Oncology Nurse Navigators

Anjali Keshavamurthy has been a nurse for over 10 years, all of which have been in oncology. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is an oncology-certified nurse. She is passionate about educating and supporting her patients in their health-care decisions while using her experience to ensure effective communication and collaboration to meet their health-care needs. She can be reached at 346.238.4475.

 

akeshavamurthy@houstonmethodist.org

Claudia joined Houston Methodist after more than 20 years as a registered nurse in a variety of roles and settings. This vast experience, combined with her more than 10 years of working with oncology patients, makes her perfect for helping patients at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Texas Medical Center navigate the cancer care process. Claudia has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a certification in patient navigation from the National Consortium of Breast Centers. Call Claudia at 832.730.0891.

Gabriel is an oncology certified nurse with over 14 years of nursing experience at Houston Methodist Hospital, including 6 years exclusively in oncology. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University in Houston, TX. As an oncology nurse navigator, he serves patients with thoracic and genitourinary types of cancer diagnoses. Gabriel believes in patient-centered care and is available to guide patients from diagnosis through survivorship. He advocates for his patients, providing them education, support, and resources to understand and make informed decisions about their diagnosis and treatment. Gabriel looks forward to working with patients through their cancer diagnosis journey. You can reach Gabriel at 713.441.1006. 

GDMedrano@houstonmethodist.org

Nyruby Julien is an oncology certified nurse with more than 9 years of nursing experience, all of which have been in cancer care. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing & Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, TX. As an Oncology Nurse Navigator in the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, she serves patients with colorectal and gynecologic cancer diagnoses. She is dedicated to navigating patients through the complexities of the healthcare system while providing education, emotional support and assisting to mitigate barriers to care. Nyruby believes that communication, collaboration, and advocacy are imperative for better patient outcomes and satisfaction.  You can reach Nyruby at 346.238.8450.

Njulien@houstonmethodist.org

 

Ashley Verzwyvelt is an oncology certified nurse with 13 years of experience with the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center. She has worked in infusion, research, leadership, and currently nurse navigation. She enjoys the relationships she develops with patients and their families and is focused on improving their experiences while undergoing treatment. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. Ashley believes in a collaborative team approach to achieve the best outcomes. Call Ashley at 346.238.8853.

laverzwyvelt@houstonmethodist.org

 

As an oncology nurse practitioner, Alyssa is committed to serving oncology patients throughout their cancer journey from diagnosis through survivorship. She is passionate about providing patient education to ensure patients understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, empowering them to play an active, informed role in their treatment. Alyssa strives to be compassionate and supportive of all patients. She serves as an advocate to ensure they feel included as part of the medical team and that their decisions are respected to align with their treatment goals. She is also passionate about educating patients and their families about cancer prevention and the importance of undergoing appropriate cancer screenings and living a healthy lifestyle. You can reach Alyssa at 281.420.7394.

asheffield@houstonmethodist.org

Jamie is an oncology-certified nurse with over 14 years of oncology experience and 17 years of direct patient care. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in Arlington. Jamie is devoted to helping cancer patients navigate their journey from diagnosis to survivorship. She acts as an advocate for the patients and their families by attending patient-physician meetings and assisting to clear any barriers that may delay or prevent treatment. She provides education and resources to patients and their families so they can make informed decisions about their diagnosis and treatment. Jamie looks forward to working closely with you and your family throughout your cancer journey. You can reach Jamie at 346.292.1531.

 

jnava@houstonmethodist.org

Cassandra is an oncology-certified clinical nurse a with 5 years of nursing experience. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. Cassandra has spent her entire nursing career in radiation oncology, where she served many different cancer types. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society local chapter and served on the board. Additionally, she has served on the oncology nurse testing advisory board. Cassandra is active in the community by assisting with events and educating groups about cancer. She enjoys building relationships with patients and their families and empowering them through education. Cassandra can be reached at 281.523.2396.

cggreen@houstonmethodist.org

Kat is an oncology-certified nurse with 11 years of nursing experience. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University and her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and is involved in the local chapter. Kat is a strong advocate for patients and aims to make the cancer care process as seamless as possible. Kat enjoys building relationships with patients and their caregivers and partnering with them throughout the entire cancer journey. Kat can be reached at 281.523.2388. 

kmgrannemann@houstonmethodist.org

Joan is an Oncology Nurse Navigator- Certified Generalist through The Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN+) at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land. She has over 30 years of oncology experience, working in the office, infusion acute care and home health arenas. As an oncology nurse navigator for thoracic, gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers, she focuses on educating patients about their diagnosis, advocating for individuals undergoing cancer treatments, helping patients make timely decisions about their treatment, providing assistance with scheduling, and coordinating with the physicians involved in each patient’s treatment. Contact Joan at 281.672.8585.

JMBurnham@houstonmethodist.org

Jennifer Cerda, MSN, RN, OCN, will be the oncology nurse navigator for gastrointestinal and head and neck cancer patients. Jennifer has eight years of bedside experience at Houston Methodist Hospital on the Oncology/Hematology Unit, in roles from bedside RN to charge nurse, mentor and preceptor. Jennifer provides compassionate care to patients and families through education and communication of the cancer disease, treatment and survivorship. Contact Jennifer at 346.901.2012.

 

jcerda@houstonmethodist.org

Rose is an oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land with over 14 years of experience caring for patients. She is an oncology certified nurse, and completed her master’s degree in nursing with an education focus in June, 2017. As an oncology patient navigator for breast and gynecologic cancers, she focuses on educating patients about their diagnosis, advocating for individuals undergoing cancer treatments, helping them make timely decisions about their treatment, providing assistance with scheduling and coordinating with the physicians involved in each patient’s treatment. Contact Rose at 281.276.8235.

aogonzales@houstonmethodist.org

Cynthia is an oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands. She has over 10 years of experience as a registered nurse, working with oncology patients for more than 5 years in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. She also is certified in critical care nursing and holds a master's degree in nutrition. Cynthia values patient-centered collaboration with the health care team to help the patient fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options. She also understands the importance of being the patient's advocate and providing emotional support along the way. Call Cynthia at 281.223.0576 or email candrews@houstonmethodist.org.

Regina is a registered nurse with a long-term passion for comprehensive cancer care. She serves patients as a nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University and oncology certified nurse credentials. She utilizes her multifaceted background in trauma, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and infusion to skillfully navigate treatment progression for each patient. She primarily serves patients with breast, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. Regina has a strong passion for helping patients and their loved ones navigate their way through their complex and unique cancer journey. Call 346-578-1635 or email rlbatza@houstonmethodist.org. 

Carlyn is a registered nurse with more than 18 years of experience. She has taken care of patients of all ages and worked in different nursing fields including inpatient nursing, home health, clinical precepting and research nursing. She became an Oncology Certified Nurse in March 2022. After cancer affected Carlyn’s family, she decided to become an Oncology Nurse Navigator. She is passionate about helping cancer patients and their families by providing them guidance, resources, education and support throughout their cancer journey. Email Carlyn at cgvenable@houstonmethodist.org or call at 832.302.8919.

 

Meagen has over 11 years of experience in a variety of roles and settings as a registered nurse, with 6 of those years in oncology and infusion therapy. She joined Houston Methodist West Hospital Neal Cancer Center in 2022 and currently serves as an oncology nurse navigator for patients with lymphoma, gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Stephen F. Austin State University, she is an oncology certified nurse, member of the Oncology Nursing Society, and is determined to use her experience to help patients navigate through their difficult cancer diagnosis. Meagen is a strong and compassionate patient advocate, and is eager to provide education, support and facilitate coordination of care for each patient throughout their cancer journey. Call Meagen at 832-522-1150.

 

mlgonzales2@houstonmethodist.org

Tammi has 16 years of experience as a registered nurse in a variety of oncology nursing and leadership roles.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master of Science in Nursing from Aspen University. As an oncology nurse navigator for breast and gynecological cancers she is devoted to helping patients navigate their cancer journeys from diagnosis to survivorship. Tammi is passionate about educating and supporting patients in their health care decisions and looks forward to working with you and your family. You can reach Tammi at 832-522- 8110.  

thlewis@houstonmethodist.org

Kerrie Shojaie has more than 30 years of nursing experience, with the last 25 years in the oncology setting. She has worked as a nurse navigator, nursing educator, research nurse, and in hospice and palliative care. Kerrie is compassionate about cancer care and enjoys educating patients and families about their cancer diagnosis, assisting them through treatment and providing guidance in survivorship. In her current role, Kerrie specializes in navigating patients with lung, head and neck, brain, and skin cancers. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. Kerrie is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society both locally and nationally and has been an oncology certified nurse for more than 20 years. Call Kerrie at 832.522.8141.

ksshojaie@houstonmethodist.org

Sandra joined the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Willowbrook team in 2020. She primarily facilitates the care of patients diagnosed with thoracic or head and neck cancers. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University. Sandra believes that it requires a team of professionals to manage the diagnosis and treatment of a patient during their cancer journey. She supports the principles of team-based health care including shared goals, compassion, mutual trust, effective communication and measurable processes and outcomes. Call Sandra at 281.414.1676. 

Katherine joined Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Willowbrook in 2017 with 10 years of oncology experience. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing at Lamar University, is an oncology certified nurse, and has since dedicated her career to patients dealing with the difficult cancer diagnosis. Katherine believes navigation is the ideal role for her as she has the opportunity to utilize her clinical knowledge together with her compassionate nature to facilitate the needs of her patients and their family members. She looks forward to working closely with her patients to provide emotional support, help coordinate care logistics and serve as a key collaborative resource throughout their cancer journey. Call Katherine at 832.470.5102.

Courtney joined Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Willowbrook in 2017 and has recently transitioned into the oncology nurse navigator role. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Stephen F. Austin State University, is an oncology certified nurse, and is determined to use her 10 years of oncology experience to help patients navigate through their difficult diagnosis. Courtney aims to provide education, facilitation, and emotional support to patients during pivotal moments in their cancer journey. She truly believes that a collaborative approach is imperative to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Call Courtney at 281.386.7601.

Stephanie has worked as a nurse at Houston Methodist for more than 10 years with a specialized focus in the gynecological oncology surgical clinic arena. She enjoys helping patients connect the many pieces of care that begin at diagnosis and span through survivorship. Her dedicated listening skills, compassionate comfort and ability to provide education allow her to offer patients the support they need throughout their cancer journey. Stephanie is a proud graduate of the University of Houston — she earned her health education degree first and then continued her education with a focus on the clinical aspects of nursing. With her approachability and ease in creating connections, as well as her ability to share next steps of treatment, Stephanie exudes informative guidance to those patients or families who may be experiencing need during a cancer diagnosis. Call Stephanie at 346.451.2320.