MarijuanaAware Speakers

A – C   •   D – F   •   G – I   •   J – L   •   M – O   •   P – R   •   S – U   •   V – Z

Claucous Alfaro

Community Educator, Trulieve

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Colombia, Claus always knew he wanted to help people live healthier, longer lives. With more than a decade of experience in the alternative medicine industry, along with his work in the Florida Medical Marijuana industry, he has done exactly that.

Read more about Claucous Alfaro

Claucous Alfaro is a dedicated Community Educator and Activist, and his passion for helping others shines through in everything he does.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Colombia, Claus always knew he wanted to help people live healthier, longer lives. With more than a decade of experience in the alternative medicine industry, along with his work in the Florida Medical Marijuana industry, he has done exactly that. Now he’s set his sights on helping increase the current cannabis patient population in Florida to more than one million patients through his work with Trulieve.

In his free time, Claus enjoys spending time with friends and family, training CrossFit, traveling, and listening to music. He’s always looking for ways to learn and grow, and he hopes to inspire more people to invest in their health.

Webinars featuring Claucous Alfaro:

Manny Alfinez

Field Services Engineer, Surterra Wellness

Army veteran Manny Alfinez worked his way up from a Surterra delivery driver to an assistant manager opening a new location within 10 months. To gain clinical experience, he took a job with The Kaya Life Cannabis Clinicians as a Cannabis Advisor/Practice Manager in 2021.

Read more about Manny Alfinez

Since retiring from the Army, I started out working as a delivery driver for a local dispensary (Surterra) in 2018. I worked my way up to assistant manager opening a new location (FWB) within 10 months. Though I love the dispensary side of the industry, I felt it necessary to gain clinical experience. So I decided to take a job with The Kaya Life Cannabis Clinicians as a Cannabis Advisor/Practice Manager in 2021. The key to this change is that I was no longer held back by dispensary retail liabilities, meaning I could now be more specific in advising patients. In doing so, I began learning from others experiences along with my own in more detail, a true blue case study at the user level (not peer-reviewed). This allowed me to assist others in finding specific products for specific results, saving hundreds of dollars.

​I believe that due to the nature of cannabis and how it may affect individuals differently, there is a need for advising/coaching for those who find little assistance in the general consultations being provided in the market today.

​Qualifications:

  • Interpener or Cannabis Sommelier (Certified)
  • Cannabis Consultant (Certified)
  • Cannabis Products & Sales Training (Certified) by the Trichome Institute and Medical Cannabis Wellness Advisor
  • Member of the new National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) as a professional within the industry

Webinars featuring Manny Alfinez:

David Battaglia

Senior Manager of Solventless Extraction, Parallel/Surterra

David Battaglia started as a technician in the ethanol extraction, then quickly climbed the ranks as he acquired skills in the art of producing high-quality concentrates with or without the use of solvents.

Read more about David Battaglia

David Battaglia is currently the Senior Manager of Solventless Extraction at Parallel. He started at Parallel in 2019, as a technician in the ethanol extraction, then quickly climbed the ranks up to Senior Manager of Solventless Extraction. He is a highly skilled and experienced, with a proven track record in the cannabis industry. With a deep understanding of extraction techniques, he has acquired the art of producing high-quality concentrates with or without the use of solvents.

Prior to his role at Parallel in 2016, he worked on various private commercial cannabis farms in Trinity County California, commonly known as the Emerald Triangle, honing in his skills in cultivation and hydrocarbon extractions, then venturing into Solventless extractions. Through years of hands-on experience, he developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and nuances of these extraction methods, allowing him to optimize yields while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

 

Webinars featuring David Battaglia:

Chrissy Beresford

Regional Sales Manager, MÜV by Verano

Chrissy Beresford made her way into the medical cannabis industry following the unexpected death of a loved one, and now spends most her days providing education to physicians, patients, and members of the community on the medicinal properties and healing benefits of cannabis.

Read more about Chrissy Beresford
Chrissy Beresford made her way into the medical cannabis industry following the unexpected death of a loved one, and now spends most her days providing education to physicians, patients, and members of the community on the medicinal properties and healing benefits of cannabis. Chrissy is making it one of her life’s missions to bring awareness and understanding around alternative forms of medicine and therapy, and in addition to her extensive work in medical cannabis education has become a 200 hr accredited yoga teacher via the Yoga Alliance.

Webinars featuring Chrissy Beresford:

Lisa Black

Community Educator, Insa

Born and raised in Wareham, Massachusetts, Lisa Black is responsible for managing internal cannabis trainings, community education, and outreach events for Insa. She is endlessly enthusiastic about all aspects of cannabis, from product innovation to new discoveries in cannabis science.

Read more about Lisa Black

Lisa Black is the Community Educator for Insa. Born and raised in Wareham, Massachusetts, she is responsible for managing internal cannabis trainings, as well as community education and outreach events for Insa. She is endlessly enthusiastic about all aspects of cannabis, from product innovation to new discoveries in cannabis science.

In her five years in the industry Lisa has both hosted and participated in frequent educational events, using her knowledge to help hundreds of people on their cannabis journeys. She has been featured in articles on cannabis educational websites like Leafly and Benzinga. When not talking about cannabis, she loves to paint, go for nature walks with her daughter, and play cooperative board games with her husband.

Webinars featuring Lisa Black:

Christopher Cano

Executive Director, Suncoast Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)

Christopher Cano's scholarly work, A Comparative and Policy Analysis of Cannabis Prohibition with Recommendations for Florida’s Medical Marijuana System, was lauded by academics as the most in-depth research on the subject ever conducted by a student from USF's School of Public Affairs.

Read more about Christopher Cano
Christopher Cano is a United States Air Force Veteran and Public Administrator who currently serves as an organizer for social justice. Armed with multiple degrees from the University of South Florida and years of experience in Florida politics, Chris strives to be at the forefront of multiple movements working to affect change in America. Currently he serves on several local and state-wide boards of various nonprofit and advocacy organizations. His scholarly work, A Comparative and Policy Analysis of Cannabis Prohibition with Recommendations for Florida’s Medical Marijuana System, was lauded by fellow academics as the most in-depth research on the subject ever conducted by a student from the University of South Florida's School of Public Affairs.

Christopher's professional experience working as a Legislative Analyst in the Florida Legislature, for several Social Justice Organizations, and a major Fortune 500 Company in the Pharmaceutical Industry give him a wealth of knowledge that he applies everyday. His post-graduate work as a Professor teaching educational seminars combined with his professional and his academic experience make him one of the top industry professionals. Chris currently serves as Executive Director for the Suncoast Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in the state of Florida.

Webinars featuring Christopher Cano:

Danielle Carapellucci

Store Manager, Surterra South Tampa

Danielle Carapellucci served ten years in the Air Force as a Mental Health Technician, and has a background in behavioral health, education, and nutrition. She has been an advocate for marijuana for more than 35 years and even wrote a major college paper on medical marijuana in the 90’s, risking a failing grade.

Read more about Danielle Carapellucci

Florida Retail – Largo Assistant Operations Manager

I began my journey with Surterra in January of 2019 as a part-time DOSIST Expert. I have a background in behavioral health, education, nutrition, herbal studies, and health and wellness, making the transition to medical marijuana quite natural. After enlisting at the age of 17, I served ten years in the Air Force as a Mental Health Technician, attending school and focusing on psychology and education, as well as studying alternative medicine. Along the way, I started a small business in yoga and wellness and kept my daily lifestyle practice of herbal medicine and alternative healing modalities, all the while creating and growing a family with my husband and our five children.

I have been an advocate and consumer of marijuana for more than 35 years. I wrote my college paper on medical marijuana in the 90’s, risking ridicule and a failing grade, and have never wavered in my belief in its benefits. I chose to work at Surterra because I believe in the product we put out and the processes we use to grow, extract, and produce pure plant medicine.

Webinars featuring Danielle Carpellucci:

Jianna D'Addario

Patient Advocate and Product Guide, Surterra Wellness

Jianna works as a patient advocate and product guide at Surterra Wellness, and is excited about this opportunity to engage more in the educational side of cannabis. The most meaningful element of their work is being able to connect with patients about how cannabis works to benefit their complex lives.

Read more about Jianna D'Addario

Hi folks! My name is Jianna, but friends call me J. I use both they/them and she/her pronouns. I’ve been working as a patient advocate and product guide at Surterra Wellness for well over a year now, and I’m excited about this opportunity to engage more in the educational side of cannabis! The most meaningful element of my work is being able to sustainably connect with patients about not just our products but about how cannabis works to benefit our very complex lives. It’s an incredible joy to witness the impact that cannabis has on our patients, and I’m glad to have our patients’ vulnerability in our discussions to get to know them so well.

Outside of this role, I further work towards alternative and holistic community health as a sex educator at a local non-profit; to me, the overlap in these fields is astounding! I’m passionate about getting people’s health into their own hands and empowering my community through radical, accessible, and equitable education.

Outside of work altogether, I enjoy spending time with my chosen family, hiking and swimming in Florida’s beautiful and abundant nature, and dancing my heart out at live shows. Again, I’m excited to be a part of this webinar and share this space with everyone taking time to be here!

Webinars featuring Jianna D’Addario:

Turner Davis, RPh

Pharmacist, Medical Marijuana Specialist, Chief Marketing Officer, Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida

Pharmacist Turner Davis has 20+ years of experience operating, marketing, and eventually owning medical businesses. He has formed professional relationships in the medical marijuana industry over the last 7 years and used his experience to move MMTC of Florida, as well as the industry, into the modern day.

Read more about Turner Davis, RPh

Turner Davis has over 20 years of experience operating, marketing, and eventually owning medical businesses. In 1998 Turner formed and took on a position as president of Vital Care of North Florida, also known as Total Care, Inc., a retail pharmacy specializing in long-term care and infusion pharmacy. It was sold to National in 2010.

Total Care Medical opened as a medical supply provider and compounding pharmacy in 2001, and Turner served as COO/Pharmacy Sales Manager. The company expanded with locations in 20 states, and changed business focus several times to stay innovative with evolving industry trends. Turner was focused on sales training and product development from 2012-2016 and managed over 100 sales reps at market peak.

He has formed professional relationships in the Florida Medical Marijuana industry over the last 7 years and used his management experience to move Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida, as well as the industry, forward into the modern day.

Webinars featuring Turner Davis:

Dr. Anthony Ferrari

Chief Science Officer, SunMed

Since 2015, Dr. Anthony Ferrari has utilized his background in analytical chemistry to study terpene characterization and their interaction with cannabinoids. His interest in plant medicine led him to Sunmed, where he continues to design CBD-based formulations that utilize modern chemical applications.

Read more about Dr. Ferrari

Dr. Anthony Ferrari is originally from Farmington Maine and went to Ithaca College to pursue his undergraduate degree in chemistry. After working on fuel cell research at Ithaca College during his undergraduate work, he continued education at Florida State University under Dr. Albert Stiegman where he obtained his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry studying microwave catalysis with specific application in the coal gasification processes.

In 2015 he joined an essential oil and CBD company in Colorado where he utilized his analytical techniques to study terpene characterization and its interaction with CBD and other cannabinoids. His interest in plant medicine as a modern solution to pharmaceuticals has led him to Sunmed where he will continue to design CBD based formulations that utilize modern chemical applications.

Dr. Ferrari is working alongside FIU and 7 athletic trainers to further their education and specifically use SunMed’s extracts to study: sleep, anxiety, recovery, and pain associated with different athletic populations and even some non-athletic groups. He has also worked with the University of Florida researchers to study HIV impacts with CBD and other pain/recovery models.

Webinars featuring Anthony Ferrari:

Zach Fleming

Florida Market President, Surterra

As the Florida Market President of Surterra, Zachary demonstrates a unique blend of business acumen, regulatory expertise, and mental health understanding. He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Xavier University and is a specialist in treating Opioid Use Disorders.

Read more about Zach Fleming

As the Florida Market President of Surterra, Zachary demonstrates a unique blend of business acumen, regulatory expertise, and mental health understanding. His experience spans across managing P&L, conducting financial analysis, and building high performing teams. His leadership, enriched by a decade at Narcotic Treatment Hospitals, has been instrumental in Surterra’s Florida expansion.

Zachary holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Xavier University and is a specialist in treating Opioid Use Disorders. His belief in the role of cannabis in addiction treatment has been a guiding principle in his career. Since joining Surterra in 2017, his work has significantly contributed to the company’s growth, leading to his promotion to Florida Market President in 2022. Zachary’s career is a testament to the power of integrating business strategies with a deep understanding of human sciences.

Webinars featuring Zach Fleming:

Amy Green, RN BSN

Patient Educator, Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida

Amy Green is a US Navy veteran, a former volunteer firefighter and EMT, a Registered Nurse, and is completing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, focusing on patient education and vulnerable populations. She is passionate about providing personalized cannabis education for medical marijuana patients and staff.

Read more about Amy Green, RN

Amy Green works collaboratively with the doctors and practitioners of MMTC to provide quality cannabis education to patients and staff. Amy also oversees the B-12 Wellness program within MMTC. She is a US Navy veteran, serving five years of active duty as a Master at Arms. After the military, she sought ways to serve her community, including being a volunteer firefighter and EMT.

She then utilized those skills to complete a nursing degree in 2014 and has been practicing as a Registered Nurse in Florida since then. Amy has worked in the medical marijuana industry as a patient educator for a major multi-state cannabis company. Currently, she provides 1-on-1 education for all new patients that come through The Villages office at MMTC.

She is passionate about providing personalized cannabis education for her patients and their families and is a go-to resource for new and experienced medical marijuana patients. She is completing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, focusing on patient education and vulnerable populations.

Forrest Haag

Product Marketing Manager, Surterra Wellness

Forrest Haag has a passion for health and wellness - particularly the incredible medicinal benefits of cannabis. He’s proud to work for a company that shares his values and is making a real difference in the lives of thousands of patients across Florida.
Read more about Forrest Haag

Forrest Haag is a dynamic marketing leader who's blazing a trail in the exciting world of cannabis. With a proven track record of delivering results for startups, global brands, and non-profits, he is a navigation expert with a passion for health and wellness - particularly in the incredible medicinal benefits of cannabis. He’s proud to work for a company that shares his values and is making a real difference in the lives of thousands of patients across Florida. A true executive lifeline, he’s equally comfortable at the intersection of art and science, with a creative aptitude and a data-driven mindset that sets him apart. With his unique blend of experience and expertise, he’s poised to lead the charge in this exciting, rapidly evolving industry.

Webinars featuring Forrest Haag:

Jesse Haray

Patient Advocate and Product Guide, Surterra

Jesse Haray has been a cannabis advocate for over 20 years, and for the last three he has been a mainstay in his Guide position at the Surterra Wellness store in Bonita Springs. Jesse makes it his personal daily quest to keep his community residents properly medicated.

Read more about Jesse Haray

A New York native, Jesse Haray has been a cannabis advocate and user for over 20 years. For the last 3, he has been a mainstay in his Guide position at the Surterra Wellness store in Bonita Springs. He spends a lot of his free time learning all he can about cannabis and its benefits, acquiring an encyclopedic knowledge of countless strains and their effects. Focusing on passing education to his patients with particular expertise in pain relief and terpene knowledge, Jesse makes it his personal daily quest to keep his community residents properly medicated.

Webinars featuring Jesse Haray:

Gregory Holt, PhD RRT FAASM

Member, Texas Society of Sleep Professionals; Diplomate, American Board of Sleep Medicine; Director of Operations and Polysomnography, Respiratory Quality Services

Dr. Gregory Holt’s research interests are in the control of breathing, diagnostic testing in the ALS population, and sleep medicine. Dr. Holt has published a number of peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters in the field. His most recent publication is a book chapter on the Principles of Mechanical Ventilation.

Read more about Dr. Gregory Holt

Dr. Gregory Holt is the Director of Operations and Polysomnography for Respiratory Quality Services (RQS) in Houston, TX. Dr. Holt has been trained as a respiratory therapist at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. He’s worked in the acute care setting on code teams, ventilator management, labor & delivery, and hyperbaric medicine. He has administrative experience as the Asst. Director of Respiratory Care at E.A. Conway Memorial Hospital, Monroe, LA., Director of Pulmonary Diagnostic Testing at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA., and Program Director of Respiratory Care, Florida A&M University.

He completed his education at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine, earning a Doctorate in Physiology in 1992 while studying Respiratory Muscle Afferent Signal Processing. He has been involved in clinical sleep medicine for 25 years prior to his arrival at RQS. Dr. Holt participated in the initiation of the Sleep Diagnostic Laboratory at Temple University Hospital in 1992. He was Board Certified as a Clinical Sleep Specialist by the American Board of Sleep Medicine in 2005 and since has helped thousands of patients with sleep/wake disorders. Dr. Holt has been the Medical Director of sleep clinics in Florida, he’s held joint appointments with UT Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine at Temple University Hospital, Pulmonary Medicine at the Audie Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and the Sleep Therapy & Research Institute in San Antonio. Dr. Holt continues his interests in clinical patient care and remains active as a Respiratory Therapist at the South Texas ALS Clinic and the Houston Methodist ALS Clinic. He has been involved with Veteran’s Health while working as a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist and diving with patients suffering from traumatic brain injury.

His research interests are in the control of breathing, diagnostic testing in the ALS population and sleep medicine. Dr. Holt has published a number of peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters in the field. His most recent publication is a book chapter on the Principles of Mechanical Ventilation (Shelledy & Peters, eds., 2019).

Currently, Dr. Holt serves as a member of the HME-RT Council, American Association for Homecare, an item writer for the National Board of Respiratory Care, and a member of the Texas Society of Sleep Professionals. He continues to work with the ALS Association, and local support and community groups while enjoying participating in ALS sponsored events. He is an avid motorcycle enthusiast, enjoys sailing, diving, hunting & fishing. Dr Holt is married and has 5 children which he jokes about, pointing to his interest as a long-distance motorcyclist.

Webinars featuring Gregory Holt:

Bryce Hutchinson

Clermont Lead Guide, Surterra Wellness

Bryce was born in Orlando FL and started with Surterra in March of 2022 and works as a lead guide at Surterra in Clermont. His hobbies include going to the beach & spending time at theme parks or the pool with his wife and daughter.

Read more about Bryce Hutchinson

Bryce was born in Orlando FL and holds an AA in Organizational Management via LSSC. He started with Surterra in March of 2022 and works as a lead guide at Surterra in Clermont. His hobbies include going to the beach & spending time at theme parks or the pool with his wife and daughter. In his free time he enjoys weight lifting. Fun fact, he is one of 6 siblings with their first initial being the first six letters of the alphabet: Alandra, Bryce, Cory, Darci, Emilio, Faith.

Webinars featuring Bryce Hutchinson:

Taylor Jennings

Jacksonville Store Manager, Surterra

Taylor has been with Surterra since December 2020 and has been an advocate for cannabis since 2013. Taylor’s background helped them educate patients and co-workers with confidence, while sharing their personal journey to help show insight and understanding for anyone struggling to find the right medicine.

Read more about Taylor Jennings

Taylor is the Manager of the Surterra located in Jacksonville, FL. They have been with the company since December of 2020, and has been an advocate for cannabis since 2013.

Taylor first started using cannabis to help with anxiety, OCD, and chronic pain. This was in a state that didn’t have medical marijuana, which made it harder to fully know what product they were getting or if it would even help their ailments. Then they had a family member move to Florida and experience true medical cannabis, and Taylor saw how life changing it was for that family member. Taylor decided to move to Florida and work at a dispensary and be immersed in as much knowledge as they could.

Taylor’s background in retail management and customer service helped them educate patients and co-workers with confidence, while sharing their personal journey to help show insight and understanding for anyone struggling to find the right medicine. When Taylor is medicated, they love to exercise, be out in nature, and enjoy a quiet night in with their pup!

Webinars featuring Taylor Jennings:

Laura Kellerman

District Manager Florida, INSA

As District Manager for Florida, Laura Kellerman is focused on building strong and passionate teams dedicated to ensuring the best possible patient experience. Prior to joining Insa, Laura spent time as an office manager for a family physician, where she learned about medical marijuana from patients.

Read more about Laura Kellerman

Laura brings more than 25 years of experience as a field leader to Insa. As District Manager for Florida, Laura is focused on building strong and passionate teams that are dedicated to ensuring the best possible patient experience across all locations.

Prior to joining Insa, Laura was busy working to help the world see better by driving business development at Sunglass Hut and Lenscrafters. She has also spent time as an office manager for a family physician where she learned about the benefits of medical marijuana from patients. Being at Insa has enabled her to bring these two worlds together.

A resident of The Villages, Laura loves to garden and spend time with her husband, Nathan. You will also find her out and about, enjoying some free time at the squares in The Villages.

Managing Anxiety, Stress, and Pain with Medical Marijuana / Seminar in the Villages, Florida / November 16, 2022

Isaac Klaus

Senior Vice President of Extraction and Refinement, Parallel / Surterra Wellness

Isaac Klaus has worked at Parallel since its inception and has led initiatives including: New lab designs, equipment selection, and implementation of redesign of extraction labs. Isaac helped to increase Surterra’s distillate production, develop concentrates, create vape formulations, and set up solvent-less extraction.

Read more about Isaac Klaus

Isaac Klaus is the currently the Senior Vice President of Extraction and Refinement at Parallel. He has worked at Parallel since its inception in 2019 and has led many initiatives including: New lab designs, equipment selection, and implementation of redesign/build of extraction labs for the Wimauma FL facility. Isaac had previously helped Parallel FL (Surterra) to increase distillate production, develop all concentrates, create new vape formulations, and set up and staff solvent-less extraction. Outside of Forida, Isaac has been actively working in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania to drive new lab designs, equipment selection, product outlines, and implementation of hydrocarbon, ethanol, and solvent-less extraction/refinement. In Texas, Isaac has helped keep extraction moving and has selected equipment and created lab designs for upcoming lab capacity upgrades.

Isaac actively travels and works enterprise-wide for Parallel with dotted line connections to all lab & analytical managers to ensure streamlined analytical testing, standardized practices for all extraction, refinement, and formulation practices, while continually helping all departments trouble shoot issues and driving efficiencies.

Isaac comes with a significant background in science, has over 21 years of practical/production/analytical lab experience, and holds a master’s degree in botany, a BS in biological sciences, and a minor in chemistry. He has previously built and completed 9 analytical/extraction/production labs and has multiple others in the works currently. Previous work experience for Isaac includes time as a geochemical analyst, wet chemistry instrument analyst, technical director and manager of organic analysis at ACZ labs (EPA/Oil&Gas testing); Manager of Marijuana Infused products, New England Treatment Access (NETA); Research scientist and Director of production services, Molecular infusions; Director/Lab manager, Rocky Mountain Remedies.

Isaac has been passionately involved with cannabis for over 20 years in multiple markets (black/grey/white) and for the past 7+ years he has been working on many large-scale projects simultaneously, always pushing for increased safety, efficiency, and capacity. All labs that Isaac builds and manages currently follow the strict regulatory guidelines set by the 2018-2021 Hemp bill, bide by NFPA and IFC regulatory guidelines, and will remain safe and compliant under his supervision.

 

Webinars featuring Isaac Klaus:

Joe LoBosco

Bonita Springs Assistant Operations Manager, Surterra

Joe LoBosco has been a proud employee of Surterra Wellness for over 4 years, since the opening of his home store in Bonita Springs. His passion for the medical cannabis industry comes from the benefits he has seen it give his mother, who suffers from several chronic health issues.

Read more about Joe LoBosco

Joe LoBosco has been a proud employee of Surterra Wellness for over 4 years, since the opening of his home store in Bonita Springs. His passion for the medical cannabis industry comes from the benefits he has seen it give his mother, who suffers from several chronic health issues. Joe helps his employees and patients alike navigate the complexities of the MMUR on a daily basis to ensure they have a good understanding of how the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry works and affects them and their healthcare.

Webinars featuring Joe LoBosco:

Rosa Matos

Orlando Store Manager, Surterra

Rosa Matos started off as a part-time Wellness Coordinator and has worn many hats during her 5 years with Surterra Wellness. Her love for helping others learn about cannabis and how to dose their medicine led her to working with her store manager to launch the Wellness Consultants program.

Read more about Rosa Matos

Rosa Matos is an advocate for, employed by, and a patient of the Florida Medical Marijuana program. She started off as a part-time Wellness Coordinator and has worn many hats during her 5 years with Surterra Wellness. Her connection with the patients made her realize her passion for consulting with people about cannabis.

Rosa’s love for helping others learn about cannabis and how to dose their medicine led her to working with her store manager to launch the Wellness Consultants program. The Wellness Consultants were representatives who worked both in stores and in doctors’ offices to help doctors provide education to patients. As Rosa worked to launch the program, she also had the honor of opening the Surterra Wellness Ocala location as the Assistant Store Manager/ Operations Manager.

Rosa spent the next 3 years learning as much as she could about store operations and then moved into a Store Manager role at the store she started in. In her off time, Rosa enjoys advocating for mental health, basking in the Florida sunshine, and spending time playing video games with her partner Eric!

Webinars featuring Rosa Matos:

Marc Matoza, Series Host

President and Founder, Marijuana Med Today

Marc Matoza is a medical cannabis enthusiast and research professional who was instrumental in founding MarijuanaAware education events. He’s been speaking at these seminars and webinars since the very first in June 2017 and is key in coordinating sponsors and speakers for each series.

Nick Maginsky

Regional Sales Director, MÜV by Verano

Nick Maginsky is a longtime enthusiast and supporter of cannabis as a medical product. He is grateful to be a part of MÜV’s team working with patients here in Florida, offering paths to a positive cannabis journey.

Read more about Nick Maginsky

Nick Maginsky is a Flagler College Graduate and certified by the Trichome Institute as a Level 1 Interpener. While he is fairly new to the Florida Medical Marijuana industry, Nick is a longtime enthusiast and supporter of cannabis as a medical product. He is grateful to be a part of MÜV’s team working with patients here in Florida, offering paths to a positive cannabis journey.

Webinars featuring Nick Maginsky:

Michelle San Miguel

SE Regional Manager, MÜV by Verano

Michelle San Miguel has 4+ years of experience in the Cannabis Industry specializing in customer service, physician engagement, operational logistics development, and community outreach. Michelle has spoken on topics such as Women in the Cannabis Industry, Marketing & Strategies, and the Future of Cannabis.

Read more about Michelle San Miguel
Michelle San Miguel is the Southeast Regional Outreach Manager for MÜV by Verano with 4+ years of experience in the Cannabis Industry specializing in customer service, physician engagement, operational logistics development, and community outreach. Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, FL Michelle is a first-generation Cuban-American.

Following personal sports injuries and the Alzheimer’s diagnosis of her grandparents, cannabis sparked her interest when she found the benefits of its use more favorable over pharmaceutical medication. She strides to break taboos within the Hispanic community by engaging with local organizations throughout the state and educating on the benefits of cannabis.

Within the last 5 years Michelle has participated in numerous events throughout the state of Florida and has spoken on topics such as Women in the Cannabis industry, Marketing & Strategies and the Future of Cannabis. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, skydiving, and spending time with her friends and 9-year-old blue nose pitbull.

Webinars featuring Michelle San Miguel:

Dr. Terel Newton, MD

Medical Director, Trulieve

Dr. Newton specializes in creating comprehensive care plans for acute and chronic pain patients. He has contributed to clinical research on using medical cannabis to help patients wean down on multiple drug classes. He currently serves as the Medical Director for Trulieve.

Read more about Dr. Terel Newton, MD

Dr. Newton specializes in creating comprehensive care plans for acute and chronic pain patients. He is a board certified anesthesiologist with fellowship training in Interventional Pain management and holds multiple additional certifications, not limited to: treating opioid dependence and Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Medical Director.

While his focus is on Non-Surgical Interventional Techniques, he is also trained and experienced in spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency ablation procedures. He serves as a mentor to medical students, practicing physicians, and other professionals interested in interventional pain management and the medical cannabis industry. Dr. Newton has hosted and presented on a wide variety of topics around the country including innovative pain treatments, advanced interventional procedures, regenerative medicine, clinical applications of medical cannabis and other topics at conferences, webinars, social media interviews, television segments, medical cannabis dispensary tours and other educational events. He has also contributed to clinical research on using medical cannabis to help patients wean down on multiple drug classes – opioids, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, sedative hypnotics for sleep and other medications that may have severe and potentially deadly side effects.

He currently serves as the Medical Director for Trulieve dispensary and holds active medical licenses in Florida and North Carolina. He continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations and individuals advocating for healthcare providers and patients throughout the country.

Webinars featuring Dr. Terel Newton:

Jenifer Perdomo, 1979-2021

After experiencing stage 3 cervical cancer, Jenifer was prescribed a long list of medications for pain and other symptoms. With medical cannabis Jenifer was able to ditch the pills and find mental and physical relief that she hadn’t felt since prior to her cancer diagnosis.
Read more about Jenifer's life and legacy

Alyssa Quintana, MSW

Series Creator, Cannachats (later MMWW)
Representative, Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida

Alyssa Quintana works collaboratively with doctors and nurses of MMTC to provide quality cannabis education to patients and staff. Alyssa created CannaChats, a series of interactive educational events held within medical marijuana clinics for patients to learn about and discuss various aspects of medical cannabis. Her academic journey began with a focus on mental health and a passion for holistic healing, incorporating our whole selves: mind, body, and spirit in order to wholly treat symptoms

Dr. Bruce Rubinowicz

Medical Marijuana Doctor, Maxxam CBD

Dr. Bruce Rubinowicz’ care philosophy is to be a patient advocate, providing full service and care to avoid unnecessary or costly referrals and outside testing. He has a degree in Osteopathic Medicine, completed a neurology residency, and completed a sleep medicine fellowship.

Read more about Dr. Bruce Rubinowicz

Dr. Bruce Rubinowicz received his medical degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his neurology residency at the University of Texas and a sleep medicine fellowship at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. Dr. Rubinowicz had a private practice in the Nashville area for 18 years before moving to South Florida and has well over 20 years of experience. His care philosophy is to be a patient advocate, providing full service and care to avoid unnecessary or costly referrals and outside testing.

“I have had the unique experience of being both a patient and a provider. My experience as a patient [undergoing evaluation and treatment of cancer] exposed me to the deficiencies in the health care system. As a provider, I have seen too many times when patients have undergone unnecessary tests and treatment. Even family and friends have been subjected to tests and treatment that was unnecessary and did nothing to improve their care. I have had the unique pleasure and opportunity to help many people and wanted to find a way to help more people. We have a health care system where patients are undergoing more tests, surgery, and therapies [at additional cost] without improved outcomes.”

Webinars featuring Dr. Bruce Rubinowicz:

"Cannabis Cheri" Sicard

Author & Instructor, CannabisCheri.com

Cheri Sicard was a published, professional writer and food editor when she first got interested in cannabis. Her website CannabisCheri.com has become a hub of credible cannabis information and recipes.

Read more about Cheri Sicard

Cheri Sicard was a published, professional writer and food editor when she first got interested in cannabis. At the same time she had just sold her award winning food and travel websites to SheKnows Media and found herself between businesses. That fortuitous timing allowed her the luxury of immersing herself in the topic of marijuana and edibles.

Fast forward 20 years and cannabis became Cheri’s livelihood. Her website CannabisCheri.com has become a hub of credible cannabis information and recipes, and she has written three books about the subject, so far.

Mary Jane: The Complete Marijuana Handbook for Women, released in 2015, is a great general guide to marijuana and the cannabis lifestyle that has helped scores of women come out of the cannabis closet.

Her 2012 Cannabis Gourmet Cookbook (Z-Dog Media) and 2018’s The Easy Cannabis Cookbook, which was released to both public and critical acclaim, have made Cheri one of the world’s most popular marijuana food writers.

Cheri has also turned thousands of home consumers into competent cannabis cooks and topicals makers via her comprehensive online courses at Cannademy.com.

Cheri’s cannabis articles and recipes can be found in High Times, Kitchen Toke, Civilized, Cannabis Now, Culture, Herb, and many more.

Webinars featuring Cannabis Cheri:

Katelyn Stark, PhD

Senior Manager, Marketing Operations, AYR Cannabis Dispensary

Dr. Katelyn Stark taught undergraduate courses at FSU, and has since built several medical marijuana resources that focus on terpenes, flavors, aromas, potential benefits, and in-depth strain knowledge. These educational resources are currently used at all 64 AYR Cannabis Dispensary retail locations.

Read more about Dr. Katelyn Stark

Dr. Katelyn Stark earned a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Florida State University where she taught undergraduate courses in Business Communications, Rhetoric, Media, and others. She emphasizes cannabis education in her marketing materials, and she has built several resources, including those that focus on terpenes, flavors, aromas, potential benefits, and in-depth strain knowledge. These educational resources are currently used at all 64 AYR Cannabis Dispensary retail locations so that AYR budtenders can better guide Florida patients. Dr. Stark has several years of experience working in the medical cannabis industry and enjoys sharing her knowledge with those on their cannabis wellness journey.

 Webinars featuring Dr. Katelyn Stark:

Joshua Swanson

Sr Manager of Infused Production, Surterra Wellness

Joshua Swanson creates new products and ensures they can be produced in high volume with consistency and quality. His recipes have won 19 industry awards in Colorado since 2015, including Rooster THC Classic, Dope Cup Colorado, Westword Reader’s Choice, Hemp Connoisseurs, and High Times.

Read more about Joshua Swanson

Joshua Swanson, Sr Manager of Infused Production, is responsible for assisting with the launch of new cannabis products and for kitchen development. Within product research and development, he creates new products and ensures they can be produced in high volume with consistency and of the highest quality. He designs new company kitchens, sources equipment, and creates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the kitchen, packaging, practices. He also reformats company kitchens when needed for expansion or compliance with new regulations. Swanson is responsible for product management, including units per month. Volume per kitchen is upwards of 100,000 units of edibles per month.

He brings more than 10 years of high volume customer service and three years of experience in the cannabis industry. His recipes have won 19 industry awards in Colorado since 2015, including Rooster THC Classic, Dope Cup Colorado, Westword Reader’s Choice, Hemp Connoisseurs, and High Times.

Swanson spent several years at NectarBee in Colorado, a subsidiary of The Green Solution, where he oversaw a production facility with 8 divisions that operated 7 days a week with 80+ employees. He managed research and development of soda, tinctures, truffles, gummies, enhanced concentrates, and potency enhancers. He set production goals, sourced commercial equipment, and supervised daily operations.

Swanson entered the cannabis industry in 2015 as a believer in its medicinal value after a loved one underwent treatment for and survived cancer. He was able to transfer his experience as owner and operator of Hawaiian Superfoods, a farm-to-table restaurant in Kahului, Hawaii to production and management within the cannabis industry.

Swanson is certified in Hydrocarbon Extraction and CO2 Extraction. He holds U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certifications for safe food handling, and is focused on the quality of company products.

 

Webinars featuring Joshua Swanson:

Cameron Vance

Cameron Vance, PharmD

Pharmacist, Medical Marijuana Specialist, Chief Information Officer, Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida

Cameron is a multifaceted pharmacist with diverse experiences in the fields of community, compounding, veteran, psychiatric, and hospital pharmacy. His special interests are in medicinal cannabis, pain management, neurology, and endocrinology.

Read more about Cameron Vance

Cameron Vance is an experienced leader in pharmacy operations management, practice development, team management, performance metrics, accreditation, training, planning, and physician marketing and education. His doctorate in pharmacy is from West Virginia University, and he is a professional member of the American Pharmacists Association and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Cameron is a multifaceted pharmacist with diverse experiences in the fields of community, compounding, veteran, psychiatric, and hospital pharmacy. His special interests are in medicinal cannabis, pain management, neurology, and endocrinology.

Webinars featuring Cameron Vance:

Ron Watson

Director of Governmental Relations, MÜV by Verano

Ron Watson is also the founder and president of Watson Strategies, a full-service lobbying firm specializing in healthcare-related subjects. Watson Strategies was key to the passage of the original “Charlotte’s Web / Low-THC Cannabis” bill in Florida, and the passage of SB 8-A which implements Amendment 2.

Read more about Ron Watson

Ron Watson is the Director of Governmental Relations for MÜV by Verano, as well as the Northwest Florida Outreach Coordinator. During his time in this role, he served a year as Executive Director for the Florida Society of Cannabis Physicians in Tallahassee, Florida. Ron is also the founder and president of Watson Strategies, a full-service lobbying firm specializing in healthcare-related subjects. Watson Strategies was key to the passage of the original “Charlotte’s Web / Low-THC Cannabis” bill in Florida, and the passage of SB 8-A which implements Amendment 2. He previously lobbied for physicians and dentists with the Florida Medical Association (FMA), the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA), and the Florida Dental Association (FDA). He has had extensive political involvement with patient advocacy and grassroots organizations, as well as experience organizing and managing political action committees.

Ron Watson has over 31 years of experience in Florida political, regulatory, and lobbying endeavors with government and major healthcare associations. During this time, he developed excellent relationships with leaders throughout the Florida government. He has a comprehensive knowledge of laws, rules, budgets, and regulations concerning medical, dental, pharmaceutical, tort reform, and insurance issues.

Webinars featuring Ron Watson:

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