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Our Team.
Firefly was designed by two friends who are travel nurses that recognized the lack of safe, efficient, and affordable vein lights in ERs across the country. This often leads to delays in care due to unsuccessful IV attempts resulting in multiple needle sticks on newborns and infants. After years of brainstorming, designing, and testing, we are excited to present Firefly Vein Light.
Evan Sommer RN
Adam Banuelos RN
Co-founders
Firefly Vein Light LLC
Click photos for
member's bio!
Adam Banuelos RN
Chief Executive Officer
Adam has a unique and diverse background that helped shape Firefly. He served 5 years in the U.S. Marine Corp before studying marketing in San Diego. He decided to leave the marketing world in 2011 and has been in emergency medicine ever since. As a pediatric ER travel nurse he recognized the need for a more portable and readily available vein finder to reduce delays in care by increasing 1st attempt IVs in infants and newborns. From there the idea for Firefly was born. He has devoted his life since 2021 to Firefly constantly looking for ways to improve and to educate all medical staff that work with children.
On his free time he travels the world chasing surf and rock climbing.
Adam has a unique and diverse background that helped shape Firefly. He served 5 years in the U.S. Marine Corp before studying marketing in San Diego. He decided to leave the marketing world in 2011 and has been in emergency medicine ever since. As a pediatric ER travel nurse he recognized the need for a more portable and readily available vein finder to reduce delays in care by increasing 1st attempt IVs in infants and newborns. From there the idea for Firefly was born. He has devoted his life since 2021 to Firefly constantly looking for ways to improve and to educate all medical staff that work with children.
On his free time he travels the world chasing surf and rock climbing.
Elliot Blanford
Chief Operating Officer
Elliot has 14 years manufacturing experience working on some of the world’s most cutting edge electronics like Meta’s AR glasses, Tesla Cybertruck, and NASA satellites. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from University of California, San Diego and a MS in Electrical Engineering from University of Washington. Outside of work, he’s usually training for the next marathon or trying to visit all 63 national parks.
Elliot has 14 years manufacturing experience working on some of the world’s most cutting edge electronics like Meta’s AR glasses, Tesla Cybertruck, and NASA satellites. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from University of California, San Diego and a MS in Electrical Engineering from University of Washington. Outside of work, he’s usually training for the next marathon or trying to visit all 63 national parks.
Laura Thatcher OT
Co-creator of Firefly Special Needs Education
With seven years of experience as an occupational therapist, I specialize in sensory integration and child development, utilizing evidence-based and neurological interventions that promote functional outcomes. I have experience across various settings, including pediatric outpatient, early intervention, and school-based therapy, as well as adult acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, and stroke recovery. My approach includes sensory integration therapy, neurodevelopmental techniques, and cognitive-motor training. Passionate about fostering inclusivity, I strive to create accessible and supportive environments across clinical, hospital, and medical settings where all children can thrive, improving sensory processing, and overall functional development.
With seven years of experience as an occupational therapist, I specialize in sensory integration and child development, utilizing evidence-based and neurological interventions that promote functional outcomes. I have experience across various settings, including pediatric outpatient, early intervention, and school-based therapy, as well as adult acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, and stroke recovery. My approach includes sensory integration therapy, neurodevelopmental techniques, and cognitive-motor training. Passionate about fostering inclusivity, I strive to create accessible and supportive environments across clinical, hospital, and medical settings where all children can thrive, improving sensory processing, and overall functional development.
Darby Anderson
Distribution Manager
Darby has an extensive background in medical office experience and has a passion for helping others. Her experience and southern charm bring a very welcoming spirit to Firefly.
Darby has an extensive background in medical office experience and has a passion for helping others. Her experience and southern charm bring a very welcoming spirit to Firefly.
Ryan Bentzien RN
Event Rep
Ryan is a pediatric nurse originally from Wisconsin who recently embraced life as an east coaster in Pennsylvania. With more than 13 years devoted to pediatric care, he possesses a deep passion for critical care/flight nursing and has developed specialized knowledge and skills in vascular access. Outside the hospital, Ryan revels in outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Apart from his adventurous side, he delights in exploring new restaurants and has a special fondness for fruited sour beers. Ryan's creative talent shines in the kitchen, where he indulges his passion for baking with his partner
Ryan is a pediatric nurse originally from Wisconsin who recently embraced life as an east coaster in Pennsylvania. With more than 13 years devoted to pediatric care, he possesses a deep passion for critical care/flight nursing and has developed specialized knowledge and skills in vascular access. Outside the hospital, Ryan revels in outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Apart from his adventurous side, he delights in exploring new restaurants and has a special fondness for fruited sour beers. Ryan's creative talent shines in the kitchen, where he indulges his passion for baking with his partner
Rachel Hinchman RN
Event Rep
Hi! My name is Rachel. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago and love the big city! I enjoy trying new foods and restaurants, staying active, and have always had a passion for health and nutrition. I’ve been a pediatric nurse for six years with experience in general pediatrics, allergy clinic, and pediatric ER. I’ve recently been working as a travel nurse and have loved being able to visit and explore other parts of the US. When I’m not working, I always enjoy spending time with family and friends and meeting new people!
Hi! My name is Rachel. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago and love the big city! I enjoy trying new foods and restaurants, staying active, and have always had a passion for health and nutrition. I’ve been a pediatric nurse for six years with experience in general pediatrics, allergy clinic, and pediatric ER. I’ve recently been working as a travel nurse and have loved being able to visit and explore other parts of the US. When I’m not working, I always enjoy spending time with family and friends and meeting new people!
Tommee Leah Duran RN
Event Rep
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