Meet the Supportive Care Team
Life can feel so different after a cancer diagnosis. Reactions can range from feeling worried, sad, angry, and uncertain one minute to feeling optimistic, hopeful, and determined the next. It is normal to feel a wide range of emotions in response to the changes experienced during cancer treatment and life after treatment ends.
Our dedicated team of licensed oncology clinical social workers are here as a resource for you, your family, and your cancer caregivers. Whether you are concerned about body image changes or fertility, coping with stress and anxiety, helping your children and family understand your cancer diagnosis, clarifying your goals for care, finding practical and financial resources, or dealing with the impact of cancer on your work, they are available.
Wherever you are on your journey their goal is to help you and your loved ones never lose sight of hope.
Lydia Appling, MSW, LCSW
Degrees: B.S. and MSW, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Location: Longmont
Patient Care Philosophy: My goal is to provide compassionate support to patients, family members, and caregivers while addressing emotional and practical needs that arise during their cancer journey.
Lindsay Chisholm, MSW, LCSW
Degrees: B.S., University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; MSW, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Location: Denver-Midtown
Patient Care Philosophy: I strive to partner with patients and families by providing education and access to the supportive resources available to them during and after a cancer diagnosis.
Ami Gorsky, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Degrees: BSW Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, MO; MSW, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Location: Pueblo
Patient Care Philosophy: I believe that with support, compassion, and a knowledge base built on the belief that every human being has a story to tell, there are few things that can’t be worked through.
Theresa Grzeslo, MSW, LCSW
Degrees: B.A., Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA; MSW, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Location: Lone Tree - Sky Ridge
Patient Care Philosophy: Navigating cancer treatment and survivorship impacts each individual and their loved ones in different ways. My goal is to work with you to understand your unique needs and values in order to provide collaborative, compassionate support. Whether it’s through emotional support or more practical help connecting to resources, I hope to create a space where you feel heard and empowered through this journey.
Leslie Kantor-Reid, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Degrees: B.A., Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY; MSW, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Location: Aurora
Patient Care Philosophy: My goal is to provide excellent support to those navigating the difficulty of a cancer diagnosis. Health is not just physical, but emotional, spiritual, and social. I aim to support the person and family as a whole. I want to be a strong advocate for patients and families, and also empower them to advocate for themselves.
Chelsea McCann, MSW, LSW
Degrees: B.S., Colby College, Waterville, ME; MSW, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Location: Lakewood
Patient Care Philosophy: My goal is to provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families. I know that a cancer diagnosis can impact many different areas of a patient’s life and I hope to partner with patients and their loved ones to help them navigate any challenges that may arise during the journey.
Angela McCasland, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Degrees: BSW and MSW, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
Location: Boulder
Patient Care Philosophy: I recognize that a cancer diagnosis has the potential to challenge our reality as we know it. I strive to remain present with patients and their families throughout their cancer journeys and assist in navigating a path towards healing. My goal is to provide you with support, both practical and emotional, as these needs arise.
Aubrey Melendes, MSW, LSW
Degrees: BS, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; MSW, Newman University, Colorado Springs, CO
Location: Colorado Springs
Patient Care Philosophy: My hope is to offer compassion and empathy to patients and caregivers throughout their cancer journey whether that be facing a new diagnosis or experiencing survivorship. I will strive to provide emotional and practical support coupled with education and advocacy as you manage the challenging road ahead.
Jill Mitchell, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Degrees: B.A., Princeton University, Princeton, NJ; M.A., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN; Ph.D., UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; M.S.W. California State University, Long Beach, CA.
Location: Boulder
Patient Care Philosophy: I value humanity in the context of medical treatment, getting to know patients as people first, and helping patients and survivors find peace, meaning, and growth even in the midst of their experience with cancer.
Diana Sioutis, MSW, LSW
Degrees: B.A., American University, Washington, D.C.; MSW, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Location: Denver – Rose
Patient Care Philosophy: I believe in the importance of leading with empathy and compassion with every patient, caregiver, and family in need of support during a cancer diagnosis. My goal is to offer support during this journey through patient advocacy and empowerment. I recognize that a cancer diagnosis can shift a person’s world in more ways than one, and I strive to provide the most effective ways to assist you with the emotional and practical needs that arise during this time.
Robyn Tibert, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Degrees: B.A., Hanover College, Hanover, IN; MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ; MSW, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Locations: Englewood (Swedish Medical Center), Littleton
Patient Care Philosophy: I am committed to walking with patients through the emotional, spiritual, and relational changes that come with a cancer diagnosis. My role is to help patients and their families explore what it means to live fully, both during and following treatment.
Michelle Basche, MD – Co-Medical Director
Degrees: MD, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
Patient Care Philosophy: I make cutting-edge treatment available to my patients by offering by offering them clinical trials as well as proven therapy. I educate my patients about their diagnosis and treatment options so they can play an active part in fighting their cancer. I work closely with experts from the fields of surgery, radiation oncology, nutrition, exercise rehabilitation, nursing, and social work to give patients the best treatment available while optimizing their quality of life.
Alonso Pacheco, MD – Co-Medical Director
Degrees: MD, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO; Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
Patient Care Philosophy: I believe in the importance of amplifying the voice the patient and practicing shared decision-making in determining the next best appropriate plan of action. I believe it is important to maintain the patient's health throughout treatment, keep their energy level as high as possible, and maintain a positive outlook on life.