Meet The Team

Investigators

Clinical Team

Administrative Team

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Sejal Patel, MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Sejal Patel, a board-certified psychiatrist, joins K2 Medical Research as a Principal Investigator with over 16 years of clinical experience. While she specializes in post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Patel is proficient in a wide array of various psychiatric conditions. After obtaining her medical degree at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, she went on to complete her adult psychiatric resident training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC while serving as an active-duty officer in the National Capital Consortium Program in the US Army. During her time in the military, she proudly served in Operation Iraqi Freedom while deployed at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq as a psychiatric medical officer in charge of a combat stress control unit.

After working for several years in both inpatient and outpatient facilities for the US Army, Dr. Patel moved to Orlando and joined Compass Research, an independent research facility where she participated as the sole psychiatric Principal Investigator providing supervision and oversight to subjects enrolled in numerous psychiatric clinical trials in studies in Phases I-IV. She also offered her expertise as a Sub Investigator in neurology and general medicine trials, most notably including the SARS Covid-19 vaccine trials during the pandemic.

Dr. Patel is actively involved in the Orlando community- in addition to her role with K2, she is also on staff at University of Central Florida in the Behavioral Health Clinic serving the mental health needs of our local students and associates. In her free time, Dr. Patel enjoys traveling the world and spending quality time with her husband and two children.

Neel Patel MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Bio Coming Soon.

Prity Patel, ARNP

CLINICAL INVESTIGATOR

Bio Coming Soon.

Matt Bubalo

MANAGING DIRECTOR K2 PATHWAYS

Matt Bubalo, a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of clinical experience, joins K2 Medical Research as a project manager specializing in psychiatric research studies. Matt began his career in clinical research while attending the Rollins College graduate program in clinical mental health counseling in 2010. Since then, he’s pursued both avenues simultaneously through different organizations. Now at K2, both paths join. Matt is excited for this opportunity to merge his role as a psychotherapist working on an individual level and his work on psychiatric research studies, which has a has an impact on the future of pharmacotherapy. Through his investment in both areas, he hopes to improve the overall mental health of our community and that of the world at large.

Matt has experience counseling in both in-patient and out-patient settings and has contributed through various roles within the clinical research industry, primarily in neurology and psychiatry. In 2015, he had the life-changing experience of helping establish a community-based mental health program in the East African country of Uganda through JENGA Uganda, a non-profit outreach organization. He, along with his wife and family, stayed in the city of Mbale for two years getting to know members of the community, forming relationships, and assisting with developing infrastructure for social services through schools, support groups and rehabilitation programs. He is passionate about the mission of this longstanding and locally trusted organization to which he still maintains close connection.

Matt, his wife, and three children live in the Wekiva area of Altamonte Springs and enjoy outdoor activities, the beach, and playing soccer.

Floribeth Roman

Lead Project Manager

With over 25 years of experience in the medical field and an extensive background in oncology clinical trials, Floribeth Roman joins the K2 Medical Research team as Lead Project Manager. Prior to joining K2, she was a valued member of the research department at a private physician group specializing in hematology and oncology. During her time at the clinic, Floribeth successfully managed multiple high-enrolling clinical trials simultaneously, acting as liaison between the site and sponsors and assisting with all processes from study start up to termination.

Floribeth’s introduction to the world of research was profoundly personal: in 2009, her daughter Isabela was diagnosed with Tay Sachs disease and enrolled in a clinical trial with National Institutes of Health. Unfortunately, in 2012 Isabela succumbed to her disease. But Floribeth’s passion for research continued. In a testament to her strength and resilience, she has been able to integrate her family’s personal tragedy into her professional mission by providing patients and their families the care that they need with the warmth, respect and dignity that they deserve. As a result, she gains the trust of those around her and actively inspires others to triumph over adversity. Floribeth lives in Orlando with her sons. In her free time, she enjoys quality time with her family, CrossFit workouts and the Florida sun.

Joao Cardoso

Project Manager

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Vanessa Carillo

Project manager

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Jordan Gauntlett

Project manager

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Evette Trahan

Project Manager

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Sebastian Gonzalez

Recruitment Specialist

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Anthony Mamone

Recruitment Specialist

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Shalily Ramos

REGULATORY AND QA ASSOCIATE

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Leiwanda Verderber

Laboratory Technician

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Jessica Goodchild

Front Desk Coordinator

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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

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Kristen Grube

DIRECTOR OF QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE

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Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

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Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

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Stephanie Cassidy

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

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Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

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Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting

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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

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Tail McNeil

CTMS Architect

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Carri Faircloth

Strategic Sourcing & Business Engagement

Bio Coming Soon.

Blake Carmichael

Human Resources Generalist

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Christina Banks

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

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Alyssa Peter

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

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Ame Cordero

K2 Experience Ambassador

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Beatriz Castillo

Clinical Research Navigator

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Gisel Kautz

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST

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Elizabeth Duque-Buckham

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

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Cathryn Pendleton

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

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Heather Reyes

CLINICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

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Paula Bui

Recruitment Specialist

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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

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Emily Alavarez

Quality Control Associate

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Rebecca Barros

Quality Control Associate

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Gian Colon

Project Manager

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Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

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Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

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Yanela Vazquez

Lead Account Manager

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Diadette Gonzalez

Account Manager

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Jonathan Nieto

Account Manager

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Maria Williams

Account Manager

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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

Clinical Team

Michelle Carfi

Yvelina Feliciano

Melissa Aquino

Sofia Florez

Dylanis Montes

Administrative Team

Mike Ames

Tina Blair

Jodi Slocum

Ram Nitta

Alfredo Coronado

Heather Jimenez

Translate Language

Select A Location

Sejal Patel, MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Neel Patel MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Prity Patel, ARNP

CLINICAL INVESTIGATOR

Matt Bubalo

MANAGING DIRECTOR K2 PATHWAYS

Floribeth Roman

Lead Project Manager

Joao Cardoso

Project Manager

Vanessa Carillo

Project manager

Jordan Gauntlett

Project manager

Evette Trahan

Project Manager

Sebastian Gonzalez

Recruitment Specialist

Anthony Mamone

Recruitment Specialist

Shalily Ramos

REGULATORY AND QA ASSOCIATE

Leiwanda Verderber

Laboratory Technician

Jessica Goodchild

Front Desk Coordinator

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