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 WorkersProvides 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
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, LCSW
Social Worker, Brain Tumors
Mandi Buss, MA, LCSW
Social Worker, Women's Cancers
Catherine Cassingham, LSW
Social Worker, Solid Tumors
Alicia Gilman, LCSW
Social Worker
Robin Katz, LCSW
Social Worker, Blood Cancers
Alex Kwait, LCSW
Social Worker
Taylor Parks, LSW, MSW
Social Worker, Women's Cancers
Nutrition ServicesOur 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
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, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Jocelyn Lutkus, RD, CSO, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Hannah Manella, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, ACSM-CEP, CET
Registered Dietitian and Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Lauren Silverman, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
PsychologistsWorks with patients and family members to manage the stress, sadness, anger and fatigue that can often accompany cancer. 312-695-0990
Works with patients and family members to manage the stress, sadness, anger and fatigue that can often accompany cancer. 312-695-0990
Timothy Pearman, PhD
Cancer Survivorship Institute Supportive Oncology Program Director
Sofia Garcia, PhD
Cancer Survivorship Institute Translational Research Program Director
Stacy Sanford, PhD
Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology
Fertility Preservation CoordinatorWorks 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.
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
Fertility Preservation Patient Navigator
312-503-3378
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer NavigatorOur 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.
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.
Breast Cancer Nurse NavigatorOur 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.
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, RN, BSN
Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator
312-472-5821
Tobacco Cessation SpecialistsOur multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are experts in helping people with cancer stop smoking, safely and comfortably.
Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are experts in helping people with cancer stop smoking, safely and comfortably.
Kallan Land, BS, CTTS
Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Program Coordinator
312-921-0527
kallan.land@nm.org
Learn more about the Lurie Cancer Center Tobacco Cessation Program