Board Of Directors
Get to Know Us!
James L. Connolly, MD, FAASM, FAAOA
President (2024 - 2026)
James Connolly, MD, FAASM, FAAOA is a dedicated otolaryngologist at SLENT, a leading otolaryngology practice with multiple locations across Louisiana. Dr. Connolly serves patients at our Mandeville and Covington offices.
Born and raised in Uptown New Orleans, Dr. Connolly attended Metairie Park Country Day High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College. After his undergraduate studies, he spent a year at LSU Medical Center (Lyons Clinic), conducting research on nerve regeneration and assisting with cornea transplant procedures.
In 2000, Dr. Connolly obtained his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. He went on to complete an internship in General Surgery, followed by a Residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Dr. Connolly is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, with a sub-specialty in Sleep Medicine. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. He holds active memberships with the Louisiana Academy of Sleep Medicine (LASM), the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS), and the St. Tammany Medical Society (STPMS).
Dr. Connolly joined SLENT in 2012, bringing his expertise back to Louisiana to provide compassionate, high-quality care. His commitment to patient-centered care has earned him a reputation as a trusted and valued physician within the community.
Dr. Connolly is active in clinical research and has lectured for years at the AAO-HNS annual meeting on oral appliance therapies. He has participated on many AAOA and AAO-HNS Committee's including the sleep disorders committee. He currently sits on several boards including the STQN and LASM, as the active chairman.
985-327-5905
Colton Wiggins,
MS, RRT-SDS, RPSGT, CCSH
President-Elect (2026 - 2027)
Colton is a dually registered healthcare professional in Polysomnographic (Sleep) Technology and Respiratory Therapy with over a decade of combined clinical, leadership, and educational experience. He serves as the inaugural Program Director of the Sleep Technology program at Southern University at Shreveport, where he focuses on developing rigorous, student-centered pathways that prepare graduates for professional success.
His educational background reflects a blend of healthcare expertise and leadership preparation. Colton earned a Master of Science in Management & Leadership (2023) and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management (2022) from Western Governors University. He also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health (2024) from Northwestern State University, an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy (2016) from Bossier Parish Community College, and an Undergraduate Certificate in Polysomnographic Technology (2023) from Thomas Edison State University.
In addition to his academic and program leadership roles, Colton is actively engaged in advancing the profession at the national level. He serves as Vice Chair of the Editorial Committee for the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST), a member of the Recommendation Review Committee for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), a member of the Education Committee for the American Academy of Sleep Technologists, and a board member for the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnography.
Locally, he contributes as a member of the Curriculum Committee at Southern University at Shreveport and is a certified Quality Matters Peer Reviewer.
Guided by his personal motto, “I am FOR YOU!”, Colton is dedicated to supporting students, colleagues, and the continued growth of the sleep technology profession.
Motto: I am FOR YOU!
Rachel Besson, LRPSGT
Secretary (2026-2028)
Rachel Besson has been working in the field of sleep medicine since 2006, when she began her career as an overnight sleep technologist. She became a licensed and registered sleep technologist in 2008 and has since built nearly two decades of experience in polysomnography, sleep study scoring, and sleep laboratory operations. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about maintaining high standards in sleep diagnostics and supporting the teams responsible for delivering quality patient care.
In 2011, Rachel moved into a leadership role within the sleep lab setting, gaining experience in management, workflow oversight, and quality assurance. These experiences strengthened her interest in improving operational efficiency while maintaining clinical accuracy in sleep medicine.
In 2017, Rachel founded Sleep Analysis, LLC, a company dedicated to providing remote sleep study scoring services for sleep laboratories. Through Sleep Analysis, she partners with labs to deliver reliable, consistent scoring while helping laboratories manage workflow demands and maintain high clinical standards.
Rachel remains actively involved in the sleep medicine community and is committed to advancing the field through collaboration and professional engagement. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Academy of Sleep Medicine for several years, previously as Director-at-Large and currently as Secretary. In these roles, she works with fellow board members to support LASM’s mission of promoting education, professional development, and collaboration among sleep medicine professionals across Louisiana.
Outside of her professional work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband and their three teenage daughters.
225-892-2015
Lori Speyrer
Treasurer (2026 - 2028)
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123-456-7890
Dr. Oleg Cheryshev
Director-At-Large
Dr. Chernyshev is a Tenured Professor in the Department of Neurology at LSU Health Shreveport. He is Director of the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Sleep Medicine Center and the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Stroke Program. He has Board Certification in Neurology, Sleep Medicine, and Vascular Neurology/Stroke.
Dr. Edell
Director at Large
Dr. Dean Edell is a board-certified pediatric pulmonologist specializing in chronic lung disease. With over 30 years of experience in the medical community, he has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Chairman of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at West Jefferson Medical Center. Most recently, he served as Director of Pulmonary and Respiratory Care at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. He currently treats pediatric pulmonary patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. In addition, he serves as a Director-at-Large for the Louisiana Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Lea Desmarteau
Director at Large
With over 30 years of experience owning and managing sleep businesses, Lea Desmarteau is a passionate advocate for operational excellence in sleep medicine. A former RPSGT, she deeply understands the clinical and administrative challenges of the industry. Lea currently serves as CEO of SleepNavigator and WellNecessities Holding Inc., where she frequently speaks on utilizing structural technology to eliminate bottlenecks and elevate long-term clinical outcomes.
318-222-0885
Martha Smith
Director-At- Large
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Wade Young
Director Emeritus
Fr. Wade S. J. Young, LRPSGT, serves as Director Emeritus and current Education Committee Chairperson for the Louisiana Academy of Sleep Medicine, where he has dedicated 15 years of leadership and service. Over the course of his tenure, he has held multiple board positions including Director at Large, President, and member of the Publications Committee—consistently championing education, professional standards, and growth within the field.
With 19 years of hands-on experience as a sleep technologist, Fr. Young brings a deep well of clinical knowledge, practical insight, and passion for mentoring the next generation of professionals. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing sleep medicine through education, advocacy, and service.