Supportive Care Sessions
Wednesday, October 29, 2026 | 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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| 9:10 – 9:15 | Moment of Inspiration |
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| Morning Sessions: Reflect, Restore, Rebuild: Emotional Wellness in Survivorship Moderator: |
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| 9:15 – 9:45 | Finding Calm During and After Cancer: Tools for Managing Stress and Anxiety |
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| 9:45 – 10:10 | Building Your Support System Throughout the Cancer Journey |
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| 10:10 – 10:40 | Sleep Health: Practical Strategies |
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| 10:40 – 10:55 | Panel Discussion | Q&A |
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| Morning Break | ||
| Keynote Moderator: | ||
| 11:10 – 12:10 | Keynote TBD |
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| 12:10 – 1:10 | Lunch & Networking | |
| 1:10 – 1:15 | ||
| Afternoon Sessions: Move, Manage, Empower: Thriving in Survivorship Moderator: |
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| 1:15 – 1:45 | Addressing Sexual Health: A Mind-Body Approach |
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| 1:45 – 2:15 | Moving Through Fatigue: Medical and Exercise Based Support During Cancer |
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| 2:15 – 2:45 | Debunking Nutrition Myths: Fact vs Fiction |
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| 2:45 – 3:00 | Panel Discussion | Q&A |
TBS
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| Afternoon Break & Networking | ||
| 3:15 – 4:30 | The Questions You Want Answered: Expert Insights on Navigating Your Care Moderator: |
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| Closing Remarks | ||
Jessica MacIntyre, DNP, MBA, APRN, NP-C, AOCNP®, FAANP
Full bio coming soon.
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.
Chaplain Nicolas Halac
Full bio coming soon.
Nichole Puentes, MHA
Director of Clinical Programs for Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care
Nichole E. Puentes, MHA, is the Director of Clinical Programs for Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System. She has brought more than 18 years of operations, business administration, and program development experience, with a strong focus on enhancing patient-centered cancer care. In her role, Nichole oversees multidisciplinary supportive care services, including psychosocial oncology, integrative therapies, spiritual care, and survivorship programs across multiple clinical locations. She is passionate about expanding access to supportive oncology services, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering collaboration among clinical and administrative teams. Nichole holds a Master of Health Administration with a concentration in Informatics and is focused on strategic planning, workforce development, and implementing innovative solutions that improve both patient and staff experiences.
Leah Zemel, LCSW
Full bio coming soon.
Zili Huma Khan, LCSW
Program Director, Fields-Galley Suicide Prevention Program & Fields-Galley Emotional Wellness for Cancer Survivors Program
Zili Huma Khan, LCSW, is Program Director of the Fields-Galley Suicide Prevention Program and the Fields-Galley Emotional Wellness for Cancer Survivors Program at the University of Miami Health System and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. With more than 20 years of experience in mental health, she specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the treatment of individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and self-harming behaviors. Since joining the University in 2020, Ms. Khan has helped develop innovative clinical programs focused on suicide prevention, emotional wellness, and psychosocial support for individuals affected by cancer. Her work is dedicated to helping patients and survivors build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and improve quality of life.
Alisa Anderson, LCSW
Full bio coming soon.
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.
Lia Baker
Full bio coming soon.
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.
Erin M. Mobley, PhD, MPH
Erin M. Mobley, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Mobley's research focuses on pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivorship using health services research and implementation science methods. As a pediatric cancer survivor herself, her passion is to lead research initiatives focused on access to care, insurance, financial toxicity, employment and educational attainment, clinical trials, fertility, and other disparities or inequities experienced by young cancer survivors over the lifespan. Prior to joining the University of Florida, Dr. Mobley completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. She earned her PhD in Health Services and Policy from the University of Iowa and her Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.
Federika Garcia Muchacho, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, CSO
Director of Clinical Programs for Nutrition and Wellness
Federika Garcia, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, CSO, serves as the Director of Clinical Programs for Nutrition and Wellness, at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Federika's expertise as Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncology Nutrition 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.
Dr. Katherine Amin
Full bio coming soon.
Joy Lee, PhD
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.
Diana Molinares, MD
Full bio coming soon.
Jessica Moya, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, CNSC
Full bio coming soon.
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.
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. 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 and co-investigator for multiple clinical trials in the breast cancer treatment and survivorship space. She leads the precision medicine clinical trials at Sylvester including the I-SPY trial as well as 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.
Nicholas Borja, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Dr. Nicholas Borja is a board-certified medical geneticist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Genetics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine with a research focus on hereditary cancer predisposition. He has authored studies analyzing genetic and environmental factors in patients with multiple primary malignancies and described new phenotypes associated with Gorlin syndrome and ATM-related cancer susceptibility. In 2025, he received grant funding from the American Cancer Society to work towards discovering novel genetic causes of cancer risk. In addition, as co-investigator with the University of Miami's Undiagnosed Diseases Network clinical site, he has helped characterize ultra-rare genetic disorders in pediatric and adult patients.
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.
Maria Rueda-Lara, MD
Full bio coming soon.
Matthew Schlumbrecht, MD
Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Schlumbrecht is a Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Florida. He serves as the Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement; Medical Co-Director for Education and Training, Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Institute; and Translational 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 at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. In this capacity he acts as the international mentor for five international gynecologic oncology fellows in Nigeria and Bahamas through the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, for which he is the co-chair for the International Mentor and Local Supervisor Resource Committee.
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 translational science and global health, with a specific interest in cancer prevention and education, early detection, and novel therapeutics. He works closely with global partners to facilitate comprehensive research in endometrial and hereditary cancers, as well as expansion of clinical trials to populations in need.
He is the recipient of the 2025 University of Miami Provost Award for Outstanding Clinical Teaching. He has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecologic, Cancer, and Gynecologic Oncology.
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.