Our Team
Our executive team is comprised of experienced healthcare providers and executives who have successfully brought leading drug therapeutics and clinical decision-making technologies to the forefront.
Executive Team
Sal J. Rafanelli, RPh
President & CEO
Sal Rafanelli is a visionary health care Executive Leader with a multifaceted background as a Pharmacist, Serial Entrepreneur, and Healthcare Innovator. With a deep-rooted passion for revolutionizing the healthcare landscape, Sal has consistently embarked on entrepreneurial journeys aimed at addressing critical issues within the pharmaceutical / medical device industry related to clinical outcomes as well as the delivery of better care to patients in an efficient cost-effective model. His companies have focused on extensive expertise in drug protocol development, Pharmacoeconomics, drug delivery, clinical care, and patient experience enhancement has significantly reshaped the way healthcare is delivered.
Sal's impressive track record speaks for itself, as he has successfully founded and led three distinct companies within the infusion and specialty pharmacy sector. Through his unwavering dedication and strategic acumen, he not only pioneered solutions that transformed drug delivery and patient care but also navigated these companies to remarkable financial success. With a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, Sal orchestrated the strategic sale of all three ventures to either public corporations or private equity firms, amassing an impressive cumulative valuation exceeding $220 million.
Sal Rafanelli’s extraordinary journey stands as a testament to his indomitable drive, innovative mindset, and profound impact on reshaping the healthcare landscape for the better.
Joe Bissonnette, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Joseph C. Bissonnette is a seasoned Accounting, Finance, Management, and Tax Executive with over 40 years of diverse experience. Specializing in accounting systems, GAAP compliance, financial reporting, cost analysis, budgeting, strategic planning, M&A, tax preparation, and contract negotiations, he excels at coordinating financial systems and collaborating with legal and financial professionals. Currently, Joseph serves as CFO of Speranza Therapeutics Inc., overseeing finance, accounting, and tax operations while driving growth and investor relations. Previously, he founded and led Joseph C. Bissonnette & Co CPA’s LLC for 30 years, providing tailored accounting and tax services, and later transitioned clients after its sale in 2020. His early career included controller and audit roles, where he developed financial systems and fraud detection expertise.
Joseph holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Connecticut and is a CPA since 1995. He is an active member of the AICPA, CTCPA, and NATP. Known for his strategic financial leadership, Joseph’s ability to deliver precise reporting, foster profitability, and drive organizational success makes him a trusted advisor and asset in his field. His dedication to excellence and collaborative approach underscores his reputation as a distinguished financial executive.
Scott Kalcic
Chief Technology Officer
Scott Kalcic has more than 25 years of information technology management and consulting experience with extensive knowledge in IT operations management, IT staff management, systems implementation, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. He attended Purdue University and began his career in public accounting where he quickly rose to the ranks of executive. Scott also owns an IT consulting firm that specializes in IT operations, systems management, cybersecurity auditing and consulting.
His accomplishments include leading the implementation of enterprise solutions throughout multiple industries to include public accounting, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. Scott is well versed in implementing IT solutions in startup companies and worked with Mr. Rafanelli at BiologicTx® where he successfully led the implementation of a full series of HIPAA compliant systems and policies thus achieving URAC compliance. BiologicTx® merged with a company called Matrix to create BioMatrix, which was bought by a private equity company. Scott played an integral role in the combination of information technology systems and policies post-merger.
At Speranza Therapeutics, Mr. Kalcic is our Chief Technology Officer based out of Florida where he lives with his wife and son. He is motivated by his desire to leverage best-of-class technology solutions to ensure ongoing improvement in the patient’s treatment experience.
Wendy Benstock
Vice President of Operations
Wendy Benstock serves as Vice President of Operations at Speranza Therapeutics, where she leads cross-functional operational initiatives supporting the company’s growth, national expansion, and commercialization of S.T. Genesis®, Speranza’s FDA-cleared neuromodulation technology for the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Wendy brings more than 15 years of experience in operations, account management, and organizational execution, with a focus on building scalable systems, improving processes, and translating strategic priorities into actionable results. Since joining Speranza in 2021, she has held progressively expanding leadership responsibilities across account management, sales operations, and company-wide operations.
In her current role, Wendy works closely with senior leadership and teams across Sales, Clinical, Product, and Customer Success to develop processes and workflows that support growth and operational efficiency. She oversees initiatives spanning provider and customer onboarding, training coordination, sales operations, business development, and partner support, helping ensure that Speranza’s growing network of healthcare providers has the resources and support needed to successfully implement S.T. Genesis.
Known for her hands-on, solutions-oriented approach, Wendy thrives in fast-moving environments where priorities evolve and complex challenges require practical solutions. She is passionate about building strong relationships, creating efficient systems, and making it easier for healthcare providers and partners to adopt innovative technologies.
Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Hofstra University.
Key Opinion Leaders
Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani, D.O., MPH, FAAFP, FASAM
Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani's journey in the field of healthcare began at Boston University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering. Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to making a difference led her to complete a remarkable educational journey, culminating in her becoming a prominent medical professional.
After her undergraduate studies, Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani pursued dual master's degrees at Boston University, specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics, and medical science. She then attained her doctorate in medicine from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, showcasing her dedication to a well-rounded education in the medical field.
Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani's professional career commenced as an epidemiologist in infectious disease at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Her expertise in this critical area laid the foundation for her future contributions to public health.
Following her successful work as an epidemiologist, she transitioned into the role of a family physician at The Community Health Center of Franklin County. Her dedication and expertise were quickly recognized, leading her to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer, a position she excelled in.
Not content with the status quo, Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani decided to expand her horizons and work closely with the recovery community. She started as a physician at CleanSlate Centers, where her compassionate approach to patient care made a significant impact. Her journey continued as she joined the leadership team at Promises Behavioral Health, showcasing her leadership abilities and commitment to bettering healthcare services.
One of the pivotal moments in her career was her involvement in the establishment of a new Withdrawal Management facility and residential program at Psyclarity Health. Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani’s vision and leadership played a crucial role in providing essential services to those in need.
Currently, Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani serves as an Addiction specialist at Lowell Community Health Center, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping those struggling with addiction. Simultaneously, she holds the esteemed position of Medical Director at Swift River, both institutions based in Massachusetts. Her dedication to addiction care is evident through her multiple roles.
Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani is double boarded in both family and addiction medicine and is active and engaged member of various medical societies, including the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Her expertise and passion for her field are further exemplified by her publication in AAFP News, where she details how family medicine can take a leading role in addiction care efforts.
Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani’s illustrious journey from a graduate in biomedical engineering to a distinguished medical professional is marked by her unwavering dedication to healthcare and her tireless commitment to improving the lives of those she serves. Her contributions to the medical community and her advocacy for addiction care make her a standout figure in the field.