Meet The Team

Investigators

Nicholas Weber, DO

Medical Director & Principal Investigator

Robert Meyer, MD, FACP, CPI

Principal Investigator

Clinical Team

Taylor Rice

Managing Partner

Wes Van Ever

Director of Operations

Emily Schirtzer

Lead Project Manager

Lily Aleman

Project Manager

Gina Estupinan

Project Manager

Melisa Nicolas

Project Manager

Hadassa Datulma

Clinical Research Assistant

Tina Austin

Clinical Research Assistant

Anjali Mahavir

Clinical Research Assistant

Kaylee Weihs

Clinical Research Assistant

Lexi Morrison

Psychometric Rater

Roberta Napoleon, MA

Psychometric Rater

Sara Goodnow

Psychometric Rater

John Weihs, RN

Infusion Nurse

Mitsuka Pluviose

Clinical Research Technician

Lucy Jean-Charles

Clinical Research Technician

Melanie Menendez, CPhT

Pharmacy Technician

Eugenia Monzo, CPht, RPht

Pharmacy Manager II

Wendy Cuomo

Community Connector

Dennis Neumann

Recruitment Specialist

Amanda Biancardi

Recruitment Specialist

Jessica Rago

Global Data Management Admin

Cedric Herrmann

Regulatory Associate

Maranatha Jeancharles

Regulatory Associate

Mirlande Augustin

Front Desk Coordinator

Jessalena Lee

Psychometrist Rater

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

Kerry Lovelace

Senior Director of Business Development & Strategic Growth

Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting

Gina Cedano

Director of Recruitment

Michelle Montone

Director of Marketing

Mike Isaac

Associate Director of Digital Marketing

Bill Menard

Associate Director of Strategic Operations

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations

Bradley Alexander MBA

Clinical Operations Coordinator & Analyst

Tai McNeil

CTMS Architect

Carri Faircloth

Strategic Sourcing & Business Engagement

Blake Carmichael

Human Resources Generalist

Linda Colon

Administrator of Global Data Management

Christina Banks

Administrator of Global Data Management

Alyssa Peter

Administrator of Global Data Management

Ame Cordero

K2 Experience Ambassador

Beatriz Castillo

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

Maritess Coronel

Source Document Specialist

Cortney Fretz

Source Document Specialist

Yanela Vazquez

Lead Account Manager

Diadette Gonzalez

Account Manager

Jonathan Nieto

Account Manager

Maria Williams

Account Manager

Nicholas Weber, DO

Medical Director &amp Principal Investigator

Nicholas Weber, DO is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who joins K2 as Principal Investigator and Medical Director of the Winter Garden clinic. Dr. Weber is a graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University.  He completed his family medicine residency at nearby St. James Hospital before continuing his service as primary care physician to the local community.  Specializing in preventative care, he is an experienced researcher who has participated in more than one hundred clinical studies across a broad array of therapeutic areas including more than sixty for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Robert Meyer, MD, FACP, CPI

Principal investigator

Dr. Meyer is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician with greater than 20 years private practice experience and recognized by his peers as a premiere physician in Central Florida. Subsequently, he was a core faculty member launching the University of Central Florida College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program. For the past several years, Dr. Meyer has focused on clinical research as a Principal Investigator, participating in over 60 Phase I-III clinical trials addressing Neurodegenerative Diseases, NASH, Pain, IBD, Vaccines and multiple other therapeutic areas.

Taylor Rice

Managing Partner

Coming soon…

Wes Van Ever

Director of Operations
Bio Coming Soon.

Emily Schirtzer

Project Manager
Coming Soon

Lily Aleman

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Gina Estupinan

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Melisa Nicolas

Project Manager
Bio Coming Soon.

Hadassa Datulma

CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Bio Coming Soon.

Tina Austin

Clinical Research Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.

Anjali Mahavir

Clinical Research Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.

Kaylee Weihs

Clinical Research Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.

Lexi Morrison

PSYCHOMETRIC RATER

Bio Coming Soon.

Roberta Napoleon

PSYCHOMETRIC RATER

Bio Coming Soon.

Sara Goodnow

Psychometric Rater
Bio Coming Soon.

John Weihs, RN

Infusion Nurse
Bio Coming Soon.

Mitsuka Pluviose

CLINICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
Bio Coming Soon.

Lucy Jean-Charles

Clinical Research Technician
Bio Coming Soon.

Melanie Menendez, CPhT

Pharmacy Technician
Bio Coming Soon.

Eugenia Monzo, CPht, RPht

Pharmacy Manager II
Bio Coming Soon.

Wendy Cuomo

Community Connector
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.

Amanda Biancardi

Recruitment Specialist
Bio Coming Soon.

Jessica Rago

Global Data Management Admin
Bio Coming Soon.

Cedric Herrmann

Regulatory Associate
Bio Coming Soon.

Maranatha Jeancharles

Regulatory Associate
Bio Coming Soon.

Mirlande Augustin

Front Desk Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon.

Jessalena Lee

Psychometrist Rater
Bio Coming Soon.

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.

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.

Candace Baird

DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
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 !

Kerry Lovelace

Senior Director of Business Development & Strategic Growth
Bio Coming Soon.

Callie Arnold

Director of Accounting
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.

Mike Isaac

Associate Director of Digital Marketing
Bio Coming Soon.

Bill Menard

Associate Director of Strategic Operations
Bio Coming Soon.

Katy Smith

Senior Director of Client Relations
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.

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.

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.

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. 

*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.

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.