Stony Brook School of Health Professions Honors Alumni Leaders

The Stony Brook University School of Health Professions(SHP) celebrated a group of graduates whose careers reflect both professional excellence and a commitment to service, mentorship and innovation in healthcare.

At the School of Health Professions Outstanding Alumni Awards, held March 25 in the Health Sciences Center (HSC) Galleria, nine alumni were recognized for achievements in clinical care, leadership, education and advancing healthcare systems. The event included students, faculty, staff and more than 60 virtual attendees for an evening that celebrated the impact of these Stony Brook graduates.

"At the SHP Outstanding Alumni Event, we honored graduates whose extraordinary accomplishments are matched by their deep commitment to giving back," said Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the SHP. "Through scholarships, teaching, mentoring, and service, our alumni illuminate the path forward for today's students."

The 2026 honorees represent a wide range of disciplines across the health professions.

Stephen D'Amico, a 2022 graduate of the speech-language pathology program, has quickly established himself as a leader in voice and upper airway care. After completing a competitive clinical fellowship at Houston Methodist as the inaugural fellow at the Texas Voice Center, he joined an interdisciplinary team specializing in complex disorders.

D'Amico has presented at conferences locally and internationally and serves as an adjunct instructor, while remaining connected to Stony Brook through advisory and admissions committees.

Kiera Deller, a 2017 graduate of the clinical laboratory sciences program, works at North Shore University Hospital, where she was recently promoted to transfusion medicine manager. She previously served as a lead clinical laboratory technologist and participates in the hospital's Clinical Advancement Program.

Deller maintains strong ties to Stony Brook as a clinical instructor, advisory committee member and mentor to students, while contributing to research through co-authored abstracts presented at national conferences.

Rhys Filmer, who earned his occupational therapy degree in 1998, has translated clinical expertise into leadership in healthcare technology. After beginning his career as an occupational therapist, he moved into product management and business development roles, now serving as vice president of marketing and business development at North Coast Medical.

Filmer's work focuses on advancing patient-centered technology solutions while driving organizational growth and innovation.

Jules Maynard, a 2016 graduate of the applied health informatics program, works at Oracle Health, where he began as a consultant and project manager and now serves as a client executive. His work centers on supporting rural hospitals through enterprise systems that improve access and coordination of care.

At Stony Brook, Maynard was involved in campus life and continues to give back through mentoring, advisory roles and participation in career panels.

Ken O'Korn, a 1997 graduate of the respiratory care program, has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to patient care and leadership at Stony Brook University Hospital. Starting as a staff therapist, he advanced to associate director and now serves as director of respiratory care.

O'Korn has remained actively involved with the program through the advisory committee, supporting students and faculty.

Edder Peralta, a 2005 health science graduate with a concentration in disaster management, has built a career in emergency medical services, education and leadership. A former flight paramedic, he now serves as education supervisor at Stony Brook Medicine, where he leads training initiatives and clinical programs.

Peralta is also president of the National Association of EMS Physicians New York Chapter and contributes to strategic planning efforts.

Jacqueline Smith, a 2012 graduate of the athletic training program who later earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, has combined clinical expertise with military service. Commissioned as an active duty officer and physical therapist in the United States Air Force, she has earned advanced certifications and supported high-level athletic teams, including contributing to a gold medal victory for the Women's All-Air Force Basketball Team.

Smith currently serves as a flight commander, leading initiatives focused on readiness and performance while mentoring others in the field.

Claudia Williams, a 2008 health science graduate, is a healthcare operations leader serving as regional director of operations for NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health. She oversees multi-site operations across the Bronx and manages more than 150 employees.

A Six Sigma-certified executive, Williams has led major initiatives that improved patient volume and financial performance, earning recognition on multiple "40 Under 40" lists for her impact in healthcare leadership.

Lyncan Williams, a 2002 graduate of the physician assistant program, serves as chief physician assistant in the department of medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. With expertise in hospital medicine, informatics and quality improvement, he collaborates across clinical and administrative teams to enhance patient care.

A former critical care EMT and current adjunct professor, he is deeply committed to mentoring students and advancing the profession through education and advocacy.

"The engagement of this group of alumni is the heartbeat of our school," said Gropack. "They help us shape a culture of excellence, compassion and leadership as we prepare future health care professionals to make a lasting impact on their communities and professions."