Jessica Allen is a dynamic health care leader with more than 18 years of experience in radiation oncology, academic leadership and radiopharmaceuticals. She currently serves as a radiotherapy specialist at Bayer, where she focuses on advancing targeted therapies in oncology. A passionate advocate for innovation, mentorship and professional development, Jessica has held leadership roles at top institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology. She is dedicated to empowering health care professionals, improving patient care and shaping the future of the radiologic sciences.
Leveraging Innovation, AI and Workforce Adaptation for a Resilient Future
Jugdip Aulakh is a radiation therapist working at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She is passionate about patient care and innovation in radiation therapy.
Improving Cultural Inclusivity in the Management of Radiation-related Skin Reactions
Megan Barrett is a radiation therapist with more than a decade of experience in delivering exceptional patient care and advancing radiation therapy techniques. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2008 with a bachelor’s in radiologic technology, and she also holds an associate in science in diversified studies from Oklahoma City Community College. Currently serving as lead radiation therapist at the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Megan oversees five treatment machines and manages scheduling for a team of 15+ therapists. She is instrumental in onboarding new staff, providing training in advanced equipment and hosting site visits to showcase cutting-edge technologies. Megan has a deep knowledge of surface-guided radiation therapy and promotes its integration into clinical practice to improve accuracy and outcomes.
The Case for Using SGRT for Every Radiation Therapy Patient
Robbie Beckert is the advanced practice radiation therapist at WashU Medicine and specializes in organs-at-risk contouring for online adaptive radiation therapy. In addition to his on-machine ART contouring duties, he is heavily involved in adaptive research and data collection, as well as APRT research with an overarching goal of creating a new career pathway for radiation therapists within the adaptive space. He received his certification in radiation therapy from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, following a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science in 2014, from Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. Robbie has 11 years of experience in radiation oncology, with six of those years working solely on computed tomography and magnetic resonance-based adaptive platforms.
In 2022, Robbie became the first APRT dedicated to adaptive contouring in the United States. Since then, he has contoured well over 800 adaptive stereotactic body radiation therapy fractions, spoken both nationally and internationally, won the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology’s 2025 award for best radiation therapy paper, and given numerous presentations and webinars. He has multiple publications about the APRT role and its benefits to the adaptive field. His passionate work in the adaptive space has led to milestones such as using Ethos to treat the first adaptive patient in the Western Hemisphere and, most recently, using protons to treat the first adaptive patient in the Western Hemisphere.
Varian Hour: Adapting to the Times: Optimizing Adaptive Workflows With APRTs
Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy for Online Adaptive Radiation Therapy
Joe Bender is a lead radiation therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Middletown, New Jersey. He is also a lead regional student preceptor, responsible for shepherding radiation therapy students through their studies and helping them complete competencies while at his location. Additionally, Joe is a member of the social butterflies committee, which aims to promote the individual and team successes of radiation therapists throughout MSK. He earned certifications in diagnostic radiography in 2016 and in radiation therapy in 2017. He has nearly a decade of experience in health care, and this is his fourth year presenting at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference. Joe is currently captain of his pickleball league team, The Volley Llamas, and is also an avid board game player. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
Radiating Positivity: Bringing Engagement, Community, Support and Education Beyond the Vault
Daniel is a radiation therapist with more than 25 years of experience. He graduated from the State University of New York Erie Community College radiation therapy program while also attending SUNY Buffalo. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology and a master’s degree in management from Thomas Edison State College. Daniel has worked in Bergen Community College’s radiation therapy program in New Jersey since 2005. He started as a clinical instructor and has held the role of clinical coordinator since 2014. He also worked in veterinary radiation oncology from 2005 to 2007 at what is now PetCure Oncology in Clifton, New Jersey. Daniel has served as an organizer and presenter for multiple symposiums and has been the manager of the Valley Hospital radiation oncology department since 2007. He’s the father of two sons.
Brainlab Presents: Prostate SBRT/RT Treatment Redefined: Implanted Marker Workflow With Exactrac Dynamic
Aisha Burns has been a physicist assistant at Stanford Health Care for the last year and a half. She yawed sharply from the art industry to get her bachelor’s degree in physics from UC Davis. Some might consider that a “complete 180,” but the contrast of scientific strategy and artistic ability has been the perfect degree of fusion needed to provide patients with superior custom 3D bolus and blocks.
Bespoke Bolus and Blocks: The Future of Radiation Therapy Through 3D Printing
Dr. Shaun T. Caldwell is a radiographer, radiation therapist and educator. He is a professor and radiation therapy program director for the School of Health Professions, with more than 35 years of experience. He is dedicated to promoting our profession through his leadership as a former member of the ASRT Board of Directors and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Board of Directors. He played an instrumental role in the ASRT’s Be Seen campaign and serves as a leader in developing and recognizing advanced practice radiation therapy. Look for his article in the spring 2025 special edition of ASRT’s Radiation Therapist that focuses on advanced practice. Dr. Caldwell has spoken to medical imaging, radiation therapy and nursing colleagues at the local, state, national and international levels. Recently, he was recognized by the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists as Educator of the Year for 2025. Most importantly, he has three grandchildren. His 6-year-old granddaughter wants to grow up to be Marie Curie.
Strategies for Charting a New Course in Radiation Therapy
Zyhra Casero is a graduate of Stony Brook University, where they earned a bachelor’s degree in health science. They then went on to complete the radiation therapy program at Mount Sinai, where their work was recognized with a first-place award at the Radiation Therapy Association of New York State poster competition. Their poster focused on minimizing the use of anesthesia while treating pediatric radiation oncology patients. Zyhra also participated as a student speaker for Treating Oral Cavity Cancer in Radiation Therapy: A Case Study. Currently, Zyhra serves as a radiation therapist at Mount Sinai Hospital, where they continue to provide expert care to patients. Passionate about the future of radiation therapy, they are particularly interested in the potential of artificial intelligence as a transformative tool to propel advancements in the profession.
Virtual Reality Platforms: Transforming Education, Professional Training and Patient Care
Melanie Clarkson is program director for the accredited master’s in advanced clinical practice in radiotherapy and oncology program, as well as for the post graduate certificate enhanced level practice in radiotherapy and oncology program at Sheffield Hallam University in the U.K. A distinguished leader in advanced practice education, not only in radiation therapy but across the radiography practice areas, Melanie spearheads transformative projects such as the e-portfolio-supported pathway for practitioner recognition in collaboration with England's Centre for Advancing Practice, socialization of enhanced practice and innovative curriculum development.
Her influence extends to multiple roles within the College of Radiographers, including active participation in the radiotherapy advisory group, an assessor and member of the accreditation and approval board, and a facilitator for the advancing practice in radiography special interest group. As a committee member of the Association of Advanced Practice Educators, Melanie represents therapeutic radiographers and all allied health professionals and acts as the international lead for the AAPE community of practice.
Nationally, she led the development of the nonsurgical oncology advanced practice credential, a groundbreaking multidisciplinary framework designed to advance education and training for practitioners in oncology, due for publication by National Health Service in England in 2025. Her contributions are further reflected in her role as a reviewer for NHSE Centre for Advancing Practice, evaluating advanced practice credentials and program accreditations. She also collaborates with the Council of Deans for Health on advanced practice initiatives. Additionally, Melanie is an integral member of the advanced practice radiation therapy international community of practice on advanced practice initiatives. Melanie has been awarded the status of principal fellow with the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA).
Recently appointed as the deputy director of the Advanced Practice Research Academy in the U.K., Melanie continues to drive innovation and excellence in advancing practice, making her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of health care education and practice.
From Vision to Practice: Integrating the Four Pillars of Advanced Practice in Clinical Care and Education
Dr. Timmerie Cohen is certified in radiography, radiation therapy and medical dosimetry. She is the director of clinical education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Cohen received her doctorate in public policy and administration with a concentration in health policy. Serving her professional community is an important aspect of her commitment to the ASRT.
Responsible Use of AI in Scholarly Publishing
Jorryan Cruz is a dynamic health care leader who brings together deep clinical expertise with advanced business and psychological insights. With more than a decade of experience in health care delivery, he has recently completed dual master’s degrees in business administration and organizational psychology, enhancing his ability to drive operational excellence while fostering positive organizational culture. His current work focuses on integrating innovative organizational psychology principles into radiation oncology departments to enhance treatment accuracy, improve interdisciplinary collaboration and optimize patient care workflows.
Jorryan currently serves as the radiation therapy lead for U.S. Oncology/City of Hope Glendale, where he oversees technical operations and team development in radiation oncology. During his career, he’s had notable experience from prestigious health care institutions, including UCLA Health and Kaiser Permanente, where he developed expertise in patient care delivery, team leadership and health care operations.
As a certified radiation therapist, Jorryan has maintained direct patient care responsibilities throughout his career advancement, giving him unique insights into the clinical and administrative challenges modern health care organizations face. His research interests focus on improving health care team dynamics and implementing evidence-based organizational changes to enhance both patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.
Incorporating Psychological Capital Into Radiation Therapy Practice
Brittany is a distinguished radiation therapist, clinical educator and program chair at the College of DuPage. With more than a decade of experience spanning clinical practice, academic leadership and advanced technology integration, she specializes in proton therapy, surface-guided radiation therapy and curriculum development. Brittany also serves as a clinical applications specialist at Vision RT, where she leads training initiatives and contributes to product innovation. A passionate advocate for patient-centered care and student mentorship, she has presented at national conferences including the American Society for Radiation Oncology and annual SGRT Community meetings. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Science in health care management and is pursuing a Master of Health Administration with a focus on health care innovation and education.
Vision RT Presents: Setup for Success: Maximizing SGRT Across the Treatment Workflow
Dr. Melanie Dempsey is an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and serves as the radiation therapy program director in the College of Health Professions. She worked as a radiation therapist, medical dosimetrist and manager before joining the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. Melanie obtained her doctoral degree in 2015.
Dr. Dempsey has been active in the ASRT, serving on the Editorial Review Board, various curriculum review and Practice Standards committees and the Radiation Oncology Safety Stakeholders Initiative task group. Her areas of interest for research revolve around radiation therapy, safety culture, clinical preparedness, the use of technologies in the classroom and, most recently, ageist attitudes among students and clinicians.
Dr. Sonja Dieterich is a medical physicist, currently serving as professor and therapy physics residency co-director in the department of radiation oncology at the University of California Davis. Prior to joining UC Davis in 2012, she worked at Stanford University Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital. As former chair of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine therapy physics committee, Dr. Dieterich was responsible for guiding many AAPM task groups on quality and safety to publication. Dr. Dieterich currently serves as a member of the Radiation Oncology Healthcare Advisory Council. She also previously served as a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology multidisciplinary quality assurance subcommittee during the time RO-ILS was launched. Her clinical focuses are stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, quality assurance and quality control.
Lessons and Opportunities for Therapists From a Decade of RO-ILS Knowledge
Ron DiGiaimo is the chairman and CEO of Revenue Cycle Cod¬ing Strategies. He is a frequent speaker for nationally recognized professional organizations and author of numerous publications. Ron directs several oncology-specific and broad health care consult¬ing companies to facilitate clients reaching their desired goals. He also serves as a national government expert witness to the Department of Justice and Office of Inspector General in Wash¬ington, D.C., and various state levels, regarding oncology fraud and abuse of Medicare spending.
Ron holds a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma, and a bachelor’s in health ser¬vices administration from Weber State University in Utah. He is a former radiation therapist, having trained at Allen Shivers Radiation Ther¬apy School in Austin, Texas, and is an active supporter/member of the American College of Radiation Oncology, American Society of Ther¬apeutic Radiation Oncology, Society of Radiation Oncolo¬gy Administrators, American Association of Medical Dosi¬metrists, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Association of Cancer Executives and several other groups whose missions forward the cause of oncology management.
Radiation Therapy Coding for 2025 – Part One Radiation Therapy Coding for 2025 – Part Two Exploring Alternative Career Pathways for Radiation Therapists
Dr. Maria Dimopoulos is an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She holds a doctorate in health professions leadership and education from Pacific University and a Master of Business Administration from Simmons University. She completed her radiation therapy education at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Dimopoulos is deeply committed to advancing research and fostering international collaboration in radiation oncology. She serves as chair and chapter delegate of the ASRT Radiation Therapy Chapter and currently leads the ASRT Foundation Research Grants and Advisory Panel. She also contributes her expertise to the global radiation therapy community by serving on the editorial review boards for the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences and Radiation Therapist. You can also find her leading the United States APRT working group education committee. Her research centers on advancing interpersonal skills, improving care for vulnerable populations and shaping the future of advanced practice in radiation therapy. She is passionate about harnessing nontraditional pathways, global collaboration and artificial intelligence to elevate the radiation therapy profession and enhance patient care.
Designing the Future of Radiation Therapy Care: A Blueprint for APRT Preparation in North America From Vision to Practice: Integrating the Four Pillars of Advanced Practice in Clinical Care and Education Virtual Reality Platforms: Transforming Education, Professional Training and Patient Care
Daniele Dunham is a radiation oncology certified nurse who has 25 years of combined medical experience providing care in the clinical setting and 15 years with direct patient care in an oncology setting. Most recently, she has managed the nursing, Gamma Knife and HDR departments. In addition to managing care and leading nursing teams, Daniele has led a successful research team and published two abstracts for updated outcomes based on the various Gamma Knife radiation treatments performed at her institution. These projects each concluded with presentations at radiation oncology society meetings, including the Leksell Gamma Knife Society Meeting in Dubai and the Radiosurgery Society Meeting in San Diego.
Daniele has always had a passion for the care of oncology patients and ways to improve outcomes, while also understanding the importance of the fiscal responsibility of running a practice. Leading nurses, research and now other clinics in finding ways to implement important practices has become what drives her. In her spare time, Daniele enjoys traveling with her husband and 9-year-old son and soaking up as much sunshine as the gorgeous Pacific Northwest will give them.
Medical Overview of Radioligand Therapy for Radiation Oncology Clinics
Scott has more than nine years of experience as a radiation therapist. He worked at the Texas Center for Proton Therapy and then became a lead therapist at the California Protons Cancer Therapy Center. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He pursued a career in professional baseball before going back to school for his radiation therapy degree. Scott joined Orfit’s product specialist and training team in January of 2023. He provides product education and training, customer support and sales support in the central Midwest and Western United States.
Orfit Workshop: Stabilize and Deliver: Advanced SBRT Immobilization Techniques
Orfit Workshop: Emerging Techniques: LDRT and Extremities Immobilization
Darby Erler is the professional leader for radiation therapy at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre and program director for the University of Toronto department of radiation oncology’s MR-Integrated Radiation Therapy Training Program. She completed her degree in radiation sciences through the Joint Michener Institute/ University of Toronto Medical radiation science program in 2003, and a Master of Health Science in medical radiation sciences from the University of Toronto in 2015. She holds a status appointment as instructor in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Toronto and a practice-based researcher through the Sunnybrook Research Institute. Prior to taking on the professional lead role, Darby was the clinical specialist radiation therapist for the stereotactic body radiation therapy program for seven years. She has more 40 peer-reviewed publications from her work in SBRT. In her CSRT role, she also helped lead the clinical implementation of Sunnybrook’s MR-Linac program. Darby’s current research focus is on enhancing the integration of MR imaging into radiation therapy and maximizing radiation therapists’ scope of practice, particularly in the realm of adaptive radiation therapy.
Elekta Hour: Adaptive Therapy: Empowering Radiation Therapists and Enhancing Patient Outcomes
With more than 25 years of experience in radiation therapy, Tom Furno has developed an exceptional skill set in patient care and team leadership. He is a staff therapist at Sarasota Memorial Radiation Oncology Center, and he provides radiation treatments to up to 60 patients daily, ensuring quality care and accurate treatment under the direction of a radiation oncologist. With previous roles as lead radiation therapist at 21st Century Oncology and Porter Radiation Oncology, Tom has successfully managed teams, developed protocols and delivered complex treatments, including stereotactic radiation therapy and respiratory gating. Tom is known for a commitment to maintaining high standards in patient care, safety and equipment functionality and is also experienced in training staff and managing facility operations.
In addition to professional achievements, Tom is passionate about golfing and frequently enjoys traveling to Las Vegas. Having moved to Florida about 30 years ago, he has embraced the Sunshine State's lifestyle while continuing to advance in the medical field. Whether on the golf course or in the oncology center, Tom remains dedicated to excellence and innovation in every endeavor.
Reducing Inframammary Fold Reactions: Medical Devices in Radiation Therapy
Meredith Gall is the manager for the radiation oncology departments of AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain region in Colorado. With 20 years of experience as a therapist, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a double major in therapy and communications. She leads a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in the fight against cancer while seeing advanced technology and compassionate care together. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys being outdoors with her family or walking her dog.
Katherine Gelpi Arana is a dedicated lead radiation therapist at Mount Sinai Health System with more than 17 years of experience in the profession. She received her certificate of radiation therapy from the Memorial Sloan Kettering School in 2007. Passionate about delivering exceptional patient care, Katherine combines her expertise with a compassionate approach to support those undergoing treatment. Based in New York City, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog while exploring the city’s rich cultural offerings.
Huddle Up! Implementing Effective Huddles in Radiation Therapy
Megan grew up in a suburb just outside of Boston. She moved to Tennessee seven years ago, which is where she now calls home. Megan graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in radiation yherapy. She has been a radiation therapist for 10 years. It has taken her to cancer clinics where she has met colleagues and patients. Megan now works for HCA Healthcare Tristar Summit as a radiation therapist at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, her fiancée and two pups. Her goal is to continue her professional growing and to make a difference for those battling cancer.
IOS Workshop: From Flab to Fab: Comparing Multiple Bolus Options by Disease Site
Alisen Hansen is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and she studied at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 2020. While Alisen was in school, her mother underwent radiation for breast cancer, and she knew then that radiation therapy was the profession for her. Alisen has been a radiation therapist for about five years, and she has worked at the University of Texas Southwestern for the majority of those years. She has excelled with new technology at the University of Texas Southwestern. Alisen has a passion for helping patients as effectively and efficiently as possible using new technology. GammaPod has been one of the most exciting learning opportunities she has had and she loves sharing the knowledge she has gained.
Emerging Technologies: GammaPod for Partial Breast Irradiation
After qualifying as a radiation therapist in 1984, Nicole Harnett practiced clinically in Thunder Bay, Ontario, before moving to the Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto to join the radiation therapy training program as faculty. She completed her master’s degree in medical education and moved to the Michener Institute for Applied Health Science to build the first baccalaureate degree program for radiation therapy in Canada. She went on to serve as the program director and eventually became the dean of imaging and laboratory science. In 2004, Nicole moved to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to build the Accelerated Education Program, the continuing education arm of the Radiation Medicine Program at PMCC, and to oversee the clinical specialist radiation therapist project series at Cancer Care Ontario, from 2004 to 2016, as principal investigator. The project garnered more than $5 million in financial support from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care over 12 years. Over the next several years, Nicole led the development of a new professional master’s program in the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto. It was the first and only master’s program specifically designed for radiation therapists in Canada. Since the conclusion of the CSRT project series in Ontario, Nicole has remained heavily involved in the development and sustainability of advanced practice in Ontario, Canada, and beyond. She is currently the chair of the Advanced Practice Registered Technologist (Radiation Therapy) certification steering committee at the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists and co-chair of the International Community of Practice for APRT. She has numerous peer-reviewed publications, primarily focused on advanced practice in radiation therapy. She was the co-editor of a book on research methodology for radiation therapists and continues to collaborate with others who wish to support and build advanced practice in their local jurisdictions.
Designing the Future of Radiation Therapy Care: A Blueprint for APRT Preparation in North America
Allison Hart is the manager of radiation oncology at Miami Cancer Institute, where she oversees the photon and proton department and 12 different treatment modalities. With more than a decade of experience as a radiation therapist, Allison’s leadership, backed by Baptist Health South Florida, has been pivotal in driving the success of this multimodality center. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the culinary scene in Miami with her husband and son, always seeking new and adventurous dining experiences.
Recruitment and Retention of Radiation Therapists
Brooke Horning is a radiation therapist and medical dosimetrist assistant at Mayo Clinic Arizona, with 18 years of experience in radiation oncology. She is recognized for her leadership, technical expertise and dedication to advancing patient care. As photon team lead, Brooke managed a 19-member team, optimizing scheduling, training and cross-disciplinary communication. Currently in a new role as a medical dosimetrist assistant, she contributes to contouring, image fusions and treatment preparation, ensuring optimal outcomes. Brooke has witnessed remarkable growth within her department, as it started with two linear accelerators and now has four linear accelerators and four proton gantries. As radiation oncology continues to evolve, her department remains committed to prioritizing patient care and delivering the highest standards of treatment.
Streamlining Palliative Care: A Therapist's Perspective on a Simulation-free Workflow
Nick Hu is a radiation therapist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, as well as clinical coordinator for the Northwestern Medicine School of Radiation Therapy. This is his first time speaking at an ASRT conference, but hopefully not the last. Nick is a member of the 2022-2024 cohort of the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program. Nick lives in the city with his wife, Laura, and toddler son, Moss. He is a lover of all animals, sports and board games. Nick was a chef, bar manager and hospitality director of operations in a prior career.
Impact of Value-based Care on Radiation Therapy: Improving Outcomes and Reducing Costs
Neil Hughes serves as a clinical manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, overseeing half of the radiation therapy enterprise. His responsibilities include managing the Proton Therapy Center and four Houston-area locations, which together feature 12 linear accelerator gantries, eight proton gantries, one magnetic resonance simulator and five computed tomography simulators. Leading a team of 91 professionals — including therapists, lead therapists, supervisors and therapy assistants — Neil focuses on cultivating a culture of safety, operational excellence and high reliability. With 17 years of experience at MD Anderson, he has spearheaded initiatives that enhance team engagement, improve patient outcomes and align with the institution’s mission of making cancer history.
Cultivating a Culture of Safety: Advancing Radiation Therapy Teams Toward High Reliability
Dale James graduated from Loma Linda University in 1994 and became a radiographer, and in 1995, he graduated from Loma Linda’s radiation therapy program. He has worked for 30 years in proton and photon centers that treat pediatric and adult patients. Since 2016, Dale has been a proton therapy supervisor at Cincinnati Children’s Proton Center. Treating patients, in general, has been the most rewarding job he has ever known. Since the beginning of his career as a radiation therapist, his heart pulled him toward treating pediatric patients. This has given him an opportunity to learn different techniques to help ease their anxiety during the treatment process.
One of the first things that Dale tried was decorating patients’ masks. At the time of their simulation, he would ask if the child liked Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse or Spiderman. Back then, those images were the only ones he could make. Over the last 29 years, he’s made more than 640 masks, from football players and unicorns to minions and most of the superheroes. Dale tries to have the mask transformed prior to the patient’s first treatment so he can present it when the patient goes into the vault, which seems to ease the child’s anxiety.
While working with pediatric patients, Dale has also learned other techniques from his colleagues and from the child life specialists he’s worked with. He would like to pass on that knowledge to therapists who work at centers that don’t have child life specialists.
Methods to Ease Pediatric Patients’ Anxiety During Radiation Therapy Treatments and CT Simulations
Calista Johnson is a radiation therapist at the University of Texas Southwestern. She is from Richmond, Virginia, and has been a Texas resident and a licensed radiation therapist for three years. Working at University of Texas Southwestern in radiation oncology has fulfilled her passion to help patients with cancer and learn many machines within the department, including GammaPod. Working with the GammaPod system has been a unique experience, and she can't wait to share more about it.
Workforce, Technology and Policy Shifts Shaping the Future of Radiation Therapy
Kevin Kindle has more than 20 years of experience as a radiation therapist and 15 years of experience as an education program director. He is currently the radiation therapy program director at Augusta University. Kevin has worked as a clinical supervisor, clinical coordinator, online and residential lecturer and program director since 2006. He completed a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy in 2002.
During his career, Kevin has had many opportunities to participate in safety and quality improvement initiatives. He holds the Lean Six Sigma certification, which has allowed him to collaborate with radiology managers from radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance and ultrasound to implement Lean methodologies throughout the hospital to decrease turnaround times and hospital length of stay. He recently began working on his doctorate and is focusing his research on ergonomics and error prevention at the radiation therapy treatment console.
Kevin is an active member of many professional organizations and societies. He has served in volunteer capacities with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a certification exam content writer, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as a student volunteer coordinator, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology as a site visitor, the Georgia Society of Radiologic Technologists meeting as a lecturer, and the Association of Educators in Radiation and Imaging Sciences as a lecturer and research grant reviewer. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys traveling, cooking and volunteering in the community.
Interprofessional Education and Radiologic Technology Education Programs
John Klade began his career in radiation therapy in 2009, after earning his bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy from the University of Oklahoma. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience in various areas of the radiologic sciences, including traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy, applications training and superficial radiation therapy. Currently, John serves as one of the regional directors of practice operations at SkinCure Oncology, a position he has held for the past four years.
In his current role, he enjoys witnessing continuous advancements in the profession, providing support to his team and fostering meaningful relationships with his colleagues. John resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife and two children, and he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and assisting on the family farm in Oklahoma.
Delivering the Ultimate Patient Experience SkinCure Workshop: Hands-On With IGSRT
With a career spanning nearly three decades in the field of radiation therapy, Karla Kuhn has dedicated herself to providing exceptional care to patients with cancer. She graduated from radiologic technology school in 1996 and pursued her passion for radiation therapy, completing her training in 1997. After nine rewarding years as a radiation therapist at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center/James Cancer Hospital, Karla transitioned into dosimetry, earning her certification in medical dosimetry in 2009.
In 2011, Karla joined the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, and she was appointed lead dosimetrist in 2014. This unique center offers a holistic approach to breast cancer treatment, providing all outpatient services from diagnostic imaging to comprehensive care. Karla’s passion for breast planning and education continues to grow, and she thrives on sharing her knowledge with others in the profession.
Outside of her professional life, Karla is happily married with two children, age 23 and 22. Her family is rounded out by a variety of furry friends — one dog, one grand dog, four cats and three chickens! She cherishes spending time with loved ones and prioritizes travel whenever she can, exploring new places and creating lasting memories.
Improving Postmastectomy Treatment Plans for Patients With Metallic Ports and Tissue Expanders
Joseph is a clinical application specialist at Vision RT and a seasoned radiation therapist with more than a decade of experience in advanced radiation oncology techniques. Specializing in surface-guided radiation therapy and radiation therapy workflows, Joseph has trained clinical teams across the U.S., developed treatment protocols and supported product innovation. His background includes roles in both hospital and academic settings, including clinical supervision at Manchester Community College. An Army veteran, Joseph brings discipline, precision and a passion for patient-centered care to every aspect of his work. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health care administration.
Vision RT Workshop: Laying the Foundation — SGRT Setups in Simulation for Treatment Excellence
Joshua Langer has been a radiation therapist for 16 years. He has enjoyed influencing standard processes to reach the best patient and clinician experiences. In 2023, Joshua participated in an outreach program with radiation therapists in Tanzania. He promoted healthy ergonomics for radiation therapists from 2021to 2025 as part of Stanford Hospital’s safe patient handling champion program. He presented on patient positioning at an ASRT conference in 2019, and he participated in the ASRT’s grassroots efforts to promote the CARE bill in 2008. Joshua is currently studying medical dosimetry at Grand Valley State University.
Navigating Eclipse’s External Beam Planning for Therapists
Jae Lee is the manager at Stanford Health Care in San Jose, where he has been working for more than two years. Prior to that, he was at Dartmouth Cancer Center, managing multiple sites between New Hampshire and Vermont. The extent of his training and work experience was at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which helped develop his skill set and knowledge as a radiation therapist.
He grew up in New York City and lived there for most of his life, but he now enjoys the wonderful, sunny weather in California. He enjoys taking walks with his new puppy and exploring new places to eat and hike. Since being in California, he has become an Executive member at Costco and can't imagine life without it.
Amanda is a clinical applications specialist who joined CQ Medical, formerly CIVCO Radiotherapy, in March 2017. She obtained an associate degree in radiologic sciences from Wharton County Junior College in 2007. She worked as a radiographer at DeTar Healthcare Systems in Victoria, Texas, while she studied for her bachelor’s in radiation therapy, which she earned in 2009 from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions. Amanda practiced radiation therapy for the Texas Oncology network from 2010 to 2017. She holds radiography and radiation therapy licenses with the Texas Medical Board. She has been a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the ASRT since 2007. This is the third year Amanda has presented at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference. She lives with her husband on their horse farm in Texas and enjoys being outdoors with their animals.
CQ Medical Presents: Balancing Safety, Efficacy and Efficiency: Abdominal Compression for Immobilization and Motion Management in SBRT
Kylee Lindsey is a dedicated medical dosimetrist with more than eight years of experience, seven of which she has spent at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center/James Cancer Hospital. She graduated from Ohio State University in 2015 with her bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy, then furthered her career by obtaining her certificate in medical dosimetry through Indiana University in 2016. Passionate about precision in cancer treatment, she thrives in a collaborative health care environment. She is also involved in teaching and research. Outside of work, Kylee enjoys indulging in a good book and cherishing quality time with her husband, daughter and two dogs.
Laura Lock is a dedicated radiation therapist based in Houston, Texas, with more than 15 years of experience in health care. Originally from rural central Illinois, she earned her bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences from Southern Illinois University in 2009. After relocating to Houston to further her career, Laura has built a distinguished career at top institutions, including Memorial Hermann, Precision Cancer Center and MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center.
At MD Anderson, Laura has contributed to several key initiatives, including the successful opening of Proton Therapy Center 2 and the creation of educational resources for both staff and patients. She has demonstrated leadership through her involvement in training, policy creation and team building, while also developing technical expertise in magnetic resonance procedures for MR imaging in radiation therapy. Her commitment to continuous growth and excellence in patient care has earned her recognition among peers and leadership.
Laura balances her thriving career with family life, enjoying activities such as camping and road trips with her husband and two children. With a leadership style rooted in collaboration and empowerment, Laura is eager to continue fostering growth and innovation in her field while maintaining the high standards of care for which MD Anderson is known.
From Doses to Dreams: Pediatric Anesthesia in Radiation Oncology
Ashley Lucento is a lead radiation therapist at Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute. She graduated from the Virginia Western radiation therapy program in 2017. Shortly after graduation, Ashley started her career at Hampton Proton as a staff therapist. After four years, she left to expand her knowledge in photon therapy. She discovered her true passion is proton therapy and returned to Hampton Proton in 2022 to help manage the therapy department. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business.
Exploring Alternative Career Pathways for Radiation Therapists
Klarity Workshop: The Lowdown on Immobilization Techniques in Low-dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT)
Jeremy Marshall is a recently certified photon dosimetrist at Northwestern Medicine – Warrenville. Jeremy holds bachelor's degrees in English and biopsychology, cognition and neuroscience from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, as well as a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy from Grand Valley State University. In 2022, Jeremy completed his master’s degree in medical dosimetry at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. While in the program, he became a proud member of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists continuing education committee and has continued his volunteerism with that committee to present day. Of note, Jeremy and colleagues took second place in the 2023 AAMD Student Writing Competition for their case study on precentral gyrus sparing in whole brain radiation therapy, hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiation therapy. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys hiking, spending time with his cat, Bella, and watching football, namely the Detroit Lions and Michigan football.
The Adaptive Replanning Impact in Proton and Photon Therapy
Kim Marter is a senior medical dosimetrist at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her certification from the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board in 1990. Kim holds two master’s degrees from the University of Maryland. Her leadership background includes director of radiation oncology. Currently, Kim plays an active role in departmental research and has co-authored numerous publications. As high dose rate program lead, she mentors entry-level dosimetrists and has spoken at several American Association of Medical Dosimetrists national conventions. Recently Kim accompanied a team through RAD-AID International Radiation Oncology to Nairobi, Kenya, to evaluate their global radiation practices. Kim has worn many hats in radiation oncology, from diagnostic radiographer and radiation therapist to dosimetrist. She desires to leave a legacy in the profession after many years of service.
RAD-AID Radiation Oncology: Kenya Experience
Scott McKain is a distinction expert and business advisor who teaches organizations and professionals how to establish strategies and execute tactics so they stand out from the competition and serve customers in a more compelling way. He is the “In Residence Expert on Distinction and Relevance” at High Point University. He has been named to the Sales and Marketing Hall of Fame and the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame. He is the 2024-25 recipient of the Cavett, the highest honor in professional speaking. His experiences range from playing the villain in a Werner Herzog film that Roger Ebert called one of the 50 great movies in cinema history to being booked to speak by Arnold Schwarzenegger for an event on the White House lawn with the president in the audience. Scott has presented his insights on platforms in all 50 states and 40 countries. He has authored eight bestselling books. His recent work, “ICONIC,” was named by Forbes as one of the 10 best business books of the year.
Delivering the Ultimate Patient Experience
Sarah McNally is an experienced professional with more than a decade working in radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. Her background includes significant contributions at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, where she played a pivotal role in developing the MR-Linac Elekta Unity program.
In her current role as strategic customer success manager at Elekta, Sarah is dedicated to enhancing customer engagement and ensuring the successful implementation of MR-guided radiation therapy solutions. She collaborates closely with clients to optimize workflows, provide specialized training and support the adoption of advanced radiation therapy technologies. Her extensive experience and commitment to advancing the role of radiation therapists underscore her dedication to the profession.
Megan Mary Meckling is a 2018 graduate of Misericordia University, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging while playing varsity field hockey. In August 2020, she graduated from Grady Memorial Hospital’s School of Radiation Therapy in Atlanta, Georgia. Megan worked as a proton radiation therapist at the University of Alabama Birmingham’s Proton Center and the University of Kansas Medical Center's Proton Center. While working at KU, she got her master’s degree in business administration. Megan is currently the assistant service line administrator of radiation oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Proton Center of Arkansas.
Food, Fitness and Cancer
Gilbert Monte graduated from Gwynedd Mercy College in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, in 2008, with a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. In 2017, he earned his Master of Health Information Management from Purdue University Global.
He worked at various institutions in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey before starting at Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 2015. Gilbert was then promoted to director of radiation oncology in 2021. In his current role, he oversees a dedicated team of 47 employees, including radiation therapists, dosimetrists, nurses and various other staff members. They deliver comprehensive care to more than 1,400 new patients annually, covering a wide spectrum of cancer types.
Ezra Movsas is a radiation therapist for the Mount Sinai Hospital department of radiation oncology and a clinical instructor for students in the radiation therapy program at Stony Brook University School of Health Professions. He delivers quality care to patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment, supervises clinical experiences, teaches and evaluates students. His primary research areas focus on the integration of innovative treatment techniques for patients with comorbidities that affect positioning, imaging and treatment delivery. He also uses novel strategies to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
Acute Dyspnea in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Malignancies
Michael is a clinical application specialist at Vision RT with a background in radiation therapy and clinical operations. With experience spanning supervisory roles and hands-on clinical practice, Michael has led multidisciplinary teams, developed training programs and optimized workflows across multiple oncology sites. He brings expertise in advanced technologies, including surface-guided radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic body radiation therapy and ARIA systems. A former radiation oncology supervisor at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Michael is known for his leadership, technical acumen, and commitment to patient-centered care. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in medical imaging and a radiation therapy certification..
Thania Ortiz is a dedicated health care professional working as a radiation therapist aide in the radiation oncology department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, since June 2024. With 13 years of experience as a certified nursing assistant and a background working in massage therapy for seven years, Thania has a strong passion for patient care. Her favorite part of the job is building trust and meaningful relationships with patients and ensuring they feel supported throughout their treatment journey. Thania’s hands-on experience and compassionate approach make her a valuable part of the health care team.
Outside of work, Thania is a proud mother of two daughters. She also has a love for animals, caring for a diverse group of pets, including two dogs, one cat, three rabbits, a leopard gecko, a snake, a tortoise and several fish. In her free time, Thania enjoys hiking, rollerblading and doing crafts with her kids. For moments of relaxation, she likes to read and watch shows.
Optimizing Radiation Therapy Workflows: The Role of the Radiation Therapist Aide
Hilda Peterson is an accomplished health care professional with more than a decade of experience in optimizing clinical operations, designing impactful training programs and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Her robust background in clinical practice and leadership has led to the successful implementation of innovative methodologies that enhance workflow efficiency and elevate service excellence across diverse health care environments.
Deeply committed to empowering health care professionals, Hilda focuses on providing transformative training and integrating cutting-edge solutions. Her fluency in English and Spanish enables her to provide powerful educational support to diverse teams. Ensuring the seamless adoption of advanced technologies, she relentlessly pursues improved operational outcomes and heightened customer satisfaction.
Justin is the product specialist for the Southeast United States for Orfit. He provides product education and training, customer support and sales support for the entirety of the Orfit product line. Justin has more than 10 years of experience in radiation therapy with a focus on proton therapy. In his free time, Justin enjoys playing disc golf, traveling to cool places, working out and checking out live music.
Erin Prucha is a dedicated radiation therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she has worked for more than eight years, specializing in both proton and photon therapy. Erin attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she earned her degree in radiation therapy.
Erin is a team player who believes in leading through action. With a passion for both patient care and process improvement, Erin has contributed to the development of quality improvement projects and played a key role in implementing radiation therapist aides into her department, strengthening team collaboration and enhancing patient outcomes. Erin grew up with a love for sports, travel and the outdoors. Alongside her husband, Alex, whom she married in 2023, and their dog, Zion, Erin enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her and going on adventures, including hiking, biking, skiing and much more.
Dan Roberts is the senior therapy manager at Penn Medicine – Chester County Hospital. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Penn State in 2012 and a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science from Thomas Jefferson University in 2015. He also earned his master’s degree in business administration from St Joseph’s University last year. In 2016, Dan joined Penn Medicine as a radiation therapist, and he’s been involved in many projects and committees to improve overall efficiency and quality of care in the radiation oncology department. He has been part of Penn Medicine’s ARIA super-user group and Epic governance committee for many years. When he was promoted to manager, Dan used the knowledge he’d gained to continue to help develop new workflows and process improvements. Dan is working to successfully implement the advanced practice radiation therapist role across multiple locations within Penn Medicine’s radiation oncology department.
David J. Romanofski is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience in health care, specializing in radiation therapy, patient safety and education. He holds a master’s degree in health education and a bachelor’s degree in allied health science, along with certifications as radiographer, computed tomography technologist and radiation therapist. David is pursuing a Doctor of Education at Drexel University, focusing his research on integrated protocols to enhance patient safety in radiation oncology.
As an online and hybrid teaching expert, David has developed and instructed courses that merge clinical expertise with academic rigor. His experience includes establishing patient care protocols and mentoring students through organizations like the ASRT. With a passion for innovation, he has used tools such as Adobe InDesign, Qualtrics and NVivo to advance educational and research goals.
David’s work reflects a commitment to fostering safety cultures, improving health care outcomes and preparing the next generation of radiation therapy professionals. His presentations are enriched by practical insights, academic depth and a vision for safer, more efficient health care systems.
Integrated Protocols to Reduce Medical Errors and Increase Patient Safety in Radiation Therapy
Denise Salazar is a chief radiation therapist at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She studied radiation therapy at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Following the completion of her degree, she moved to North Texas to begin her therapy career, eventually starting at UTSW in Dallas in 2010.
During her time at UTSW, Denise has been active in the implementation of special techniques for the delivery of stereotactic body radiation therapy. She helped construct the radiation oncology department preceptorship program, writing the handbook for how to integrate successful, high-functioning radiation therapists into the clinic environment. Denise was the lead therapist on the Varian Ethos adaptive machines and oversaw the therapy team’s involvement in daily adaptive radiation therapy. She is the chief that oversees Elekta Unity adaptive machine, focusing on the steady progress of level II therapists during onboarding and contour modification.
Melody Schaefer earned her degree at College of Southern Nevada in 2010. She was credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in 2010. She entered the profession immediately and enjoyed learning all the equipment and procedures. She was hired by her intern center and then returned to Las Vegas for four years. At that point, she was offered an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia with a diverse group of doctors and therapists from all over the world. Her love for travel sent her there for five years, and she was able to visit other parts of the world. She received an award from Princess Adila Bint Abdullah Al Saud for her work in pediatrics in 2020. Melody returned home to the United States in 2021 to continue working with patients with cancer. After her work in pediatrics, she realized that it was a very difficult field for therapists, and she has devoted her efforts to educating therapists on how to take care of their own mental health.
Stacey Schmidt has been the manager of medical dosimetry at the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center and West/North Region Cancer Centers since 2010, overseeing 25 dosimetrists at six locations. Stacey graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy with honors from the Indiana University School of Medicine. After working as a registered radiation therapist for about five years, Stacey became a medical dosimetrist in 2005 and has been a certified medical dosimetrist since 2008. She has made numerous contributions to the profession and authored articles in publications such as Radiotherapy & Oncology, International Journal of Particle Therapy and ASRT's Radiation Therapist. She also contributed to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine task group 288 report in Medical Physics. She was the lead editor of the special proton therapy edition of the journal Medical Dosimetry in 2024. She has given multiple presentations both at national and international meetings, specifically at the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group, Particle Therapy Cooperative Group - North America, American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, and ASRT conferences. She has presented her work in poster presentations at PTCOG, PTCOG-NA, AAPM, AAMD, and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) conferences. She was a moderator at PTCOG in 2022 and for the AAMD virtual symposium in 2023. Among her distinguished awards, Stacey was an Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis chancellor's scholar for the School of Allied Health as the highest ranked student in 2001, winner of the ASRT Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Harold Silverman for best peer-reviewed article of 2002, second-place winner of the AAMD Writing Competition Award in 2014, and she was the AAMD representative for the AAPM task group 288. She is a member of the AAMD formal education committee and continues to serve as an associate editor for the journal Medical Dosimetry. In her spare time, Stacey owns her own fitness business and teaches Zumba, PiYo and Strong 30 cardio kickboxing classes. She loves to travel and has even taught fitness classes at all-inclusive resorts around the world. Stacey, her husband and two kids are also all black belts in Isshinryu karate.
Christi Seidle is a highly skilled and dedicated registered radiation therapist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in High Point, North Carolina, with 10 years of experience in the profession. She has a strong foundation in radiation therapy and has worked for five cancer centers and two health systems, gaining extensive knowledge and a diverse skill set in patient care and treatment. In addition to clinical practice, Christi has spent nine years as an instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College, where she trains and mentors future radiation therapists in a clinical setting. Holding a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she combines a solid academic background with practical expertise to deliver high-quality care. Christi’s comprehensive experience in both clinical and educational settings enables her to foster the next generation of professionals while providing exceptional patient care in the ever-evolving radiation therapy profession.
The Influence of Social Determinants of Health on the Care and Outcomes of Radiation Therapy Patients
Joe has seven years of experience as a radiation therapist with Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He joined Orfit as a product specialist for the Northeast, Midwest and Canada in 2023. He establishes and maintains strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams at leading cancer centers by combining his past experiences in complex treatments with his role in customer support and education. In his spare time, Joe enjoys fishing at the beach in his native home of Long Island, New York.
Samantha Skubish holds a bachelor’s in radiologic sciences from Southern Illinois University and a master’s in health policy and management from The New School in New York, New York. Samantha is the chief technical director in the department of radiation oncology at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. She serves as chair of the ASRT Practice Standards Council and is president of the Radiation Therapy Association of New York State. Samantha is an ARRT I Am the Gold Standard award recipient for her work on professional advancement, equitable care and patient safety. She leads the national advanced practice radiation therapy working group and participates in the advanced practice radiation therapy international community of practice. Her department received the 2023 Association of Cancer Care Centers Innovator Award for its APRT model of care. Samantha is passionate about advancing the profession, scope of practice and research for radiation therapists.
Daniel is the chief radiation therapist for the Willis Knighton Cancer Center department of radiation oncology in Shreveport, Louisiana. He has been chief therapist for seven years and serves as the education and compliance officer with more than 15 years of radiation therapy experience. He received his bachelor’s in radiologic sciences from Northwestern State University in 2008 and his therapy certificate from the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (in affiliation with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock) in 2009. He has extensive experience with linear accelerators from Varian, Elekta and Accuray, and he played a key role in introducing the world’s first clinical compact pencil beam scanning proton therapy unit, the IBA ProteusONE, in 2014. He has spearheaded multiple projects and quality improvement initiatives in stereotactic body radiation therapy, surface-guided radiation therapy, proton therapy, patient data management and clinical workflows to create a better experience for radiation oncology patients and staff.
CQ Medical Workshop: A Novel, Proton-friendly Patient Positioning System for Cranial and Head and Neck Indications
A proud native of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, Elaine Spencer grew up in a close-knit community with just nine classmates and a total population of around 600. Her educational journey began at a North Carolina community college, which served as her first stepping stone toward higher education. She later earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.
Elaine’s path into the radiation therapy profession was deeply personal. After the loss of her father to cancer, she discovered her calling in radiation therapy. This passion led her back to community college, where she earned an associate’s degree in radiation therapy — a career decision she considers the best of her life.
After gaining experience in the field, Elaine transitioned into teaching and served as the department chair for radiologic sciences and program director for radiation therapy at Pitt Community College for more than 23 years, graduating 385 radiation students. She retires from education Sept. 1, 2025. Elaine is not sure where the future will take her, but she will remain rooted near the coast, where her love for the beach, her island family and upbringing keeps her connected to home.
Dementia Sensitivity: Awareness Training for Health Care Professionals
Stella Stevenson is a highly proficient radiation therapist with more than 20 years of experience in the radiologic sciences. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with a range of cutting-edge technologies, including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife and GammaPod, as well as traditional linear accelerators. Currently, Stella plays a key leadership role in supervising and training radiation therapy teams, ensuring excellence in patient care, staff development and clinical education. She has a strong commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in radiation therapy treatments.
In addition to clinical practice, Stella serves as a mentor for radiation therapy students, contributing to the next generation of professionals. With a passion for innovation and patient-centered care, she actively participates in research initiatives, strategic planning and the implementation of new technologies in radiation oncology. Stella is dedicated to advancing the radiation therapy profession through education, leadership and a steadfast commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Greg Swiedom is a dedicated health care professional with more than 21 years at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he has served as a radiation therapist, MR-certified radiation therapist and now clinical supervisor. Known for his innovation and passion for advancing radiation therapy, Greg champions hybrid work models to support staff retention and flexibility. He is a strong advocate for the evolving roles of brachytherapy therapists, adaptive therapists and research therapists. Greg’s commitment to MD Anderson’s mission is reflected in his contributions to clinical workflows, mentorship and quality improvement — helping drive excellence in patient care and innovation.
Michael Tallhamer is the chief of radiation physics for AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain region and the chief science officer for a scientific consulting firm specializing in a variety of clinical, industrial and military projects. Michael trained at the Cleveland Clinic, where he received his Master of Science in medical physics specializing in therapeutic radiological physics. He is a past president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Association of Physics in Medicine. In his free time, Michael likes to spend time in the mountains of Colorado and travel the world with his wife and two children.
Christa is a radiation therapy professional with a strong clinical background and a passion for innovation in patient care. She began her career as a radiation therapist at Erasmus MC, a leading university hospital in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where she gained hands-on experience in all aspects of radiation therapy from dose planning and automated treatment plan development to patient treatment and image-guided radiation therapy. She was closely involved in one-stop-shop palliative care treatments, working in a fast-paced, patient-centered environment.
Although she no longer works directly in the clinic, Christa remains deeply connected to clinical practice through daily collaboration with research partners in academic hospitals. This ongoing involvement keeps her closely aligned with real-world clinical needs and ensures her work continues to reflect practical relevance and impact.
At the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference, Christa will dive into the practical and clinical challenges of head and neck radiation therapy. Her talk, “Radiation Therapy Without a Face Mask: The Next Generation in SGRT Head and Neck Positioning,” explores what’s next for patients and health care professionals. With a keen eye for clinical improvement and a collaborative spirit, Christa is excited to spark discussions and share ideas for the future of maskless positioning in head and neck treatments.
IOS Presents: Radiation Therapy Without a Face Mask: The Next Generation in SGRT Head and Neck Positioning
Dr. Kristi Tonning is associate professor and the director of the radiation therapy program at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. She completed her bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy at OHSU in 2001, her master’s degree in change management in 2009 from Stavanger University in Stavanger, Norway and her doctorate in education and leadership at Pacific University in 2021.
Dr. Tonning moved to Stavanger, Norway, in 2001 and worked as a radiation therapist, dosimetrist and department manager at the Stavanger University Hospital. She also worked as a change management consultant in the oil and gas industry in Stavanger before returning to the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children in 2015. Dr. Tonning serves on the ASRT Editorial Review Board, the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group executive board and the ROECSG patient education working group. She is part of advanced practice in radiation therapy working group and serves on the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Board of Directors.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends exploring the outdoors and traveling.
Dr. Cheryl Turner has been a radiation therapist for 30 years and an educator for 15 of those years. She believes that the foundation of a solid clinical practice lies in effective and applicable education and training. She has extensive involvement in professional societies, including ASRT, ARRT, JRCERT, AEIRS and RAD-AID International. In addition to numerous national, international and local presentations and publications, she has written for national professional journals, including ASRT Scanner and Radiation Therapist. Additionally, she will serve as vice chair of the Radiation Therapy Chapter in the ASRT House of Delegates.
Klarity Workshop: Position With Precision: Klarity Vacuum Bags
Nora Uricchio is the program coordinator for the radiation therapy program at Connecticut State Community College in Manchester. She is certified in radiography and radiation therapy and holds a master’s in education. Nora has been in education for more than 30 years. She enjoys being professionally involved with her state society, the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists, and nationally with the ASRT. Nora served on the ASRT Committee on Bylaws and is currently vice chair of the Radiation Therapist Editorial Review Board. Her love for patient care, quality and safety, and education is the driving force that motivates her to share that passion with her students.
Summer Verg earned her bachelor's degree in radiation therapy from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and spent eight years as a dedicated radiation therapist. During this time, she gradually took on additional leadership responsibilities, from mentoring colleagues to leading departmental initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care. These roles eventually led her to participation in the Aspirus Emerging Leaders Program, as an attendee and coach. These experiences not only strengthened her leadership skills but also deepened her passion for providing patient-centered care. These qualities propelled her transition into survivorship coordination, where she has been instrumental in developing programs that provide long-term support for cancer survivors. Her leadership in these areas is marked by a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes and striving to enhance the quality of life for patients with cancer at every stage of their journey.
Survivorship: An Evolution in Cancer Care
Courtney Vogelsang is a compassionate and detail-oriented radiation therapist with 15 years of experience in providing precise and effective radiation therapy to patients with cancer. Her career was inspired by a personal connection to the profession, driven by the care and comfort radiation therapists provided to her aunt during treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Throughout her professional journey, Courtney has remained committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care while using advanced radiation therapy techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, simulation and proton therapy.
She is known for fostering strong relationships with both patients and colleagues, emphasizing open communication and collaboration. Courtney’s leadership style emphasizes team cohesion and support, and she has been instrumental in mentoring new therapists, assisting with complex patient setups and optimizing patient scheduling.
Additionally, Courtney has played a key role in initiatives such as the introduction of the 4/10 work schedule and improving work-life balance for her team. With a focus on continuous professional growth and a patient-centered approach, Courtney is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the radiation therapy profession and improving the lives of the patients she serves.
Lynn is a dynamic senior clinical applications specialist and trainer at CQ Medical, where she excels in enhancing customer proficiency with cutting-edge immobilization devices. Lynn’s academic journey led her to earn a Master of Business Administration from Capella University, complemented by rigorous training in radiography through the U.S. Army. She further developed her skills by specializing in radiation therapy in San Antonio.
With more than thirty years of experience, Lynn has made significant contributions to the field of radiation therapy and has excelled in various executive leadership and management roles. Her passion and dedication set her apart, and she empowers her customers with the expertise to master their positioning and immobilization devices, ultimately transforming the radiation therapy experience for patients.
Rachel is a board-certified radiation therapist, educator, and dedicated advocate for the profession. She studied radiation therapy at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, before beginning her clinical career in California. There, she specialized in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer using superficial radiation therapy, treating more than 2,000 cases and becoming a national resource for education and advancement in IGSRT in the profession.
Now based in Tennessee, Rachel serves as the Clinical Recruitment Coordinator for SkinCure Oncology. While she no longer treats patients directly, she travels nationwide to educate providers, support students, and advocate for the advancement of radiation therapy.
Rachel remains active in the professional community through her involvement with both the Michigan and Tennessee Societies of Radiologic Technologists. She also co-published an article in Radiation Therapist, APRT Special Edition, on the advanced practice role in IGSRT. She remains active in the professional community through speaking engagements, mentorship, and outreach, with a strong focus on education and increasing visibility for the radiation therapy profession.
SkinCure Workshop: Hands-On With IGSRT
Heather Welker is an accomplished health care leader and radiation oncology expert based in Greensboro, North Carolina. With more than 15 years of clinical and managerial experience, she currently serves as the radiation oncology department manager at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in High Point. In this role, she has led financial oversight, operational strategy and staff development to optimize patient care and drive organizational excellence.
A cum laude graduate of Greensboro College, she holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and allied health and certifications in radiologic technology and radiation therapy. Heather is furthering her expertise through a master’s degree in health management with a project management certificate at Western Carolina University, anticipating graduation in 2026.
Her professional accomplishments include developing advanced clinical protocols, implementing cutting-edge equipment and fostering team engagement. Recognized for her leadership, she has earned accolades such as the Exceptional People Award, Impact Award and Leader of the Month honors. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma yellow belt in process improvement, an advocate for diversity through Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s LGBTQ+ Allies and a dedicated mentor in the radiation oncology profession.
As a member of professional organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Society of Radiation Oncology Administrators, Heather remains at the forefront of innovation and collaboration in health care. Driven by a passion for operational excellence, she strives to enhance patient care delivery and advance the radiation oncology profession.
Marli Williams is an international speaker, leadership trainer, courage cultivator, joy instigator, and play activist who first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor. She has a Master’s Degree in Education along with 20 years of facilitation and leadership experience. Marli works with incredible people and organizations who are ready to elevate their energy, step into their purpose and show up for themselves in a bigger way so they can be the changemakers and leaders they’ve always wanted to be. She is the host of the Let’s Lead Together Podcast which hit the Top 5% of all Podcasts Globally within just a month of launching. She is also creator of The Connect Deck™, a card deck that provides prompts for shockingly easy and meaningful conversations and has been used by communities worldwide. When she’s not speaking, training leaders, or consulting with impact-driven organizations, you can find Marli hiking on the trails with her dogs Summit & Journey. To learn more about Marli, check out www.marliwilliams.com
Be an EPIC Leader: How to Navigate Change and Challenges With Confidence
Cassandra Worley is a radiation operations manager at Solaris Health Partners-UroPartners. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, since 2020. Cassandra earned a doctorate in educational leadership/organization learning in 2023. She earned a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology and radiation therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and a master’s degree in health services administration from USF in 2005. Cassandra has worked and lived in Oklahoma and Illinois throughout her 30 years of experience in radiation oncology.
Methods to Maximize Student Success During Clinical Rotation
John Young is a technical leader in radiation therapy with more than a decade of experience in training and developing strong teams of therapists. Currently, he is a radiation therapy manager at U.F. Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, and has been instrumental in creating a work culture in their therapy department that is conducive to teamwork, loyalty and a sustainable, meaningful employee experience. In November 2024, John spoke at the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group - North America conference about the challenges and strategies associated with burnout and turnover. John is eager to continue sharing how to navigate these issues in an ever-evolving job market.
Creating a Work Culture That Reduces Burnout and Fosters Loyalty
Ramtin Zakikhani is a medical physicist in radiation oncology who is committed to providing exceptional patient care through high-quality clinical physics support, research, and education. He currently serves as a medical physicist at GenesisCare USA and has a proven track record in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver the highest standards of patient care. His expertise spans a wide range of clinical techniques, including stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, linear accelerator commissioning, high dose rate brachytherapy, low dose rase brachytherapy and advanced treatment planning with Varian systems such as HyperArc.
Ramtin possesses extensive experience in a range of clinical physics projects, including small field commissioning, SRS/SBRT quality assurance and treatment planning optimization. Adept in both onsite and remote physics support across multiple regional centers, he has played a key role in implementing and optimizing new systems for patient treatments and physics quality assurance. Ramtin is a licensed and authorized medical physicist with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He is also an American Board of Radiology diplomate and an American Association of Physicists in Medicine member. With a strong academic foundation, including a master’s degree in medical radiation physics from McGill University, Ramtin has also contributed to several publications and presentations. He is deeply committed to advancing the field of medical physics through continuous education and cutting-edge clinical practices.
Dr. Kayla Zehr is scientific journal managing editor for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. She holds a doctorate in biomedical science from the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Jing Zeng is a radiation oncologist, currently serving as professor and vice chair of clinical affairs in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Washington/Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Prior to joining the University of Washington in 2012, she completed her residency training at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Zeng is deeply interested in patient safety and quality improvement and has published numerous manuscripts in this field and given multiple lectures nationally. The University of Washington participates in RO-ILS, and Dr. Zeng currently serves as a member of the Radiation Oncology Healthcare Advisory Council. She’s also a former member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology multidisciplinary quality assurance subcommittee. Her clinical focus is caring for patients with thoracic malignancies.
Razmig is the lead radiation therapist at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. With 19 years of hands-on experience at City of Hope, Razmig knows his patients and how to put them at ease during treatment. He monitors and positions patients, administers radiation therapy, observes patients during treatment and discusses their treatment plans with them. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with family and enjoys outdoor activities such as tennis and golf.