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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and leadership.

Currently she works in 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.

Cynthia is an oncology certified nurse with over 13 years of nursing experience, all of which have been in oncology. She has worked in various oncology settings, including outpatient clinic, outpatient infusion, inpatient hematology/oncology and inpatient bone marrow transplant. Cynthia is passionate about building relationships with patients and supporting them through their unique and often complex cancer journeys. She is dedicated to advocating for patients and empowering them through education, emotional support and overcoming barriers to care. This, she believes, helps improve patient experiences and outcomes. 

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.

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.

Maesen is an oncology-certified clinical nurse with more than eight years of nursing experience.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Maesen is dedicated to guiding patients and families through the cancer care continuum. As their primary point of contact, she provides education, resources and support to help patients feel informed and empowered every step of the way. Maesen has obtained her tobacco cessation certification and enjoys providing compassionate care, quality education and being an advocate for her patients.

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.

Michelle joined Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Cypress when it opened in 2024 and has played a key role in developing and expanding the oncology nurse navigator program, with a focus on continuity of care and enhancing the patient experience.

She has been a registered nurse for 19 years and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and nursing. She is also an oncology-certified nurse. Throughout her career, Michelle has been guided by compassion, empathy and a strong belief in advocacy. She strives to ensure every patient receives not only excellent medical care but also feels seen, heard and valued. 

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.

Jennifer Cerda, MSN, RN, OCN, is 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 cancer disease, treatment and survivorship.

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.

Cynthia is an oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands. She has more than 10 years of experience as a registered nurse, working with oncology patients for more than five 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.

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 uses 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.

Annelise is an oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands with over 27 years of experience caring for patients. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Texas Tech University and is board-certified. She joined Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands in 2017 and values working with patients in our comprehensive breast program.

Annelise is dedicated to her role as guide, advocate, and point of contact throughout your treatment journey. 

Meagen has over 11 years of experience in a variety of roles and settings as a registered nurse, with six 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.

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 the 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.

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, stem cell transplant coordinator 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 colorectal and gynecological 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.

 

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.

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 difficult cancer diagnoses.

Katherine believes navigation is the ideal role for her to use her clinical knowledge together with her compassionate nature to facilitate the needs of her patients and their family members. She works closely with her patients to provide emotional support, help coordinate care logistics and serve as a key collaborative resource throughout their cancer journey.

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 difficult cancer diagnoses.

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.

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.