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Meet The Team

Investigators

Kelley Yokum, MD

Principal Investigator

Clinical Team

Lora Pea

Managing Partner

Natasha Wick

Sub-Investigator

Zach Adams, DNP, CRNA

Sub-Investigator

Patricia Delgado, DNP, AGPCNP, DCNP, PMHNP

Sub-Investigator

Karina Perez

Lead Project Manager

Shreya Naik

Clinical Research Assistant

Alexa Villanueva

Project Manager

Beth Ann Williams

Associate Director of Marketing & Recruiting

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

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

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Kelley Yokum, MD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Kelley Yokum, a board-certified psychiatrist, joins K2 as co-owner and Principal Investigator at K2 Medical Research, Tampa. A Certified PI through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), she has provided clinical expertise on over 100 clinical trials in the last decade. Formerly the Medical Director of a prestigious independent research facility, she worked with populations ranging from pre-school aged children to the elderly and is proficient in a wide range of neurological and dermatological indications, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Tourette’s Syndrome, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, to Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo, and Pruritus.

Dr. Yokum holds a B.S. in Biology and obtained her medical degree from the University of Alabama’s Birmingham School of Medicine. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida, where she obtained additional training in pediatric psychiatry. Dr. Yokum is devoted to maintaining good clinical practice and promoting ethics in research and is currently serving as a board member at Sterling Institutional Review Board (a nationally accredited IRB). She is the mother of three wonderful children and when she isn’t working, enjoys yoga, cooking, and art.

Lora Pea

Managing Partner

Lora Pea, a site operations specialist and registered nurse (RN) with nearly 20 years of clinical research experience, joins Tampa’s K2 Medical Research as Managing Director. Lora has spent the better part of her profession learning how to operate sites effectively and promote efficiency by streamlining operations without compromising the quality of patient care. She has held numerous positions including Site Director, Clinical Research Coordinator, and Neuropsychiatric rater, and has collaborated on hundreds of studies, in indications such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, arthritis, PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar, Tourette’s, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, and more.

Over the course of her career, Lora has facilitated several key business functions including operations, financials, organizational structure, business development, contracts/budgets, marketing, and recruitment. Prior to her current role, Lora held the titles of Senior Manager of Feasibility and a Global Site Mobilization Manager for a worldwide clinical research network specializing in providing medical care to local communities using clinical trials as a primary resource. She is excited to bring this innovative, pragmatic, and integrative care concept to full fruition at K2 Tampa.

A University of Georgia graduate and big football fan, Lora enjoys watching college football games (Go Dawgs!) in her spare time.  You may also find her boating on the weekends and soaking up the Florida sunshine with family, friends, and her 5-year-old Goldendoodle named Maple.

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.