Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
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Our Supportive Oncology Team

Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to listening and responding to patient concerns, promoting well-being and treating each individual with respect and compassion. We work directly with clinical researchers who conduct clinical trials aimed at improving the psychosocial health of adults with cancer. Get to know our team members and what they do below. For more information about our cancer support services, or, to request an appointment, please call (312) 695-0990.

 Social Workers

Provides emotional support, helps patients find resources close to home and assists patients and family members with other practical needs and referrals as they navigate the healthcare system. 312-695-0990

Christopher Balmaceda
Christopher Balmaceda, LCSW
Social Worker, Brain Tumors

Mandi Buss
Mandi Buss, MA, LCSW
Social Worker, Women's Cancers

Catherine Cassingham
Catherine Cassingham, LSW
Social Worker, Solid Tumors

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Alicia Gilman, LCSW
Social Worker

Robin Katz
Robin Katz, LCSW
Social Worker, Blood Cancers

Kwait
Alex Kwait, LCSW
Social Worker

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Taylor Parks, LSW, MSW
Social Worker, Women's Cancers

 Nutrition Services

Our registered dietitians can assist you in planning a healthy diet during and after your cancer treatment, based on up-to-date nutrition research. 312-695-0990

Taylor Hisek
Taylor Hisek, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian

Jocelyn Lutkus
Jocelyn Lutkus, RD, CSO, LDN
Registered Dietitian

JHannah Manella
Hannah Manella, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, ACSM-CEP, CET
Registered Dietitian and Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Lauren Silverman
Lauren Silverman, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian

 Psychologists

Works with patients and family members to manage the stress, sadness, anger and fatigue that can often accompany cancer. 312-695-0990

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Elizabeth Addington, PhD

Timothy Pearman
Timothy Pearman, PhD
Cancer Survivorship Institute Supportive Oncology Program Director

Sofia Garcia
Sofia Garcia, PhD
Cancer Survivorship Institute Translational Research Program Director

Nan Rothrock
Nan Rothrock, PhD

Stacy Sanford
Stacy Sanford, PhD
Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

 Fertility Preservation Coordinator

Works with physicians and reproductive specialists to help patients explore the possible impact of cancer treatment on their fertility, understand available treatment options and provide referrals for appropriate fertility preservation interventions.

Kristin Smith
Kristin Smith
Fertility Preservation Patient Navigator
312-503-3378

 Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Navigator

Our Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program’s Patient Navigator specializes in advocating for our patients who were diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 – 39. A clinical oncology social worker, she provides counseling, education and guidance for AYA patients and their loved ones before, during and after treatment at both Lurie Cancer Center and Lurie Children’s Hospital. She connects them with local and national resources, and helps AYAs manage the transition of moving forward to focus on survivorship.

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Jennifer Carrera, LCSW
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Navigator
jennifer.carrera@nm.org

 Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator

Our breast cancer nurse navigator provides patients and their families with information about their diagnosis, treatment and available support services. Navigators serve as educators, advocates and guides before, during and after treatment as well as throughout survivorship.

Lynn Galuska Elsen
Lynn Galuska Elsen, RN, BSN
Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator
312-472-5821

 Tobacco Cessation Specialists

Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are experts in helping people with cancer stop smoking, safely and comfortably.

Sarah Clark

Sarah Clark, BA, TTS
Tobacco Treatment Specialist
LurieTobaccoCessation@nm.org

Learn more about the Lurie Cancer Center Tobacco Cessation Program