A Must-See Conversation With Leading Experts
The New
Frontier of
Wellness
Where Health, Beauty & Lifestyle Meet
Meet Our Expert Moderator and Panelists
Krista Bennett DeMaio
Moderator
Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local—Long Island’s leading beauty and wellness platform—is thrilled to moderate engaging panel discussions at the Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo. With an impressive journalism background featuring Women's Health, Oprah Magazine, and Allure, Krista brings her extensive beauty and wellness expertise to each discussion.
Inspired by her mother's career in hairstyling, Krista has always had a deep passion for beauty and wellness. Her approachable style and trusted insights have made her a prominent voice across Long Island, frequently appearing on News12 and 'Be Well' segments.
Krista’s commitment to community and insightful conversations will enrich the Expo, offering attendees meaningful takeaways and fostering strong connections.
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Paul Lepore
Happy Days
Paul Lepore began his career in business and finance before moving into the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, where he specialized in formulation and manufacturing. His lifelong passion for cannabis made the transition into health and wellness a natural fit, inspiring him to explore pharmacopoeia, cannabinoid science, and metabolic pathways in depth.
Guided by a mission to advance wellness through education, Paul founded Happy Days as a platform to share knowledge and passion where it could make the greatest impact. He has also championed extensive philanthropic initiatives supporting global pediatric health, mental wellness, cancer research, and underserved communities. These values remain at the heart of Happy Days and Paul’s commitment to building a healthier, happier world.
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Dr. Luis Fandos
Alluring Age
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Luis Fandos is a distinguished physician specializing in interventional pain management and cellular medicine. After completing his residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and advanced fellowships in pain and neuropathic medicine at Columbia University and Beth Israel Medical Center, he established himself as a physician leader at New York Spine and Pain Physicians and director of Pain Medicine at South Shore University Hospital. He also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Expanding his expertise beyond pain management, Dr. Fandos integrates genetic testing, peptide therapy, IV therapy, hormone replacement, and nutrition into personalized wellness programs that address root causes of disease at the cellular level. As a collaborator with the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Institute, he continues to advance innovative approaches that improve longevity, vitality, and quality of life for his patients.
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Dr. Matthew Rutman
Balanced Health & Wellness
Dr. Matthew Rutman is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over two decades of experience caring for patients across New York. A Brooklyn native, he graduated with honors in biology from Binghamton University before earning his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident and was recognized for his teaching excellence and dedication to patient care.
In addition to serving as an attending physician in emergency medicine for 15 years at St. Charles Hospital and other institutions, Dr. Rutman leads Rutman Medical, PLLC, where he specializes in trigger point injections and advanced wellness care. Trained in weight management and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), he integrates these specialties into personalized programs that help patients achieve lasting health and vitality. A devoted father of six and active community member in Miller Place, he also coaches youth basketball and enjoys traveling, golf, and fishing with his family.
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Dr. Meredith Vandegrift
Vandegrift Plastic Surgery
Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast and body rejuvenation, helping patients restore confidence and a youthful appearance after pregnancy, weight loss, or life transitions. She offers a full range of procedures including breast lifts, tummy tucks, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, along with both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Known for her holistic and individualized approach, she tailors each treatment plan to enhance natural beauty and support overall well-being.
A graduate of SUNY Albany magna cum laude and Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Dr. Vandegrift completed her general surgery residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and a research fellowship at the Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. She then advanced her training in cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, working alongside some of the nation’s leading experts in the field.
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Neeta Mitchell, RN
Balanced Health & Wellness
Neeta Mitchell, RN, is a highly skilled and compassionate nurse leader with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in holistic health, aesthetics, and wellness. As COO of Balanced Health & Wellness and Rutman Medical, she blends advanced medical expertise with a patient-centered approach to help individuals achieve both optimal health and radiant beauty. Her specialties include microneedling, Morpheus8 RF, IPL, Diolaze XL, CO₂ laser therapy, neurotoxins, dermal fillers, PRP, exosomes, and hair restoration, as well as comprehensive wellness services focused on longevity, hormone balance, and preventative care.
Renowned for combining science with artistry, Neeta designs personalized treatment plans that deliver natural, confidence-boosting results while enhancing overall well-being. Outside of her professional role, she is a proud mother of six, devoted wife, and animal lover, cherishing time spent with her family and three dogs.
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Jo Marie
Jo Marie Hair & Beauty
Jo Marie is a celebrated master colorist and stylist at Bangz Hair and Color Lounge, where her artistry and expertise have transformed hair into works of beauty for over 20 years. With certifications across premier hair care brands, Jo has earned a reputation as a trusted professional, delivering stunning results that inspire confidence.
Jo’s commitment to giving back is exemplified through her role as the Co-Founder and Chairperson of the United Salons of America, an initiative by the nonprofit organization Hair We Share. This program raises essential funds to cover the manufacturing costs of high-quality wigs, provided at no cost to individuals experiencing medical hair loss. Under Jo’s leadership, this initiative has restored confidence and dignity to countless lives, showcasing the transformative power of compassion in the beauty industry.
Jo’s leadership also extends to co-founding the Tri-State Beauty & Cosmetic Enhancement Information Group, a vibrant network fostering collaboration and growth in the beauty industry. Her passion for education, mentorship, and community impact continues to set her apart as a true leader and innovator in the beauty world.