About The HealthTree Nurse Advisory Board

The HealthTree Nurse Advisory Board (NAB) was created to enhance the quality of care for patients with blood cancers by addressing gaps between academic and general oncology settings. Our goal is to foster collaborative research, provide frontline insights to, and promote equitable treatment access for all patients.

Nurses from diverse clinical and academic backgrounds participate, offering their expertise to bridge healthcare disparities and ensure patients receive the most advanced therapies and support.

Our Why

While many patients receive excellent care across a variety of treatment settings, differences in access to the latest myeloma therapies can impact outcomes. The Nurse Advisory Board’s mission is to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing among all oncology care teams to help ensure that every patient—no matter where they are treated—has access to the most effective, up-to-date treatments and support.

Join Us in Bridging Gaps and Improving Patient Outcomes

We’re bringing together nursing professionals passionate about transforming blood cancer care. Through collaboration, research, and advisory partnerships, the Nurse Advisory Board (NAB) aims to ensure equitable access to the best treatments—no matter where patients receive care.

Meet the Members

Patrick Buxton, RN

Clinical Nurse Coordinator

 

With 10 years of nursing experience, Patrick Buxton began his career in neuro telemetry before transitioning to the Cardiovascular ICU, where he worked full time for five years and part time for an additional three. Over the past four years, he has focused on oncology care. As a member of the NAB, Patrick is passionate about helping bridge the gap between rural and urban cancer care centers and is excited to contribute to advancing patient-centered care.

Brandi Spear, RN

Oncology Nurse Navigator

Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Brandi is a registered nurse with seven years of experience, including five years in oncology. In her current role as a nurse navigator, she supports patients throughout their cancer journey—from diagnosis through survivorship—providing guidance, advocacy, and care coordination. Her work has offered a front-row view into the daily challenges faced by individuals with complex diagnoses such as multiple myeloma. Brandi is passionate about collaborating with fellow healthcare professionals to break down barriers and enhance the patient experience. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, attending sporting events, and reading.

Samuel Shewan MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Division of Hematology

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Sam attended Grand Valley State University as an Undergraduate, obtaining a BS in Biomedical Sciences. He then obtained his Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program in 2014. Samuel started his career in Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan before returning to Utah to join the Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic at Huntsman Cancer Hospital, during which time he held the position of Co-Lead Outpatient APC. Most recently, Samuel has joined and currently practices with the Multiple Myeloma group at Huntsman Cancer Hospital.

Diana Velez, FNP-BC, RN, OCN

Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program

Methodist Hospital San Antonio, Texas

Diana received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from State University of New York at Binghamton Decker School of Nursing in Binghamton, New York. FNP Velez later completed her Masters in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner at PACE University in New York City, New York. Prior to working at Methodist Hospital, FNP Velez worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for more than 15 years. She began her path as a clinical nurse and eventually moved into outpatient service for transplant patients. But the one thing that has remained constant in FNP Velez's nursing career has been her dedication to oncology.

Impact

Coming soon: See how the NAB is driving real change—from educational resources created with nurse input, to contributions in research studies, and beyond.

Contact Us

Cynthia Cahoon, RN
cynthia@healthtree.org

Cynthia Cahoon is a registered nurse with a passion for patient advocacy and education. At HealthTree, she leads engagement for the Nurse Advisory Board, working alongside nurses across the country to integrate frontline insights into programs that improve blood cancer care. Cynthia is committed to ensuring that nursing voices help shape research, resources, and support for patients everywhere.

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