Virtual IC 2023 Workshops

Trinity Health - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Courtney Anderson is a gynecologic oncology physician assistant at Trinity Health Saint Mary's in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she helped start a new gynecologic oncology program. Prior to her current position, she spent 9 years working as a physician assistant in the breast, GI, and gynecologic oncology clinics at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Illinois. Courtney earned her bachelors degree from Ferris State University in biology and chemistry, and her masters degree in physician assistant studies at Chatham University. While working full time, she earned her doctorate degree in health sciences from A.T. Still University, graduating summa cum laude. Over the years, Courtney has been nominated for the DAISY Award and received several outstanding provider awards from patients and staff. She is also ONS certified. When not working, Courtney enjoys volunteering at the animal shelter, gardening, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat.

Elliot Hospital - Manchester, NH

Mary Baillargeon is a board certified physician assistant with 15 years of experience in medical oncology. She is joining the Elliot Breast Health Center in October 2022, with a focus in the high risk screening program and genetic testing. Mary earned her master's degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science in 2006. Her experience in medical oncology has developed her interest in cancer genomic medicine. She is devoted to helping patients understand their diagnosis and to assisting patients as they navigate their options.

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo

I have finished my fellowship in Clinical Oncology as of February 2022. I am currently working as an assistant physician focused on breast cancer, precision oncology and personalized medicine.

Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center - Bakersfield , CA

Susana Bell, MSN, NP, PA-C has been an oncology nurse for the past 35 years. She worked as a chemo-certified nurse from 1987-1995 in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. She then graduated from a dual NP/PA program at UC Davis in 1997. She has worked at Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC) since 1997. Her main focus for the past 25 years has been managing the treatment and supportive care needs of medical oncology patients. She has also worked in clinical research as both a coordinator and sub-investigator. Her leadership roles have included Advanced Practice Provider Manager and Clinical Leader of the Oncology Model program at CBCC. She also received a Masters Degree in Clinical Systems Leadership from the University of Arizona in 2015. She is a long-standing member of both the Oncology Nursing Society and American Society of Clinical Oncologists.

US Oncology - Las Vegas, NV

Michelle Bigg, MSN, FNP-BC, attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration as well as Mercy College and received a Bachelor of Science in health science. Michelle completed an associate's degree in nursing at Cochran School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Jacksonville University and a Master of Science in nursing at University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the family nurse practitioner program. Prior to joining Comprehensive, Michelle served as the women's oncology program coordinator at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center and the Breast Center at Sunrise Hospital. She also worked in the New York City area as a clinical practice nurse in a multidisciplinary oncology practice at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. Additionally, she was clinical medical research assistant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a senior research coordinator at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Weill Cornell Medical College.

Nebraska Medicine - Council Bluffs, Iowa

Amanda Bond is a Physician Assistant in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, NE. Amanda has spent the majority of her professional career treating Oncology patients and has developed a special interest in cancer risk, as well as oncology survivorship. She has recently joined the Nebraska Medicine Multidisciplinary Clinic for Cancer Risk and Prevention. As an Advanced Practice Provider serving patients in this role, Amanda will be performing screening exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies and providing clinical guidance and counseling to patients with a higher risk for developing cancer within their lifetime. Amanda has a passion for educating and empowering patients to take control over their health. In her new role, she will have the opportunity to provide education on cancer risk at the community-based level. Amanda has also served as a lecturer for the UNMC PA program and the local chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. Within Nebraska Medicine, Amanda serves as a member of the Advanced Practice Provider Council and the Provider Advisory Group for Experience. Nationally, she holds memberships within the AAPA, ASCO, and Cancer Survivorship Provider Network.

Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center - Bakersfield, CA

I started working at Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC) in 2006. I have 5 years of Emergency Room experience. I worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist prior to becoming a Physician Assistant. My passion and calling are working with the community and helping them to heal. I have a foundational understanding of oncology and genetics. I graduated from U.C. Davis in 2005 with a Physician Assistant certification. I am NCCPA certified..

Ascension - Neenah, WI

Riann Collar, MPAS, PA-C is a Physician Assistant with Ascension in Northeast Wisconsin. She has over eight years of healthcare experience. In her current role, she is helping to develop and implement the Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program focusing on patients who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer and engaging in community outreach to try to decrease the cancer burden in communities. She is also a tobacco treatment specialist and works with patients on smoking cessation. While working towards her PA degree, she earned the Pi Alpha National Honors Society award and her scholarly project was Pelvic Examinations for Ovarian Cancer Screening in Asymptomatic Adult Women. She also has experience as a PA in otolaryngology and family medicine. Prior to being a PA, with a Bachelor in Kinesiology, Riann worked in cardiac rehabilitation assisting patients and families and was the coordinator for a childhood obesity program which included working closely with area schools and families and creating and implementing a summer camp teaching healthy living to children and families.

Texas Oncology - Austin, Texas

I am a family nurse practitioner specializing in hematology/oncology at Texas Oncology. I worked as an oncology nurse for 12 years prior to becoming a nurse practitioner. I am proficient in bone marrow biopsies and have many years of experience in managing side effects of chemotherapy which interplays well with my role as a nurse practitioner. I obtained my AOCNP and strive to increase my knowledge base daily. I have a passion for genetics and symptom management. My goal is to help patients stay on their treatment course by improving their quality of life and allowing them ample opportunity to be an active participant in the care team.

Ascension - Milwaukee, WI

Katherine Davis is a nurse practitioner in a newly developed Cancer Prevention and Wellness Clinic. She started her career as a registered nurse on a medical oncology unit in a community hospital over a decade ago before working on a medical surgical unit at a large academic hospital and then becoming a nurse practitioner providing value-based primary care. She has returned to her roots with a focus back in the oncology setting, while using all of her generalist and primary care knowledge to provide primary and secondary prevention. She has experience implementing evidence-based programs into underserved communities and has given a podium presentation at the GAPNA annual conference.

Legacy Medical Group - Vancouver, WA

Tarah Day, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with Legacy Medical Group, Surgical Oncology and is based in Vancouver, Washington. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Idaho State University in 2016 and spent her first years as a PA specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She ultimately found Pacific Northwest winters far more tolerable than Midwestern ones and happily moved back to her native West Coast. She joined the Legacy Surgical Oncology team in June 2021, shifted her specialty from the interior of the chest to the exterior, and now focuses on pre-operative education, genetic testing, and assisting in the OR, as well as clinical management of benign breast conditions, and ongoing cancer survivorship. She loves connecting with her patients as real people, not simply diagnoses. Outside of work, she can be found hiking the mountains or strolling the coast with her husband and dog, trolling the internet for new recipes to try, reading anything she can get her hands on, or making plans to travel and see the world.

Northwell Health/Cohen Children's Medical Center - Rego Park, NY

Dr. Desai is a new attending in New York City specializing in pediatric hematology/oncology. She received her medical training from the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. She completed her pediatric residency at Texas Tech University HSC in El Paso, Texas. She went on to do her pediatric hematology/oncology/SCT training of Cohen Children's Medical Center in Queens New York, while simultaneously working on her masters of public health from Hofstra University. Her career interest include pediatric solid and rare tumors as well as cancer predisposition syndromes. In her free time she enjoys dancing, cooking, and being outdoors.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas, Texas

Samantha Blake Foley, MPAS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA) in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011, Blake developed a passion for oncology during her research experience at UT Southwestern, where over the course of 4 years she had the opportunity to publish multiple times in the field of cancer research and cancer genetics. She then earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2018 and started her journey into the clinical side of oncology. She has worked in Surgical Oncology since 2018 with a focus in gastrointestinal malignancies and hepatopancreaticobiliary disease, with a special interest in the Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program at UT Southwestern. With the discovery of new genes, development of new technology or changes to a patient's personal and/or family history, she is excited for the impact of genetic testing, including management options, screening, and prevention for the future.

Compass Oncology - Portland, OR

Caroline is a Physician Assistant specializing in gynecologic oncology and pelvic surgery. She assists in surgery, sees patients from initial consultation through all phases of treatment and is available for acute care appointments. Caroline knows that often times the amount of information that is out there can be overwhelming. She is a strong advocate for the patients she works with by providing the information they seek as well resources that are available to them. She strives to provide her patients with the best care using a comprehensive care approach.

UNCPN-Carolina Advanced Health - Chapel Hill, NC

Chandana Ganguli is an internist at Carolina Advanced Health, in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Ganguli has spent 25 years in primary patient care and also taught medical students and residents whenever possible. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Minnesota Oncology - Eagan, MN

Michele Haehnel ANP, GNP, ACHPN has been a RN since 1996 and a nurse practitioner since 2006. Michele has practiced as an adult and geriatric nurse practitioner in the areas of critical care, pulmonary, oncology, palliative care and academia as adjunct faculty at St Catherine University NP/DNP program. Michele carries an advanced certification in Palliative Care. She has an interest and has spent many years involved in medical Ethics, completing a two year ethics intensive hospital based training program. Her career path as recently shifted from late, complex, serious illness/disease management to a focus of supporting, guiding and managing patients at a high risk breast clinic within Minnesota Oncology.

Urology Centers of Alabama - Birmingham, AL

Joelle Hamilton is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist, Director of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Program, at Urology Centers of Alabama. Dr. Hamilton developed the Advanced Prostate Cancer Program at UCA, offering the spectrum of therapeutics and genetic risk assessment to individuals with prostate cancer from new diagnosis to end of life care. Dr. Hamilton hopes to increase access to genetic cancer risk assessment to individuals in the state of Alabama, which has approximately one genetic counselor per 200,000 people. Community outreach includes educating our population, existing through social networks, about risk assessment of prostate cancer for African American men. Dr. Hamilton is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Urological Association, the European Society of Medical Oncology, and local medical associations. Her outside interests include advocating for children in the foster system, practicing the mandolin, and participating as a founding member of the Peloton Female Physician Zone Challenge.

Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Department of Oncology and Hematology, 9007 St. Gallen/Switzerland - Grüt (Gossau ZH), Canton Zürich, Switzerland

Dr. Gesa Isensee is a senior physician in Medical Oncology who works in the Department of Oncology at the Hospital Linth, belonging to the Kantonsspital St. Gallen/Switzerland, one of the biggest hospitals in Switzerland. After education in Internal Medicine, she finished her specialization in Medical Oncology at the Kantonsspital St. Gallen and worked for almost one year in another hospital near Zürich. Back in St. Gallen Dr. Isensee started her specialization in breast cancer and gynecological cancers in the Breast Care Center of St. Gallen. At the same time, she started her education in genetic counseling and has led the genetic counseling service together with a colleague. Currently Dr. Isensee is working with a focus on gynecological cancers and with the aim to build up a service of genetic counseling for gynecological cancers but also other solid tumors. In March 2022 she completed the three HMX Pro Genetic Courses of the Harvard School of Medicine with certificates of achievement. Dr. Isensee puts the patients with their different cancer types, families and own unique needs and therapies in the middle of her daily work with the goal of achieving the best outcome for each patient involving precision and personalized medicine.

University of Illinois Cancer Center - Morton Grove, IL

Kathleen Jara has been a registered nurse for 11 years. She started off her career at a subacute orthopedic rehabilitation caring for patients post hip and knee surgery. She then was introduced to the world of surgery working for a Plastic Surgeon and then a small community hospital in Chicago, IL. Thereafter, she found her home at the University of Illinois gaining more experience in the operating room as a Staff Nurse and transitioned to a Nurse Manager. From there she went back to the roots of nursing and transferred to inpatient bedside on the Neuroscience Stepdown Unit. After gaining the knowledge as a bedside nurse, she was fortunate to join the University of Illinois Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Programs as a Clinic Nurse. Her role is to coordinate care for cancer survivors, patients referred to genetic counseling, and patients that are at high risk for cancer. She also assists with quality improvement projects at the FQHC. Her passion is preventative care, and it has been ideal to work with cancer prevention and genetics.

Contra Costa Oncology - San Ramon, CA

Currently in the process of completing her Doctorate in Nursing at Samuel Merritt University, Aleena Khan received her nursing degree from Samuel Merritt University, and has since worked as a family nurse practitioner. In addition to her nursing degree, she also holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees and a finance degree from San Jose State University. Both a public health and chemotherapy biotherapy certified nurse, Aleena specializes in patient education and in being a resource for her patients. She pays special attention to the support of her patient throughout their diagnosis journey, with a firm belief that patients should always be treated as a whole person in charge of their goals.

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Barueri, São Paulo

Mrs. Rita de Cássia Lima is a nurse navigator in the Oncology Genetic Counseling Department at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Graduated as a nurse in December 2008, she Graduate Degree Program in Oncology and worked as an oncology nurse from September 2010 to October 2017, when she started working as a nurse in the Hereditary Cancer Departament at Centro Paulista de Oncologia / Oncoclínicas. She Graduate Degree Program in Hereditary Cancer Predisposition from October 2018 to August 2019 at Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa - Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, and since December 2020 she has been working as a nurse navigator at the Oncology Genetic Counseling Departament at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. In April 2022, started the Master Business Administration course at Fundação Getúlio Vargas for 20 months.

House Medicine - Riverside, CA

I received my MD degree from Taipei Medical College in Taiwan in 1997, and my Masters in Public Health from Harvard University in 2000. I completed my Residency in General Surgery at the Washington Hospital Center, and entered private practice in Tacoma, WA, providing care to the Pierce County WA underserved community. Throughout my career, I've had an interest in breast surgery, making these cases one of the focuses of my practice. In 2017, I relocated to Riverside, working in the underserved areas of our community. During this time, I increased my focus on breast surgery cases, and my decision to fill an important need in our community, by creating an accredited comprehensive breast health center. I wish to deliver comprehensive breast care using a holistic approach, collaborating with a multi-specialty team to fill existing gaps in care, and mitigate the obstacles that are unique to this community, in a timely process with quality and equity. Being equipped with the latest updated knowledge and skills in managing complicated breast cancer is essential for success. I am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

New York Oncology Hematology - Schenectady, NY

Brianna Lopez is a board certified physician assistant who works at New York Oncology Hematology in Amsterdam NY. She graduated from MCPHS University in 2017 after completing her training in Boston, MA. After practicing for NYOH for a little over one year, she helped further develop their APP program, working primarily to enhance programs such as survivorship and smoking cessation. She continues to be active in precepting PA students for her alma mater, which she thoroughly enjoys doing several times per year. Since 2018 she completed training locally in order to provide hereditary cancer risk assessment to her own patients and patients of the community. She is active in the US Oncology Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) program.

Florida Cancer Specialist - Westlake, Florida

Nurse practitioner with 5 years of experience caring for mostly breast cancer. Maintain strong reputation for achieving high levels of patient satisfaction. Strong desire to focus on preventative care and health education.

NIH/NCI - Bethesda, MD

Michele Nehrebecky has been working at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1990. She has 18 years' experience with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and 14 years with the National Human Genome Institute (NHGRI). She earned her B.S.N and M.S. in nursing at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Prior to graduating from her undergraduate program, she joined the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and retired in 2020 after 30 years active-duty service. In 1999, she was hired as a nurse practitioner to support the breast cancer prevention clinical trials and the risk assessment program at the National Naval Medical Center's Breast Care Center. She earned her post-masters at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and became certified as a family nurse practitioner in 2006. From 2008-2022 she worked with NHGRI's Undiagnosed Disease Program (UDP) and then with NHGRI's Autoinflammatory Disease Group. In August 2022, Michele Nehrebecky accepted a new position with the NCI's Center for Cancer Research (CCR) to help launch a new clinical cancer prevention clinic.

Surgical Institute - Edinburg, Texas

Patricia Padilla MSN, APRN FNP-C is the principal provider for The High Risk Breast Cancer Screening Clinic offered by Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Breast Center of Excellence in McAllen, Texas. She is a graduate of Charles Drew University School of Medicine and Science where she obtained her Nurse Practitioner Certification in 2019. She obtained her MSN from UT-Pan American 2011 and BSN in 2007, ADN from South Texas Community College 2002, LVN certificate from Texas Southmost College 1994. She is a member of The American Nurses Association and The American Society of Breast Surgeons. She is a certified bariatric nurse. Her experience includes previous clinical director for Renaissance Bariatric and Metabolic Institute and floor experience in NICU, Telemetry, Med Surg, outpatient infusion and Medical Floor.

Sutter Gould Medical Group - Manteca, CA

I have 20 years of nursing experience as a bedside nurse, nurse educator, nurse manager, program manager and now nurse practitioner. Most of my nursing experience has been in Oncology with the exception of 3 years in Family Practice as a NP. My education experience includes obtaining my BSN at CSU, Sacramento, Master's of Science in Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership from UC Davis, and Nurse Practitioner Post Master's Certificate at Sonoma State University. I am currently practicing at Sutter Gould Oncology as a nurse practitioner providing patient education and supportive care in the clinic setting. My role also includes program development and expansion, specifically in cancer genetics. I am a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

BSA Harrington Cancer Center - Amarillo, Texas

Bobbie Perrin is a nurse practitioner at the BSA Harrington Cancer Center where she currently manages and oversees the care of oncology patients. Her combined nursing experience includes surgical and medical intensive care, psychiatric care, inpatient oncology, outpatient infusion, outpatient medical oncology, oncology nurse navigation, and outpatient radiation oncology with over 3 years as an oncology nurse practitioner. She has been an oncology certified nurse since 2011 and has worked at the Harrington Cancer Center for almost 15 years. She initially earned her associates degree in nursing at Amarillo Community College, and then pursed her bachelors degree followed by her masters degree in nursing science through West Texas A&M University. Beginning her career as an oncology nurse in inpatient oncology she quickly developed a love and passion for oncology and oncology patients. Her passion for oncology on deepened while dealing with her own mother's complex breast cancer journey. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Oncology Nursing Society. She is a member of the Texas Nurse Practitioners, Panhandle Nurse Practitioners Association, The Oncology Nursing Society, and The Panhandle Oncology Nursing Chapter where she currently serves on the board as President-Elect.

Mercy Medical Center - Marion, Iowa

Dr. Barbara A. Peterson DNP, AGNP-c Hall-Perrine Cancer Center High Risk Cancer Assessment and Genetics Counselor Barbara Peterson completed both undergraduate and doctoral academics through the University of Iowa. She has recently joined the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center in Mercy Medical Center to provide assessments to patients and family members at a moderate to high risk of developing cancer or a recurrence of cancer. She has a long history in cancer care from her time as a registered nurse with inpatient chemotherapy infusions to her work as a practitioner in a hematology-oncology clinic. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and has an aspiration to achieve her certification in genetic counseling. With this certification, she plans to expand her practice to include further development of the high risk clinic, outreach clinics, and increased involvement in research.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Richardson, TX

I have been an oncology nurse for over 38 years, with vast experience in breast cancer genetics, prevention, medical & surgical management, and survivorship. My role as a genetic nurse navigator in Cancer Genetics is ground-breaking, through which I am able to provide emotional & logistical support to alleviate barriers to care for our genetic mutation-positive patients, ensure compliance to management recommendations, and promote cascade testing of family members.

University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, IL

Dr. Natalie Reizine is a physician and researcher in the Division of Hematology & Oncology at UI Health. As a medical oncologist, Dr. Reizine specializes in treating genitourinary cancers, including prostate, kidney, bladder, and germ cell tumors and has specific interest in clinical cancer genetics for counseling and treating patients with GU malignancies. Dr. Reizine is originally from Pittsburgh, PA where she completed dual degrees in history and biology at the University of Pittsburgh. She then moved to Chicago IL for medical school at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. She next transitioned to the University of Chicago where she completed her internal medicine residency, Clinical medical ethics fellowship, as well as hematology and oncology fellowship. Simultaneous to her training she also completed training in clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics through the Center for Personalized Medicine. Dr. Reizine's research interests include developing and designing clinical trials to improve personalized treatment approaches for cancer patients.

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders - Fort Worth, Texas

Kourtney Russo is an advanced practitioner at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse on the hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant floor Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX after nursing school. Kourtney also worked at The Center as an infusion nurse and at Texas Health Harris as an inpatient nurse in the oncology unit. Since becoming an advanced practitioner, she has worked both inpatient and outpatient hematology/oncology. She was on the team of directors for The Center's COVID vaccination clinic and managed screening and guidelines within the practice. She earned her Adult Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certification and looks forward to continuing her education. Outside of clinic, she is also a level 1 crossfit coach and enjoys spending her free time exercising and helping others reach their health goals.

Arizona Oncology ( US oncology network) - Glendale, Az

Jessica Schreck is a board-certified Physician Assistant with Arizona Oncology in the Saguaro and Cholla Clinic. She attended Arizona State University for her undergraduate degree and George Washington University for her graduate studies. Jessica joined Arizona Oncology in 2015.She underwent specialized training in genetics by attending the GREAT Genetics Program through the US Oncology Network in 2017. She is hoping to attend further genetics training through the Intensive Course offered by City of Hope in the fall of 2022 through spring of 2023. Personal Jessica Schreck is an Arizona native. She decided to become a physician assistant as it allowed her to spend time with patients, develop meaningful relationships and be an integral member of the healthcare team. Upon completion of her Masters degree she moved back to the greater Phoenix area. Outside of practicing medicine Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, three young children and her goldendoodle, Hugo. She enjoys exercising, cooking, hiking, and traveling. Philosophy "My goal is to deliver cancer care with compassion and empathy while supporting each of my patient's unique and individual needs "

Midwest Breast Care - Lee's Summit, MO

Gina Shay-Zapien is an advanced practice registered nurse at Midwest Breast Care and the High Risk Women's Program at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. She is passionate about making sure people in the high risk clinic understand their risk of cancer and feel empowered to do something about it. The first 20 years of Gina's career was spent in the perinatal world, as a staff nurse, educator, clinical nurse specialist and bereavement coordinator. Her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 changed her life and her career. In oncology she has enjoyed the new opportunity to learn and grow professionally. She is a certified breast cancer nurse as well as having her advanced oncology clinical nurse specialist certification through ONCC and her core CNS certification through ANCC.

NYU - Chicago, IL

Yael Simons is a recent hematology and oncology graduate from the University of Illinois Chicago. She will be starting at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center this fall as a Clinical Assistant Professor with a focus on breast cancer and high risk genetics. Throughout her training, Dr. Simons's research has been focused on reducing health disparities in underserved populations. She received the Conquer Cancer ASCO 2021 annual meeting merit award for her work on molecular characterizations of luminal breast tumors in African American women. Through her research, she hopes to develop strategies to reduce breast cancer mortality by better identifying high risk individuals.

Inova Schar Cancer Institute - Washington, DC

Megan R. Slocum, MMS, PA-C is a licensed physician assistant with more than 10 years of experience working in oncology with a focus in the development and delivery of comprehensive survivorship care and more recently in cancer prevention and clinical cancer genetics. Ms. Slocum worked with the Cancer Survivorship Institute at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern in Chicago, IL to develop a model for survivorship care delivery and worked in the Adult Survivorship Clinic where she saw both breast and colorectal cancer survivors. In 2021, Ms. Slocum joined the Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute where she provides clinical comprehensive cancer risk assessments to individuals at average and high risk for cancer development. She also provides care as part of a multi-disciplinary team to individuals with known hereditary cancer syndromes. Ms. Slocum has a particular interest in the role of lifestyle behaviors in cancer prevention and works closely with her patients to implement recommended lifestyle modifications and interventions.

Metropolitan Hospitan - Athens, Attica, Greece

Dr. Spathas Nikolaos is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at 4th Oncology Dpt, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece. He graduated from the Medical School of University of Athens in 2010. Dr. Spathas passed Greek Medical Oncology Boards in 2019. During his residency, he worked in centers of excellence in Oncology like Oncologic Hospital of Kifissia (Athens, Greece), Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Laikon University Hospital (Athens, Greece) and "ATTIKON" University Hospital (Athens, Greece). After completion of Medical Oncology residency, he was recruited as Consultant medical oncologist at 4th Oncology Dpt, Metropolitan Hospital. Dr. Spathas has a remarkable involvement in oncology conferences with numerous oral and poster presentation and is also the author of many publications in medical journals. He also completed a two-year postgraduate program on design and conduct of Clinical Trials. Breast cancer, cancer genomics and hereditary cancer syndromes are his main scientific interests. He completed a granted ESMO Preceptorship on Breast Cancer in Lisbon and has started his PhD thesis on endocrine resistance in patients with HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer. In addition, Dr. Spathas is currently sub-investigator in several international randomized clinical trials, mainly in the field of lung and breast cancer.

Texas Oncology - Cedar Park, TX

Shuba Srinivasan has been a practicing Physician Assistant for twenty years. She is passionate about cancer prevention and providing compassionate care. She is multi-lingual and is providing medical oncology and genetic risk and evaluation services in the North Austin community.

CTCA SERMC - Sharpsburg, GA

Julieta Valenzona, joined the CTCA Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology Team recently in April after nearly 2 years of medical oncology experience. She loves helping women navigate through symptom management and follow-up during the treatment phase of their cancer care. However, she is looking into expanding her knowledge in genetics to be able to discuss risk and risk mitigation. Prior to 2020 she worked in pain management and indigent care for nearly 10 years as a nurse practitioner. However, she spent most of her floor nursing career in Women's Health.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center - Chillicothe, IL

Kassie is a physician assistant with over a decade of clinical, administrative, and leadership experience. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and insight into clinical genetics to ensure she is providing excellent care and education to the patients she serves