Jennifer Bires is the Executive Director of Life with Cancer and Patient Experience for the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. She previously served as the Executive Director at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC after almost a decade of experience as an oncology social worker in the DC area. Jennifer has a passion for improving access to psychosocial services for those impacted by cancer. She specializes in working with Young Adults who have been diagnosed with cancer, end of life concerns and issues and sexual health.

Jessica joined Life with Cancer in January 2021 as an Oncology Nurse Navigator. Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at York College of Pennsylvania in 2006 and subsequently worked her entire career with the pediatric oncology population as a certified pediatric oncology nurse.

Karen is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and has an Oncology Social Work Certification. She earned her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2001. She has worked in the field of oncology for over 35 years. She joined Life with Cancer in 2014. Prior to coming to Life with Cancer she worked at Inova Loudoun Hospital in the Radiation Oncology department for 17 years. In December 2014, she moved to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (IFOH), and assumed the role of oncology clinical therapist for Life with Cancer.

Karen came to Inova Life with Cancer in December 2019 with over 35 years of oncology nursing experience, which includes inpatient, outpatient infusion, staff education, home care and hospice. She has previously worked for Inova Health System on the medical oncology unit, Inova Learning Network and was the Clinical Nurse Specialist for almost a decade in Pediatric Hem/Onc. Karen was born and raised in Alexandria, VA. She received her BSN from Georgetown University and later her MSN from George Mason University.

Kim Lowery Walker, MBA, LCSW-C, OSW-C joined Life with Cancer in 2021 as an Oncology Therapist and coordinator of the Integrative Psycho-Oncology Program (IPOP), a four-program curriculum designed to build emotional coping skills and resilience from cognitive, mindfulness-based, and contemplative perspectives.

Kirstie came to Life with Cancer after managing the operations of the Inova Joan and Russell Hitt Center for Healthy Living located in Fairfax, VA. She currently oversees the exercise programming for cancer patients and survivors at Life with Cancer. She is a member of and certified by the following organizations: American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI).For more than a decade Kirstie has trained clients individually and in small group settings from the ages of 3 to 93.

Kristen joined Inova in 2018 as a Philanthropy Officer. Her focus is primarily on third-party and community fundraisers as well as working with grateful families to support Life with Cancer’s mission. Originally from the Shenandoah Valley, she is a graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Legal and Nonprofit Studies. Kristen enjoys reading, yoga, and cheering on the Nats.

Laura has spent her entire career working in the field of oncology. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from James Madison University, where she was named Virginia’s Nursing Student of the Year. She started her nursing career at Inova Fairfax Hospital, and has also worked at an outpatient oncology clinic. Laura is a certified oncology nurse and an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society. She has a special interest in breast cancer, and recently created the Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program for patients that are no longer receiving active treatment.

Lauren is a Registered Dietitian who joined Life with Cancer in April 2018.  Lauren is a native of the Northern Virginia area, and graduated from James Madison University with her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics.  She completed her Dietetic Internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and has spent the majority of her career supporting the nutrition needs of oncology patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.  Lauren is board certified in oncology nutrition (CSO) as well as nutrition support (CNSC).  Lauren is currently working towards her master’s degree in public

Leigh Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined the team in 2020. Leigh Ann specializes in providing evidenced-based treatment to adult patients and their caregivers, as well as any adult in the community affected by a cancer diagnosis. She also provides support to parents of children diagnosed with pediatric cancers.