Meet Our Speakers

Thom has been a Respiratory Therapist since the days when MA-1 ventilators roamed the earth, building a career that spans decades in both acute-care and home-care environments. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership and clinical roles, including Director of Respiratory Care at several hospitals and home health organizations, where he honed his expertise in respiratory therapy and patient care. In the latter half of his career, Thom transitioned into education, sharing his deep knowledge of mechanical ventilation and respiratory therapies. He has served as a Clinical Specialist and educator for leading medical device companies, teaching mechanical ventilation and, more recently, training healthcare professionals on airway clearance therapies for ABM Respiratory Care. Thom’s professional journey also includes extensive experience in clinical account management and sales. He has worked as a Clinical Account Manager and Clinical Specialist for companies like VERO Biotech, Vyaire Medical, and CareFusion, where he excelled in troubleshooting, clinical education, customer engagement, and capital equipment sales. His skills extend to management, policy writing, and conference speaking, making him a well-rounded expert in the field of respiratory care and medical device education.

Garry Kauffman is a highly experienced respiratory care and healthcare executive with over four decades of leadership experience. He brings extensive expertise in clinical leadership, healthcare management, and respiratory care strategy.

Professional Experience

Kauffman Consulting, LLC (2015–Present)

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (2012–2015)

Select Medical (2011–2012) – CEO, Select Specialty Hospital, York, PA

Lancaster General Health (2003–2010)

• Director, Strategic Implementation (2007–2010)
• Administrative Director, HBO & Wound Care Center, Renal Services (2003–2007)

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) (2002–2003) – Chief Operating Officer

Orthopaedic Surgeons of Central Pennsylvania (2001–2002)

KDV Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Ltd. (2000–2001)

York Health System/South Central Community Health (1992–2000)

• Director, Operations Support (1997–2000)
• Administrative Director, Medical Service Line (1996–1997)
• Director, Pulmonary Services (1992–1996)

St. Joseph Hospital (1980–1992)

• Director, Therapeutics-Rehabilitation Medicine Service Line (1988–1992)
• Administrative Director, Respiratory Care Services (1980–1988)

York Hospital (1977–1980)

• Critical Respiratory Care Coordinator (1979–1980)
• Director of Clinical Education (1977–1979)

Lebanon Valley Hospital (1976–1977) – Director of Cardiology, Respiratory Therapy & EEG Departments

Education

Pennsylvania State University – Master of Public Administration, Healthcare Administration Track (1987)

York College-St. Joseph Hospital School of Respiratory Therapy – Diploma in Respiratory Therapy (1976)

Franklin and Marshall College – Bachelor of Arts, Pre-Healing Arts (1974)

Professional Affiliations & Leadership

Garry Kauffman is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). He served as President of ACHE of the Triad in 2015 and received the Regents Award for Exceptional Leadership in 2022.

His professional affiliations include the American Lung Association, North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care, Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care, and other healthcare organizations. He has also served as Adjunct Faculty at Harrisburg Area Community College and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Forsyth County.

Publications

Garry Kauffman has contributed to publications covering respiratory care leadership, healthcare management, workplace change, and the value and efficiency of respiratory care.

• “Seeking Out the Hidden Leaders in Your Department” – AARC Newsroom (2022)
• “Mastering Change in the RT Workplace” – AARC Newsroom (2020)
• “Determining the Value-Efficiency of Respiratory Care” – Respiratory Care (2021)
• Co-author, Respiratory Care: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition (2020)
• “Can Respiratory Care Survive as a Profession?” – AARC Times (2019)
• Respiratory Department Productivity: A Guide – e-book (2020)

Presentations

Garry Kauffman has presented at respiratory care and healthcare conferences and educational programs on leadership, evidence-based practice, operational performance, healthcare management, and the value of respiratory care services.

• “Got Cred? Cultivating Your Executive Presence” – AHVAP Annual Conference (2024)
• “Practicing Evidence-Based Respiratory Care” – AARC Webinar (2022)
• “Creating an RT Performance Dashboard” – AARC Congress (2021)
• “Value-Efficiency: Pivoting Our Value Proposition” – Vizient Respiratory Care Network (2022)
• “Making the Case for Respiratory Care Services” – AARC Summer Forum (2018)
• “Business Acumen 101” – AARC Congress (2015)

With nearly three decades of experience in the medical field, Sherri Kozubal is a seasoned healthcare professional whose career is defined by expertise, compassion, and a commitment to empowering others. Her diverse background spans respiratory therapy, sleep diagnostics, and community health education, making her a trusted advocate for patient care and wellness.

Sherri is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 29 years of experience and a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist for 14 years. She also holds the prestigious Certified Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH) designation and has been a Certified Respiratory Educator for three years. Her qualifications are further bolstered by certifications in neonatal resuscitation, Basic Life Support CPR, and advanced sleep study analysis, reflecting her dedication to staying at the forefront of her field.

Throughout her career, Sherri has seamlessly transitioned between clinical and community-based roles. She has worked in hospital and sleep laboratory settings, but her passion lies in supporting individuals in their daily lives. From managing conditions like asthma, COPD, and neuromuscular disorders to addressing all forms of sleep-disordered breathing, Sherri’s holistic approach ensures her patients receive the education and care they need to thrive.

In addition to her expertise in Western medicine, Sherri is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, offering a unique blend of services that address both physical and emotional well-being. She specializes in stress management, addiction reframing, and helping clients realign with their goals to lead more fulfilling lives.

Sherri’s professional journey also includes a strong foundation in sales and territory management, where she excelled in home oxygen assessments and CPAP therapy across Vancouver Island. Her ability to connect with clients and deliver exceptional service is complemented by her technical proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, ensuring efficiency in every aspect of her work.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sherri is deeply committed to giving back. She has volunteered extensively with hospitals and ambulance services, demonstrating her dedication to community care. In her personal life, Sherri enjoys hiking with her family and dogs, exploring the outdoors, and diving into books that fuel her passion for lifelong learning.

With her unwavering dedication to professional growth, patient advocacy, and holistic care, Sherri Kozubal continues to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field and beyond.

Interdisciplinary Studies
Rutgers – School of Health Professions (SHP)

Albert J. Heuer, PhD, MBA, RRT-ACCS RPFT, FAARC, joined Rutgers University in 1996, where he currently holds the rank of Professor. He is an adjunct faculty within the Respiratory Care Programs at Rowan University (NJ), Rush University (Chicago, Illinois) and County College of Morris (NJ).

Dr. Heuer designs and teaches courses related to health care administration and respiratory care. Dr. Heuer co-authors one textbook, co-edits two others, including the world renowned Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. Furthermore, Dr. Heuer has published numerous articles and book chapters, and has conducted many invited presentations relating to health care administration, clinical simulations and respiratory therapy.

Dr. Heuer is a Fellow in the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC) and is past recipient of the Rutgers Master Educator Guild and the Rutgers Excellence in Teaching Awards. Dr. Heuer has also in the past held the positions of Treasurer, Vice President and Director-at-Large for the New Jersey Society for Respiratory Care.

Terrence Shenfield's career is a remarkable testament to versatility, dedication, and an enduring passion for learning. From his beginnings on Wall Street to his pivotal contributions in the field of respiratory therapy and holistic medicine, his professional path reflects both depth and innovation.

Transition from Finance to Healthcare Expertise

Terrence launched his career in the finance sector, spending 15 years mastering the fast-paced world of Wall Street. Despite his success in finance, his passion for making a tangible impact on people's lives led him back to school to study respiratory therapy. This career pivot marked the foundation of a new chapter where his talents and compassion for others found their true calling.

Leadership in Respiratory Therapy

Since 1992, Terrence has been an active force in the field of respiratory therapy. His expertise spans adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care, demonstrating his depth of knowledge and multifaceted skill set.

At the turn of the millennium in 2000, Terrence took on the role of Education Coordinator at University Hospital (formerly UMDNJ) in Newark, New Jersey. Over the course of 25 years in this position, he worked tirelessly to educate and empower healthcare professionals in the field of respiratory therapy. His legacy includes not just impactful instruction but also an enduring commitment to advancing the standard of care in respiratory medicine.

A sought-after speaker, he has shared his expertise at both local and national conferences, influencing peers and shaping best practices in the field. His presentations and knowledge-sharing initiatives underscore his dedication to spreading awareness and improving patient outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.

Entrepreneurial Ventures in Education

Beyond his clinical contributions, Terrence is a successful entrepreneur and visionary. He owns two businesses—ATECAM LLC and A & T Respiratory Lectures LLC—which focus on supporting the professional development of healthcare workers, including nurses and respiratory therapists. Both organizations are structured to provide high-quality learning opportunities and equip healthcare professionals with the tools to excel in their careers. Terrence’s businesses further reflect his unwavering commitment to education, workforce development, and lifelong learning.

Pioneer in Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Terrence’s passion for healthcare extends beyond conventional practices. He holds a Master’s degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine and applies this expertise to promote holistic wellness. His practical experience includes Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, herbal medicine, medical cannabis, and essential oil therapy.

Blending his comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based holistic practices with a strong foundation in conventional medicine, Terrence takes a balanced and critical approach to integrative care. He is adept at evaluating and adopting holistic therapies to complement standard medical treatments, advancing patient care with a more well-rounded perspective on health and healing.

A Career Shaped by Impact and Innovation

Terrence Shenfield stands out as a trailblazer whose contributions span multiple domains—from corporate finance to cutting-edge respiratory care and holistic medicine. His enduring commitment to education, paired with his drive to elevate others in their careers, underscores his influential role in healthcare.

Through his roles as an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for alternative medicine, he has made an indelible impact on the lives of individuals and the broader healthcare community. Terrence’s career serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to combine professional excellence with a meaningful contribution to society.

Kenneth Miller, MEd, MSRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC?With nearly five decades of experience in respiratory care, Kenneth Miller is a distinguished respiratory therapist specializing in mechanical ventilation, ICU patient management, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Currently serving as the Clinical Educator of Respiratory Care Services at Jefferson-LVHN and adjunct faculty at Northampton Community College, Kenneth has dedicated his career to clinical practice, education, and research. A sought-after speaker, he has delivered presentations at local, regional, and national levels. In 2016, he was honored as a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC), recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field.