Meet The Team

Investigators

Clinical Team

Administrative Team

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Stephen Quaning, MD

Investigator

Stephen Quaning, M.D. is the Medical Director and Chief Physician at MetroHealth. A graduate of the St. George’s University School of Medicine, he completed his internal medicine residency and geriatric fellowship at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in 1998-99. He became Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine in 2000.

Since assuming control of MetroHealth in 2002, Dr. Quaning has overseen all aspects of medical programming and patient services. Under his direction, MetroHealth has developed into one of the premier providers of expert geriatric medical care in the Central Florida area.

Dr. Quaning identified his interest in geriatric medicine at a young age while serving as a caregiver for his aging grandfather. He saw firsthand the important role that personalized care can play in preserving quality of life during one’s later years. Dr. Quaning believes that the goal of geriatric medicine is not only to extend life expectancy, but also to extend the period of high-functioning time in a person’s life.

An avid reader, Dr. Quaning enjoys learning about Eastern philosophy. He continuously seeks new ways in which to apply the lessons learned in his readings to his daily life and business. MetroHealth visitors will notice Eastern elements incorporated into the office decor, a reflection of Dr. Quaning’s personal style.

When he is away from work, Dr. Quaning enjoys spending time and travelling with his wife and their daughter. He also enjoys pursuing his aviation license in fulfillment of his longtime love of flying. Dr. Quaning is also the CEO of MH Geriatrics Management, LLC, an affiliated management services organization. He obtained an Executive MBA from Rollins College in 2006.

Samuel Dunlop, DNP, NP-C

Investigator

Samuel Dunlop, DNP, NP-C began his nursing career working in a cardiovascular intensive care unit for seven years before returning to school to gain a deep knowledge and understanding of how health and medicine could work together to improve his patient’s lives. He has always loved science and learning how the body works, which make his position with us all the more meaningful.

Victoria Marsh

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Victoria Marsh joins K2 Medical Research as Managing Director of K2 SODO. Victoria began her career in clinical research in 2009 while pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida. Her prior roles in research include Clinical Research Coordinator, Lead Neuro-Clinical Research Coordinator, Project Manager and Psychometric Rater.

Victoria has extensive experience with geriatric populations and neurological indications to include Mild Cognitive Impairment, Mild-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Victoria’s intellect, caring nature and warmth is prized by her teammates and patients alike- she thoroughly enjoys connecting with people and finds fulfillment in helping others.

Victoria graduated from the University of Central Florida as a Lead Scholar with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Sociology in 2009. She is passionate about dogs, animal rescue and welfare. In her free time, she enjoys running, yoga and being outdoors with her two dogs, Chloe and Kona.

Marianne McManus

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Coming soon…

Tiffany Kiako

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Bio Coming Soon.

Arnaldo Acosta

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Maryoreht Arellano

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Jennifer Avila

Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Marjorie Mathieu

Laboratory Technician

Bio Coming Soon.

Jeyssa Samo

Pharmacy Technician

Bio Coming Soon.

Lesia Hise, CPA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Bio Coming Soon.

Marieke Cajal Berman, PhD

Vice President, Patient Experience & Marketing

Dr. Marieke Cajal Berman, Vice President, Patient Experience and Marketing, holds a PhD in Neurosciences from the Université Paris Cité in France. She has published peer-reviewed papers and abstracts at international conferences.

After research on brain development, she joined a clinical trial site network, Compass Research, in Orlando, Florida, to develop patient engagement, community outreach, physician relationships, and client relationships, first focusing on CNS research and later expending to liver disease and many other therapeutic areas. When the US based network became global via an acquisition by Bioclinica, now part of PPD, she helped establish unified patient recruitment and marketing processes across the US and European clinics. She served as Director of Patient Strategy and Innovation at ClinEdge, now Elligo, before joining Wake Research, where she oversaw the patient recruitment and marketing departments. She successfully launched a patient recruitment spin-off vendor there, supporting sponsors’ projects independently from the site services. She then applied her expertise in setting-up best-in-class processes and systems to support patient recruitment and marketing in clinical trials at Lightship, and Flourish Research before joining K2 Medical Research.

Sandra Torres, RN, BSN

Vice President, Engagement & Strategic Initiatives

Sandra Carmona Torres currently serves as the Vice President, Engagement & Strategic Initiatives at K2 Medical Research. A graduate from the University of South Florida with a nursing degree, she has dedicated over 10 years as a passionate registered nurse advocating for patients. Sandra began her career in research as an infusion nurse since she has held various leadership positions in clinical research. As a passionate advocate for patient engagement, Sandra recognizes the importance of ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal access to clinical research opportunities. Through her exceptional leadership skills and her innovative and creative approach she has been able to build strong relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups. These partnerships have not only increased awareness about the importance of clinical research, but they have also helped to address and overcome the barriers that may hinder participation. Through her role as the Executive Director for Patient Engagement, Marketing, and Diversity, she continues to make a profound impact by ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate in clinical research. Her tireless efforts have not only transformed the lives of individuals within her community but have also contributed to the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of patient outcomes.

Lesli Leimer, PharmD

Director of Pharmacy

Bio Coming Soon.

Carlos Baez, MD

DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY SERVICES

Bio Coming Soon.

Kristen Grube

DIRECTOR OF QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE

Bio Coming Soon.

Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

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Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

Bio Coming Soon.

Stephanie Cassidy

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Bio Coming Soon !

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

Bio Coming Soon.

Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting

Bio Coming Soon.

Gina Lagares

Director of Recruitment

Gina Cedano is an accomplished professional specializing in patient recruitment within the clinical trials sector. Commencing her career in 2009, Gina embarked on a transformative journey by conducting grassroots recruitment in the Bronx, subsequently contributing significantly to the enrollment of 4,000 Hispanic subjects for a pivotal observational study. This achievement stands as a testament to her collaborative approach and strategic recruitment capabilities.

In her current role as Director of Recruitment at K2 Medical Research, a leading clinical research facility in the greater Orlando area, Gina leads a dynamic team responsible for both recruiting and prescreening subjects, guiding them with her expertise and fostering a culture of excellence. Aligned with K2’s commitment to promoting innovative and effective medical treatments while prioritizing participant safety and privacy, Gina plays a vital role in connecting patients with the treatments of tomorrow. Her foundational experience as a recruiter, prescreener, and recruitment strategist has been instrumental in shaping her comprehensive understanding of the field, enabling her to mentor and train professionals effectively.

Gina excels in formulating innovative recruitment strategies and harnessing data analytics to optimize operational efficiency, furthering K2’s mission to fight diseases and improve community health. Her adept problem-solving skills and leadership acumen underscore her dedication to advancing clinical research and setting industry benchmarks for excellence and innovation.

Outside the confines of her professional responsibilities, Gina’s creativity shines through her passion for crafts and DIY projects, adding a distinctive dimension to her multifaceted personality.

With a distinguished career marked by unwavering commitment and exemplary achievements, Gina Cedano continues to be a driving force in advancing clinical research at K2 Medical Research, consistently striving to make a positive impact on the health of local communities and the broader population.

Michelle Montone

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND OUTREACH

Michelle Montone joins K2 Medical Research as Director of Marketing with nearly a decade of experience in clinical trials. Specializing in forming community partnerships, educational programs, and promoting clinical research, Michelle is a Certified Meeting Planner with a primary focus on marketing and event planning for neurodegenerative diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Prior to joining K2, she provided operational support for various industries, such as Ripley Entertainment and the Judicial Circuit Court system. A scholar and an athlete, she obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2007 and won the All-SEC Freshman of the Year Award for the University’s softball team in 2004.

Originally hailing from South Florida, Michelle is bilingual: fluent in both Spanish and English. As a first-generation Cuban-American, she is well-versed in integrating cultures while still honoring their individual nuances; she hopes to use these skills to bring the benefits of medical research to traditionally underserved populations and end the stigma of clinical research in the Latin community once and for all.

In her free time, you can find her traveling, watching sports, and enjoying quality time with her friends and family.

Mike Isaac

Associate Director of Digital Marketing

Bio Coming Soon.

Linda Colon

Director of Global Data Management

Bio Coming Soon.

Bradley Alexander MBA

Clinical Operations Coordinator & Analyst

Bio Coming Soon.

Tail McNeil

CTMS Architect

Bio Coming Soon.

Carri Faircloth

Strategic Sourcing & Business Engagement

Bio Coming Soon.

Blake Carmichael

Human Resources Generalist

Bio Coming Soon.

Christina Banks

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

Bio Coming Soon.

Alyssa Peter

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

Bio Coming Soon.

Ame Cordero

K2 Experience Ambassador

Bio Coming Soon.

Beatriz Castillo

Clinical Research Navigator

Bio Coming Soon.

Gisel Kautz

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Elizabeth Duque-Buckham

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon.

Cathryn Pendleton

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

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Heather Reyes

CLINICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Bio Coming Soon.

Paula Bui

Recruitment Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Yakira Colon

COMMUNITY OUTREACH NAVIGATOR

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Britney Graves

Data Entry Specialist

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Nichole Molina

Marketing Assistant

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Sandi Sundstrom RN

FEASIBILITY SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Rebecca Barros

Quality Control Associate

Bio Coming Soon.

Emily Alavarez

Quality Control Associate

Bio Coming Soon.

Gian Colon

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Yanela Vazquez

Lead Account Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Diadette Gonzalez

Account Manager

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Jonathan Nieto

Account Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Maria Williams

Account Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

K2 is Closed for the holidays

All K2 locations will be closed from December 24, 2024 – January 5, 2025. We will reopen on January 6, 2025. In the meantime, please check out our website to learn more about our clinical research trials, our teams, and ways you can join our growing team.

Wishing you and your families a Happy Holiday Season!

Melissa Belardo, APRN

Clinical Investigator

Melissa Belardo, is a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC), joins K2 Medical Research with more than a decade of clinical experience. She has served as an investigator in over 20 trials. Prior to clinical research, she held roles in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nurse education.

Melissa’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Adventist University, followed by a master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from Georgetown University.

Melissa is a native of the US Virgin Islands’ and is fluent in both English and Spanish; Melissa has lived in central Florida for the past twenty years. When she’s not at work, you can find her volunteering at her local church and spending time with family.

Meet The Team

Investigators

Esteban Olivera, MD

Clinical Team

Administrative Team

Mike Ames

Tina Blair

Jodi Slocum

Ram Nitta

Alfredo Coronado

Heather Jimenez

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Stephen Quaning, MD

Investigator

Samuel Dunlop, DNP, NP-C

Investigator

Victoria Marsh

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Marianne McManus

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tiffany Kiako

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Arnaldo Acosta

Project Manager

Maryoreht Arellano

Project Manager

Jennifer Avila

Research Assistant

Marjorie Mathieu

Laboratory Technician

Jeyssa Samo

Pharmacy Technician

Lesia Hise, CPA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Marieke Cajal Berman, PhD

Vice President, Patient Experience & Marketing

Sandra Torres, RN, BSN

Vice President, Engagement & Strategic Initiatives

Lesli Leimer, PharmD

Director of Pharmacy

Carlos Baez, MD

DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY SERVICES

Kristen Grube

DIRECTOR OF QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE

Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

Stephanie Cassidy

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting

Gina Lagares

Director of Recruitment

Michelle Montone

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND OUTREACH

Mike Isaac

Associate Director of Digital Marketing

Linda Colon

Director of Global Data Management

Bradley Alexander MBA

Clinical Operations Coordinator & Analyst

Tail McNeil

CTMS Architect

Carri Faircloth

Strategic Sourcing & Business Engagement

Blake Carmichael

Human Resources Generalist

Christina Banks

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

Alyssa Peter

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

Ame Cordero

K2 Experience Ambassador

Beatriz Castillo

Clinical Research Navigator

Gisel Kautz