Learn more about the K2 Network

CALL 407-500-5252
Phase One
Translate

Meet The Team

Investigators

Brandon Lenox, DO, MPH

Principal Investigator

Sheila Baez-Torres, MD

Principal Investigator

Clinical Team

Brooke Ina

Early Phase Director

Silviya Milovanski

Lead Project Manager

Christina Pacheco

Lead Project Manager

Lisa Patel

Project Manager

Rachael Rittichier

Project Manager

Sofia Rodriguez

Project Manager

Patricia Sluis

Project Manager

Celeste Santana

Phase One Activity Coordinator

Sarah Gonzalez

Clinical Research Assistant

Administrative Team

Mike Ames

Chief Financial Officer

Lesia Hise, CPA

Chief Accounting Officer

Tina Blair

Chief of Staff

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

Jodi Slocum

Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs

Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

Stephanie Cassidy

Senior Director of Clinical Initiatives & Community Affairs

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting

Gina Lagares

Director of Recruitment

Michelle Montone

Director of Brand Marketing & Events

Mike Isaac

Associate Director of Digital Marketing

Linda Colon

Director of Global Data Management

Bradley Alexander MBA

Clinical Operations Coordinator & Analyst

Ram Nitta

Business Analytics Manager

Tai 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

Alfredo Coronado

Clinical Research Navigator

Gisel Kautz

Mobile Clinic Manager

Elizabeth Duque-Buckham

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

Cathryn Pendleton

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

Heather Reyes

Mobile Clinic Technician

Paula Bui

Lead Recruitment Specialist

Yakira Colon

Marketing Specialist

Britney Graves

Data Entry Specialist

Nichole Molina

Marketing Assistant

Sandi Sundstrom, RN

Feasibility Specialist

Rebecca Barros

Quality Control Associate

Emily Alavarez

Quality Control Associate

Gian Colon

Quality Control Associate

Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

Heather Jimenez

Source Document Specialist

Yanela Vazquez

Lead Account Manager

Diadette Gonzalez

Account Manager

Jonathan Nieto

Account Manager

Maria Williams

Account Manager

Tomorrow’s treatment today.
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Google
Translate Language
Select A Location
Join A Study
Refer a Friend
©2024 / K2 Medical Research / Privacy Policy

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.

Brooke Ina RPh

PHARMACIST & PROJECT MANAGER

Brooke Ina joins K2 Medical Research as a pharmacist with over 25 years of experience in the field. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Kentucky, she brings with her a vast array of experience from working in both small, independent pharmacies and large, notable retail chains such as CVS, Target and Publix. Brooke has apothecary experience and is well versed in drug-compounding; she has also acted as pharmaceutical consultant for companies such as Eli Lilly. Most recently, Brooke spent the last decade working with Publix Pharmacy where she was an assistant manager and after demonstrating her strong leadership and communication skills, was promptly promoted to pharmacy manager. This promotion represents Brooke’s modus operandi; success follows because she is highly self-motivated, has a patient-centered approach to care and displays an eagerness to learn, grow and excel in every role she inhabits. Recently named Publix Immunization Ambassador by company leadership, she continues her mission to foster community engagement and inspire others to prioritize personal and public health. Brooke lives in Lake Mary with her two daughters, Tori and Abby, and dog Maddox. In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, swimming, and yoga.

Silviya Milovanski

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Christina Pacheco

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Lisa Patel

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Rachael Rittichier

Clinical Research Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.

Sofia Rodriguez

Clinical Research Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.

Patricia Sluis

Project Manager
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
Bio Coming Soon.

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
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.

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
Bio Coming Soon.

Jonathan Nieto

Account Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Maria Williams

Account Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Join a Study

If you are interested in learning more or participating in any of our studies, please fill out the form below and our office will get back to you within 1-2 business days. 

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! 

Learn More

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.