Meet The Team

Investigators

Clinical Team

Administrative Team

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Dr. Craig Curtis, MD

Chief Medical Officer & Principal Investigator

Dr. Craig Curtis, MD, serves as Chief Medical Officer and founder of K2 Medical Research, The Villages and was co-founder of Compass Research, one of the country’s largest and foremost memory loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease research centers. Dr. Curtis’ research focuses on prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and as a collaborator, has been published in leading national and international journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology. He has been both a local and national lecturer on the topics of Alzheimer’s Disease and clinical research site management. Dr. Curtis is particularly interested in the underlying biology and prevention of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease – and pursuing the science that one day will lead to an effective treatment.

Dr. Curtis began his medical career while proudly serving in the United States Navy. His tour of duty lasted 6 years primarily at the Washington D.C. Naval Yard Medical Clinic, a detachment of Bethesda Naval Hospital. He attended the Univ. of Maryland but obtained his undergraduate degree from Regents College of the State of New York (due to military service) and earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine.

Dr. Curtis trained at Florida Hospital (now Advent Health – one of the largest hospitals in the United States); at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he participated in multiple oncology clinical trials; and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. He has maintained his Florida Medical license in good standing since 1997.

Dr. Curtis lives in central Florida with his wife, 2 children and their Golden Retriever. His interests outside of medical research include cycling, tennis, WWII history and watching Cleveland sports teams.

Kimberly Salazar, MD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Kim Salazar, MD, joined the team at K2 Medical Research in The Villages in 2024 after moving to central Florida following her retirement from the U.S. Army. She served on Active Duty as a physician for over 21 years. A highly decorated Veteran, Dr. Salazar attained the rank of Colonel, was awarded the Legion of Merit, and was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit. She also completed two combat tours in Iraq.

Dr. Salazar is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry before pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She completed residency in Internal Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center and a fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After practicing clinically for over a decade, Dr. Salazar returned to school earning a Masters in both Business and Healthcare Administration from Baylor University. She subsequently worked as a hospital based Chief Medical Officer for five years before finding her passion for clinical research.

Throughout Dr. Salazar’s career, she has cared for many patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, which serves as motivation to be a part of Alzheimer’s research with the belief that someday we will find a cure! Her research interests also include chronic liver disease, obesity, and vaccine development.

Outside of clinical research, Dr. Salazar enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 boys and their beloved Aussiedoodle. She stays busy as the Cofounder of ReNU Syndrome United, a nonprofit advocacy group for a rare genetic syndrome that her older son was recently diagnosed with. She loves watching her younger son play soccer, traveling, enjoying good food, live music, and college football.

Ruth Paiano, APRN, CPI

Principal Investigator

Bio Coming Soon.

Cheryl Klenow, MD

Principal Investigator

Bio Coming Soon.

Christian Beierschmitt

Managing Director

Christian is a lifelong Florida resident and currently resides in Leesburg. He is a trained EMT but found his true calling in clinical research. He has over a decade of experience in various clinical research roles and therapeutic areas and has been involved in over 100 clinical trials of all phases.

Christian is happily married with one son. In addition to his position at K2 Summit Research in The Villages, he also owns and operates “Red’s Frenchies” with his spouse where they breed and show French Bulldogs. His hobbies include spending time and traveling with his growing family, CrossFit, and taking care of his farm.

Juliana Barrera, RPht, CPht

Clinic Director

Bio Coming Soon.

Jenna Meador, BS, CSP

Associate Director of Operations

Jenna moved to Florida from Missouri in 2021. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Psychometry. She began working as a psychometrist in a neuropsychology clinic in 2019, where she administered cognitive testing to patients with a variety of diagnoses such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and more. She then transitioned to research in 2021, where she has continued to work with similar patient populations.

Jenna’s two favorite things are her husband and their Pomeranian. When not working, she can be found playing with her puppy, watching scary movies, or doing ancestry research.

Mea Adams, BS

Lead Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Cori Ackerman

Project Manager & Psychometric Rater

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Graham Alrutz

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Daniel Beierschmitt

Project Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Miranda Calaverne

Project Manager & Infusion Nurse

Bio Coming Soon.

Elma Fallejo

Project Manager

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Devin Feliciano

Project Manager I

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Lluvia Munoz Morillo

Clinical Research Assistant

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Kylie Webster

Project Manager

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Destiny Puentes

Clinical Research Assistant

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Cheryl Bidwell

Laboratory specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Carleigh Spivey, RBT

Clinical Research Assistant

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Elizabeth Ramcharit

Pharmacy Technician

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Nadia Teague

Pharmacy Specialist

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Christopher Curtis

Clinical Operations Coordinator

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Kim Gray

Community Connector

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Keith Barsky

RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Amanda Biancardi

Recruitment Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Dennis Neuman

RECRUITING SPECIALIST

Dennis Neumann joins K2 Medical Research as a clinical research coordinator after a long and successful career in broadcasting. A local celebrity in Orlando and its surrounding areas, he served as the radio voice of the NBA’s Orlando Magic for the last 23 years, providing entertainment to basketball fans of all ages. With this much-welcomed career transition, Dennis hopes to positively impact our Central Florida community in a different way: by assisting in medical research.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Dennis was awarded the prestigious Evans Golf Scholarship in 1977. He began his forty-year broadcast career in Dallas, Texas in 1983 at KXVI/KTNS, then moved on to the Florida Radio Network and the USA Radio Network before joining the Orlando Magic in 1991. In 1998, he was named the radio play by play voice of the Magic and over the next 23 years went on to call 1900+ consecutive games without missing an assignment. He is detail-oriented, a people-person and possesses excellent observational skills, all of which are abilities that make a highly effective coordinator for patients enrolled in clinical trials. Dennis hopes to contribute to creating solutions for our country’s many health challenges and give back to the community he has enjoyed being part of for so many years.

He resides in Belle Isle with his wife Debbie and their two dogs, Murphy and Maggie. He and Debbie have three children: Bradley, Lisa, and Stephanie, as well as ten grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, and enjoying beautiful Lake Conway.

Sylvia Wolcott

Administrator of Global Data

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

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Kimberly Stokes

Director of Psychometric Operations

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Angela Thorn

Senior Human Resource Director

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Stephanie Cassidy

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Bio Coming Soon !

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

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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

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Tail McNeil

CTMS Architect

Bio Coming Soon.

Carri Faircloth

Strategic Sourcing & Business Engagement

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Blake Carmichael

Human Resources Generalist

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Christina Banks

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

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Alyssa Peter

ADMINISTRATOR OF GLOBAL DATA MANAGEMENT

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Ame Cordero

K2 Experience Ambassador

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Beatriz Castillo

Clinical Research Navigator

Bio Coming Soon.

Gisel Kautz

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Bio Coming Soon.

Elizabeth Duque-Buckham

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

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Cathryn Pendleton

Mobile Clinic Coordinator

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Heather Reyes

CLINICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Bio Coming Soon.

Paula Bui

Recruitment Specialist

Bio Coming Soon.

Yakira Colon

COMMUNITY OUTREACH NAVIGATOR

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Britney Graves

Data Entry Specialist

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Nichole Molina

Marketing Assistant

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Sandi Sundstrom RN

FEASIBILITY SPECIALIST

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Emily Alavarez

Quality Control Associate

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Rebecca Barros

Quality Control Associate

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Gian Colon

Project Manager

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Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

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Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

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Yanela Vazquez

Lead Account Manager

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Diadette Gonzalez

Account Manager

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Jonathan Nieto

Account Manager

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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!

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.

Meet The Team

Investigators

Carole Gordon

Clinical Team

Jessica Myers

Takashi Sado

Nancy Cabelus

Cheryl Main Rae

Franchesca Reyes

Beatriz Antunes

Administrative Team

Mike Ames

Tina Blair

Jodi Slocum

Ram Nitta

Alfredo Coronado

Heather Jimenez

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Dr. Craig Curtis, MD

Chief Medical Officer & Principal Investigator

Kimberly Salazar, MD

Principal Investigator

Ruth Paiano, APRN, CPI

Principal Investigator

Cheryl Klenow, MD

Principal Investigator

Christian Beierschmitt

Managing Director

Juliana Barrera, RPht, CPht

Clinic Director

Jenna Meador, BS, CSP

Associate Director of Operations

Mea Adams, BS

Lead Project Manager

Cori Ackerman

Project Manager & Psychometric Rater

Graham Alrutz

Project Manager

Daniel Beierschmitt

Project Manager

Miranda Calaverne

Project Manager & Infusion Nurse

Elma Fallejo

Project Manager

Devin Feliciano

Project Manager I

Lluvia Munoz Morillo

Clinical Research Assistant

Kylie Webster

Project Manager

Destiny Puentes

Clinical Research Assistant

Cheryl Bidwell

Laboratory specialist

Carleigh Spivey, RBT

Clinical Research Assistant

Elizabeth Ramcharit

Pharmacy Technician

Nadia Teague

Pharmacy Specialist

Christopher Curtis

Clinical Operations Coordinator

Kim Gray

Community Connector

Keith Barsky

RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

Amanda Biancardi

Recruitment Specialist

Dennis Neuman

RECRUITING SPECIALIST

Sylvia Wolcott

Administrator of Global Data

Lesia Hise, CPA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Marieke Cajal Berman, PhD

Vice President, Patient Experience & Marketing

Sandra Torres, RN, BSN

Vice President, Engagement & Strategic Initiatives