Vice President & Director of Education
Seth I. Rosenberg, MD, FACS, a specialist in ear disease and sinus disorders, adds a valuable complement to the services provided at the Florida Ear & Sinus Center. His special interests include surgical hearing restoration, balance disorders and sinus surgery.
A native of Poughkeepsie, New York, he completed a BS in chemistry, cum laude, at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before obtaining his MD at the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. His surgical and otolaryngology residencies were also served at SUNY.
Following the completion of his internship and residency, Dr. Rosenberg spent one year of specialized study in otology and neurotology at the Ear Research Foundation. Upon graduating from the Fellowship, he was asked to join the staff of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, as an Assistant Professor. During this time, he quickly developed new surgical techniques and established a national-level practice in ear and skull base surgery. At the same time, the University of Pennsylvania was an early center for endoscopic sinus surgery in the United States. Hence, Dr. Rosenberg also developed a special interest in treating paranasal sinus disease. He brought this technique to Sarasota in 1991. He then went on to develop methods for using the same endoscopes for minimally invasive ear surgery. In 1994, recognizing a need in the community, Dr. Rosenberg introduced various techniques for treating snoring and sleep apnea. One method, the CO2 LASER, is also used for minimally invasive ear surgery.
Since 1991, Dr. Rosenberg has collaborated with Dr. Silverstein in many productive research endeavors. He serves as Vice President and Education Director for the Ear Research Foundation and has co-authored over 70 scientific publications. He is still a clinical assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is also a clinical assistant professor at USF Medical School, Division of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Rosenberg is Board Certified in Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He holds membership in many medical organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. In 2000, he became a member of the prestigious Triological Society, receiving the Mosher Award for his thesis “The Natural History of Acoustic Neuromas”. The following year, he became one of the youngest members of the exclusive American Otological Society. Dr Rosenberg is on the staff of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Venice Regional Medical Center, and Doctors Same Day Surgery Center.
Volunteer Coordinator
Mary Jane (MJ) is a 2018 transplant from New Jersey. After a successful 38-year career in the New Jersey State Government serving as executive assistant at the executive level, she retired and relocated to sunny Sarasota. MJ joined the ERF Volunteer Team in 2022.
Executive Director
Christina DeFrancisco, a New York native, who settled in Bradenton during 2020, brings a multitude of experience to the Foundation. Her previous positions were in development and communications within the nonprofit sector in the New York metro area. Christina obtained her bachelor of arts in Communications and Journalism from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Volunteer
Anahi is currently a pre-med student with a passion for medicine and a personal connection to hearing health. Having experienced hearing loss herself, she is deeply motivated to help others navigate similar challenges and improve their quality of life. Her path to medical school, she hopes to combine her experiences and love for science to make a difference in the field of ear research.
Besides studying, Anahi will have her nose in a good book or out on a run, enjoying some fresh air and clearing her mind. These hobbies keep her balanced and energized as she pursues her dream of becoming a doctor.
Volunteer
Fellow #52
John Peleman grew up in metro Detroit and lived in Michigan his entire life before relocating to Florida. He earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and his medical degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, where he also completed his residency in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. His clinical interests include ear surgery, hearing restoration, and general ENT care. Outside of medicine, he enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.
Administrative Coordinator
Mirav Steckel was born and raised in Florida and is currently a student at the University of South Florida. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s in health science. In her free time, she likes to visit the beach and try out new restaurants.
Patient Care Coordinator & Treatment Technician
Simone Gillooly, originally from Germany, and has been living in Punta Gorda, FL, since 2010. She has two wonderful daughters, ages 26 and 28, as well as two fur babies – a cat and a dog. With about 10 years in ophthalmology as a surgical coordinator, a year in cardiology, and certification as a medical coder, she brings a variety of experiences to the Virsono team. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and fishing. Simone is excited to be part of this team!
Patient Care Coordinator & Treatment Technician
Treatment Specialist Audiologist
Winnie Keller, AuD, CDP, is a Treatment Specialist and Treatment Coordinator at Visono Hearing Centers. She is responsible for providing remote telemedicine as well as on-site hearing healthcare services including hearing assessments, consultations, hearing treatment technology recommendations and fittings to multiple clinic locations within the state of Florida.
Dr. Keller earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Florida, her Master of Science degree at the University of South Florida, and her Doctoral degree in Audiology at A.T. Still University. She has over 35 years of experience in this field. In her career, she has held clinical, administrative, and hearing related Medical Device Industry experience. She has extensive experience related to training and supporting providers on basic and advanced level concepts related to hearing aid technology fittings and follow ups.
Dr. Keller resides in Tampa, Florida. She enjoys outdoor activities including walking, biking, golf and pickleball. She also loves to travel, spend quality time with close friends and family and is a foodie at heart.
Practice Regional Manager
Patient Care Coordinator & Treatment Technician
For more information, please visit www.EarRF.org/fellowship
