Meet Our Research Staff

Dr. Christopher Smith, Director of Research

Dr. Smith is a nationally recognized author and researcher who trained with some of the world’s most prominent allergy and immunology experts at the prestigious Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. While there, he conducted the hospital’s largest pediatric asthma research study. He is the author of five chapters on allergic and immunologic diseases in “The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult,” the widely used clinical resource for pediatricians, published in 1998 and updated by Dr. Smith in 2002, as well as several medical articles on asthma and allergy topics.

Lisa Condefer-Smith, RN, MSN, CRNP

Lisa earned her BSN from West Chester University, and her Master’s degree and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification at the University of Pennsylvania / Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Children’s Hospital is ranked as the number one PNP program in the country, and Lisa graduated first in her class.

Lisa has extensive experience working with pediatric pulmonary medicine, pediatric intensive care, primary care and cystic fibrosis patients in hospital settings as well as caring for children in several pediatric medical practices. She ran the recovery rooms for Operation Smile, an international cleft palate repair team operating in Kenya, North and South Vietnam, Israel, and the Soviet Union.

Crystal Bailey, Regulatory Specialist/Operations Manager, AAS

Crystal earned her associate degree in business administration from Corning Community College. She is currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix to further her education and obtain her bachelor’s degree in business administration with an Operations Manager Certificate. Crystal has maintained a GPA of 3.8 during her last semester and made the Dean’s List as well as nominated and enrolled in The National Society of Leadership and Success and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She has been a member of RAPS (Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society) since 2020. Crystal has experience in the medical field from packaging and shipping medical devices, data entry, billing, customer service, administrative work, consumer aide, regulatory specialist and now holds the title of operations manager at Corning Center for Clinical Research. Crystal’s hobbies are spending time with her family and close friends, running in local 5K, 10K, and half-marathons. She has been a part of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2010 and continues to advocate for this cause. Crystal married her Jr. High sweetheart and they have 2 adult children together and several fur grandchildren.

Angela Parker, PA Clinical Coordinator Horseheads Research

I was a registered Respiratory Therapist for 7 years a graduate of Mansfield University/ RPH Respiratory Therapy Program.  I then went on to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology for Physician Studies graduating with academic honors in 2004. I am currently in the process of completing the MBA program at Southwest University in finance and marketing. Most of my career has been spent in the surgical specialty working various specialties (Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery and Orthopedics). I also have experience in rural health care, critical care, hospitalist, Urgent Care and ER. Most recently before transitioning into research, I have been working pain management and mental health. I am a mother of 5 children from the ages of 27 to 6.  In my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading, sporting events, cooking, biking, spending time with my family and friends.

Danielle Allen, LPN Cortland Research

Danielle has been a nurse for 7 years.  Prior to her LPN she was a CNA for 6 years.  She is a mother to two boys.  She joined Smith Allergy and Asthma Specialist in May 2021.  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family.

Michelle Poole, LPN Cortland Research

Michelle earned her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2013 from OCM BOCES in Cortland NY. Her love for nursing has taken her in many different directions over the past 10 years working in several different areas such as ENT, Pediatrics, and working with at risk youth in a residential setting where Michelle was the school nurse.  Michelle joined Certified Research Associates in March of 2022 as a Research Study Nurse in Cortland NY.  In her spare time Michelle is a busy Mom of a 5-year-old little boy, she enjoys spending time with her family at their cabin in the beautiful hills of Truxton NY.  Michelle enjoys shopping, trying different local eateries, and helping out at her family’s locally owned diner.

Kim Austin, Operations Manager Cortland Research

Kim earned her Associates degree in Human Service Management from the University of Phoenix.  Her love for helping people and giving back to the community has taken her in many different directions over the years.  Kim spent 20 years working with at risk youth in a Residential treatment facility, she is currently a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Cortlandville Fire Department, Kim also volunteers her time working at the Military Courtesy room located in the Syracuse Airport.  She joined Certified Research Associates in June of 2022 where she works full time as the Operations Manager in Cortland NY.  In her spare time Kim enjoys playing softball, working out, hiking, listening to live music, traveling, and spending time on the beach.

Liam Chase, Research Operations Assistant Cortland

Liam earned his Associates degree in Criminal Justice from Onondaga Community College and is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Suny Canton. Liam started with Smith Asthma and Allergy as a Lab Tech/Courier in November of 2020 and transitioned to Certified Research Associates in August of 2021 as a Research Assistant.  In his spare time Liam enjoys several activities such as hockey and ice skating in the winter months.  During the summers, Liam enjoys spending time at the lake, boating, hiking, traveling, and playing tennis.

Arianna Montanarella-Powell, Phlebotomist/ Research Assistant Horseheads

Arianna joined Smith Allergy & Asthma Specialists in 2022 as a Phlebotomist and Research Assistant. She has been in the healthcare industry for approximately 5 years. Prior to working at Smith Allergy, she worked as phlebotomist within the Guthrie Healthcare Organization after receiving her Phlebotomy License and Certification through BOCES. Her past medical experiences also include being a Clinical Assistant at Arnot Ogden Medical Center and a Direct Support Professional at Chemung ARC.

During the summer, she is an assistant coach with the Challenger Baseball League, helping young individuals with special needs play baseball. Most of all she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs and being her brother’s biggest basketball fan. Her career goals include returning to school to study License Practical Nursing where she can continue to care for patients.

Brittney Prunier, LPN Research Horseheads

Brittney has been in the Nursing field for over 10 years and is currently working as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Smith Allergy & Asthma Specialists since 2022. Graduating from GST BOCES License Practical Nursing program in 2012, Brittney has experience in Long-term care and Home Health. She is attending Corning Community College in hopes of becoming a Register Nurse. Brittney resides in Elmira with her son, Bryson. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and working out.