The AYA team

MBBS, FRACP

Jeremy (he/him) is a medical oncologist with expertise in sarcoma and genitourinary malignancies. His areas of interest include developing new therapeutic strategies for young cancer patients with relapsed disease and rationalising surveillance strategies for those in survivorship. Jeremy is committed to the highest quality of youth-friendly clinical care and leading research priorities for the service. 

BA, BSW, MSW, PhD

Kate (she/her) is a social worker by training and has specialised in oncology since 2004. Kate's current clinical and research interests include youth-friendly models of cancer care and building a multidisciplinary workforce in AYA oncology. She recently completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne. 

BASW (Hons), MAdvSW, PhD Candidate

Ilana (she/her) is a social worker by training and has specialised in oncology for over 25 years. She is committed to the delivery of evidence-based clinical care for young people affected by cancer and their families. Ilana's research interests are in the experience of palliative care for young people, families, and clinicians. She also holds the position of Youth Participation Coordinator, ensuring the active engagement of young people in the design and delivery of cancer services. 

BaApplSci (HM), Grad Dip (Ex Phys), MaApplSci (Ex Rehab), AEP, PhD Candidate

Andrew (he/him) has over 10 years clinical experience in prescribing targeted exercise programs aimed at improving cancer patients' outcomes through exercise. Andrew's research interests include looking at the late effects of cancer therapy on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and health behaviours. 

MBBS, BPhysio, MPHTM

Eden (she/her) is an advanced trainee in paediatric medical oncology who is committed to providing holistic clinical care for young people with cancer and improving the journey for patients transitioning from paediatric to adult cancer care settings. Eden's research interests are in supportive care during cancer treatment.

BSocSc (Psych), BPsych (Hons), MClinPsych

Harriet (she/her) has a Bachelor in Social Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and a Master of Clinical Psychology. She has experience working in both public and private hospitals in the area of health psychology, as well as in private practice, predominantly working with young people. She takes a person-centred approach to psychological support, aiming to create a safe, warm and non-judgemental space for every individual she works with. 

BAppSci (Occ Therapy), GCertAdolHlthWelb (Onc)

Olivia (she/her) has completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Certificates in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing (Oncology) and Research. She worked as an occupational therapist at Peter Mac for 5 years prior to undertaking her current role providing education and vocational support to young people with cancer, where she acts as a strong advocate for young people to remain engaged with their study and work pursuits at every stage of the cancer journey.  

BMus, GradDipEd (Sec), MCouns

Anna (she/her) has a Bachelor of Music, Graduate Diploma of Education, and a Master of Counselling. Her clinical interests lie in communicating, educating, and advocating for young people experiencing a time of crisis. Anna has a wealth of teaching experience within the government education system, and more recently, a focus on counselling and supporting those living with serious illness. In her current role she provides educational and vocational support and assistance to young people living with cancer.  

BSN, RN, Grad Dip (Grief Counselling- Child/Adol)

Tarnya (she/her) has worked in oncology for over 25 years. She has a passion for working across the young person’s disease trajectory, particularly in the areas of sexual health, identity, and wellbeing. Tarnya also has an interest in the transition of adolescents from paediatric to adult health care and palliative care.  

BExSci, MCEP, AEP, AES

Alexia (she/her) has completed a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and is registered with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). She has a range of experience in public hospital settings supporting people throughout various stages of their lifespan, from young adults and adolescents to older adults. Alexia is passionate about educating her patients about the many benefits of exercise and physical activity throughout their cancer treatment and empowering them to feel safe and confident when implementing in their lives. 

MBBS, FRACP

Lisa (she/her) is a Paediatric, Adolescent & Young Adult Oncologist. She has trained at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, USA. In addition to her appointment at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, she is a senior staff specialist at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. 

Tara (she/her) has more than 15 years’ experience in the Parkville Precinct, having worked in a range of administrative and patient-facing roles at the Royal Women’s Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Tara is passionate about ensuring all young people and their families have a positive experience at our service and is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and at home when visiting the Youth Cancer Centre.  

BLAS (Psychology), MSW

Alex (she/her) is a social worker by training, with extensive experience working with adolescents, young adults and their families in the field of mental health, trauma and now oncology. Alex's professional interests include the areas of familial relationships and attachment in the context of serious and life-changing illness. She is passionate about providing comprehensive psychosocial support that is guided by the voice of young people.

BSc, MMedEd

Sam (she/her) is an educationalist with a Master of Medical Education from the University of Sydney and more than 15 years of experience in various health science research, project management and program/curriculum development roles across Canada and Australia. Responsibilities of her current role include strategic oversight of a state-wide AYA education and training portfolio and the development of information and training initiatives for both patients and healthcare professionals.