Nicole Silver began her career in EMS in 2010, driven by a profound desire to help others. Growing up close to her grandmother, Nicole’s life path shifted when she found her grandmother in cardiac arrest just after Christmas. This life-altering experience inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, transitioning from an initial interest in law enforcement to enrolling in an EMT program. She knew then that she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.

Fourteen years later, Nicole is now a Paramedic with the inter-facility transport division at Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health. Known for her dedication and compassion, Nicole has provided care for some of the most critically ill and injured patients. One of her most remarkable moments came during the transfer of an elderly female patient with a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. The patient went into cardiac arrest while enroute, and Nicole and her partner defibrillated the patient 11 times, ultimately achieving ROSC. Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was able to move on her own, and later underwent a successful surgery and was discharged. Nicole’s quick thinking, attention to detail, and exceptional care were crucial in saving the patient’s life.

In addition to her work as a Paramedic, Nicole is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at Touro University, with plans to advance her career as a Physician Assistant. She is proud to work alongside some of the most distinguished EMTs and Paramedics at Northwell Health. Outside of her professional life, Nicole enjoys painting and photography.

Northwell Health is proud to honor Nicole Silver as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life for her outstanding contributions to EMS and patient care.

Kenneth Guzman, a Paramedic with Northwell Health System Center for EMS, began his career in EMS in 1997 field by a passion for helping others. After becoming a Paramedic in 2001, he started working at Lenox Hill Hospital and has remained dedicated to patient care ever since. Kenneth’s love for the profession continues to drive him, and he takes pride in being the first on scene, ready to make a difference. Throughout his career, he has worked primarily in New York City as a 911 Paramedic, positively impacting countless patients.

One of Kenneth’s most memorable cases involved a young woman experiencing an asthma exacerbation who went into cardiac arrest. After 20 minutes in asystole, Kenneth and his partner made the decision to transport her to the hospital. En route, they managed to obtain ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation), and the hospital staff were deeply impressed with the care provided. The patient later praised Kenneth and his partner for saving her life, a testament to his determination and patient advocacy.

In addition to his EMS career, Kenneth served 20 years in the Navy Reserves, where his desire to serve led him to deploy to several countries, including Iraq and Germany. As a corpsman, his primary role was to provide medical care, and his commitment to both his country and his patients is truly honorable.

Kenneth is a proud father of two daughters, one of whom has followed in his footsteps, working alongside him at Lenox Hill Hospital. In his free time, Kenneth enjoys skiing, mountain biking, running, and is always up for a competitive game of video games.

Northwell Health is proud to honor Kenneth Guzman as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life, celebrating his exceptional contributions to EMS and his community.

Adam Aronberg began his EMS career in 2008, inspired by his parents, both Paramedics in New York. Right after high school, Adam became an EMT and later joined Northwell in 2016, becoming a Paramedic at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of Adam’s most memorable experiences involved saving a suicidal young man from jumping out of a window. Working closely with the police, Adam’s patience and dedication helped prevent a tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on the patient’s life.

As a member of the Special Operations Team, Adam is trained for infectious disease response and federal deployments for disaster relief. He is currently pursuing his Critical Care Paramedic certification and aspires to join the leadership team. His passion for patient care, commitment to his partners, and mentorship of new hires make him an exemplary clinician.

Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lehman College and hopes to pursue a master’s degree. He is also a proud father of two and enjoys coaching his sons’ little league baseball team. In his spare time, he is learning to cook from his wife, a chef.

Northwell Health is honored to recognize Adam Aronberg as a 2024 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association!

Konrad Trzepizur embarked on his EMS career in 2011. He transitioned into his role as an EMT in New York City when he joined Northwell Health in 2013, where he continued to progress.

Over the past seven years, he has been a model leader in his role as an EMT Supervisor at Lenox Hill Hospital. Konrad’s dedication to service and excellence set the tone for the department. His lead-by-example approach makes him highly respected among his fellow EMS leaders and staff. His passion for helping others is evident in his work ethic.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Konrad was instrumental in ensuring operations continued running and that staff had everything needed to respond safely during the crisis.

In his free time, Konrad enjoys traveling the world. One of his most memorable trips to date was to Australia and New Zealand, where he immersed himself in the culture and cuisine. When not at work, he also enjoys gardening and day trading.

Konrad was selected this year because of his dedication and commitment to excellence. He continues to raise the bar and represents the best of the department and the EMS community.
Northwell Health is proud to honor Konrad as an American Ambulance Association 2023 Star of Life!

Anita Torres has served as an EMS provider in New York City for 22 years. Her inspiration for becoming an EMT came as a child when she was engrossed watching the popular TV series Emergency!

Anita has always loved helping people. She is known for going above and beyond the call of duty for both her patients and coworkers. She volunteers to organize holiday and birthday celebrations, enlivening the atmosphere at CEMS.

During a behavioral health emergency call, Anita’s keen situational awareness ultimately led to a mother being reunited with her baby, who had been abducted and transported across several states.

Anita, a mother of 3, lives in Staten Island with her daughter, Rebecca, and grand dogs, Madison and Steve.

Northwell Health is proud to honor Anita as an American Ambulance Association 2023 Star of Life!

Kevin Pantaleon started his career in EMS in 2016. He joined the team at Northwell Health Center for Emergency Medical Services in 2019 after obtaining his Paramedic certification. His career with Northwell began during the COVID-19 pandemic where he worked countless hours providing exceptional care in the various communities greatly impacted by the pandemic. Kevin is also very involved in field training. He has been a preceptor and mentor to many Paramedic students. He takes pride in sculpting the minds of up-and-coming providers.

Kevin received a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology and is working towards his Masters in Emergency Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His goal is to work in Homeland Security and bring his experience and expertise from EMS into that role.

Kevin was adopted from Ecuador and came to the US when he was two years old. While not providing care as a clinician, he enjoys fishing and traveling. One of his most memorable trips included a two-week trip through New York State visiting different national parks. Kevin is a champion for Diversity and Inclusion and an advocate for LGBTQ rights.

Kevin’s peers and students speak very highly of him and CEMS is very proud of his exemplary patient care and work ethic. Northwell Health is proud to honor Kevin as an American Ambulance Association 2023 Star of Life!

Kenneth Ortiz Cortez was born in Puerto Rico and came to Brooklyn, New York when he was five years old. His family instilled in him the importance of serving others. The belief in the inherent value of all people, and that everyone is important and should be treated with courtesy and respect runs deep in him.

Kenneth admits that it took a little while for him to figure out that becoming an EMT was what he was destined to do. He knows that some feel that we all choose our own path, but he feels that EMS chose him. He found a home in EMS with like-minded people who all share a common goal of serving and helping others in need. He has worked at various EMS organizations in all of the boroughs of New York City, and we are so fortunate that he landed here at Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital.

Kenny is the embodiment of EMS. He goes above and beyond both while on the ambulance caring for patients and when off duty. He brings the department together whether it is setting up practices and coaching the department softball team or participating and cheering on his teammates in the various Northwell Health events. He is a well-respected member of the department whose contributions go well beyond being a great partner offering the best in pre-hospital care.

Northwell Health is proud to honor Kenneth as an American Ambulance Association 2023 Star of Life.

David Ebert launched his career in EMS when he became an EMT in 2010. His early years consisted of him working in very busy areas in New York City and the Bronx. Soon after obtaining his Paramedic certification, he joined our team at Northwell Health Center for Emergency Medical Services in 2014. He started out as a 911 Paramedic working in New York City, then made his way into our interfacility transport division in 2017. He soon realized that he had a passion for teaching, so prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he became an integral part of our training department at CEMS.

While in the training department, David tirelessly provided EMS education, hands-on skills training, and assessments. He evaluated countless new employees in the department both in the classroom setting and on the road. He is a huge advocate for change and always brings forward ideas for new techniques and processes to aid in education and ultimately improve patient care. David has also served on several committees within the department including the Crisis Incident Stress Management team, the Workplace Culture Committee, and the Research Committee. He also contributed to a research initiative that was published in the Resuscitation journal.

One of David Ebert’s proudest moments and latest accomplishments was when he successfully completed his Critical Care Paramedic course and was promoted to SkyHealth as a Flight Paramedic. He is hoping to get involved in training and education in this division as well. David also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Albany.

While not flying with SkyHealth or helping mold the new generation of EMS professionals, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristen, and son, Cameron. He also enjoys playing golf.

David is a crucial part of our team. His value is recognized by his peers and leaders, and he is extremely deserving of this award for all of his hard work, positivity, and dedication to this profession and to CEMS. Northwell Health is proud to honor David as an American Ambulance Association 2023 Star of Life!

Samantha Disilvestro started her EMS career in 2013 as an EMT at a private ambulance service. Working alongside Paramedics, she discovered that the emergency “911” side of the field was only part of the picture. Her passion for interfacility mobile healthcare had begun. Samantha’s desire to learn to become a more skilled clinician drove her to enroll in nursing school, which she soon decided was not her path. In 2017, she enrolled in a Paramedic training program, and upon completion in 2018, applied for and obtained a position as a Paramedic at Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital.

Samantha recognized immediately that she was an integral part of her patient’s medical team and not just a transportation provider. She quickly earned the respect of her EMS colleagues as well as the Hospital teams. 

Her understanding of the importance of our role in the care of the patient extends beyond the calls she responds to. She also assists in the training of new and seasoned members of the department on all the equipment and policies. Samantha can always be counted on to step up for special projects and assignments and most recently became part of the Northwell EMS Honor Guard.

Northwell Health is proud to honor Samantha as an American Ambulance Association 2023 Star of Life.