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.
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 worked in the field of sleep medicine since 2006, when she began her career as an overnight sleep technologist. She became licensed and registered in 2008 and quickly developed a passion for both the science of sleep and the meaningful impact quality sleep care can have on patients' lives. In 2011, she transitioned into a leadership role within the sleep lab, gaining valuable experience in operations, team leadership, and patient care management.
In 2017, Rachel founded Sleep Analysis, LLC, where she provides remote sleep study scoring with a strong commitment to accuracy, consistency, and collaboration with sleep laboratories. With nearly two decades of experience in sleep medicine, she has worked in a variety of clinical and operational roles and remains passionate about advancing quality patient care through excellence in sleep study interpretation.
Rachel is actively involved in the sleep medicine community and has served on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Academy of Sleep Medicine (LASM) for several years, including roles as Director-at-Large and currently as Secretary.
Outside of her professional work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters, making memories with family and friends, and is rarely seen without a cup of coffee in hand. She's happiest surrounded by the people she loves, sharing laughs, celebrating life's everyday moments, and embracing whatever adventure comes next.
Lori Speyrer
Treasurer (2026 - 2028)
Lori Speyrer is the Treasurer and a founding member of the Louisiana Academy of Sleep Medicine (LASM). She has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing sleep medicine, respiratory care, and post-acute healthcare through clinical excellence, advocacy, education, and executive leadership.
Lori played an instrumental role in the passage of the Louisiana Polysomnography Practice Act, helping establish state licensure for polysomnographic technologists and strengthening professional standards for sleep medicine throughout Louisiana.
She previously served as Chair of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners' Polysomnography Advisory Committee and as Government Affairs Chair for the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST). She also serves as Co-Chair of the Southern University at Shreveport Sleep Technology Program Advisory Committee.
As a founding member of LASM, Lori remains dedicated to advancing the Academy's mission by promoting professional education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting legislative advocacy, and expanding access to high-quality sleep medicine throughout Louisiana.
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.
James A. Moreau Jr., DDS
Director-At-Large
With more than 40 years in dentistry, Dr. Moreau brings a wealth of experience, a passion for patient care, and a commitment to helping people achieve healthier, more comfortable lives. His journey into dentistry was unexpected. After experiencing several facial injuries involving his teeth and jaws in his younger years, he developed a deep appreciation for the difference skilled dental care can make. Encouraged by his father, Dr. Moreau ultimately discovered a profession he genuinely loves.
Dr. Moreau earned his undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans before receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and Louisiana Dental Association and has pursued extensive continuing education in areas including dental sleep medicine, laser dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, prosthetics, endodontics, orthodontics, and advanced life support. With his broad range of training and experience, he jokingly describes himself as a “Swiss Army Knife” of a dentist.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Moreau is passionate about family, community service, and adventure. He and his wife, Julie, have been married since 1983 and have four children. Together, their family has enjoyed traveling, camping, outdoor activities, church, and community involvement.
Dr. Moreau is a founding member of the Big Easy Wing and Bayou Escadrille Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, supporting the restoration and preservation of historic WWII aircraft. He also serves on the Board of Louisiana Missions of Mercy and has participated in mission trips to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.
Today, Dr. Moreau continues to find fulfillment in helping patients overcome dental problems, relieve chronic pain, improve their ability to chew, and enjoy a better quality of life. When he isn't caring for patients or mentoring others, you may find him traveling, spending time with family, or relaxing on his pontoon boat, affectionately named “The Weedwhacker.”
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.