Who is SHA?
Student Health Advocates was founded by two guys with six kids and a passion for helping others. After years of research and feedback from boarding schools, they identified a growing need for a better solution for emergency contact services and support for boarding school students and their families.
Joe Conlan, Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Joe has an extensive background in finance, starting his finance career in 2000. He has traded equities and options as a NASDAQ Market Maker, NYSE Block Trader, and hedge fund portfolio manager. His experience helped shape his belief that families need sounder financial guidance. Joe runs a comprehensive financial planning practice focused on helping families achieve financial confidence and security. He is an expert in asset allocation, risk management, and protection strategies. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe identified a lack of planning and increased risk for international students studying in the US. Joe co-founded SHA to provide peace of mind and security for families should any health concerns arise. He enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his children's sports teams, golfing, hiking, traveling, and attending sporting events. Joe resides in West Hartford, CT with his wife and three children.
Pete Tonkin, Co-Founder
Pete has been in the education industry for more than 12, developing educational SaaS and progress monitoring tools for both K-12 and higher education institutions. Most recently he was the Senior Vice President & General Manager for an EDU Accessibility Services firm that paired hearing challenged students with custom service providers to provide equal access to education at more than 500 institutions across the country. For the last nine years, he has coached undergraduate and graduate students on interview skills and resume building. He is an avid outdoorsman who spends time hiking, camping, kayaking and paddle boarding. He also enjoys tennis, golf, and traveling with his family. Pete co-founded SHA due to his passion for coaching students and to address the growing need for emergency support for boarding school students. Pete lives in the Greater Philadelphia area with his wife and three children.
Advisory Board
Kellie Solenberger, Ed.D.
Dr. Solenberger is an education professional with more than 16 years of experience. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University. Throughout her career, she has served as a general education teacher, special education teacher, and reading specialist before becoming an administrator of a school with more than 600 students and 90 staff members, which she continues to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an expert in the application of literacy strategies, multi-tiered systems of support, special education, differentiation, inclusion, social emotional learning, and education innovation. Dr. Solenberger serves as SHA Education Advisor.
Russell Tonkin, M.D.
After completing active duty in the US Navy, Dr. Tonkin obtained a master’s degree in Radiation Biophysics from the University of Kansas and an medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He trained in Internal Medicine at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. As a naval reservist, he served in the Gulf War and was promoted to the rank of captain. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, he owned a private practice in Manchester, CT for 23 years. In addition, he has served as Chair of the Dept. of Medicine at Manchester Hospital and medical director of several long term care and hospice facilities. Dr. Tonkin serves as SHA Medical Advisor.