serves as the association's Public Relations Director. He is also a member of the La Jolla Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Section and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

Dr. Allen Raczkowski practices Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Renowned as the world's leading robotic cardiac surgeon, Dr. Raczkowski uses a special technology, the Da Vinci robot, which enables him to perform delicate procedures such as valve repairs and coronary artery surgery, producing better results, and offering patients a better quality of life in much less time than traditional heart surgery. Dr. Raczkowski graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine with an MD and has been in the profession for over 30 years. Visit him online at www.bannerhealth.com.

Susan Levy, M.D., is the Vice President of Medical Affairs and Medical Director at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Levy graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and did a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed a geriatric fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Levy is board certified and her expertise is in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Levy serves as President of Maryland Medical Directors Association (MMDA) and is an American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) Certified Medical Director (CMD).

Abbie Sladick, CGR, a certified Aging in Place Specialist by the National Association of Homebuilders and expert in Universal Design, has consulted on many articles and publications. She is a member of the advisory council for the National Kitchen and Bath Association and has also sat on the American Society of Interior Designer’s (ASID) National Council on Aging in Place and Universal Design. She was recently recognized by Qualified Remodeler Magazine as a Top 500 Remodeler, and has received the Master Design Award for Universal Design. Sladick also founded and oversees two companies: Abbie Joan Enterprises www.abbiejoan.com, a remodeling firm specializing in interior remodeling projects, and Great Grabz, www.greatgrabz.com, a designers and manufacturer of decorative grab bars and safety fixtures.