Stephen Nimer, MD

Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Executive Dean for Research, Miller School of Medicine

Dr. Nimer has been studying the transcriptional regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis for decades, with the aim of understanding how the normal processes of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation are regulated and how these processes are aberrant in the myeloid malignancies. Overall, his lab has focused on defining genes that contribute to the development and progression of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and on identifying novel ways to target hematologic cancers and make them more responsive to treatment.

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Nimer has cared for patients with MDS, AML, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma for over three decades. This melding of clinical studies and care, with both basic laboratory and translational studies, reflects the fundamental focus of his career.

Since coming to the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine in 2012 and assuming the Directorship of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the center received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in July 2019. Sylvester is the only cancer center in South Florida to achieve this designation and the second in the state of Florida. Dr. Nimer is currently supported by two NCI R01 grants and a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) multi-project Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) award. In November 2019, Dr. Nimer was named the inaugural Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. In November 2021, Dr. Nimer assumed the role of Executive Dean for Research for the Miller School of Medicine, and in May 2022, he assumed a secondary appointment as Professor of Chemical, Environmental & Materials Engineering.

Prior to his arrival at the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Nimer was at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York for nearly 20 years, where he held the Alfred P. Sloan Chair and served as Head of the Division of Hematologic Oncology, Vice Chairman for Faculty Development, and Chief of the Hematology Service. He was also a Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Nimer has been elected to the American Society of Clinical Investigators and the Association of American Physicians. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and serves on the editorial board of several medical journals. In April 2021, Dr. Nimer was inducted into the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida. Dr. Nimer is also the Chairman of the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation, and the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

Giovana Betancur, LCSW

Social Worker
University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Giovanna Betancur Cohen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Gastrointestinal Oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Florida. In her role as an Oncology Social Worker, Giovanna provides psychosocial and supportive assistance to patients and caregivers throughout each phase of the cancer continuum. She facilitates the Pancreatic Cancer support group and co-facilitates the Caregiver support group. Prior to joining the University of Miami in 2021, Giovanna served as a mental health provider for individuals, couples and families including children and adolescents. Giovanna is a graduate from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and from Columbia University School of Social Work with a Master of Social Work.

Debbie Denardi

Debbie’s journey started in June 2010, when she detected a lump during a self-exam. She was only 48 years old. Due to a family history of multiple cancers, including breast cancer which took the life of her mother at age 44, her oncologist recommended genetic testing which revealed she was positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation. After a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer and multiple treatments and surgeries she is cancer free. Debbie is passionate about encouraging anyone with a family history of cancers to get genetic testing so they can avoid going through what she has had to go through. She is a volunteer and board member of FORCE (Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered). FORCE is dedicated to advance research for hereditary cancer patients and families. She volunteers with GRASP since 2019 as a mentor and executive board. Debbie works with researchers to design studies, questionnaires, recruit patients to ensure inclusion of Latinx patients. She provides support and mentorship to newly diagnosed patients. She is a 13-year survivor. Debbie is a mother of 2 sons (Alex 28 and Michael 27). Debbie was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Debbie is a grant reviewer with the Department of Defense and SGK (Susan G. Komen-Advocates in Science).

Frank J. Penedo, PhD. FABMR, FSBM

Professor of Psychology and Medicine
Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship
Director, Cancer Supportive Care and Survivorship Sylvester

Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D. is Associate Director for Cancer Survivorship and Translational Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Sylvester Professor of Psychology and Medicine. Over the past 23 years, his research has focused on evaluating the role of psychosocial and sociocultural processes in adjustment, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and health outcomes in diverse chronic disease populations including and primarily in cancer. His research program focuses on understanding the roles of sociocultural, biobehavioral, care delivery and psychosocial mechanisms underlying disease activity and health outcomes, and the efficacy of evidence-based psychosocial interventions in promoting optimal chronic disease management and health outcomes. In his role as Director of Cancer Survivorship at Sylvester, he oversees implementation of ACOS-CoC standards of supportive and survivorship care and translational research evaluating the impact of distress screening, symptom monitoring and survivorship care programs within Sylvester and via collaborations with Northwestern Medicine. As prior or current PI of multiple NCI and other NIH studies, he has considerable experience in cancer control and survivorship, measurement and management of symptom burden, the delivery of psychosocial interventions, care delivery and health services research and community-based and -engaged approaches to optimize health outcomes in cancer survivors. He has expertise in adapting, implementing and disseminating evidence-based interventions (in-person, via e/mHealth) and EMR-integrated symptom and needs monitoring, triage and intervention in ambulatory cancer survivors. He is past president of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine and elected Fellow of the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research and the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Penedo has over 290 peer-reviewed publications, has served as associate editor of several major journals in his field, and has been a standing member of several NIH study. He is the inaugural recipient of the Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship and was recently elected to the National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities. He is the 2023 recipient of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine Distinguished Scientist Award.

Jessica MacIntyre, DNP, MBA, APRN, AOCNP

Executive Director, Clinical Operations
Nurse Practitioner
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Jessica MacIntyre is the Executive Director of Clinical Operations and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner at the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. MacIntyre received her Doctor in Nursing Practice and MBA from Johns Hopkins University. She has been practicing for over 20 years in the field of oncology and currently oversees the clinical operations of various department and programs at the cancer center including, cancer support services, cancer prevention programs, cancer survivorship, the phase I research clinic, and the advanced practice providers involved in these areas. Additionally, she has publications in the areas of gastrointestinal malignances, advanced practice, and is an avid speaker on topics revolving around patient navigation, survivorship, and supportive care. She is also the co-founder and the Director of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program at the University of Miami; the first and only one in Florida as well as the founder of the Sylvester Patient Family Advisory Council. Most recently, she was appointed on the Board of Directors for the Oncology Nursing Society.

Carmen Calfa, MD

Breast Medical Oncologist
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
Medical Co-Director, Cancer Survivorship
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Dr. Calfa is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Medical Co-Director of the Survivorship Cancer Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Comprehensive Cancer Center. Furthermore, she leads Sylvester’s Multidisciplinary Survivorship Clinic Program and plays a key role in the Adolescent and Young Adult Steering Committee.

Carmen Calfa, M.D., dedicates her efforts to increasing cancer survival through access to innovative research and improving the quality of life for survivors and their caregivers.

Dr. Calfa is the recipient of the Zubrod 2020 Outstanding Clinical Researcher of the Year Award and the 2020 Miami Dolphins Everyday Hero Award.

She is the institutional principal investigator for several clinical trials, and she leads the Precision Medicine Clinical Trials Initiative at Sylvester.

Dr. Calfa serves as the institutional principal investigator for the ASCO’s TAPUR Study and has served as the chair of TAPUR’s steering committee. She is looking forward to continuing her work with the ASCO-TAPUR team and expanding precision medicine options to patients everywhere.

She earned a medical degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures in Romania and has completed Internal Medicine Residency as well as Hematology-Oncology Fellowship training at Jackson Memorial Hospital/ University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.

Matthew Schlumbrecht, MD

Professor of Clinical Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
Medical Co-Director, Cancer Survivorship
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Dr. Schlumbrecht is a Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Florida. He serves as the Director for the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program; Medical Co-Director for Research Operations, Cancer Survivorship Program; Co-Director of Cancer Control and Prevention for Gynecologic Oncology; and co-lead for the Gynecologic Oncology Site Disease Group. He also serves as the Vice Chair of Global and Community Health in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences.

A graduate of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Dr. Schlumbrecht completed an OB/GYN residency at The University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Texas. His clinical care of patients is complemented by his ongoing research in education, global health, and health care disparities, with a specific interest in cancer prevention, early detection, and education in underserved populations. He is the international mentor for gynecologic oncology fellows in Nigeria and Bahamas, and works closely with global partners to facilitate comprehensive research in endometrial and hereditary cancers.

He is the recipient of the 2021 Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Zubrod Award for Outstanding Teacher. He has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research, Cancer, and Gynecologic Oncology.

Daniel Armstrong, PhD

Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology
Director, Mailman Center for Child Development
Special Senior Advisor to the Chair of Pediatrics
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Dr. Daniel Armstrong is Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Mailman Center for Child Development at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Over the past 38 years Dr. Armstrong has served in multiple senior clinical, research, educational, and administrative leadership roles for the UM Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Health System. He was the founding director of the UM Masters in Clinical and Translational Investigation program, and leads a national CTSA program Working Group focused on including individuals with lived experience as part of research teams. Throughout his career, Dr. Armstrong’s research has focused on describing acute and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, and HIV/AIDS, understanding the mechanisms associated with these outcomes, and conducting clinical trials of interventions (behavioral, biological, and pharmacological) with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and chronic illnesses. Most of his research has involved interdisciplinary and multi-center collaboration. Trained as a behavioral scientist, he has established strong collaborations with basic, discovery, and clinical scientists focused on translational research questions. A former member of the Steering Committee for Sylvester, he also served as part of the scientific leadership of a number NIH multi-center clinical research trials, Chair of the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Committee for both the Pediatric Oncology Group and Children’s Oncology Group, Chair of the NHLBI Sickle Cell Advisory Committee, and consultant to multiple federal agencies, including several institutes of the NIH, the FDA, HRSA/MCHB, IOM/NAS, and the Executive Office of the White House. Dr. Armstrong served as the Chair of the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society, on the Board of Directors for American Cancer Society, Inc., and on the NCI PDQ Editorial Board. As Chair of the Florida Biomedical Research Advisory Council Dr. Armstrong is responsible for Florida’s research grant programs (Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research, James and Esther King Tobacco Research, and Live-Like-Bella Pediatric Research). He is Past-President of the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD), Past-president of the Florida Association of Children’s Hospitals, and Vice Chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe. Dr. Armstrong was the 2023 recipient of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tracy Crane, PhD

Associate Professor, Medical Oncology
Co-Lead, Cancer Control Research Program
Director, Digital Health and Lifestyle Medicine
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Dr. Crane leads a multi-disciplinary research team to carry out the delivery of digital health lifestyle interventions. In order to successfully conduct, manage and deliver these large-scale trials, her research team utilizes a smart software platform that incorporates voice, text and video, with integrated wearable data, and interfaces with clinical care. Dr. Crane’s most recent projects integrate deep learning and natural language processing in an effort to identify precision behavioral interventions to better predict what intervention to use, for whom and when, moving beyond the “one size fits all" approach.

Christopher Fitzmaurice, MS. ACSM-CEP/CET, USAW

Exercise Physiologist
Cancer Support Services
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Christopher Fitzmaurice is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and a group exercise instructor for UM as well. He holds certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Cancer Exercise Trainer, and USA Weightlifting as a Coach. In addition, he holds certifications through the American Council on Exercise as a Health Coach and Group Exercise Instructor. He is also a 3rd year graduate student in the Prevention Science and Community Health program within the Public Health Sciences Department at the University of Miami. He obtained his BS in Exercise Science and MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology both at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His focus is using physical activity and exercise to reduce health disparities and decrease the risk of chronic diseases, especially in cancer. He aspires to achieving his DrPH in the future.

Sara Fleszar-Pavlovic, PhD

Post-Doctoral Fellow
Cancer Control Training in Disparities and Equity Program (C-TIDE)
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sara Fleszar-Pavlovic, PhD is a postdoctoral fellow in the Cancer Control Training in Disparities and Equity Program at SCCC. Her research focuses on developing psychosocial and lifestyle interventions to improve clinical and patient reported outcomes in cancer survivorship.

Frederika Garcia Muchacho, MS, RDN, LDN, CHSC

Clinical Nutrition Manager - Oncology Nutrition
Cancer Support Services
Medical Co-Director, Survivorship Clinical Research Programs,
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Federika Garcia, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, serves as a Clinical Nutrition Manager and Board-Certified Nutrition Support Clinician at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion, with an emphasis on eating disorders, from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Federika's expertise lies in medical nutrition therapy for complex surgical patients, gastrointestinal tract cancers, stem cell transplants, and home nutrition support. In her patientcentered role, she emphasizes the significance of adopting modifiable lifestyle behaviors for cancer prevention and supporting individuals throughout the survivorship journey.

Bianca Tardi, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Division of Human Genetics
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Bianca Tardi is a Nurse Practitioner in the Eileen Youtie Genetic Predisposition Syndrome (GPS) clinic at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami, FL. Bianca received her undergraduate nursing degree from Quinnipiac University in 2018, and completed her master's in nursing at Regis College in 2022.

Mary Kaufman, DMT

Music Therapist
Cancer Support Services
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mary Adelyn Kauffman, DMA, MT-BC, has presented nationally and internationally on the effects of music therapy on mood, anxiety, resilience, and general well-being in the adult oncology and general populations. She has contributed to studies on the effects of piano playing on cognition in cancer and Parkinson’s patients, the effects of choral singing on resilience and benefit finding in cancer patients, and the efficacy of a mindfulness-based music therapy program on adverse symptoms in stem cell transplant patients. Dr. Kauffman’s work at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center allows her to assist cancer survivors on their path to mental and physical health and wellness.

Bruce R Kava, MD, FACS, MS-CTI

Professor of Urology
Director of Men's Health
Department of Urology

Bruce R Kava, MD, FACS, MS-CTI is Professor of Urology and Director of Men’s Health at the Desai Sethi Urological Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He has been at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for 24 years, during which time he served as the Chief of Urology at the Miami Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and was the Interim Chairman for the Urology Department between 2010-2012. Dr Kava attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed his Urology Residency training at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Kava was a Urologic Oncology Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Translational Investigation from the University of Miami. A bonified expert in men’s health, Dr Kava has expertise in Urologic Oncology, Sexual Dysfunction, and benign prostatic disorders. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, as well as a chapter on Essential Communications Skills for Urologists for the American Urological Association’s Core Curriculum. He is currently President-elect of the American Society of Men’s Health, has served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Sexual Medicine as well as the Board of Directors for the Florida Urological Association and Southeast Section of the American Urological Association. He is currently completing a Masters’ in Healthcare Administration.

Youngmee Kim, PhD

Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, University of Miami

Dr. Kim is Professor of Psychology and Member of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami. She has served Associate Editor of Quality of Life Research, Translational Behavioral Medicine, Psycho-Oncology, and Psychosomatic Medicine. Her research focuses on various aspects of quality of life of cancer survivors and their family members and close friends, such as psychological and spiritual adjustment, coping with caregiving stress, gender, relationship quality, and cancer preventive behaviors.

Joycelyn Lee, PhD, MBA

Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
University of Miami

Dr. Joycelyn Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and oncology psychologist at Sylvester Cancer Support Services. A University of Miami alumnus, she earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama. She completed her internship at The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (now Anschutz Medical Campus), which included a rotation at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. She also completed a post doctorate fellowship in Administration and Evaluation Psychology at The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Clinical specialties include anxiety and mood disorders, psychosocial oncology, coping with chronic medical conditions, and behavioral management of stress. Dr. Lee's research interests include cancer related health disparities in ethnic and racially minoritized populations, evidence based psychotherapies, adolescent and young adults, older adults with cancer, and provider-patient communication.

Annemay Lelis, PT, DPT

Manager, Physical & Occupational Therapy
Department of Physical Therapy
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Annemay Lelis, PT, DPT, Board Certified Oncology Physical Therapy Specialist has 10 years of clinical practice for the University of Miami Physical focusing on orthopedic, oncologic, lymphatic dysfunctions and integrated health. Currently, she is the manager of the Inpatient and Outpatient Physical Therapy for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Stem Cell Unit and Lymphedema Rehab at Posner Breast Cancer Clinic. She received her Clinical Doctorate degree at the Florida International University where she is an adjunct lecturer for the DPT program. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and has been practicing lymphedema therapy for 7 years. At UM’s DPT program, Dr. Lelis has lectured on the different facets of oncology rehab and developed an elective course regarding the comprehensive management of oncological related impairments. Other interests include clinical research and program development to improve care and access to physical therapy for persons affected by cancer.

Teresa Lesiuk, PhD

Director and Professor of Music Therapy
Frost School of Music
University of Miami

Teresa L. Lesiuk is the Department Chair and Professor of Music Therapy at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. She teaches music therapy courses, supervises clinical placements, and advises theses and dissertations for respective degree levels. Dr. Lesiuk is currently Principal Investigator for a study examining fMRI brain connectivity of autobiographical music for adults with mild cognitive impairment and she is also Co-Principal Investigator on a NIH funded research study investigating mindfulness-based music therapy for patients with stem cell transplant. She has published in a top-tier journals in her field such as Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, Music and Medicine, and Psychology of Music, and in some outside the music field such as Healthcare, Oncology Nursing Forum, and Information Resources Management Journal. She is also an accomplished pianist.

Wendy G. Lichtenthal, PhD

Research Associate Professor
Department of Public Health Sciences
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Wendy G. Lichtenthal, PhD, FT is Founding Director of the Center for the Advancement of Bereavement Care at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Associate Professor, Pending Rank, in the Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Prevention Science and Community Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and has worked as a psycho-oncologist and grief specialist for over 20 years. Prior to joining Sylvester, she was Associate Attending Psychologist and Director of the Bereavement Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City, where she now serves as Consultant Faculty. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Chicago, her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania, her clinical psychology internship at the Payne Whitney Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, and a postdoctoral research fellowship in psycho-oncology at MSK, where she was Chief Research Fellow. She was a recipient of the 2012 International Psycho-Oncology Society Kawano New Investigator Award, the 2019 Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) Research Recognition Award, and the 2023 American Psychosocial Oncology Society Outstanding Clinical Care Award. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Nursing Research, American Cancer Society, T.J. Martell Foundation, and MSK’s Cycle for Survival and has focused on grief and bereavement, fear of cancer recurrence, cancer survivorship, meaning-making, and intervention development and evaluation.

Mark Lin, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Division of Plastic Surgery
Department of Surgery
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Mark Lin obtained his master's degree from the University of Miami. He is currently a Nurse Practitioner with the Plastic Surgery department at Uhealth. He specializes in Lymphedema, primarily working on new patient consultations, pre-operative care, and post-operative care.

Karen Lipay, BS, LMT, OMT, MLDT

Clinical Program Manager, Massage Therapy
Cancer Support Services
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Program manager of Massage therapy with Cancer Supportive Services Born and raised outside of the Chicago area, Ms. Lipay went to college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and lived in the Boston area for many years. During this time, she worked as an AV convention manager. After moving to the Miami area, she decided to go back to school to become a massage therapist and went to Educating Hands massage therapy school in Miami. Karen has been a therapist for 12 years and has owned her own massage spa location in Kendell, has worked at luxury spa locations in Miami and has enjoyed working at Sylvester Cancer Center for the last 6 years. Ms. Lipay was certified in Manuel Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in 2014 and then Oncology Massage in 2016. Recently, she was interviewed by the Lymphatic Institute International for utilizing MLD in a cancer setting, and later the massage therapy department was highlighted in Massage Therapy Magazine's monthly newsletter for their work with cancer patients.

Claudia Marin, AP

Senior Accupuncturist
Cancer Support Services
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr Claudia Marin is Board Certified Diplomate of Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) for the last 20 years. Dr Marin is a Florida Licensed Acupuncture Physician practicing for 14 years and prior to that she was licensed in New York practicing for 6 years. Dr Marin graduated with a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) in Manhattan, New York. She also graduated from SUNY Binghamton, in Binghamton, NY where she received her B.S. in Biological Sciences.

Throughout her years in practice, Dr Marin has used Acupuncture as a complementary treatment to assist Cancer patients. Acupuncture can help cancer patients to manage symptoms related to cancer and its treatment.

In 2014-2015, Dr Marin was recognized by Worldwide Leader in Healthcare, for her accomplishments, as an Acupuncture provider.

Patricia Moreno, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department of Public Health Sciences
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami
Lead, Evidence-Based Survivorship Supportive Care
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Moreno is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She is also Lead of Evidence-Based Survivorship Supportive Care at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The overarching aim of Dr. Moreno’s research is to understand the significant challenges faced by individuals coping with cancer and improve outcomes across the cancer continuum through patient-centered healthcare and tailored, empirically-supported interventions. She is particularly interested in identifying factors that can be targeted to improve quality of life and reduce cancer prevention and control disparities among Hispanics/Latinos and other diverse individuals in the United States. Dr. Moreno has received grants from the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, V Foundation, and John Templeton Foundation. In addition, Dr. Moreno has experience providing evidence-based care to English- and Spanish-speaking cancer survivors and their family members across three NCI-designated cancer centers: UCLA, Duke University, and Northwestern University.

Pasquale Patrizio, MD, MBE, HCLD, FACOG

Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
Chief, Division Reproductive Endocrinology, and Infertility
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

Dr. Pasquale Patrizio is a board-certified specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Andrology and Master in Bioethics. He is Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Chief, Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.

He is a section editor for the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biomedicine Online and is editorial board for Journal Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. He served as president of International Society Fertility Preservation (ISFP, 2015-2017) and Chair of the ASRM Fertility Preservation Special Interest Group (2019-2020). He has authored 9 books, 598 scientific papers (87 book chapters, 227 peer-reviewed publications and 292published abstracts) and holds 2 issued patents. He is Honorary member of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility, Fellow of the International Academy of Human Reproduction and has received prize paper awards from both ASRM and ESHRE.

The most significant research and clinical innovation accomplishments include: Co-pioneering the technique of microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) for men with congenital absence of the vas deferens and discovery the cause as a mild form of cystic fibrosis; Discovery that some cases of male infertility are due to Y-chromosome deletions; Pioneering the technique of whole ovary cryopreservation; Deciphering molecular mechanisms responsible for oocyte aging. Current research interests include improving the efficiency and protocols of ART; understanding the role of embryo mosaicism in implantation; the ethics of unvalidated “adds on” in ART; enhancing fertility preservation strategies; simplify and standardize the IVF laboratory by automation; and lyophilize gametes, embryos and tissue.

Kristin Rojas, MD, FACS, FACOG

Assistant Professor of Surgery
Breast Cancer Surgeon and Gynecologist
Division of Surgical Oncology
Department of Surgery
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Kristin Rojas, MD, FACS, FACOG is a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon and board-certified gynecologist, and the founder of the Sexual Health After Cancer Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Florida. Originally from Texas, she graduated from UT Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency training at Brown Universityl followed by a Breast Cancer Surgery Fellowship in New York City. Her research focuses on the impact of opioids on the gut microbiome and sexual health in women’s cancer survivorship.

Paola Rossi, MD, MSED

Director, Clinical Program - Lifestyle Medicine
Medical Oncology
Division of Cancer Control
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Paola Rossi, MD, MS in Exercise Physiology, Clinical Program Director of Lifestyle Medicine at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Paola Rossi is a Family Physician and a Palliative Care Physician. Born and raised in Argentina, Dr. Rossi developed an early interest in the intersection between medicine, lifestyle, and nutrition, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in family medicine and palliative care. After completing her medical training, Dr. Rossi went on to earn a master's degree in exercise physiology, focusing her research on the role of physical activity and diet in cancer prevention and survivorship. As a medical educator, Dr. Rossi dedicated her tine in developing multiple community programs to empower her patients and students with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health.

Maria Rueda-Lara, MD

Medical Director of Psycho-Oncology
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Dr. Maria A. Rueda-Lara is the Medical Director of Psycho-Oncology at the University of Miami/Sylvester, South Florida’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. She specializes in the co-morbidity and psychiatric manifestations of cancer. At UM, she leads the training of medical students, residents, fellows, and psychology practicum students in psycho-oncology. Dr. Maria Rueda-Lara is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry with an added qualification in the Subspecialty of Consultation-Liaison. She completed her residency training in Psychiatry at Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey and her fellowship in Consultation Liaison/Psycho-Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering/Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. She recently became a Fellow of the Academy of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry and has given local and national presentations in her field. Her research interests are neurocognitive symptoms in cancer treatment, delirium, and the psychiatric aspects of bone marrow transplantation.

Melanie Taylor, APRN-BC, MSN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Melanie M. Taylor is a Miami native who has been in the nursing field for over 10 years. She graduated as a registered nurse from Nova Southeastern University and worked in the inpatient setting in telemetry and later the intensive care unit. She returned to Nova Southeastern University to complete her graduate studies as a Nurse Practitioner and has now been practicing in that role for 7 years. She has worked throughout various hospital systems within the Miami area as a nurse practitioner in the intensive care unit, community health and as a supervisor for advanced practice providers for a hospitalist team. She joined the University of Miami this year in April to help build the lymphedema program and provide more clinical resources to our community. She is excited to work alongside a highly skilled and caring team of professionals, working towards the initiative of providing quality care and meaningful support.

Lara Traeger, PhD

Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, University of Miami
Lead, Translational Behavioral Medicine in Cancer and Aging
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Traeger is a clinical researcher in Cancer Control at the UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami. She serves as Lead of Translational Behavioral Medicine in Cancer and Aging at Sylvester. Dr. Traeger’s program of externally funded research involves the development and testing of multidisciplinary supportive care interventions to improve resilience, quality of life, and care experiences of adults affected by cancer. She has focused specifically on enhancing medical adherence among older adults and patients navigating complex treatment regimens. She also has specific expertise in leading and mentoring mixed methods research to guide intervention development, dissemination, and implementation in healthcare settings. She has published over 145 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Dr. Traeger received her graduate training in clinical-health psychology from the University of Miami. She completed fellowships at the Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where she served on faculty prior to joining the University of Miami.

Adrienne Vazquez Guerra, APRN

Nurse Practioner - Survivorship Program
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mrs. Adrienne Vazquez Guerra is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner. Mrs. Vazquez Guerra has worked in various roles within oncology which include inpatient and outpatient general oncology/hematology, thoracic oncology, outpatient infusion center, clinical trials, survivorship and management of several clinical programs. Mrs. Vazquez Guerra is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner® (AOCNP) and is a past ONCC national chair for the item writing and test development national committees for the AOCNP board exam. She is a past president of the Miami-Dade chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. Her current role at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is nurse practitioner and clinical operations within the Cancer Survivorship program.

Denise C. Vidot, PhD

Associate Professor
School of Nursing and Health Studies
University of Miami

Dr. Denise C. Vidot is an Assistant Professor at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. She is a trained Epidemiologist with analytical, design, and implementation experience in substance use and cardiometabolic disease risk research. With over seven years of experience, Dr. Vidot has designed epidemiological investigations and worked extensively with diverse groups, including Hispanics, African Americans, children, and underserved populations. She is a certified cannabis and psychedelics epidemiologist specializing in cannabis patient care.

Dr. Vidot focused on advanced epidemiologic methodology and cardiovascular clinical research during her NIH-funded post-doctoral training. Her work was part of the NHLBI-funded multi-state cohort study, the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, at the University of Miami Behavioral Medicine Research Center, where she continues collaborating. Dr. Vidot is also the Founder and Director of the Global Cannabis and Psychedelics Research Collaborative. Her research interests encompass the independent and combined consumption of cannabis, psilocybin, and hallucinogens before, during, and after the pandemic.

In addition to her research endeavors, Dr. Vidot is committed to mentoring the next generation of diverse, culturally inclusive scientists and healthcare providers. She actively participates as a mentor in collaboration with the University of West Indies for the NIH-funded Minority Health Research Training Program.

Lindsey Weaver, ATR-BC

Art Therapist
Cancer Support Services
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lindsey is a board-certified creative arts therapist who recently moved to South Florida from Pennsylvania. She completed her master’s program in Creative Arts Therapy at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York and has a Visual Arts degree from Penn State University in drawing and painting. Lindsey integrates art into her daily routine for joy and overall wellness. She is currently working at Sylvester Comprehensive Center in Cancer Support Services as an art therapist, integrating art to create healing for cancer patients, caregivers, and hospital staff.