The AYA team

Jeremy 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. 

Kate 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. 

Ilana 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. 

Andrew 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. 

Elanie is a social worker by training, having practised in education and health for the past 15 years. She is passionate about supporting young people and their families in times of uncertainty, and throughout their health journey. Elanie’s research interests include grief and loss, end of life experiences and bereavement support. She is undertaking a Master of Adolescent Health and Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne.  

Olivia 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.  

Anna 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.  

Tarnya 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.  

Lisa 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 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.  

Sam 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.