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Meet The Team

Investigators

Clinical Team

Administrative Team

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Brandon Lenox DO, MPH

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, CO-FOUNDER

Brandon Lenox, DO is a board-certified anesthesiologist and epidemiologist with a long and distinguished career in medicine. As Chief Medical Officer of K2 Medical Research, Dr. Lenox provides the K2 team with over 20 years’ experience in clinical trials, medical research, and clinical practice. After earning his graduate degree in public health, he went on to graduate from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine with highest honors then completed his residency training at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Lenox served as an epidemiologist with Department of Health and Human Services and Florida Department of Health where he specialized in outbreak research and chronic disease prevention; his ground-breaking work has been featured in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals. In addition, he has pharmaceutical industry experience in the development of antimicrobials and has been the primary investigator on multiple studies. Most recently, Dr. Lenox served as the Chairman of the Clinical Governance Board and President of US Anesthesia Partners of Florida where he oversaw clinical and research operations of over 500 clinicians across the state of Florida. He also served as the Director of Neuroanesthesia and as member of the medical executive committee for Advent Health.

Dr. Lenox is deeply committed to improving population health. He has spent most of his life determined to make a difference in the world and is a driving force for fostering change in the medical field and promoting the well-being of our community. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, surfing and spending quality time with his wife and three active children.

Sheila Baez-Torres MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY

Dr. Sheila Baez-Torres joins the K2 medical team as a principal investigator. A neurologist and movement disorders specialist with over 12 years’ experience in the field, Dr. Baez-Torres’ main focus is neurodegenerative diseases- specifically dementia and Parkinson’s. After several years of inpatient and outpatient practice for Advent Health, she joined forces with Compass Research, an independent research facility where she participated as the acting clinical neurologist, providing supervision to patients enrolled in numerous clinical trials within her areas of proficiency. In addition to clinical investigator duties, she also lent her expertise in the referral and pre-screening processes at the site. In 2021, she opened her own successful private practice in Winter Park, Florida.

Dr. Baez-Torres’ academic background includes a bachelor’s in general science from the University of Puerto Rico, followed by her medical degree at Universidad Central del Caribe. After graduation, she completed her neurology residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami, then participated in a two-year fellowship in movement disorders and electromyography. Most recently, she obtained a master’s degree in business administration from University of Florida in Gainesville.

Dr. Baez-Torres is bilingual; she is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has two daughters and loves spending her free time with family and friends.

Jennifer West, PA

INVESTIGATOR

Jennifer West, a certified physician’s assistant (PA-C), joins K2 Medical Research with more than a decade of clinical experience. Specializing in neurodegenerative disease research, namely Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, Jennifer has served as an investigator on over 30 trials. Prior to clinical research, she held roles in both primary and urgent care, which provided her a well-rounded background in general medicine.

Jennifer’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Secondary Education from Northern State University, followed by a master’s degree Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota. After graduation, Jennifer participated in the National Health Service Corp, where she provided quality healthcare to diverse and traditionally underserved communities.

While Jennifer’s medical training promoted a sophisticated understanding of disease processes, her background in education equipped her with tools to educate patients on the unique benefits of clinical trial participation. She doesn’t just advocate for her patients and their families; she teaches them how to effectively advocate for themselves.

A South Dakota native, Jennifer has lived in central Florida for the past eight years. When she’s not at work, you can find her painting, woodworking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Morgan McLaughlin, MSN, APRN

Investigator

Bio Coming Soon.

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.

Jim Hoeckendorf, RN

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS K2 MAITLAND

Jim Hoeckendorf joins the K2 Medical Research team as a Project Manager. A magna cum laude graduate of University of Central Florida, Jim is a registered nurse with over 25 years of healthcare experience and 15 years of clinical trial experience. Early on, he worked as an in-patient psychiatry charge nurse before moving into a role as a disability nurse case manager. From there, Jim moved into the clinical research arena as a clinical research coordinator. He has remained in the clinical trials field since then, holding various roles such as site operations manager, site director, and global start-up manager with a well-known contract research organization.

For Jim, working in clinical research is a personal investment: his father participated as a volunteer subject at Fort Detrick, Maryland as part of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease. Commonly known as Operation Whitecoat, the program carried out biodefense research on volunteer enlisted personnel with the purpose of defending troops and civilians against biological weapons. Jim’s mission is to carry on this family legacy of assisting in the development of innovative scientific solutions that improve standards of care.

Jim lives in Winter Park, Florida with his wife, two sons, and his rescue dog, Piper. He enjoys playing sports, outdoor activities, and family trips to the beach.

Kim Stokes

DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOMETRIC OPERATIONS

Kim Stokes joins K2 medical research as a psychometrist with over a decade of experience in neuropsychological testing and clinical research. Her past roles include rater, rater trainer and psychometric supervisor for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric. She has previous experience in clinical settings including hospital inpatient care, nursing home, federal bureau, rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric facilities, private practice and outpatient care. She was commended for national research in her work with St. Jude Hospital for Children and continues to be a guest lecturer at the University of Central Florida, helping to guide aspiring professional students. Additionally, she presented at the American Psychological Association and launched one of the first mini-mental status examination mobile applications. Kim graduated from the University of Central Florida with her BS in psychology in 2012 while continuing her work in private practice. Kim has a passion for animal rights and animal rescue. In her free time, she enjoys visiting Disney World with her husband, Tom, watching vintage films on TCM and listening to rat-pack style jazz.

Alexis Waldorf, RN

Director of Nursing and Infusion Services

Bio Coming Soon.

Milana Mudra

Clinical Operations Associate

Bio Coming Soon.

KELLY SCHRAGEN, RRT

Associate Director of Clinical Training and Development

Bio Coming Soon.

Megan Hendrick

Lead Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Sam Martin

Lead Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Tiffany Kiako

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Bio Coming Soon.

Yenifer Aponte

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Joshua Bowman

Project Manager

Joshua Bowman joins the K2 Medical team as a clinical research coordinator with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Central Florida. In addition to his skills as a coordinator, he has excelled in roles including research assistant and pharmacy technician and has had extensive exposure to infusion therapy and outpatient surgery centers in a hospital setting.

Josh’s passion for research developed while studying at UCF. He had the opportunity to contribute to a study assessing the effects of nanoparticles on bacterial growth and it quickly became clear that clinical research was the right path for his future. Following graduation, Josh became an advanced pharmacy technician for a national pharmaceutical company while serving as a liaison with nursing care facilities to meet patient pharmaceutical requirements. He is excited to bring his laboratory experience as well as interpersonal and organizational skills to the K2 community.

Josh lives in Lake Mary with his adopted puppy, Oakley, an Australian Shepherd mix. In his free time, he participates in adult football and soccer leagues and enjoys watching and attending sporting events.

Nadya Finelli

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Andres Garcia

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Callie Geartner

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Giomara Guzman

CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Bio Coming Soon.

Stacie Hoeckendorf

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Stacie Hoeckendorf joins the K2 Medical Research team as a Clinical Research Coordinator. A graduate of Indiana University, she received her BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, Stacie worked as a court appointed special advocate where she represented children within the court system experiencing abuse or neglect. From there she moved to Florida and started her career as a disability insurance claims examiner where she stayed for several years. Stacie then pivoted into her role as a small business owner of a catering company serving the south Orlando community, which she successfully ran for nearly a decade.

Through her multi-faceted professional career working with many different populations, Stacie has honed her abilities and developed a tireless work ethic. Adept at multitasking, planning, problem solving, organization, teamwork, and time management, she is also highly skilled in inspiring the cooperation and collaboration of others. Four years ago Stacie’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease which prompted her to integrate her personal experience with her professional mission: advancing research to develop viable treatments for the degenerative diseases that harm our loved ones.

Stacie lives in Winter Park with her husband and two sons. In her free time, she enjoys gourmet cooking, watching her son’s baseball games with her family and exploring Florida beaches.

Nicole Lopez

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Bio Coming Soon.

Preyalkumari Panchal

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Sandra Rivas

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Donya Shahnavaz

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Kendall Worden

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Thomas Waligora

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Staci Witt, RPh

Project Manager & Pharmacist

Bio Coming Soon.

Juan Lombana

Prescreen Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon.

Andrea Archila

Prescreen Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon.

Franklin Alzate

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Ileana Celestine

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Ava Farid

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Emily Hennessey

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Hailey McInturff

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Marcel Mehu

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Natalia Torres

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Isabella Ferreira

Psychometric Rater

Bio Coming Soon.

Matthew Grass

Psychometric Rater

Bio Coming Soon.

Virginia Harris

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Bio Coming Soon.

Hannah Hunter

Psychometric Rater

Bio Coming Soon.

Valerie Vazquez Garcia

Prescreen Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon.

Augusto Zabaleta MA

PSYCHOMETRIC RATER

Augusto Zabaleta joins K2 Medical Research as a trilingual psychometric rater with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Originally hailing from Brazil, he can converse fluently and administer scales in Spanish and Portuguese, as well as English. Since obtaining his graduate degree in 2021, Augusto has been providing services through a local counseling agency, utilizing his skills to help members of our Central Florida community lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Augusto’s interest in healthy cognitive functioning is personal: a friend of his family was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and since then he has become personally and professionally dedicated to identifying ways to treat and prevent this disease that affects so many of our loved ones. He has since joined the innovative world of clinical trials and is living out his passion for improving the population’s mental health. When he is not working, you can find Augusto spending time with friends, sipping a good cup of coffee in a local cafe or enjoying the outdoors.

Joy Borde

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Delia Moore

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Gina McBride, RN

Laboratory Technician

Bio Coming Soon.

Emily Reyes

Laboratory Technician

Bio Coming Soon.

Anissa Solero

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

Bio Coming Soon.

MARITZA TORRES

Pharmacy Technician

Bio Coming Soon.

Amy Crane

Infusion Nurse

Bio Coming Soon.

Kristen Davis

Clinical Technician

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Carolina Agudelo

Community Connector

Bio Coming Soon.

Bridget Monroe

Community Connector

Bio Coming Soon.

Taylor Moore

Clinical Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Keith Barsky

RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Carlos Maldonado

Clinical Research Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Rosalina Martinez

Recruitment Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Daniel Naumko

RECRUITING SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Mike Starr

Recruitment Specialist

Mike Starr joins K2 Medical Research as a Recruitment Specialist, after a decade in Orlando and New York City recruiting volunteers to help develop the next wave of important medications, devices, and vaccines.

He has a long history in sports. Most importantly his time as an elite road cyclist. Racing 1000 days, and winning 60 races, his career as a sportsman took him all over the world, opening his eyes to varied cultures, and the realization of how many commonalities seven billion people hold.

Mike also served in the US Navy for four years, earning honors, and gained respect for the difficult job of training the world’s peacekeepers.

Currently Mike is living in NYC amongst the constant hustle and bustle, but has a quiet fondness for a few hushed days along Maine’s rugged coast. His passion for the urban advocation of walking, public transport and the use of micromobility is well known, and a source of many conversations.

Adela Graham

Receptionist

Bio Coming Soon.

Sandra Torres, RN, BSN

Executive Director for Patient Engagement, Marketing and Diversity

Sandra Carmona Torres currently serves as the Executive Director for Patient Engagement, Marketing, and Diversity 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.

Candace Baird

DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

Bio Coming Soon.

Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

Bio Coming Soon.

Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

Bio Coming Soon.

Stephanie Cassidy

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Bio Coming Soon !

Kerry Lovelace

Senior Director of Business Development & Strategic Growth

Bio Coming Soon.

Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting

Bio Coming Soon.

Gina Cedano

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.

Bill Menard

Associate Director of Strategic Operations

Bio Coming Soon.

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

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.

Linda Colon

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

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

Bio Coming Soon.

Heather Reyes

CLINICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Bio Coming Soon.

Paula Bui

Recruitment Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Yakira Colon

COMMUNITY OUTREACH NAVIGATOR

Bio Coming Soon.

Britney Graves

Data Entry Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Nichole Molina

Marketing Assistant

Bio Coming Soon.

Sandi Sundstrom RN

FEASIBILITY SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Rebecca Barros

Quality Control Associate

Bio Coming Soon.

Emily Alavarez

Quality Control Associate

Bio Coming Soon.

Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

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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!

Meet The Team

Investigators

Clinical Team

Sofia Florez

Gabriela Penate

Administrative Team

Translate Language

Select A Location

Brandon Lenox DO, MPH

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, CO-FOUNDER

Sheila Baez-Torres MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY

Jennifer West, PA

INVESTIGATOR

Morgan McLaughlin, MSN, APRN

Investigator

Melissa Belardo, APRN

Clinical Investigator

Jim Hoeckendorf, RN

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS K2 MAITLAND

Kim Stokes

DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOMETRIC OPERATIONS

Alexis Waldorf, RN

Director of Nursing and Infusion Services

Milana Mudra

Clinical Operations Associate

KELLY SCHRAGEN, RRT

Associate Director of Clinical Training and Development

Megan Hendrick

Lead Project Manager

Sam Martin

Lead Project Manager

Tiffany Kiako

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Yenifer Aponte

Project Manager

Joshua Bowman

Project Manager

Nadya Finelli

Project Manager

Andres Garcia

Project Manager

Callie Geartner

Project Manager

Giomara Guzman

CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Stacie Hoeckendorf

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR