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Meet Our Care Team

Meet the Team Behind Your Care

Exceptional Care Starts With Exceptional People

At Gabrail Cancer Center, you’ll find more than an experienced oncology team – you’ll find people who know your name, listen to your concerns and are committed to helping you navigate every stage of your cancer journey.

Together, our physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, clinical research professionals, laboratory staff, financial navigators and patient support specialists work as one coordinated team focused on delivering exceptional care with compassion and respect. 

 MEET DR. NASHAT GABRAIL

Science. Knowledge. Experience. Personalized Care. 

For more than three decades, Dr. Nashat Gabrail has dedicated his career to providing science, knowledge and experience-based cancer care.

His philosophy extends beyond today’s standard of care by combining personalized treatment, physician continuity and access to innovative clinical trials that help shape the future of oncology.

He believes patients should be seen as soon as possible and cared for by the same physician throughout treatment because continuity creates stronger relationships, clearer communication and greater confidence.

Dr. Gabrail is equally committed to helping patients understand their diagnosis. Through patient education, clinical research and open communication, he believes knowledge empowers patients to become active participants in their care. 

  • More than 30 Years of Oncology Leadership
  • Medical Oncology & Hematology Specialist
  • Nationally Recognized Clinical Research Leader
  • Science, Knowledge & Experience-Based Care
  • Dedicated to Physician Continuity
  • Passionate Patient Educator 

Physicians & Advanced Practice Providers

Dr. Nashat Gabrail

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Svetlana Dyshko

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Carmen Baldwin

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Administration

Shelly Rentsch

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Stephanie Purnell

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Kalei Stanton

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Paige Townes

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Rosalyn Kelty

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Clinical

Deborah White

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Pharmacy

Andrew Stine

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Jessica Mani

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Jessica Shaw

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Nichole McCarthy

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Stephanie Santana

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Clinical Research

Research Leadership & Regulatory

Carrie Smith

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Ellie Choueiry

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Kristie Armstrong

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Coordinators & Research Nurses

Amanda Rich

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Brenda Pantelis

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Avanish Illuri

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Leigha Tansel

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Heather Wanosik

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Data Management

Kim Roby

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Breanna Darden

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Uma Nedumaran

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Ready to Meet Our Team?

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Jessica Shaw

Manager, The Liberty Clinics
Jessica Shaw, CPhT, is a Certified Pharmacy Technician and Manager at The Liberty Clinics. Her pharmacy background spans retail, doc-u-dose, independent pharmacy, and in-house dispensing, which gives her a well-rounded understanding of pharmacy operations and the importance of quality medication management. What Jessica enjoys most is interacting with patients and making a positive difference in their healthcare experience. She helps patients understand their medications and encourages them to take an active role in their health. She takes pride in providing fast, efficient care in a welcoming environment for patients and coworkers alike. Outside of work, Jessica coaches soccer and loves spending time outdoors with family and friends, whether she's swimming, fishing, camping, riding four-wheelers and UTVs, or visiting amusement parks.

Nichole McCarthy

Traveling Lab Technician
Nichole McCarthy is a traveling Lab Technician for Gabrail Cancer Center, supporting EHCS primary care clinics. She holds certificates in phlebotomy and pharmacy and combines that technical knowledge with hands-on clinical care every day. Her role takes her to different clinic locations, so no two days look quite the same, and that constant change of scenery is one of the things she enjoys most. She also finds real fulfillment in delivering accurate results and attentive care, knowing her work helps patients and providers get the answers they need.

Carrie Smith

Chief Operations Officer, Gabrail Cancer Center Research
Carrie Smith, R.N., began her oncology career in 1998 as a nurse at Gabrail Cancer Center. Within a year, she became convinced that clinical trials should be the standard of care for every cancer patient, and she built the center's clinical trial unit from the ground up. Today it ranks among the highest-enrolling sites per physician and has the highest retention rate. As Chief Operating Officer, Carrie oversees an average of 75 actively recruiting trials, mostly Phase 1 and Phase 2. Pharmaceutical companies and regulators seek her insight on patient accrual, trial design, and FDA approval. She also consults and speaks on newly approved drugs the center helped study. Carrie has published more than a dozen abstracts, including with ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society. She is an active member of ONS and the Association of Clinical Research Practitioners and a member of the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS).

Shelly Rentsch

Chief Operating Officer, Gabrail Cancer & Research Center
Shelly Rentsch joined Gabrail Cancer & Research Center in 1996. Before that, she founded a company that helped new businesses get started by creating marketing materials and logos and building IT tools to streamline their processes. As Chief Operating Officer, Shelly oversees GCC's day-to-day operations and administrative procedures. She also helps shape the strategic business decisions that deliver efficient, high-quality, lower-cost patient care. What she enjoys most is taking burdens off patients. She handles their insurance issues and works to ease the financial toxicity of treatment so each patient can have a smoother cancer journey. Outside of work, Shelly enjoys golfing, hiking, deep-sea fishing, traveling, and designing interior and exterior spaces for residential and commercial properties.

Dr. Nashat Gabrail

MD, MRCP, MRCPath | Hematologist Oncologist
Dr. Nashat Gabrail is a hematologist-oncologist with more than 30 years of experience. He graduated from Mosul Medical School in Iraq, earned specialty qualifications in internal medicine and hematopathology in Scotland, and completed a hematology-oncology fellowship at the University of Missouri. He later joined the faculty at Saint Louis University Medical Center. In 1990, he moved to Canton and opened Gabrail Cancer Center. Dr. Gabrail believes clinical trials should be an integral part of oncology care. He founded Sargon Research to help community oncology practices incorporate research and launched Innovative Community Oncology Practices to support independent practices. He takes particular pride in the dedication of the center's staff. Outside medicine and research, he enjoys golf and cooking.

Andrew Stine

Pharmacist-in-Charge
Andrew Stine, PharmD, is a pharmacist at Gabrail Cancer Center. He studied at Kent State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University and previously worked at CVS and Marc's. In his current role, Andrew enjoys helping patients better understand their medications and treatment plans. He values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives by taking time to discuss the medicines involved in their care. His background in community pharmacy informs the way he talks with patients and responds to their questions. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys hiking, camping and archery. These activities give him time outdoors when he is away from the pharmacy.

Deborah White

BSN, RN
Debbie White, BSN, RN, is a nurse at Gabrail Cancer Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walsh University and previously worked in oncology and medical-surgical nursing at Aultman Hospital. Debbie most enjoys getting to know patients and their families. The relationships she builds through those interactions are especially meaningful to her; she describes them as a bonus family at work. Her prior oncology experience and her connection with patients both shape the way she approaches her role. Outside of work, Debbie likes being outdoors. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping and reading, as well as spending time with her fiancé, Turner, and their dog, Ruby

Avanish Reddy Illuri

Clinical Data Manager
Avanish Reddy Illuri is a clinical data manager at Gabrail Cancer Center Research. He holds a Master of Science in clinical epidemiology and has a strong interest in clinical research, data analysis and healthcare. Avanish approaches his work with a focus on accuracy and continuous learning. He believes that consistency and discipline matter on both good days and challenging ones: showing up and doing the work is how progress happens. He brings that mindset to his responsibilities in clinical data management and to his contribution to research at the center. His interest in the relationship between data and healthcare informs the care he takes with his work each day.

Leigha Tansel

Research RN
Leigha Tansel is a research RN at Gabrail Cancer Center Research. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ashland University. In her current role, Leigha enjoys frequent interactions with patients and the opportunity to get to know them over time. She also likes learning more about clinical research and the impact it can have on the community. For Leigha, the combination of patient relationships and continued learning makes her work especially meaningful. She values being able to connect with people while contributing to research at the center. Outside of work, Leigha enjoys reading, walking her dogs and spending time with her family.

Breanna Darden

Data Manager
Breanna Darden is a data manager at Gabrail Cancer Center Research. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biological anthropology from Kent State University. Breanna enjoys learning something new every day in her role and values the chance to see patients respond positively to clinical trial medications. Those moments connect the details of her work to the people participating in research. She appreciates being part of a team whose work can help expand treatment options and support patients through their care. Breanna brings curiosity to her day-to-day responsibilities and enjoys the ongoing learning that comes with clinical research. Outside of work, she likes crafting and practicing Pilates.

Kimberly Roby

Lead Clinical Trial Manager
Kimberly Roby is a clinical trial manager at Gabrail Cancer Center Research. She holds a bachelor's degree and is committed to clinical research and patient-centered care. Kimberly supports the research team, study sponsors and contract research organizations in the conduct of clinical trials. What she enjoys most about her role is helping patients find treatment options. She values the opportunity to contribute to research while keeping patients' needs at the center of the work. Her role brings together collaboration with the study team and a focus on the people who may benefit from clinical trials. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Amanda Rich

Study Coordinator
Amanda Rich is a study coordinator at Gabrail Cancer Center Research. She earned a master's degree in health services administration and joined the center after completing her degree. In her role, Amanda enjoys helping patients explore the options available to them through clinical research. She values being part of a team that works with patients as they consider care options and make decisions during a difficult time. Her work at the center has given her the opportunity to put her education into practice while focusing on the people each study serves. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys playing softball and volleyball. She also likes spending time with her nieces and nephews whenever she can.

Brenda Pantelis

Study Coordinator
Brenda Pantelis is a research assistant and coordinator at Gabrail Cancer Center Research. A 1993 high school graduate, she also completed two years of surgical technology classes. Before joining the center, Brenda spent 22 years working in nursing facilities. The patients she meets are what she values most about her current role. Their determination and ability to keep smiling have reminded her to appreciate life and the people around her more than material things. Brenda brings that perspective to her work with patients and the research team each day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is especially close to her two sons and three grandsons, who mean the world to her.

Uma Maheswary Nedumaran

Clinical Data Manager
Uma Maheswary Nedumaran is a clinical data manager with Gabrail Cancer Center Research. She holds a master's degree in pharmacology and toxicology with a concentration in clinical trials coordination from Wright State University, as well as a master's degree in applied microbiology. Before joining the research team, she interned with Wright State Physicians, observing clinical trial activities including participant recruitment, screening, informed consent, regulatory documentation and investigational product accountability. Uma enjoys the variety of her role and the chance to keep learning through data management, documentation, regulatory work and problem-solving. Outside of work, she spends time with family, travels, explores new places, learns languages and plays chess. She also enjoys listening to music and drawing.

Stephanie Purnell

Patient Advocate and Financial Counselor
Stephanie Purnell is a patient advocate and financial counselor at Gabrail Cancer Center. She studied social sciences at Black Hawk College and the University of Akron. Her previous experience includes years working with Medicare and serving as a case manager for a Salvation Army homeless shelter and transitional housing for men in an adult rehabilitation center. Stephanie most enjoys working directly with patients to put a financial plan in place so they can focus on healing. She values the chance to listen to each person's concerns and help make the cost of care more manageable. Outside of work, she spends time with her granddaughters and teaches support groups through a local agency serving families affected by mental health challenges and addiction.

Stephanie Santana

Pharmacy Technician
Stephanie Guzman Santana is a registered pharmacy technician at Gabrail Cancer Center. She earned an associate degree in criminal justice and brings a willingness to learn to her work with the pharmacy team. Stephanie enjoys helping her colleagues and taking on new tasks that allow her to grow in her role. She appreciates the support of the team as she learns each new responsibility and builds confidence in her work. For Stephanie, that shared effort makes each day an opportunity to contribute and improve. Away from work, she enjoys spending time with her children. She likes baking treats they enjoy and taking walks together, making the most of their time as a family.

Jessica Mani

Pharmacy Technician,
Prior Authorization and Billing Specialist
Jessica Mani is a certified pharmacy technician and prior authorization and billing specialist at Gabrail Cancer Center. A graduate of McKinley High School, she first joined the center as a receptionist. Before that, she worked as a server, bartender and pool manager at Glenmoor Country Club. Jessica enjoys helping patients obtain the medications they need by guiding them through prior authorization and connecting them with patient assistance foundations and copay programs. She finds it especially rewarding when she can help someone receive medication the same day or the next day while reducing out-of-pocket costs. Outside of work, Jessica spends time with her husband and their four boys. They enjoy being outdoors, staying active and cheering on their middle son at competitive soccer games.