The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Celebrates Staff Achievement Milestones from 2023
In 2023, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute staff demonstrated a commitment to their professional and academic pursuits, achieving notable milestones. We take pride in recognizing the exceptional accomplishments of some of our dedicated team members.
Jonathan Gaskins, BS, CCRP
Jonathan is now a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP). He passed the exam through the Society of Clinical Research Associates in March of 2023, showing his dedication to upholding the highest level of standards in clinical research. Jonathan is currently working on clinical trial protocols that focus on high-risk prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and head and neck cancer. He has been at the Institute for over five years. Congratulations, Jonathan!
Brittany Kennedy, MHA
Brittany graduated with her Masters of Health Administration (MHA) in December 2023 from The University of North Florida. She is a research coordinator at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, working on the COMPPARE clinical trial. The COMPPARE trial is a prospective comparative study of outcomes with proton and photon radiation in prostate cancer led by Nancy Mendenhall, MD with over 2,500 men enrolled in this research. Brittany has been at the Institute for four years. Congratulations, Brittany!
Carleen A. Marianek, MSN, RN, OCN
Carleen received her Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification in 2023. OCN certification recognizes nurses for their expertise and comprehensive understanding of caring for people with cancer. As the Co-Director of Adult Nursing Services, Carleen is responsible for setting professional nursing standards of care for optimal outcomes for patients. She focuses her care of patients with cancers of the head and neck. Carleen has been with the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for over 11 years. Congratulations to Carleen!
Larissa Medley Zachary, JM
Larissa graduated from Florida State University with a Juris Master’s degree this year. Her focus was on healthcare regulation. In her role as the Patient Intake Department Lead, Larissa supports patients when they inquire about proton therapy and helps to coordinate the initial consult appointment, ensuring a smooth transition as they prepare to begin proton therapy treatment. Larissa has been with the Institute for almost three years. Congratulations, Larissa!
Amy M. Sapp, DNP
Amy Sapp recently received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Aspen University. Dr. Sapp is the Director of Pediatric Nursing, bringing her expertise to support the children and their families who come to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for proton therapy treatment. She provides extensive experience to the international families coming to Jacksonville from over 22 different countries. Dr. Sapp has been with the Institute for 17 years. Congratulations, Dr. Sapp!
Congratulations to our staff for these remarkable accomplishments in 2023!