Aspire Medical Academy leadership

Penelope Defreitas is a seasoned Nurse Educator and Oncology Specialist with over three decades of experience in clinical and academic environments across Guyana, Canada, and the United States. 

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, and began her career with a Nursing Diploma from Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana.

Her expertise spans medical-surgical, perioperative, and outpatient oncology nursing, with a deep commitment to mentoring, staff development, and delivering compassionate,

patient-centered care. A certified Oncology Nurse since 1997, Penelope has played a critical role in guiding nursing professionals in the safe delivery of chemotherapy and

immunotherapy, while promoting effective symptom management and improved patient outcomes.

As a Nurse Educator at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute Penelope has held leadership roles at Beaumont Oncology and St. Elizabeth Hospital. 

Penelope is also the founder of Aspire Medical Academy in Guyana, a healthcare training initiative dedicated to preparing the next generation of competent and compassionate nursing

assistants.

L. Renee Pearl earned her Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from American Sentinel University in 2023, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and induction into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, with a concentration in advanced clinical systems design and healthcare informatics. 

She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida Southwestern State College (2017), where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA and Sigma Theta Tau honors.

Renee is a forward-thinking nurse executive dedicated to improving efficiencies and workflows in clinical applications for community oncology. With extensive experience in oncology, clinical systems, and informatics data, she leads teams that provide direct support to physicians and clinical care teams. 

Recognized as an innovative collaborator, she excels at building high-performing teams with diverse strengths, ensuring that clinical operations are supported with precision and care.

Her professional focus lies in leveraging technology to streamline processes, deliver timely education, and promote accurate, patient-centered care.

Linda Giddings Henry is a dynamic professional with a rare fusion of expertise in financial management, healthcare, and data-driven research. 

A former Principal/ Economist at the Bank of Guyana, she spearheaded monetary policy analysis, IMF reporting, and financial system oversight—skills she later applied to healthcare and social impact initiatives. 

After becoming a Registered Nurse, she transitioned into home healthcare nursing, where she combined clinical precision with a deep understanding of systemic health challenges. 

As a Data Analyst and Research Consultant, she has contributed to high-stakes projects, including: 

• Public health evaluations (COVID-19 response, maternal/child health), 
• Gender equity programs (Spotlight Initiative on violence prevention), 
• Statistical modeling (SPSS, surveys, and impact assessments). 

Linda’s career reflects her ability to bridge finance, healthcare, and analytics—transforming data into actionable insights for policy, business, and community well-being.range of disciplines, from basic science to clinical research.

Penelope Defreitas is a seasoned Nurse Educator and Oncology Specialist with over three decades of experience in clinical and academic environments across Guyana, Canada, and the United States. 

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, and began her career with a Nursing Diploma from Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana.

Her expertise spans medical-surgical, perioperative, and outpatient oncology nursing, with a deep commitment to mentoring, staff development, and delivering compassionate,

patient-centered care. A certified Oncology Nurse since 1997, Penelope has played a critical role in guiding nursing professionals in the safe delivery of chemotherapy and

immunotherapy, while promoting effective symptom management and improved patient outcomes.

As a Nurse Educator at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute Penelope has held leadership roles at Beaumont Oncology and St. Elizabeth Hospital. 

Penelope is also the founder of Aspire Medical Academy in Guyana, a healthcare training initiative dedicated to preparing the next generation of competent and compassionate nursing

assistants.

Diane G. Cope, PhD, APRN, BC, AOCNP, earned her PhD in nursing from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, and completed her nurse practitioner certification at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. With over 30 years of experience in oncology nursing, she has served in a variety of roles, including clinical nurse, academic faculty for undergraduate and graduate programs, and nursing leadership.

Dr. Cope currently practices as an oncology nurse practitioner at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Fort Myers, Florida. She was honored with the 2013 ONS Excellence in Care of the Older Adult with Cancer Award. A respected author and editor, she has co-edited the Oncology Nursing Society Core Curriculum, edited two books on geriatric oncology nursing, and contributed to numerous journal articles and book chapters. 

Dr. Cope has also presented her work at national and international conferences. Her editorial contributions include serving as an associate editor for both the Oncology Nursing Forum and the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing; she continues to review for the Oncology Nursing Forum.

Nancy J. Solak MSN, RN, OCN, graduated from Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital Medical Center (now Mercy Health) School of Nursing in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1978 with a Diploma RN license. In 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Nancy began her career at Saint Elizabeth’s, working in the Medical-Surgical teaching unit and the Surgical Intensive Care Unit until 1984.

She subsequently relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where she worked at Lee Memorial Hospital and later at Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center until 1994. From 1994 to 1995, she served as a Clinical Research Nurse with Florida Cancer Specialists.

Her career included consulting for research organizations, contributing to the National Committee for Quality Assurance, and teaching courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, Medical Assistant Competencies, and nurse reentry programs at US colleges.

Tishome Persaud  is a physician and laboratorian who has recently helped to build a cancer genetics testing laboratory at Sagis Diagnostics in Houston, Texas, which he now oversees and supervises. He specializes in oncology Cytogenetics, Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH), and Flow Cytometry. He brings clinical laboratory experience from both corporate and hospital-based settings such as LabCorp, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

Dr. Persaud has dedicated over 15 years to cancer genetics research and diagnostics. He earned his medical degree from St. George’s University and holds a Masters Degree from Temple University, a Bachelors Degree in Cytogenetics from MD Anderson Cancer Center, and a Bachelors Degree in Biology from Lamar University. Throughout his career he has tutored and mentored employees, students, and residents by creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in future health care professionals.

Alexandra McJoulie is a Registered Nurse who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. She has dedicated nearly a decade to the neurosciences program at the University of Alberta Hospital, where she has developed expertise in caring for patients across neurosurgery, neurology, and neuroscience intensive care. 

Alongside her clinical practice, she serves on a multidisciplinary committee focused on enhancing patient care and building the confidence of nurses and allied health team members through education and quality improvement initiatives. 

Alexandra is passionate about education and believes in creating a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, develop confidence and grow their clinical skills. She is excited to share her knowledge and experience as a virtual instructor and looks forward to supporting students throughout their learning journey.”

Lori McCormick earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s in human development and Family Studies with a Certificate in Gerontology from Colorado State University. 

Lori McCormick is a highly experienced nursing professional with more than 20 years in oncology nursing, clinical research, case management, and patient education. She currently serves as an Ambulatory Care Nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, where she provides oncology care coordination, delivers patient education, and contributes to quality improvement initiatives.

Previously, Lori worked as a Clinical Research Nurse at Moffitt, coordinating clinical trials, ensuring compliance with research protocols, and mentoring new team members. Her background also includes roles as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Home Health Case Manager, and Oncology Staff Nurse, giving her a strong foundation in both direct patient care and clinical operations. 

As a Clinical Instructor, Lori is passionate about mentoring future healthcare professionals and fostering excellence in patient-centered care.

Hazelin Hazel-Singh Licensed Master Social Worker, and experienced mental health professional with educational and professional training in both Guyana and the United States. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Guyana and later earned a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York. Her education provides a strong foundation in social work, human behavior, mental health, culture, community systems, and social development.

Ms. Hazel-Singh has extensive experience in clinical, community-based, residential, and healthcare-related settings. In the United States, she has served with the Institute for Community Living as a Therapist, Program Director, and Vice President of Adult Homes and Supported Housing. Her work has included patient assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, clinical supervision, staff development, supported housing services, mental health care, substance abuse treatment coordination, and regulatory compliance.

Ms. Hazel-Singh’s background makes her especially qualified to teach Psychology and Sociology to Nursing Assistant students. Her experience as a medical social worker and mental health professional connects directly to patient behavior, stress, coping, crisis response, culture, family systems, social institutions, and the social factors that influence health and illness.

 Girannie Dilchand, is a highly accomplished Registered Nurse with more than 45 years of experience in perioperative nursing, nurse anesthesia, midwifery, and surgical services. A dedicated leader and patient advocate, she has served extensively as an Operating Room Scrub and Circulating Nurse, earning recognition for clinical excellence, teamwork, and compassionate care. 

Her commitment extends beyond the operating room through humanitarian medical missions across Africa, Latin America, and Guyana, where she has helped provide essential surgical care to underserved communities. 

Penelope Joan Lewis is an accomplished nurse, midwife, educator, counsellor, and healthcare administrator with more than four decades of service to Guyana’s health sector. Her extensive career spans clinical nursing, maternal care, occupational health and safety, cancer surveillance, nursing education, research, and programme coordination.

From 2000 to 2024, Mrs. Lewis served as Registrar of the Guyana Cancer Registry, where she managed cancer data, collaborated with national and international health agencies, and contributed to cancer research initiatives. She also coordinated Annex I of the Georgetown School of Nursing and currently serves as a coordinator and lecturer at the Universal Emergency School of Nursing.

Mrs. Lewis holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Nursing Education from The University of the West Indies, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Management from the University of Guyana, and diplomas in Occupational Safety and Health and Professional Counselling. She is a member of the International Association of Cancer Registrars and the AC3 Cancer Research Consortium. Beyond her professional work, she is a founder of the Periwinkle Cancer Support Group and has served as President and Zone Chairman of the Lions Club of Georgetown, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and community service.

 Myrna Rivera is an experienced Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of expertise in vascular access, infusion therapy, and oncology care. She currently works on the Vascular Access/PICC Team at Physicians Regional Medical Center, specializing in PICC and midline insertions, ultrasound-guided IVs, port access, and central line management, while also training new nurses. 

Her background includes vascular access roles at Lee Health Systems, infusion therapy at Florida Cancer Specialists, and oncology/medical-surgical nursing positions at Lee Health Systems and Naples Community Hospital. 

Known for exceptional IV skills, strong patient advocacy, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality care. She holds a BSN from Florida Gulf Coast University and maintains BLS, CRNI, Chemotherapy-Biotherapy, and ACLS certifications.

 Jenny Poongavanum is an accomplished Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Educator with more than three decades of nursing experience, including extensive expertise in neurosurgical intensive care, critical care, medical-surgical nursing, staff education, and clinical leadership.

Since 2012, she has served as a Clinical Nurse Educator, developing clinical guidelines, educational programmes, orientation materials, and training for new nursing staff. Her work has included implementing practice improvements, mentoring healthcare professionals, and supporting quality patient care. She has also served as a Connect Care Superuser for critical care and medical-surgical services.

Oyanda Mellissa David is a dedicated Registered Nurse and Junior Department Supervisor with eight years of experience in Medical-Surgical Nursing, the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, Labor and Delivery, and Accident and Emergency. Originally from Great Diamond, Guyana, she is committed to compassionate patient care, effective healthcare leadership, and stronger health services.

Oyanda holds a Master of Public Health, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Diploma in Professional Nursing, and a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Management. Passionate about disease prevention, health promotion, and community education, she aspires to help advance equitable access to quality healthcare throughout Guyana.

Althea Blaize is an accomplished Ward Manager and healthcare leader who combines clinical excellence with a global public health perspective. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of International Public Health and has specialized training in trauma care, mass-casualty management, and post-anesthesia care.

In her role as Ward Manager, Althea provides strong clinical leadership, manages multidisciplinary teams, and promotes the delivery of safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care. Her systems-level understanding of healthcare enables her to support efficient hospital operations while maintaining high standards of clinical practice.

Althea is also deeply committed to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through practical, real-world mentorship, she helps nursing students strengthen their clinical judgment, understand ward management, navigate complex decision-making, and connect public health principles with bedside care. Her guidance prepares students to become safe, confident, and highly competent nursing professionals.

Phillip Jacobus is an experienced Registered Nurse and Medex with more than 30 years of service in healthcare across Guyana and the British Virgin Islands. His career spans hospital, intensive care, outpatient, and community health settings, with extensive experience in patient care, clinical supervision, health education, disease prevention, and community outreach.

A graduate of the Medex Training Programme, where he was named Best Graduating Student, Class of 2002, Mr. Jacobus has held several leadership and supervisory roles throughout his career. He has managed community health services, supervised nursing staff and students, responded to emergencies, coordinated medical evacuations, and supported immunization and disease-prevention programmes.

Known for his professionalism, leadership, and compassionate approach to care, Mr. Jacobus remains committed to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities through quality healthcare, education, mentorship, and patient advocacy.