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Meet The Team

Investigators

Brandon Lenox, DO, MPH

Chief Medical Officer, Co-Founder

Sheila Baez-Torres, MD

Principal Investigator & Medical Director of Diversity

Alfonso Gonzalez, MD

Principal Investigator & Medical Director

Jennifer West, PA

Investigator & Director of Medical Operations

Melissa Belardo, APRN

Investigator

Morgan McLaughlin, MSN, APRN

Investigator

Clinical Team

Jim Hoeckendorf, RN, BSN

Managing Partner K2 Orlando

Kim Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

Nadya Finelli

Director of Clinical Operations, Neurodegeneration

Megan Hendrick

Director of Clinical Operations, General Medicine

Sam Martin

Director of Clinical Operations, Late Phase

Stacie Hoeckendorf

Study Startup Specialist

Joshua Bowman

Project Director

Franklin Alzate

Project Manager

Maryoreht Arellano

Project Manager

Callie Geartner

Project Manager

Giomara Guzman

Project Manager

Marcel Mehu

Project Manager

Preyalkumari Panchal

Project Manager

Adaliz Rodriguez

Project Manager

Mayra Rodriguez

Project Manager

Lindsay Theisen

Project Manager

Andrea Archila

Prescreen Coordinator

Cynthia Gonzalez

Special Projects Coordinator

Linda Ortiz

Clinical Research Assistant

Cemary Sanchez

Clinical Research Assistant

Nicole Vega

Clinical Research Assistant

Christina Velazquez

Clinical Research Assistant

Augusto Zabaleta, MA

Lead Psychometric Rater

Isabella Ferreira

Psychometric Rater

Matthew Grass

Psychometric Rater

Virginia Harris

Psychometric Rater

Hannah Hunter

Psychometric Rater

Valerie Vazquez Garcia

Psychometric Rater

Joy Borde

Laboratory Manager

Delia Moore

Laboratory Technician

Emily Reyes

Laboratory Technician

Anissa Solero

Pharmacy Manager

MARITZA TORRES

Pharmacy Technician​

Kristen Davis

Clinical Technician

Hollie Badalamente

Infusion Nurse

Carolina Agudelo

Community Connector

Bridget Monroe

Community Connector

Gabriela Penate

Recruitment Specialist

Mike Starr

Recruitment Specialist

Claudell Sands

Administrator Global Data Management

Lena Jones

Administrator Global Data Management

Bruno Chagas

Regulatory Associate

Stefania Bermudez

Receptionist

Adela Graham

Receptionist

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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

Neurodegenerative Medical Director & PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Sheila Baez-Torres joins the K2 medical team as the neurodegenerative medical director and 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.

Alfonso Gonzalez, MD

Medical Director & Principal Investigator
Alfonso Gonzalez, MD is originally from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He went to college at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, where he earned a Bachelor of Science, graduating Cum Laude. He earned his medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine and completed an Internal Medicine Residency program at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. In 2016 he completed an Executive MBA in Health Management and Policy at the University of Miami.
 
Dr. Gonzalez has 16 years of experience in Internal Medicine, in both hospital and private practice in Puerto Rico. In 2012, he relocated to Central Florida where he served as the post-acute division CMO for the largest Hospitalist group in Central Florida and later joined a Managed Services Organization where he served as Regional Medical Director.
 
As a Clinical Research Investigator, he has participated in several therapeutic areas including, Cardiology/Metabolic, Pulmonary, Nephrology, Vaccines, Gastrointestinal disease, sleep disorders, and Rheumatology.
 
Throughout the years he has served as Medical Advisor for Home Health Services and Hospice San Lucas, Ponce PR; Medical Advisor for the Puerto Rico Southern Office of the American Cancer Society; and Member and President of Lions Club International, PR chapter; He is currently the President of The Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. He is also the Corporate Medical Director for Southern Healthcare Management, LLC.

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.

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.

Morgan McLaughlin, MSN, APRN

Investigator
Bio Coming Soon.

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.

Nadya Finelli

Director of Clinical Operations, Neurodegeneration

Nadya Finelli is the Director of Clinical Operations for Neurodegeneration at K2 Medical Research, bringing more than six (6) years’ clinical research and healthcare experience to her role. With a background spanning clinical research management, exercise physiology, and medical assisting, she oversees the execution of clinical trials focused on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and migraine prevention. She holds a Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, providing a strong academic foundation in clinical science and behavioral health. Prior to her current role, Nadya served as an Associate Clinical Research Manager at PPD, a leading global contract research organization, and as a Cardiovascular Non-Invasive Lead Exercise Physiologist at AdventHealth Orlando, where she developed expertise in patient monitoring, chronic disease management, and clinical operations. She holds current certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and her hands-on experience across more than a dozen Phase 2 and Phase 3 Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative disease trials reflects her deep commitment to advancing research that improves the lives of patients and their families.

Outside of work, Nadya enjoys traveling, exploring new coffee shops, reading the latest fantasy series and binge-watching new shows. 

Megan Hendrick

Director of Clinical Operations, General Medicine

Megan Hendrick is the Director of Clinical Operations for General Medicine at K2 Medical Research, bringing more than seven (7) years’ progressive clinical research experience to her leadership role. She began her research career as a Clinical Research Assistant at Meridien Research in Maitland, where she developed expertise in EDC data entry, protocol compliance, and IP management across psychiatric, ADHD, and NASH trials, before advancing to Clinical Research Coordinator and Unit Team Lead at Orlando Immunology Center. At Orlando Immunology Center, Megan led the site-level execution of NIH and NIAID COVID-19 clinical trials under Operation Warp Speed, overseeing a team of coordinators, laboratory staff, and data entry personnel while ensuring full IRB, IBC, and cGCP compliance and her contributions were recognized through co-authorship on the formal study results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. She holds current certifications in Good Clinical Practice, Basic Life Support, NIH Clinical Research Training, and IATA, and she is proficient in a broad range of EDC platforms, EMR systems, and clinical research software.

Outside of work Megan spends her time in the sun, at the springs or beach with her two kids and her Golden Retriever.

Sam Martin

Lead Project Manager
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.

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.

Franklin Alzate

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Maryoreht Arellano

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Callie Geartner

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Giomara Guzman

CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Bio Coming Soon.

Marcel Mehu

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Preyalkumari Panchal

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Andrea Archila

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.

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.

Joy Borde

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Bio Coming Soon.

Delia Moore

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Bio Coming Soon.

Emily Reyes

Laboratory Technician
Bio Coming Soon.

Anissa Solero

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
Bio Coming Soon.

MARITZA TORRES

Pharmacy Technician​
Bio Coming Soon.

Kristen Davis

Clinical Technician
Bio Coming Soon.

Carolina Agudelo

Community Connector
Bio Coming Soon.

Bridget Monroe

Community Connector
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.

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! 

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