Learn more about the K2 Network

Meet The Team

Investigators

Elizabeth Phillips, MD

Principal Investigator

Ty Turybufill, DMD

Principal Investigator

Clinical Team

Victoria Marsh

Managing Director

Marianne McManus

Managing Director

Anny Gonzalez

Project Manager

Yvette Kowalski

Project Manager

Timothy Schubert

Project Manager

Arianah Yamin-Laboy

Psychometric Rater

Leiwanda Verderber

Laboratory Technician

Mia McMullen

Research Assistant & Laboratory Technician

Sebastian Gonzalez

Recruitment Specialist

Cedric Herrmann

Regulatory Associate

Administrative Team

Sandra Torres, RN, BSN

Executive Director of Patient Engagement, Marketing, & Diversity

Lesli Leimer, PharmD

Director of Pharmacy

Carlos Baez, MD

Director of Laboratory Services

Kristen Grube

Director of Quality and Compliance

Candace Baird

Director of Regulatory

Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

Stephanie Cassidy

Senior Director of Clinical Initiatives & Community Affairs

Lyle Brosey

Director of Accounting

Gina Cedano

Director of Recruitment

Mike Isaac

Associate Director of Digital Marketing

Michelle Montone

Director of Marketing

Bradley Alexander MBA

Clinical Operations Coordinator & Analyst

Carri Faircloth

Strategic Sourcing & Business Engagement

Linda Colon

Administrator of Global Data Management

Christina Banks

Administrator of Global Data Management

Alyssa Peter

Administrator of Global Data Management

Brittney Crapps

Human Resourses Generalist

Ame Cordero

K2 Experience Ambassador

Gisel Kautz

Mobile Clinic Manager

Elizabeth Duque-Buckham

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

Cathryn Pendleton

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

Heather Reyes

Mobile Clinic Technician

Santiago Santelis

Clinical Research Navigator

Yakira Colon

Marketing Specialist

Britney Graves

Data Entry Specialist

Sandi Sundstrom, RN

Feasibility Specialist

Diadette Gonzalez

Account Manager

Nandini Sharma

Accounting Associate

Emily Alavarez

Quality Control Associate

Rebecca Barros

Quality Control Associate

Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

Elizabeth Phillips, MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Elizabeth (“Beth”) Phillips joins the K2 medical team as a principal investigator with over 25 years of clinical expertise. Board certified in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Phillips’ experience encompasses all levels of emergency departments; in addition to managing emergent care in all areas of medicine, she has served administratively as departmental medical director, and has held faculty appointments as assistant professor and clinical instructor.  

Dr. Phillips’ academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the South (Sewanee), followed by her Medical Degree at The University of Alabama School of Medicine.  After graduation, she completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, then served as a General Medical Officer in the US Navy for four years. Following her military service, Dr. Phillips completed an Emergency Medicine residency program at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She has also completed a fellowship in wilderness medicine through the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, and a Master’s in Business Administration through Auburn University Harbert School of Business.

A native Alabamian, Dr. Phillips recently relocated to Central Florida, where she lives in Winter Park with her husband, Terry. A lover of modern and classic literature, when she’s not working, you can find her curled up with a good book, enjoying the warm Florida weather.

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…

Tim Schubert

Project Manager

Tim Schubert, a veteran Clinical Research Coordinator, joins K2 Medical Research with 41 years of healthcare experience under his belt. After spending 20 years in the psychiatric department at Florida Hospital (now Advent Health), Tim was recruited to manage coordinating and marketing for an independent clinical research site run by the hospital’s medical director. He has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in clinical research ever since.

In the past two decades, Tim has gained therapeutic experience in indications ranging from psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. He has explored various positions in the research realm, fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of a psychometric rater, community liaison, recruitment specialist and project manager, respectively. But despite Tim’s many talents and interests, he has always returned to his roots as a coordinator because of the personal and rewarding nature of the work. His warmth, compassion, patience, and flexibility are appreciated by patients and co-workers alike; new coordinators find his guidance and mentorship both pragmatic and meaningful to their careers.

Tim is passionate about helping others and is proud to be part of the K2 family. When asked the reason he chose research as his life’s path, he says, “where else can you help people for no cost and still make a good living? I got the best job!”

In his free time, you can find Tim tending to his orchids, volunteering at church, and spending time with family and friends

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.

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.

Stephanie Cassidy

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

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.

Bradley Alexander MBA

CLINICAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR AND ANALYST
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.

Brittney Crapps

HR GENERALIST
Bio Coming Soon.

Gisel Kautz

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST
Bio Coming Soon.

Yakira Colon

COMMUNITY OUTREACH NAVIGATOR
Bio Coming Soon.

Sandi Sundstrom RN

FEASIBILITY SPECIALIST
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. 

*By signing up you agree to be contacted about clinical research studies by our company, its affiliates or partners. Typical methods of contact include phone calls, text messages, pre-recorded messages, emails, automated technology or postal mail. This includes if the number is currently on any Do Not Call Lists. As we contact you, your electronic record will be updated accordingly with current relevant health information. This consent is not required to participate in a clinical research study.

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.