Supportive Care Sessions
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 4:40 PM
The Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove
All Times are EDT
Program is subject to change
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Registration & Breakfast | |
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| 8:45 – 9:10 | Welcome Remarks |
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| Morning Sessions Moderator: |
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| 9:10 – 9:40 | How to Balance Being a Patient and Caregiver |
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| 9:40 – 10:10 | Advanced Care Planning and Its Importance |
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| 10:10 – 10:40 | The Power of Mentorship |
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| 10:40 – 10:55 | Panel Discussion | Q&A |
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| 10:55 – 11:10 | Morning Break Moderator: |
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| 11:10 – 12:10 | Keynote Hope as Strategy: When Impossible Becomes Optional for Everyone |
Cancer Survivor |
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| 12:10 – 1:30 | Lunch & Networking | |
| Afternoon Sessions Moderator: |
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| 1:30 – 2:00 | Fatigue and Neuropathy: Common Late Effects & Management |
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| 2:00 – 2:30 | Debunking Nutrition Myths: Fact vs Fiction |
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| 2:30 – 3:00 | Strategies to Incorporate Healing through Music |
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| 3:00 – 3:15 | Panel Discussion | Q&A |
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| 3:15 – 3:30 | Afternoon Break & Networking | |
| 3:30 – 4:30 | Ask the Experts: Topics Relevant to Today’s Cancer Survivor |
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| 4:30 – 4:40 | Closing Remarks | |
Frank J Penedo, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Medicine
Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship
Director, Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care
Center Associate Director, Population Sciences
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami
Dr. Frank J. Penedo is a professor in the Departments of Psychology and Medicine, Associate Director for Population Sciences at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship. He earned his PhD in clinical health psychology from the University of Miami. He completed his clinical residency in psychosocial oncology and behavioral medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. His work investigates the biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying chronic disease and assesses the effectiveness of evidence-based psychosocial interventions—either in person or via technology—in managing cancer and improving both patient-reported and clinical outcomes. Dr. Penedo also conducts translational dissemination and implementation research focused on addressing unmet survivorship care needs, as well as monitoring and managing symptoms and toxicities in ambulatory oncology, leveraging advances in electronic health records (EHR) and AI technologies. He is an internationally recognized leader in cancer survivorship, psychosocial and behavioral interventions, patient-reported outcomes, and digital health. As Director of Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care at Sylvester, he oversees implementing supportive care standards and aligning them with translational research programs that evaluate the effects of distress screening, symptom and toxicity monitoring, and survivorship care delivery at Sylvester. He has served as President of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine, and his research and mentoring have been honored with numerous awards from prestigious organizations in his field. He is an elected fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research, and the International Society of Behavioral Medicine. He has also participated in numerous NIH study sections and served as a senior associate editor and reviewer for multiple journals. Dr. Penedo has authored over 350 peer-reviewed publications on cancer survivorship and disease management, has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past 23 years, and is a member of the NIMHD Council.
Stephen Nimer, M.D.
Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Executive Dean for Research, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., is the director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also the executive dean for research and a professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Nimer’s career spans more than 30 years in clinical care, research, administration and leadership.
Before joining the Miller School of Medicine in 2012, Dr. Nimer held numerous leadership positions at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for over his nearly 20 years of service there. He served as the head of the division of hematologic oncology, vice chairman for faculty development, chief of the Hematology Service and held the Alfred P. Sloan Chair in Cancer Research.
Under Dr. Nimer’s leadership, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center became an NCI-designated center in July 2019. It is the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida and serves more than six million people in its catchment area. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report recognized Sylvester as a top-ranked cancer hospital in the nation. In 2024, the NCI reaffirmed Sylvester’s designation with a rating of Outstanding. Through key engagements and advocacy, Dr. Nimer ensures cancer research remains at the forefront of efforts at the state and federal level, contributing to meaningful cancer-related policies, innovative community care models and funding priorities.
A physician-scientist in the field of hematology-oncology and cancer research, Dr. Nimer has cared for patients and conducted clinical research on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma and lymphoma. He has decades of service to non-profits in their efforts to advance patient science and clinical care, including the MDS Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (AAMDSIF). Moreover, he is the chairman of the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation and the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation (MDSF), two organizations that award funding for early career blood cancer investigators.
Dr. Nimer has conducted fundamental and translational cancer research for decades, work that’s been continuously supported by the NIH for three decades. He has served as PI on four Leukemia & Lymphoma Society multi-project Specialized Center of Research awards. In his lab, Dr. Nimer focuses on understanding the genes involved in the production of blood and the development and progression of MDS and AML in order to identify novel therapeutic approaches to these disorders holding several patents for the treatment of leukemia.
Dr. Nimer has authored more than 300 scientific publications and has received numerous awards including the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and the Irma T. Hirschl Career Scientist Award. He received the E. Donnall Thomas Award in 2015 from the Bone Marrow Foundation. He has been elected into the American Society of Clinical Investigators, the Association of American Physicians and to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida highlighting his influential role in shaping the field of oncology. Dr. Nimer is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, further demonstrating his dedication to patient care and clinical excellence.
In 2023, he was honored with the BioFlorida Researcher of the Year Award for his exceptional dedication to advancing the understanding of leukemia and other myeloid malignancies. In 2024, he was recognized with the Provost’s Lifetime Achievement Award for demonstrating extraordinary contributions to his field and for enhancing the reputation of the University through his notable accomplishments. Dr. Nimer also received the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Mentor Award in recognition of his many years of dedicated mentoring to colleagues and trainees.
Carmen Calfa, MD
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. She also serves as the Clinical Research Lead for the Breast Site Disease Group and Physician Leader of the Genetic Predisposition Syndrome Initiative at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. 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. 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.
Veronika Panagiotou, PhD
Director of Advocacy and Programs
Veronika Panagiotou, PhD, joined Cancer Nation in the summer of 2021 and has served as the Director of Advocacy and Programs since 2024. Her responsibilities include managing the Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT), Survivorship Champions and various advocacy initiatives.
Dr. Panagiotou’s passion for working in survivorship and advocacy emerged after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 25 years old. As a young adult cancer survivor, she has witnessed firsthand the need for recognition of the financial toxicity of treatment, the creation of more supportive services, and the availability of survivorship care. Before joining Cancer Nation as a staff member, Veronika was an active CPAT member. She has met with her representatives to share her story and to advocate for policies such as the Affordable Care Act that saved her life by giving her access to cancer treatment.
Dr. Panagiotou obtained her doctorate in Community Engagement at Point Park University in 2021. She defended her dissertation entitled, “Do Service-Learning Models Create an Opportunity to Cultivate Civic Engagement Outcomes at Point Park University? A Phenomenological Study of Students’ Perspectives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.” Dr. Panagiotou was awarded the “Student Award for Excellence in Community Engagement” for the academic year of 2017-2018 after creating the Pioneer Pantry which serves college students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity on campus.
Adrienne Vazquez Guerra, MSN, ARPN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP®
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.
Bruce Kava, M.D.
Dr. Kava is a Professor of Urology and the Director of Men’s Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. With over 20 years at the university, he has served as Chief of Urology at the Miami Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and as Interim Chairman of the Urology Department from 2010 to 2012.
He earned his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his Urology Residency at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Kava further specialized with a Urological Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holds a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Investigation from the University of Miami.
Specializing in Urologic Oncology, Sexual Dysfunction, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Dr. Kava has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, including one on Essential Communication Skills for Urologists in the American Urological Association (AUA) Core Curriculum. He is currently the President-elect of the American Society of Men’s Health and has served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Sexual Medicine and the Board of Directors for the Florida Urological Association.
Amanda Rivera, MD
Dr. Rivera’s research focuses on treatment optimization for gynecologic cancers, the patient experience, and workforce diversity. Dr. Rivera's research focusing on the experience of women undergoing gynecologic brachytherapy and how anesthesia techniques affect stress and long term PTSD symptoms is funded by the Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Career Development Award. She aims to study the relationship between chronic stress in this population and how this can affect both mental health and tumor control outcomes. She has previously collaborated with the American Cancer Society and the NFL Crucial Catch Project to improve cervical cancer screening rates in the Bronx establishing long standing weekend screening and education clinic. She aims to study the interplay of resource availability and how to combat the perpetuation of disparities along the cancer continuum in underserved communities, now in south Florida. Dr. Rivera was featured on Good Morning America with the former First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and Robin Roberts to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer screening and promote awareness. She enjoys treating patients and personalizing her encounters based on individual needs and collaboration.
Olivia Scott
Olivia is the Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program Coordinator at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she has dedicated over three years to supporting patients between the ages of 15 and 39. In her role, Olivia leads initiatives that address the unique medical and psychosocial needs of AYA patients, helping to enhance their overall experience at Sylvester. Her work includes developing meaningful programs, resources, and events that foster community, resilience, and support during and after treatment. With a passion for patient-centered care, Olivia collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure AYA voices are heard and integrated into care planning. She is committed to advancing the visibility and impact of the AYA Program while continually advocating for age-appropriate support services. Olivia’s work reflects a deep understanding of the challenges AYA patients face and a strong dedication to improving their quality of life through personalized and innovative programming.
Brittany J. Wright, PhD
Dr. Brittany Wright is a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Miami, where she first developed an interest in health psychology. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Purdue University. During her pre-doctoral internship at the VA St. Louis Health Care System, Dr. Wright completed a specialized rotation in psycho-oncology at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. She then pursued a post-doctoral residency in psycho-oncology and pain psychology at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Wright is passionate about supporting individuals living with chronic health conditions, with a special focus on those affected by cancer. Her clinical and academic work is driven by a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based psychological care.
Federika Garcia Muchacho, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, CSO
Federika Garcia, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, CSO, serves as a Clinical Nutrition Manager and Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncology Nutrition at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Federika's expertise lies in medical nutrition therapy for complex surgical patients, gastrointestinal tract cancers, stem cell transplant, and home nutrition support. In her patient-centered role, she emphasizes the significance of adopting modifiable lifestyle behaviors for cancer prevention and supporting individuals throughout the survivorship journey.
Karen Sanchez, MSW, LCSW, CWCM-S, OSW-C
Karen Sanchez, MSW, LCSW-QS, CWCM-S, OSW-C, is an accomplished clinical social worker and healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in oncology, child welfare, behavioral health, and quality assurance. She currently serves as Director of Social Work at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she oversees inpatient and outpatient oncology social work teams, develops strategic psychosocial programs, manages grants and patient assistance services, and advances health equity in cancer care. Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Qualified Supervisor in Florida, and a Certified Oncology Social Worker. A respected voice in her field, she was honored as the 2023 Social Worker of the Year by NASW Miami-Dade. She regularly presents on oncology-related topics at state and national conferences, including FLASCO, AOSW, and FSOSW. Karen’s work reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients and families through compassionate, evidence-based social work practice.
Lisset Robertson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Lisset Robertson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of professional experience in medical and hospice social work, with a particular focus on oncology and end-of-life care. She currently serves as an Oncology Social Worker at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at UHealth, where she provides comprehensive psychosocial support, crisis intervention, and resource coordination to individuals and families facing cancer diagnoses. Ms. Robertson’s prior experience includes leadership in hospice care settings, where she conducted psychosocial assessments, facilitated bereavement counseling, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure patient-centered, compassionate care. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University and is fluent in English and Spanish. Her practice is rooted in cultural competence, clinical excellence, and a strong commitment to advocacy and holistic support for patients and their families.
Lena Iglesias, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, CPN
Lena Iglesias, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, CPN is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient hematology and medical oncology experience. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami in Florida and holds role-specific advanced certifications as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP®) and Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN). She began her nursing career in pediatric hematology/oncology, working within a bone marrow transplant unit, and later transitioned to adult hematology and medical oncology, managing care across multiple site diseases. Throughout her career, Lena has remained dedicated to advancing delivery of compassionate, high-quality care to individuals affected by cancer. In her current role at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, she serves as a nurse practitioner in the Survivorship Wellness Clinics, with a clinical focus on breast and genitourinary cancer patients.
Mary Kauffman, DMA, MT-BC, NHWC
Dr. Mary Adelyn Kauffman is a board-certified music therapist with a background as a conductor and vocal coach. She has presented nationally and internationally on the benefits of music therapy and choral singing, particularly in adult oncology populations. Her research includes studies on the cognitive effects of piano playing in individuals with cancer and Parkinson’s disease, the impact of choral singing on resilience and benefit finding in cancer patients, and the effectiveness of mindfulness-based music therapy in reducing adverse symptoms in stem cell transplant patients. Dr. Kauffman is passionate about integrating the healing power of music into clinical care. As part of the Sylvester Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care team, she and her fellow music therapist are honored to introduce more individuals to music therapy as a powerful tool for emotional and physical well-being. Her work bridges the arts and science to support the whole person healing in cancer care.
Jackie Herigodt
Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Imerman Angels
Jackie has been a dedicated member of Imerman Angels since 2012. Her journey is deeply personal—she has cared for several loved ones facing cancer, including her sister, who is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer and is a Lynch syndrome carrier. Jackie herself is also a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with skin cancer. These experiences of personal loss, caregiving, and resilience have strengthened her commitment to the Imerman Angels mission. As Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Jackie leads the Mentor Angel training program, oversees community events, and manages organizational partnerships—including the one represented here today. She played a pivotal role in establishing Imerman Angels’ outreach initiative and launched the global Ambassador program, which empowers volunteers to raise awareness about the organization’s work around the world. Jackie’s professional goals focus on nurturing a vibrant, inclusive cancer community. She works to expand Imerman Angels’ reach through collaborations with cancer organizations, treatment centers, and hospitals—ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Jackie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University. Her diverse experience in animal training, customer service, and education has equipped her with unique skills, all of which contribute to her impactful work at Imerman Angels.
Carlotta Orlando, MS, RDN, LDN, CSO
Originally from Trieste, Italy, I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University. I currently serve as a certified oncology dietitian at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where I have been working since June 2023. In my role, I provide medical nutrition therapy to patients across a variety of cancer types, with a growing focus on those receiving care in the gynecologic oncology clinic and those undergoing surgical treatment. My work is rooted in evidence-based practice, and I am committed to delivering personalized, high-quality nutrition care that supports patients throughout their cancer journey. I am particularly passionate about enhancing quality of life and improving clinical outcomes through targeted nutrition interventions. By collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, I strive to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
Joy Lee, PsyD
Dr. Joycelyn Lee, PhD, MBA is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Director of Psychosocial Oncology at Sylvester Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care. A University of Miami undergraduate alumnus, she earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama. She has been providing outpatient psychosocial oncology at Sylvester Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care since 2015, helping patients manage symptoms of psychosocial distress to better engage in value-focused living during and after cancer treatment. Her clinical specialties include anxiety and mood disorders, psychosocial oncology, coping with chronic medical conditions, and behavioral management of stress and side effects from cancer treatment. Dr. Lee is a member of Sylvester’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Task Force and AYA Patient and Family Advocacy Committee (AYA-PFAC). Her current research interests include cancer-related health disparities, evidence-based psychotherapies, adolescent and young adults, older adults with cancer, and provider-patient communication. In 2018, she received the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Support Services Outstanding Patient Care Award.
Jash Datta, MD
Dr. Datta is the DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy and an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he specializes in complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical oncology. He also serves as Assistant Director of Transdisciplinary Research and Co-Leader of the Gastrointestinal Site Disease Group at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. His laboratory, funded by the National Cancer Institute and Department of Defense, investigates myeloid immunobiology, tumor microenvironment signaling, and novel immunotherapy strategies for pancreatic cancer. Dr. Datta’s translational research focuses on biomarkers of response and resistance to neoadjuvant therapy, and the influence of neighborhood disadvantage on molecular outcomes in GI cancers. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Young Physician-Scientist Award from the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Joan and Julius Jacobson Promising Investigator Award from the American College of Surgeons.
Jason Tharp
Cancer Survivor
Jason Tharp is a brain cancer survivor, bestselling children's book author and illustrator, and founder of the Beyond Hope Project. It's a movement designed to help people break through the impossible by turning hope into a strategy. With a message rooted in authenticity, resilience, and self-leadership, Jason brings the perfect blend of heart, humor, and humanity to every stage he steps on.
Through the lens of his personal journey (being told he had seven months to live), Jason delivers powerful storytelling that goes far beyond inspiration. He introduces audiences to his transformational H.O.P.E. Algorithm, a mindset tool built to help individuals and organizations navigate challenges, unlock creativity, and lead with purpose.
Nicole Camejo, MS, MPH, MT-BC, CPH
Music Therapist
Nicole Camejo, MT-BC, CPH, is a board-certified music therapist and certified public health professional. She has extensive experience providing music therapy services at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, working with both pediatric and adult oncology patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. Nicole is currently pursuing certification in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music to expand the range of music therapy services available to patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
David Cote, MM, MT-BC, NMT
Music Therapist
David Cote is the newest full-time member of the music therapy team at Sylvester. He graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and completed his clinical internship at Creative Arts Therapies of the Palm Beaches in 2022. Since becoming board-certified, David has worked with a variety of clinical populations including children with special needs, adults with substance-use disorders, neurorehabilitation patients, and most recently, cancer patients. He has also led ensembles such as Exceptional Ensembell, a handbell choir for adults with diverse needs, and a Parkinson’s Choir with the Mind, Music, and Music Foundation and teaches private guitar lessons. David returned to UM in 2023 as a graduate teaching assistant and received his master’s degree in music therapy in May of 2025. During his graduate education, David researched the use of music and mindfulness meditation on anxiety in undergraduate music students. He also worked as a clinical teaching assistant at Sylvester throughout the two-year program. Now, David facilitates both inpatient and outpatient sessions for Sylvester patients primarily at the downtown medical campus.
Have Questions?
Please contact SurvivorshipSymposium@miami.edu for any survivorship symposium related questions.
To learn more about our Survivorship Research and Clinical Programs please visit Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute.