Our Leadership Team
Meet the executive leaders driving Lavior's vision, bringing together innovation, strategy, and a shared commitment to redefining wound care through the power of botanical science.
Gilad Savion is a dedicated entrepreneur who pursued numerous endeavors prior to the launch of Lavior Pharma Inc. Throughout his career, he was primarily involved in the technology sector, working for IBM as Security Product Manager, as well as Director of EMEA Sales at PortAuthority. In 2006, Gilad Savion’s entrepreneurial journey began as he co-founded Nogacom, a software solution company offering services for information management and governance. His next project involved the construction sector, founding Savion Development and Construction, a company specialized in the initiation of international large-scale construction projects. In 2010, Gilad Savion and his wife, Anabelle Savion, founded Lavior Pharma Inc. with the mission of improving the quality of life for people with diabetes. As Chief Executive Officer, Gilad oversees the development of the company, ensuring success and profitability by pursuing all promising opportunities.
Anabelle Savion is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in building and developing brands across various industries. With over 20 years of experience spanning from Communications Manager to Managing Director, she brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, innovation, and hands-on execution to every endeavor.
Anabelle’s passion for brand development first blossomed during her international appointments at renowned companies like France 2 TV and Alpha Bio-Tec Dental Implants. There, she spearheaded marketing efforts, crafting compelling strategies that amplified brand awareness and operational effectiveness.
Driven by a belief in the power of collaboration and innovation, Anabelle thrives in dynamic environments where she can contribute her expertise and passion to create lasting impact.
Dr. Hanley was born and raised near Hartford, Connecticut. She graduated Magna Cum Laud from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. She then graduated with Honors from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Portland, Maine.
She completed a transitional internship at The Union Memorial Hospital and a Residency in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland where she was Chief Resident. She stayed on as Faculty at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine for two additional years before joining a private practice Anesthesiology group.
In 2008, Dr Hanley contracted necrotizing fasciitis in her right hand and arm. She lost most of the functional use of her right hand and was unable to practice as an anesthesiologist. After more than 20 surgeries, she began a Residency in Family Medicine at Kent County Hospital in Warwick, RI. Upon completion of this program, she stayed on and did a one-year Fellowship in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine and wound care also at Kent County.
She directed the Hyperbaric MedicineFellowship and Wound Center at Kent County Hospital until she relocated to Charleston, SC in 2018 to take over as Medical Director of the Wound, Vascular and Hyperbaric Medicine program at Roper St. Francis Healthcare. She has grown this program from one site to 3 different clinics and will be opening a new center in 2025 and another in 2026.
Dr. Hanley is a national and internationally known speaker, author and consultant for wound care and hyperbaric medicine. She is a passionate advocate for her patients and her profession. She is board certified in Family Medicine, Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and is past President of the American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventive Medicine. She holds positions on several boards and professional societies. She is the CEO and Founder of Wound Management Experts of the Carolinas LLC.
When not working, Dr. Hanley enjoys being with her husband, a retired Physician, and her 3 sons. She loves the Carolina beaches and is a diehard Red Sox fan. She is extremely proud that two of her sons are Eagle Scouts. She sings and plays guitar with a rock band, “Shark Farm”, and performed with them at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas in 2025
J David Warren, PhD, is a dedicated scientist, drug hunter, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a biomedical researcher. He was born and raised in Colorado, where he lived through his college and graduate school years. Dr. Warren earned his PhD from Colorado State University, where he received a graduate fellowship from Boehringer Ingelheim. He then moved to New York City to complete postdoctoral studies at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center under the mentorship of Samuel J. Danishefsky as an NIH-supported fellow. Afterwards, he began his independent career at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he led a laboratory focused on bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, placing several compounds into preclinical development.
Dr. Warren’s accomplishments include developing novel methodology for the total chemical synthesis of fully glycosylated proteins, synthesizing new photostable fluorophores for single-molecule imaging, creating novel therapeutics for treating Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, discovering nucleoside analogs active against adenosine kinase, finding selective inhibitors of HCN1 for neuropathic pain treatment, identifying novel PET tracers for imaging the chemokine receptor CXCR4, pinpointing a small molecule inhibitor of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase to target serine biosynthesis in cancer, and discovering and developing inhibitors that are selective for mycobacterial versus human proteasomes. Additionally, he contributed to the CURE-PRO platform, an innovative approach to targeted protein degradation.
Dr. Warren currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Akelos, Inc., is a Senior Principal Scientist at Canary Oncoceutics, and is a Senior Advisor to Dyo Biotechnologies and Eresina Labs. He holds 16 issued US and international patents and has published over 50 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
Ashlyn Tapley is an accomplished healthcare sales leader with over a decade of experience driving growth across managed care, nephrology, cardiology, and specialty healthcare markets. Throughout her career, she has focused on building strong provider relationships and delivering innovative, patient-centered solutions. Ashlyn’s professional background spans roles in pharmaceutical sales, aesthetic healthcare, and kidney health management, where she consistently demonstrated expertise in clinical communication, provider education, and strategic sales leadership.
Ashlyn brings a strong scientific foundation to her work, holding a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Master of Health Science in Health Services. Prior to joining Lavior Pharma Inc., she worked closely with nephrologists, primary care physicians, and cardiologists to support programs designed to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. As National Sales Director at Lavior Pharma, Ashlyn oversees national sales strategy and business development initiatives, supporting the company’s mission to expand access to innovative, plant-based wound care solutions and improve patient outcomes across multiple care settings.
Mariella Vega is a bilingual Registered Nurse (RN) and commercial leader with over 15 years of experience in the medical device industry, specializing in business development and market expansion across Latin America. She is known for her strong clinical and commercial expertise, as well as her ability to build distributor networks, drive product adoption, and develop strategic relationships with key stakeholders.
Victor Helo, a driven leader with a passion for community impact, heads the Middle East division. Born with a strong sense of curiosity and dedication, his career spans extensive experience in chiropractic care, leadership roles within professional organizations, and significant community service. With a foundation built on rigorous education, including a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and advanced certifications, Victor has consistently championed patient well-being and professional advancement. He has held prominent positions within the California Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association, alongside active involvement in various community organizations, earning him numerous accolades. Fluent in Arabic, Victor values cultural connection and strives to leave a lasting legacy of service and excellence.
Ethan Avitan is an innovative Marketing Manager at Lavior Pharma Inc., bringing a wealth of experience in marketing, social media, advertising, and creative design. Currently pursuing a degree in International Business at Florida International University (FIU), he combines academic knowledge with real-world expertise to drive brand growth and market expansion. Before joining Lavior, Ethan successfully owned and managed a company with over 10 retail locations, where he oversaw all marketing and sales operations, developing effective strategies to increase revenue and customer engagement. His passion for creative branding, data-driven decision-making, and business development makes him a key player in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.
Medical Advisory Board
Our Medical Advisory Board is composed of respected clinical and scientific experts whose guidance helps advance the research, development, and real-world impact of Lavior's botanical wound care solutions.
Dr. Dmitry Sandler is a highly skilled foot and ankle surgeon with a dedicated focus on wound care. Board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, he brings over two decades of experience to his patients in South Florida.
With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Sandler earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with Honors from the University of Miami and his Doctorate with Cum Laude honors from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. His surgical expertise was honed through a comprehensive three-year residency at Plantation General Hospital.
A pioneer in his field, Dr. Sandler is proficient in advanced reconstructive foot and ankle procedures. His extensive experience encompasses a wide range of conditions, including trauma, limb salvage, pediatric foot care, sports injuries, and diabetic foot management. He is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes through the latest surgical techniques and innovative regenerative medicine.
Dr. Sandler’s passion lies in providing personalized care and helping patients regain mobility and quality of life.
Dr. Mark Suski is a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with more than two decades of clinical experience in advanced wound care, reconstructive surgery, and surgical education. He has been in practice in Thousand Oaks, California since 2001 and currently serves as Chief of Staff at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, where he is also the founding Medical Director of the Center for Advanced Wound Healing and Program Director for the General Surgery Residency program.
Dr. Suski earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, completed his General Surgery Residency at UC Davis East Bay, and went on to complete a Plastic Surgery Fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also completed a National Institutes of Health–sponsored research fellowship in wound healing at the University of California, San Francisco under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas Hunt.
He is board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and holds certification as a Certified Wound Specialist Physician (CWSP). Dr. Suski is an active member of numerous national and regional surgical societies, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Wound Healing Society.
Dr. Suski brings deep clinical expertise and leadership in surgical innovation, wound healing, and medical education to Lavior’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Zaiac is recognized as an expert in skin cancer detection, Mohs surgery, and diagnosing conditions of the skin. Currently Chief, Department of Dermatology, at Mount Sinai Medical Center, he is dedicated to healing skin pathologies but also involved in the medical community, pursuing other appointments, including Professor and Chairman of Dermatology at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. In 1991, Dr. Zaiac co-founded the Greater Miami Skin and Laser Center.
Dr. Zaiac is internationally recognized for his research and routinely featured as an expert on news programs and major publications including Elle Espanol, Ocean Drive Magazine, and the Miami Herald. He has authored dozens of articles and numerous book chapters in dermatology and dermatological surgical peer-reviewed publications. He is board certified from the American Board of Dermatology and the American Society of Mohs Surgery and a Board Member of the Foundation for International Dermatological Education.
Patricia Nicholas, DPM, DABMSP, CPMA, FPMAs i a highly skilled and compassionate podiatrist with over 25 years of extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. She is proficient in both clinical and administrative roles. In addition, Dr. Nicholas is a knowledgeable medical auditor and clinical documentation expert, ensuring accurate coding and compliance in medical records. She excels in collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of care. As an arbitrator for the NYS Worker’s Compensation Board, she demonstrates a commitment to fair processes and thorough documentation. With a strong leadership background, she has served as Chair of the Podiatry Practice Committee and held various roles in professional organizations, including immediate Past President of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association. With advanced language skills in French and Spanish, Dr. Nicholas effectively communicates with diverse patient populations, making her a valuable asset in any healthcare setting
Dr. Leon Klapman, DPM, is a podiatric physician and wound care specialist with more than 20 years of clinical experience in lower extremity care and advanced wound management. Based in Sherman Oaks, California, Dr. Klapman earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in 2001 and has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for patients with acute and chronic wounds.
Throughout his career, Dr. Klapman has been actively involved in advancing wound care through clinical practice, consulting, and industry collaboration. He currently serves as a Clinical Advisor in Wound Care at Renova Care and as a wound care consultant with RxWound, where he provides expertise in clinical strategy, wound management solutions, and physician education. His work has focused heavily on improving treatment approaches for complex wounds, including diabetic and chronic ulcerations.
Dr. Klapman has also contributed to the medical device and surgical innovation space, previously working with EDGE Surgical, Inc. and collaborating with healthcare organizations to support new technologies and clinical education initiatives.
As a member of the Lavior Advisory Board, Dr. Klapman brings extensive experience in podiatric medicine, advanced wound care, and clinical product evaluation. His insights help guide the development of innovative solutions designed to support healthcare providers and improve healing outcomes for patients worldwide.
Dr. Michael S. Romberg, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon with more than 30 years of clinical experience and extensive expertise in surgical oncology, wound care, and burn treatment. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago and earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Romberg went on to complete his internship and surgical residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Romberg has specialized in a wide range of general and cancer surgery procedures. His oncology expertise includes lung surgery, lumpectomy, mastectomy, thoracoscopy, and mediastinoscopy. He also played a key role in introducing sentinel lymph node biopsy at Ingalls Memorial Hospital and was among the first surgeons in the region certified to perform this lymph node–sparing procedure, advancing surgical care for cancer patients.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Romberg has significant experience in advanced wound management and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process by delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber to promote tissue repair and recovery.
Dr. Romberg is also a sought-after keynote speaker who regularly presents to healthcare professionals, patients, and community groups on topics including cancer care, diabetes, wound healing, and surgical innovation. Known for his engaging and approachable speaking style, he has a unique ability to translate complex medical concepts into clear, accessible insights for diverse audiences.
As a member of the Lavior Advisory Board, Dr. Romberg brings decades of surgical expertise and leadership in wound care and healing technologies, helping guide the development of innovative solutions designed to improve patient outcomes and support healthcare providers worldwide.
Dr. Sigal Starinsky Elbaz is a forensic DNA expert and geneticist with a strong academic and professional background in genetics, biotechnology, and forensic science.She earned her B.Sc. in Food Engineering and Biotechnology from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa and her M.Sc. in Human Genetics from Tel Aviv University, where she researched genotype-phenotype correlation in colorectal cancer patients in Israel. She later completed her Ph.D. at the Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University, specializing in genetics and neurobiology. Her doctoral research focused on elucidating a new functional domain in the neurofibromin protein.From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Starinsky Elbaz served in the Israeli National Police, where she significantly advanced forensic DNA capabilities. As the Head of the Human Remains DNA Database Unit, she established the Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Unit, a pioneering initiative that enabled the identification of highly degraded biological samples—cases where conventional forensic DNA techniques would have failed.Her expertise in mtDNA sequencing, a rare and highly specialized field in forensic science, has contributed to solving complex forensic cases, including three high-profile missing person cases, two of which were later determined to be homicides.Currently, Dr. Starinsky Elbaz is leading the establishment of a new Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) section in the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office forensic DNA lab, further expanding the use of mtDNA analysis to enhance forensic investigations.Beyond her direct forensic work, Dr. Starinsky Elbaz has collaborated with international forensic experts, sharing her methodologies to improve forensic human identification worldwide.
