Our nurse practitioners, research nurses, and nurse scientists make tireless contributions to provide the best care for our brain and spine tumor patients.
By Neuro-Oncology Branch Staff
May 1, 2024
In celebration of Nurses Week from May 6 to 12, we recognize the research nurses, clinical nurse practitioners, and nurse scientists at the NCI Center for Cancer Research's Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB) who care for people with brain and spine tumors. We are thankful for their contributions to improving the lives of all the patients and caregivers who visit our Neuro-Oncology Clinic at the NIH Clinical Center.
Our Nurse Practitioners
Lisa Boris works closely with other nurse practitioners and research nurses at the NOB to care for brain and spine tumor patients participating in our treatment trials. Her longstanding experience with the Branch and significant expertise in caring for this specific group of people and their loved ones has helped her gain a deep understanding of their needs.
“Our patients deserve high-quality care in a research environment that investigates new and improved techniques to hopefully lengthen their lives while also improving their quality of life,” Boris says. Regardless of where patients come from, Boris values being able to impact their lives in a positive way.
Nurse Practitioner Marissa Panzer cares for people with brain and spine tumors as part of our NCI-CONNECT clinical team, providing care to those with rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
“In addition to caring for patients, I like to provide a space where families and caregivers know that I care about what they are feeling,” Panzer says. “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it affects their entire world, including their families. I want to make sure that families, friends, and caregivers know that I hear their concerns and that I am going to address their concerns to the best of my ability.”
As a nurse practitioner at the NOB, Tina Pillai provides care and support to our patients who have brain and spine tumors. Her primary role is to deliver patient care, build strong relationships with our patients and families, share updates, and follow up on patients’ concerns.
“I am inspired by our rare tumor patients who are confronted with tough decisions interwoven into the fragility of life,” Pillai says. “They teach me on a daily basis to value moments and relationships, and I am driven to provide the best possible care and comfort during their most challenging periods.”
Nurse Practitioner Lily Polskin collaborates with research nurses, fellow nurse practitioners, and physicians at the NOB to care for patients with brain and spine tumors enrolled on treatment trials. She says she enjoys learning from her coworkers about how to best care for patients.
“I am amazed by the strength, determination, and grit that our patients and their families demonstrate throughout the course of their diagnosis and illness,” she adds. “I strive to do what I can to improve their quality of life.”
Our Research Nurses
As the research nurse for our NCI-CONNECT program, Kathleen Wall manages clinical studies that focus on new treatments for patients with especially rare brain and spine tumors. NCI-CONNECT focuses on 13 rare tumor types and uses patient advocacy and provider partnerships to improve approaches to care and treatment.
“To be diagnosed and live with a rare disease is so difficult for our patients, and yet they continue to overcome so many challenges,” Wall says. “I know that I am only a small part of their entire journey, but I strive to make their time with us a positive experience and support them the best I can.” Read more about her work >
As a research nurse with the NOB, Kelly Fernandez is responsible for ensuring the integrity of clinical trials and following patients who are enrolled in these studies. She ensures patient safety and that they stay on track with their treatments. She also supports patients through the clinical trial process. Her background as an emergency room nurse contributes to her ability to adapt to each person’s needs and communicate effectively with them.
“I love that each patient interaction provides an opportunity to improve the lives of a patient or their family member—even if it is doing something small like just taking the time to listen to them about how they are doing,” Mentges says. She believes that all the small interactions, even a smile, can add up to great patient care.
Tricia Kunst has been an oncology research nurse at NIH for over two decades. She joined the NOB in February 2022 in order to continue pursuing her passion for caring for cancer patients and their families.
“Patients with brain and spine tumors have cognitive, functional, and physiological limitations due to their disease, which makes their life journey very challenging,” Kunst says. “I hope to help patients and their loved ones in any way I can—sometimes just an ear to listen to their hardships or a friendly smile can help.” Read more about her work >
Christine McGowan is another integral member of the NOB clinical care team. She believes compassionate communications can make patients feel comfortable, hopeful, and confident with the research team. She takes great care to help patients through the clinical trial process.
“Clinical trials are important because they lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s medicine,” she says. “Most cancer patients who seek help in a research setting are dealing with very serious illness and have been told by outside hospitals that there is nothing for them. I have found that it’s so important to never lose sight of the person behind the illness.”
Renee Tweneboah-Koduah is a research nurse who joined the NOB in 2023.
Our Nurse Scientists
Terri Armstrong, Ph.D., NOB senior investigator, strives to understand the impact that brain and spine tumors and treatments have on patients. Dr. Armstrong also is actively involved in training staff and students.
“I have lost some of my closest family members to cancer and had the privilege to care for countless patients over 30 years of practice," she says. "Now, working with dedicated colleagues in a collaborative effort to improve how patients feel and function through their disease and treatment is what motivates me each day." Read more about her work >
Macy Stockdill, Ph.D., is both a postdoctoral fellow and a nurse scientist. Her research focuses on reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life for primary brain or spine tumor patients, as well as their caregivers. As a member of Dr. Armstrong's team, Dr. Stockdill develops targeted, effective, and culturally-responsive symptom management interventions.
“Individuals living with central nervous system tumors experience significant symptom burden, including physical, psychological, and neuropsychological symptoms. This poses a unique challenge for the family caregivers who are seeking to help their loved ones through their diagnosis,” Dr. Stockdill says. Her goal is to ensure both the care recipient and caregiver are included in her research, in hopes of ultimately improving the quality of life for both parties.
Michelle Wright, Ph.D., is interested in understanding how patients’ biology and environments influence their experience with illnesses and symptoms. She analyzes environmental, physiologic, and psychological factors to explore the biological basis of symptoms in people with brain and spine tumors. She also examines the differences in health outcomes between patients with these tumors. As a member of Dr. Armstrong's team, her goal is to develop new approaches for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.