Meet the Team

Since 1972, Alcor’s team of scientists, engineers, and support staff have pushed forward cryonics with an unflinching commitment to the cause. It has been our honor to serve those who have entrusted us with their care.

hero-inner-image
alcor-gradient-background-2 inner-image-overlay-desktop

Select a Department

Alcor Leadership

Linda Chamberlain

Founder and Director of Special Projects

Linda Chamberlain

Founder and Director of Special Projects

Linda Chamberlain is one of the co-founders of Alcor (Alcor Life Extension Foundation) and served as its first CEO. She and her husband, Fred Chamberlain III, started Alcor in 1972. Fred, together with his father and Linda’s mother, are all currently cryopreserved at Alcor.

After Fred was cryopreserved in 2012, Linda decided to come out of retirement and returned to Alcor full time in 2016. She is currently engaged in two projects. One is the writing of the medical case report for each patient and the other is helping Alcor members set up funding trusts and revival trusts. It is Linda’s desire to be close to her family and do whatever she can to protect them and help bring them back into her life as soon as possible.

Linda has two published works on the subject of cryonics. The first, LifeQuest, compiled in the 1970s, contains short stories written by Linda, Fred and others about cryonics, mind cloning and other transhuman adventures. In the 1990s, Linda wrote a cryonics novel called Star Pebble, available on amazon.com.

James Arrowood, JD

CEO/President, General Counsel

James Arrowood, JD

CEO/President, General Counsel

James Arrowood started working with Alcor in 2015 as outside General Counsel and has helped Alcor successfully navigate through various complex legal and related business matters. James served for several years on the board of directors for a major local non-profit and as the public relations chair. He has served in various other public relations/press information positions over the decades. James has appeared numerous times as an expert on emerging technologies, both in print articles and television news appearances, including segments on PBS and all the major television networks. He taught the Arizona State Bar course on emerging technologies and is a published author on medical-legal issues. James has his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame (2002) and several undergraduate degrees from the University of California, Irvine, as well as numerous professional certifications and bar admissions.

Sarah Kelly, MSc, CNP, NRENT

Senior Administrative Director

Sarah Kelly, MSc, CNP, NRENT

Senior Administrative Director

Sarah came to Alcor after having assisted with a companion animal case. Sarah was a vet tech for a local animal hospital that often helped us with our companion animal cases. In addition to experience in veterinary and medical fields, Sarah has an associate degree and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Arizona State University.

As the Readiness Coordinator and assistant to the medical response director, Sarah will be responsible for maintaining inventory levels for all supplies and equipment for patient standby, stabilization, and transport. The Readiness Coordinator reports directly to the Medical Response Director and will provide quarterly checklists of inventory levels as requested by the Medical Response Director. They will work as a team to improve response kits and preparedness. The Readiness Coordinator will also work under the direction of the Medical Response Director to contact members to update medical information and document information in the database.

Jacob Graber

Lead Engineer

Jacob Graber

Lead Engineer

Jacob Graber has worked for Alcor both as a volunteer and as a part-time employee since 2012. Jacob was officially brought onto the Alcor team as the Manager of Engineering in January 2020. His duties revolve around the research, development, and improvement of cryopreservation equipment and techniques. Jacob works to ensure that Alcor adopts and adheres to modern and secure practices in everyday work as well as in the long-term safety and handling considerations for preserved patients.

Jacob graduated from ASU’s School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE) in 2019 with his Master’s in Material Science and Engineering. As a graduate student, he worked for two years in ASU’s 4D Materials Science Center (4DMS) investigating the behavior of metals under various stimuli using a broad range of characterization techniques. He brings his research experience with x-ray computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and analysis, and is the primary operator of Alcor’s on-site CT scanner.

Shelby Calkins, BSN, RN

Medical Response Director

Shelby Calkins, BSN, RN

Medical Response Director

Shelby Calkins has been the Medical Response Director at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation since September 2022. In this pivotal role, Shelby leads critical medical response initiatives, drawing upon her extensive background in nursing and emergency management to ensure the highest standards of patient care.

Committed to perpetual learning and professional advancement, Shelby will soon complete a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Administration at Capella University, graduating with multiple honors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Aspen University, along with an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Paradise Valley Community College.

Shelby’s versatile skill set spans pre-hospital emergency management, triage, home health, hospice, and significant critical care experience, including an impactful two-year stint in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). Her exemplary performance has earned her certifications in BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS. She is proficient and certified in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), and Impella, two forms of central cardiovascular perfusion that drive her knowledge and skills in the cryopreservation processes. As a nurse professional,
Shelby excels in high-pressure trauma and emergency environments, showcasing exceptional composure and effectiveness.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shelby engages in diverse interests, from literature and rodeo to outdoor adventures like hunting and fishing. An advocate for education, she finds joy in both acquiring and sharing knowledge.

Steve Graber

Director of Innovation

Steve Graber

Director of Innovation

Steve Graber became Alcor’s Technical & Readiness Coordinator in July 2010. In this role, he works with Alcor’s Transport Coordinator to perform standbys, postmortem stabilization, and transport of Alcor patients to Alcor’s cryopreservation facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. Steve is also responsible for purchasing, inventorying, and maintaining supplies and equipment necessary for cryonics procedures at remote locations and at Alcor’s Scottsdale facility. Additionally, he participates in training and outfitting regional groups around the world that assist with stabilization and transport of Alcor patients. Utilizing his design and fabrication skills, Steve will also work with Alcor’s Research Fellow, Equipment Fabricator, and R&D Committee to design, construct, test, and validate new procedures and equipment.

Steve graduated with a degree in Architecture and Fine art from Goshen College. His background and expertise are widely varied, with practical and managerial experience in many areas. His IT skills range from computer software and hardware design, desktop application programming, 3D animation, video editing and desktop publishing, and CAD design. He is also proficient in automotive design, engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication, having constructed of his own two-seat, mid-engine sports car.

Before joining the Alcor staff, Steve worked as an outside contractor for Alcor for nearly a year. During that time he assisted in nearly all incoming patient cases, including participating in local standby work. He also redesigned and constructed the Alcor emergency response vehicle and produced ISO 9001 compliant SOP documentation for numerous Alcor procedures and equipment.

Diane Cremeens

Director of Membership

Diane Cremeens

Director of Membership

As Director of Membership, Diane’s primary responsibility is assisting applicants in becoming Alcor members. In addition to explaining Alcor’s services to prospective clients, she also serves as the liaison between existing Alcor members and the organization by keeping the membership files updated and monitoring membership status issues such as funding.

Before coming to Alcor, Diane owned her own sewing business, “The Sewing Room”. She belonged to the North Valley Business Network, a group of small businesses in her local area. She networked to gain business leads and exchange business experience with other local business owners.

From 1989 to 1998 Diane worked for Community Care Network (CCN), a medical insurance company. Diane started out in the Provider Contracting department, working with physicians, hospitals and other medical facilities. She eventually moved up to Office Manager. She worked with six department heads and made sure everyone had what they needed to complete their jobs, from office supplies to computer equipment.

Dr. Nick Llewellyn

Director of Research

Dr. Nick Llewellyn

Director of Research

Dr. Nick Llewellyn brings over two decades of distinguished experience in biomedical research to Alcor’s scientific team. He earned his biochemistry degree from the University of Washington before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, where he developed expertise in molecular and cellular biology that would define his career. Throughout his research journey, Dr. Llewellyn has tackled some of medicine’s most challenging problems, from investigating HIV transmission mechanisms to pioneering genetic engineering therapies and developing innovative treatments for emerging viral threats including SARS-CoV-2.

As Alcor’s Director of Research, Dr. Llewellyn leads our efforts to advance the science of cryopreservation, drawing on his deep understanding of cellular and molecular biology to enhance our protocols and techniques. His collaborative approach extends our research capabilities through strategic partnerships with external laboratories and academic institutions, ensuring that Alcor remains at the forefront of life extension science. Dr. Llewellyn’s commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry and innovation drives our mission to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of cryonic preservation for our members.

Jeremy Wiggins

International Development Coordinator

Jeremy Wiggins

International Development Coordinator

Jeremy is a French-Canadian Alcor member living in Ottawa. His background is in healthcare, more specifically in critical care respiratory therapy. He has worked in various hospitals since 2004, mostly with a critical care transport team, transporting critically ill infants and children throughout the provinces of Ontario and Western Quebec. Since 2020, he has been on field deployments throughout the U.S. and Canada as part of DART. More recently, he was elected as a board member of the new Alcor Canada Cryobiology Research Foundation. He is proud of the opportunity to serve Alcor members and feels fortunate for the great team that he is part of.

R. Michael Perry, PhD

Care Services Manager

R. Michael Perry, PhD

Care Services Manager

Dr. Perry was hired by Alcor in 1989 following two years of volunteer work at the Foundation. Dr. Perry monitors Alcor’s dewars, provides facility surveillance during off-work hours, and performs writing tasks and computer programming. He has authored or contributed to the automated cooldown and perfusion modeling programs and has maintained the patient log books for many years. He is a regular contributor to Alcor newsletters. He has been a member of Alcor since 1984.

Prior to working at Alcor, Dr. Perry worked as a computer programmer—from 1968 until 1987. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 1969 with a B.S. in Mathematics. He received an M.S. in Computer Science from Colorado University in 1979 and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the same institution in 1984.

Dr. Perry is a Director and an ordained minister of the Society for Venturism and performs wedding ceremonies and memorial services for this IRS-recognized, scientific and religious organization. He is also a cofounder and past president of the Society for Universal Immortalism, a group dedicated to the hope that all persons who ever lived will eventually be resurrected through scientific means.

Dr. Perry has authored two books: Toward Self-Optimization of Machine Intelligence (Ph.D. Thesis), Los Osos, CA: Dove Systems, 1984; and Forever for All: Moral Philosophy, Cryonics, and the Scientific Prospects for Immortality, Parkland, FL: Universal Publishers, 2000. Prior to his Alcor experience Dr. Perry authored or coauthored several journal papers and technical reports on computerized tomography, for applications ranging from medicine to solar physics.

Hugh Hixon, Jr.

Research Fellow

Hugh Hixon, Jr.

Research Fellow

Hugh commenced employment at Alcor in 1982 as the Facilities Engineer. He is in charge of technology application and development, systems maintenance, and institutional memory research applications. Hugh has participated in a record number of cryopreservations.

Hugh is the inventor of the “crackphone”, a device which determines cracking temperature and degree of cracking, first with glycerol perfusion, and now with new cryoprotectant and vitrification systems. He is the initial fabricator of the Bigfoot Patient Pod System and modified the MVE Bigfoot dewar design for simpler manufacture. Hugh designed and was instrumental in constructing the Patient Care LN2 Bulk Fill System, in addition to conceiving, designing, and constructing the LN2 Vacuum Transfer System and the LN2 Vapor Cloud Extractor. He is the designer and builder of the Mobile Advanced Rescue Cart (MARC), and was involved in the construction of its predecessor, the Cryovita Labs Mobile Advanced Life Support System (MALSS).

Hugh served as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1965 until 1972 as an Aerospace Munitions Officer. He was stationed at Nellis AFB, Taegu AFB in Korea, and Canon AFB. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Redlands and an M.S. in Biochemistry from California State University at Long Beach. Hugh is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Space Access, and Alcor.

Daniel Lescavage

Senior Accountant

Daniel Lescavage

Senior Accountant

Daniel Lescavage brings valuable experience from the healthcare, insurance, and retail sectors. With a B.S. in Accountancy from Northern Arizona University and 13 years at AAA, he adds depth to our financial operations. When he’s not managing numbers, you might find him playing softball or cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

Board of Directors

Andy Aymeloglu

Andy Aymeloglu

Andy Aymeloglu is a software engineer residing in Austin, Texas. He was Director of Engineering at Palantir Technologies from 2005-2015, as it grew from a fledgling company to an 1800-person company with offices across the globe. Since 2018 he has been the Head of Engineering at Hexagon Bio. He also advises startups in the Bay Area. Prior to his time at Palantir, Andy studied math and computer science at Stanford University, and briefly lectured a couple of their introductory computer science classes. He has been an Alcor member since 2011.

Jason Harrow, JD

Jason Harrow, JD

Jason is a constitutional and civil rights lawyer, appellate advocate, and legal writer. He is a partner at Gerstein Harrow, LLP. He has briefed and argued more than a dozen appeals, including a high-profile recent argument in the U.S. Supreme Court about the electoral college in the case Colorado Department of State v. Baca. His legal commentary has appeared in the Washington Post, the USA Today, and the LA Times, and he has made appearances on Fox 11 in Los Angeles and other networks to discuss legal issues.

Before forming Gerstein Harrow LLP, Jason was Chief Counsel and Executive Director of Equal Citizens, a leading non-profit fighting to improve our democracy. He was also an associate at a major law firm in Los Angeles, and he was an Assistant Solicitor General in the Office of the New York Attorney General. He clerked for two federal judges, the Honorable Carlos T. Bea of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the Honorable Kenneth M. Karas of the Southern District of New York.

Jason received his law degree from Harvard Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude, was a speaker at graduation, and won the Dean’s Award for Leadership. He was also the winner of the 100th Anniversary of Harvard’s prestigious Ames Moot Court Competition, and he was later profiled in the Harvard Gazette for his advocacy while still in law school on behalf of a grad student sued by the recording industry. He received his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Princeton University. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Law Association of Los Angeles.

In his spare time, Jason plays trivia and hosts trivia games, travels, runs obstacle races, and plays tennis. He published a piece in Cryonics Magazine 3rd Quarter 2021 (page 19) entitled “Cryonics and the New Space Age.”

Blake Honiotes, RN

Blake Honiotes, RN

Blake Honiotes, RN serves on Alcor’s Board of Directors, bringing essential medical expertise to the organization’s governance. As Alcor’s former Medical Response Director, Blake developed deep knowledge of cryonic preservation procedures and the critical medical protocols that ensure optimal patient care during the preservation process.

Blake’s nursing background is rooted in trauma critical care, where he spent his career managing complex, time-sensitive medical situations. This experience proved invaluable in understanding the precision and urgency required in cryonic medical response procedures.

After serving as Medical Response Director, Blake transitioned to a leadership role at a pediatric hospital. However, his commitment to the cryonics community remained strong, and he was eager to continue contributing to Alcor’s mission when the opportunity to join the board arose.

Based outside Phoenix, Blake provides the board with a unique medical perspective that complements the legal and business expertise of his fellow directors. He continues to offer guidance on medical procedures and case protocols, supporting Alcor’s current medical team while helping to advance the organization’s standards of care.

Rebecca K. Lively, JD

Rebecca K. Lively, JD

Ms. Rebecca K. Lively began her career as an attorney both in the private sector and in government, with a focus on legal and policy issues relating to acquisitions, intellectual property, and cyberspace operations. Her career has blended the strengths gained from her Information Systems and Law Degrees with a focus on legal and policy issues related to cyberspace operations.

Ralph C. Merkle, PhD

Director at Alcor Foundation

Ralph C. Merkle, PhD

Director at Alcor Foundation

Dr. Merkle received his PhD from Stanford University in 1979 where he co-invented public key cryptography. He joined Xerox PARC in 1988, where he pursued research in security and computational nanotechnology until 1999. He was a Nanotechnology Theorist at Zyvex until 2003, when he joined the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Professor of Computing until 2006. He chaired the Fourth and Fifth Foresight Conferences on Nanotechnology, was co-recipient of the 1998 Feynman Prize for Nanotechnology for theory, co-recipient of the ACM’s Kanellakis Award for Theory and Practice and the 2000 RSA Award in Mathematics.

Dr. Merkle has 37 patents and has published extensively. He is now a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Manufacturing. In 2001 he and Robert Freitas co-founded the Nanofactory Collaboration. In 2008 Freitas and Merkle wrote “A Nanofactory Roadmap”, a research proposal for a diamondoid nanofactory development program, which was declassified and published in 2025. In 2011 Dr. Merkle was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. Merkle’s home page is at ralphmerkle.com. He joined Alcor in 1989 and joined the Alcor Board in 1998. See video of Dr. Merkle’s presentation on Cryonics and Cryptography at the Biostasis Conference in Berkeley, California on May 17th 2025.

Mike O’Neal, PhD

Mike O’Neal, PhD

Mike O’Neal is a professor and former Chair of the Computer Science Program at Louisiana Tech University, where he holds the Larson Endowed Professorship. Dr. O’Neal has three decades of experience in the field of higher education, has co-founded two high tech startups, and has fourteen issued US patents to his name. Dr. O’Neal received his BS (Magna Cum Laude, 1982) and MS (1984) from Louisiana Tech University, and his PhD (1989) from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. His academic interests include active authentication and identification using behavioral biometrics, computer science education, and artificial intelligence. Mike first joined Alcor in 1989 and became an Advisor to the Board in 2012.

Michael Seidl, PhD, JD

Michael Seidl, PhD, JD

Michael R. Seidl has been an Alcor member since 1998, served as a director from 2002 until 2013, and returned to the board in 2016. Mr. Seidl has lived in Delaware since 1998, where he practices law in a boutique firm specializing in corporate insolvency and related litigation. From 1996 to 1998, he served as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Jonathan R. Steinberg on the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center (JD, 1996), where he served as managing editor of the Journal of Law & Policy in International Business. He is also a graduate of the University of Delaware (PhD, English, 1995) and James Madison University (MA, 1990; BA 1988). Mr. Seidl dates his interest in cryonics from his fortuitous (and nearly simultaneous) reading of both Engines of Creation by K. Eric Drexler and Society of Mind by Marvin Minsky in the summer of 1990. Mr. Seidl’s wife, Lisa L. Lock, is also an Alcor member.

Research & Development

Dr. Nick Llewellyn

Director of Research

Dr. Nick Llewellyn

Director of Research

Dr. Nick Llewellyn brings over two decades of distinguished experience in biomedical research to Alcor’s scientific team. He earned his biochemistry degree from the University of Washington before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, where he developed expertise in molecular and cellular biology that would define his career. Throughout his research journey, Dr. Llewellyn has tackled some of medicine’s most challenging problems, from investigating HIV transmission mechanisms to pioneering genetic engineering therapies and developing innovative treatments for emerging viral threats including SARS-CoV-2.

As Alcor’s Director of Research, Dr. Llewellyn leads our efforts to advance the science of cryopreservation, drawing on his deep understanding of cellular and molecular biology to enhance our protocols and techniques. His collaborative approach extends our research capabilities through strategic partnerships with external laboratories and academic institutions, ensuring that Alcor remains at the forefront of life extension science. Dr. Llewellyn’s commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry and innovation drives our mission to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of cryonic preservation for our members.

Steve Graber

Director of Innovation

Steve Graber

Director of Innovation

Steve Graber became Alcor’s Technical & Readiness Coordinator in July 2010. In this role, he works with Alcor’s Transport Coordinator to perform standbys, postmortem stabilization, and transport of Alcor patients to Alcor’s cryopreservation facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. Steve is also responsible for purchasing, inventorying, and maintaining supplies and equipment necessary for cryonics procedures at remote locations and at Alcor’s Scottsdale facility. Additionally, he participates in training and outfitting regional groups around the world that assist with stabilization and transport of Alcor patients. Utilizing his design and fabrication skills, Steve will also work with Alcor’s Research Fellow, Equipment Fabricator, and R&D Committee to design, construct, test, and validate new procedures and equipment.

Steve graduated with a degree in Architecture and Fine art from Goshen College. His background and expertise are widely varied, with practical and managerial experience in many areas. His IT skills range from computer software and hardware design, desktop application programming, 3D animation, video editing and desktop publishing, and CAD design. He is also proficient in automotive design, engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication, having constructed of his own two-seat, mid-engine sports car.

Before joining the Alcor staff, Steve worked as an outside contractor for Alcor for nearly a year. During that time he assisted in nearly all incoming patient cases, including participating in local standby work. He also redesigned and constructed the Alcor emergency response vehicle and produced ISO 9001 compliant SOP documentation for numerous Alcor procedures and equipment.

Jacob Graber

Lead Engineer

Jacob Graber

Lead Engineer

Jacob Graber has worked for Alcor both as a volunteer and as a part-time employee since 2012. Jacob was officially brought onto the Alcor team as the Manager of Engineering in January 2020. His duties revolve around the research, development, and improvement of cryopreservation equipment and techniques. Jacob works to ensure that Alcor adopts and adheres to modern and secure practices in everyday work as well as in the long-term safety and handling considerations for preserved patients.

Jacob graduated from ASU’s School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE) in 2019 with his Master’s in Material Science and Engineering. As a graduate student, he worked for two years in ASU’s 4D Materials Science Center (4DMS) investigating the behavior of metals under various stimuli using a broad range of characterization techniques. He brings his research experience with x-ray computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and analysis, and is the primary operator of Alcor’s on-site CT scanner.

Wonjin Cho

Neurobiology Researcher

Wonjin Cho

Neurobiology Researcher

Wonjin brings strong academic credentials to Alcor, holding a B.S. in Biology and Computer Engineering from UNIST and a Master’s in Bio and Brain Engineering from KAIST, both premier South Korean institutions. His connection to our work began in high school when he discovered the book Connectome and first learned about Alcor. Now his expertise in brain tissue preservation and imaging techniques is helping advance our mission. Using advanced microscopy, he developed methods to create detailed 3D visualizations of neural networks and studied previously unknown communication pathways between neurons. When he’s not advancing preservation science, Wonjin is a published science fiction author in Korea, currently working on a new story about consciousness.  

Mohammed Rushnaiwala

Research Scientist

Mohammed Rushnaiwala

Research Scientist

(D.A.R.T.) Leadership

Shelby Calkins, BSN, RN

Medical Response Director

Shelby Calkins, BSN, RN

Medical Response Director

Shelby Calkins has been the Medical Response Director at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation since September 2022. In this pivotal role, Shelby leads critical medical response initiatives, drawing upon her extensive background in nursing and emergency management to ensure the highest standards of patient care.

Committed to perpetual learning and professional advancement, Shelby will soon complete a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Administration at Capella University, graduating with multiple honors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Aspen University, along with an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Paradise Valley Community College.

Shelby’s versatile skill set spans pre-hospital emergency management, triage, home health, hospice, and significant critical care experience, including an impactful two-year stint in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). Her exemplary performance has earned her certifications in BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS. She is proficient and certified in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), and Impella, two forms of central cardiovascular perfusion that drive her knowledge and skills in the cryopreservation processes. As a nurse professional,
Shelby excels in high-pressure trauma and emergency environments, showcasing exceptional composure and effectiveness.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shelby engages in diverse interests, from literature and rodeo to outdoor adventures like hunting and fishing. An advocate for education, she finds joy in both acquiring and sharing knowledge.

Jeremy Wiggins

International Development Coordinator

Jeremy Wiggins

International Development Coordinator

Jeremy is a French-Canadian Alcor member living in Ottawa. His background is in healthcare, more specifically in critical care respiratory therapy. He has worked in various hospitals since 2004, mostly with a critical care transport team, transporting critically ill infants and children throughout the provinces of Ontario and Western Quebec. Since 2020, he has been on field deployments throughout the U.S. and Canada as part of DART. More recently, he was elected as a board member of the new Alcor Canada Cryobiology Research Foundation. He is proud of the opportunity to serve Alcor members and feels fortunate for the great team that he is part of.

Lisa Ventrone, RN, BSN, CPN, PALS

Registered Nurse, BSN, CPN, BLS, PALS

Lisa Ventrone, RN, BSN, CPN, PALS

Registered Nurse, BSN, CPN, BLS, PALS

Born and raised in Southern California and looking for a change of scenery Lisa chose to obtain her university education at ASU in Tempe. In the AZ desert she gained a double major, earning a bachelors of science in both Health Innovation and Nursing. Upon graduation, she began work with the esteemed Phoenix Children’s Hospital as a registered nurse working on the orthopedic trauma and surgery care area. While working on this unit she completed her certificate in pediatric nursing (CPN) and has become accustomed to the fast paced and demanding environment of pediatric nursing. Lisa precepts oncoming nurses and continues to attend further educational seminars to keep her practice skills sharp. By working at the bedside with children and their families during difficult times Lisa has become adept at assessing concerns, advocating for her patients, and communicating across disciplines.

Lisa continues to work at PCH to this day and is extremely passionate about pediatric medicine. She is also, however, passionate about health innovation and fields of medical research that push forth the understanding of human biology and stretch our understanding of what’s possible. It was this interest that drew her towards cryonics and Alcor. With the skills she has acquired from being a Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery nurse in the hospital setting, Lisa is able to not only navigate her duties as part of DART but also communicate effectively with hospital staff and patient families during recovery.

Chris Henry

U.S. Naval Special Operator (SEAL), Security Contractor

Chris Henry

U.S. Naval Special Operator (SEAL), Security Contractor

Serving for 14 years within the SEAL Teams, I acquired invaluable experience in tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) while undergoing multiple combat deployments. The intense training and real-world application honed my ability to remain composed under pressure, making split-second decisions in life-or-death situations. I also worked as a contract team leader of ex-SEALs, performing anti-Somali-piracy security operations in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and surrounding areas. These experiences not only solidified my resilience but also instilled in me a deep-seated understanding of operational complexities—an asset that continues to define my strategic approach in the business landscape.

I transitioned into the healthcare industry working in a business development role that extended beyond traditional business expansion. I contributed to evaluating the worth of medical practices for mergers and acquisitions, helping to leverage our collaborative insights to drive informed decisions and ensure strategic growth. Additionally, my proactive approach in cultivating relationships with physicians became instrumental in finalizing a cooperative deal. I also focused fostering collaborations that enhanced patient care, while simultaneously spearheading initiatives to massively expand the business footprint of our care.

Shelby Fox

Chandler Fire Department (Paramedic Captain) – 2010 – Current

Shelby Fox

Chandler Fire Department (Paramedic Captain) – 2010 – Current

Shelby Fox’s journey from a student of psychology to a paramedic fire captain is marked by her resilience and commitment. Her dedication to service has not only earned her numerous awards but also the admiration and respect of her colleagues. Shelby’s professionalism and infectious smile make her a standout servant leader in the community.

Shelby began as an emergency medical technician within her fire department where she gained first-hand experience in emergency medical services. Her dedication to patient care and her drive for learning led her to successfully become a paramedic in 2016. She has a familiarity with patients both young and old as she is PALS (pediatric advanced life support) and ACLS (advanced care life support) certified. She has experience with time sensitive interventions in both clinical settings and dynamic environments.

Shelby has showcased her poise, efficiency, and leadership while making her journey from firefighter to captain. After gaining proficiency as a senior firefighter, she successfully became certified as a fire engineer, which includes skills in hydraulics, mechanics, and problem solving. Shelby was then promoted to fire captain in 2022. She continues to highlight her abilities to make command decisions in both EMS and hazardous situations while maintaining compassion and understanding for patients and family members alike.

Brenton White

U.S. Naval Special Operator (SEAL) — 2010-2022

Brenton White

U.S. Naval Special Operator (SEAL) — 2010-2022

David “Brenton” White, a native of Queen Creek, AZ, is a proven leader with a remarkable background in the United States Navy. Enlisting in February 2010, Brenton embarked on a journey that would shape his exceptional leadership skills.

Through his commitment and determination, Brenton successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition Seal training and Seal Qualification training, earning the prestigious title of a US Navy SEAL. His tenure in the Navy saw him in various critical assignments, where he demonstrated his exceptional leadership capabilities.

As the Special Operations Mentor at Navy Recruiting District Phoenix from August 2019 to August 2021 , Brenton played a pivotal role in motivating and mentoring future candidates aspiring to join Naval Special Warfare and Special Operations. Prior to this, he held positions at Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, Seal Team 2, Seal Team 3, and Land Warfare training cell, each contributing to his extensive leadership experience.

Member Services

Diane Cremeens

Director of Membership

Diane Cremeens

Director of Membership

As Director of Membership, Diane’s primary responsibility is assisting applicants in becoming Alcor members. In addition to explaining Alcor’s services to prospective clients, she also serves as the liaison between existing Alcor members and the organization by keeping the membership files updated and monitoring membership status issues such as funding.

Before coming to Alcor, Diane owned her own sewing business, “The Sewing Room”. She belonged to the North Valley Business Network, a group of small businesses in her local area. She networked to gain business leads and exchange business experience with other local business owners.

From 1989 to 1998 Diane worked for Community Care Network (CCN), a medical insurance company. Diane started out in the Provider Contracting department, working with physicians, hospitals and other medical facilities. She eventually moved up to Office Manager. She worked with six department heads and made sure everyone had what they needed to complete their jobs, from office supplies to computer equipment.

Ashley Bettini

Membership Coordinator

Ashley Bettini

Membership Coordinator

Ashley Bettini joined Alcor in January 2019 as an Administrative Assistant. Her duties include assisting the Executive Administrator in filing paperwork, handling mail and emails, welcoming visitors to Alcor, and other administration work. Ashley graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership and Management in May 2018. She is originally from California and much of her experience is working in the nonprofit sector in various fields. She has volunteered in the medical field, animal sanctuaries, children’s museum, and organized and ran a one day conference with fellow students while attending ASU.

Daniel Walters

Community Outreach Coordinator

Daniel Walters

Community Outreach Coordinator

As Alcor’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Daniel works on the organization’s digital initiatives, focusing on online engagement and technological advancement. In this role, he has successfully revamped Alcor’s online fundraising capabilities, redesigned the website to improve user experience and accessibility, and supported the development of the new member portal that streamlines member services.

Daniel brings extensive experience in cryonics community engagement to his position at Alcor. He contributes to important conversations through writing the Alcor Newsletter, hosting the official Alcor Podcast and co-hosting the Cryosphere podcast. His community involvement extends to supporting various online cryonics social media platforms, and he was part of the organizing team for the 2024 Global Cryonics Summit.

Daniel’s approach to community work emphasizes supporting the broader cryonics ecosystem. He believes strongly in increasing collaboration between different cryo-orgs and reducing tribalism within the field, working to build bridges and foster understanding across institutional divisions. This non-partisan perspective guides his efforts to strengthen the cryonics community as a whole.

Daniel’s background in community building and cryonics experience has helped improve Alcor’s digital infrastructure, making it easier for both current members and newcomers to connect with Alcor. Through his work in content creation, social media engagement, and platform development, he helps ensure Alcor remains well-positioned in an increasingly digital world.

Cameryn Hoole

Membership Coordinator

Cameryn Hoole

Membership Coordinator

Cameryn Hoole brings a unique blend of education and design background. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s in art education, taught high school for a year, then pivoted to graphic and UX/UI design. Fun fact: she designed those Alcor shirts for Frozen Dead Guy Days that everyone loved.

Cam’s day‑to‑day role involves troubleshooting membership issues and guiding new applicants through the membership process, and she’s brimming with ideas, including ways to boost membership by crafting visually engaging materials that draw in potential members. According to Cam, training with Diane has been “awesome.” They voluntarily share an office because they work so well together. Right now they’re deep in the thrilling world of reallocating member funding and updating contracts. Cam’s enthusiasm for this process is both admirable and slightly concerning.

Outside of work, you’ll find her skateboarding, making music on her digital synthesizer, or DJing (she’s available for your next party).

Cam is a valuable addition to Alcor’s member services, and you’ll likely interact with her as we continue improving our member experience.

Amya Anderson

Executive Assistant

Amya Anderson

Executive Assistant

Amya brings a strong foundation in critical thinking and logic, shaped by her academic background in Philosophy and her lifelong passion for learning. As Executive Assistant at Alcor, she supports daily operations and provides a cheerful presence for guests and staff alike. Her ability to approach complex topics from multiple perspectives makes her an asset in a dynamic, future-focused environment.

With a deep curiosity about the human experience, Amya actively explores subjects like astronomy, biology, history, and theology. Due to the nature of her intellectual interests and academic background, Alcor’s visionary perspective makes it a uniquely fitting environment for her skills and mindset.

Nikki Olson

Software Development

Nikki Olson

Software Development

Nikki Olson brings fresh technical expertise to the Alcor team as a Seattle-based software engineer with deep specialization in cryonics technology systems. As the architect behind Alcor’s streamlined member signup platform and comprehensive member portal, Nikki has enhanced how individuals connect with and navigate Alcor’s membership services.

Her technical leadership extends beyond Alcor through her role as founder of Cryonics Monitoring, a specialized research and development organization focused on monitoring technology. As a recognized industry expert, Nikki develops systems to minimize delays in the start of cryonics procedures.

When not pioneering advances in cryonics technology, Nikki can be found exploring the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and spending time with beloved pets.

Securing Your Future

Our experienced and dedicated team is committed to supporting our membership. Connect with us today to get your questions answered and discover how becoming a member can secure your future with Alcor.

full-image-cta-star-icon GettyImages-1441665084-e1741199010112 full-image-cta_overlay-desktop full-image-cta_overlay-mob