Saluting the Incredible Work Ethic of Moffitt Cancer Center

Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday in September, is known to many as the unofficial end of summer and a day off from work. But it’s also an opportunity to recognize laborers of all kinds.

While it’s no surprise a hospital like Moffitt Cancer Center has health care heroes who work directly with our patients, there are also many other important roles you might not realize. As we recognize the many contributions of American workers, hear firsthand from a cross-section of our very own dedicated Moffitt team members.

Meet Our Hard-Working Moffitt Family

Monica McGartland, Magnolias Salon Supervisor

NAME: Monica McGartland
JOB TITLE: Salon Supervisor
WHAT YOU DO: Services offered by Magnolias Salon include men’s and women’s haircuts and styles, blow dry, color, wig consultation, customized wig cuts and scalp therapy. I also place orders, seek out new venders, conduct inventory, train new employees, assist with marketing and most importantly just have conversations with patients and caregivers to answer questions they may have regarding the many side effects they may experience. Knowledge is power.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Cosmetology license
HOURS: Magnolias Salon is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The last hour of our day (4 to 5 p.m.) is dedicated to servicing inpatients who, with a doctor’s order, can request a head shave.
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: I have been at Moffitt for over two years and recently was promoted into my new role.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: When I take the big picture look, it hasn’t changed that much. Sanitation was always preformed but is now executed to a higher standard. We lengthened our appointment times to reflect the extra sanitation, continue to wear masks at all times and sanitize/hand wash before servicing clients. Because our patients are immune compromised, they feel safer going to a salon here at Moffitt. Caregivers can self-care and not worry about what practices the salon has in place to prevent them from getting a loved one sick. We are a smaller, more intimate setting and do not have large groups inside our salon.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: The smiles I receive from clients. Knowing that I lifted someone’s spirits, gave them confidence that they can handle what will come next, that moment when they forget why they even have to be inside of a cancer center. We may all still be wearing masks, but you can still feel the warmth of a genuine smile.

Andrea Cabrera, left, and Amy Ozier, Space Planning and Programming

NAME: Amy Ozier
JOB TITLE: Manager, Space Planning and Programming
WHAT YOU DO: I work with departments, teams, leadership and team members across Moffitt to facilitate occupancy, space and move requirements. I also work closely with the Space Planning team to identify the best options for teams that are relocating due to construction or project work, expansion efforts and relocations. Additionally, I provide support for moves that are in alignment with the organizational standards to promote space standardization, process improvement and overall efficiencies within our current and new locations.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Master of Science in engineering management, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, project management training
HOURS: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: Four years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: The pandemic has made us more flexible in the way we think about and utilize our space at Moffitt. It has allowed our teams to stretch their creativity and capabilities to utilize technology such as Zoom as a primary way to communicate with each other collaboratively. We are also actively utilizing hoteling space at many of our campuses to provide a flexible space for team members. We are exploring more ways to work from unassigned, standardized workspaces, which provide an opportunity for many different teams to work from.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: In addition to working with my team, I enjoy working with many different teams and spaces at Moffitt. I learn something new every day from our collaborative work with the talented teams and team members. I continue to be captivated by the vast knowledge of our team members, which in turn allows us to provide them with the best space to promote their workflows and operations.

Dr. Jennifer Bickel, Chief Wellness Officer

NAME: Dr. Jennifer Bickel
JOB TITLE: Chief Wellness Officer
WHAT YOU DO: I work with leaders and team members to further improve well-being at Moffitt through collaboration with existing resources and expansion of programs that build personal resilience development and increase meaningful work so our staff can focus on what they love doing, serving cancer patients.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: M.D. from University of Missouri – Kansas City; Residency in neurology from University of Kansas Medical Center; board certified in neurology, headache medicine and medical acupuncture. I’m also a certified executive coach by the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institution.
HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: Joined Moffitt in August 2021
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: My job has typically required about 10 to 20 work-related travel trips a year. The pandemic has transitioned almost all of this to the virtual world, so I’ve been able to spend more time with my husband and children.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: I love spending time getting to know people 1:1 to learn what fills their energy, how do they find the drive to show up every day to do such important but challenging work and what can we do to make their job more fulfilling.

NAME: Sandra Cadavid
JOB TITLE: Senior Translator
WHAT YOU DO: I translate written documents from English into Spanish for our Spanish-speaking patients. The documents I translate include informed consents to participate in research studies, discharge instructions, medication lists, patient letters, patient education materials, marketing materials, etc.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in translation from my home country (Colombia) and a Master of Arts in translation and localization from Kent State University (Ohio). I am certified by the American Translators Association (ATA).
HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: Seven years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: I am working remotely from home. Fortunately, the pandemic has not affected in any way the services I provide for Moffitt and for our patients.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: The best and most rewarding part of my job is offering our Spanish-speaking patients the possibility to read and understand documentation about their disease and treatment in their native language, breaking the communicative barrier they face in the midst of the overwhelming battle against cancer.

Senior translator Sandra Cadavid works remotely to translate written documents into Spanish for our Spanish-speaking patients.

Tony Winter, Chaplain

NAME: Tony Winter
JOB TITLE: Chaplain
WHAT YOU DO: I join with patients and their families as they go through their cancer diagnosis, treatments and/or lifechanging outcomes. People often need a chaplain to hear and acknowledge their story. I often guide oncology patients, their families and their care providers through spiritual reflection as they look for meaning, encouragement, hope and peace.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Master of Divinity from Dubuque Theological Seminary, Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains
HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: Five years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: I have had to visit patients and families over the phone or virtually more than ever before. This was difficult at first, but it seems that people are adapting to this as part of the post COVID-19 pandemic world.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: When I am sitting and visiting with someone who has just shared their story and I can see a weight coming off of them. Sometimes people need someone to witness with and to them their big fears and concerns that they have previously been unable to put into words and say out loud. Through this visit with a chaplain, their journey forward has become less scary and lonely.

Lloyd Goldstein’s performances are intended to inspire, touch, move and connect with listeners.

NAME: Lloyd Goldstein
JOB TITLE: Artist In Residence — Musician, Arts In Medicine Program
WHAT YOU DO: I play the upright bass, it’s like a huge cello or a giant violin. I visit patients and their families and visitors at the bedside and in public areas of the hospital offering an experience of live music that is intended to inspire, touch, move and connect with anyone who is interested in listening.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Certified Music Practitioner; graduate of the Music for Healing and Transition Program; bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance from the University of Miami
HOURS: 12:30-5:30 p.m. weekdays except Thursday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: 15 years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: I maintain social distancing and wear a mask at all times.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: The best part of my job is learning life lessons from the patients with whom I share music. They teach me, over and over again, to appreciate every moment of life and to maintain a set of priorities that includes sharing time with family and friends, being present for others and practicing kindness and generosity because none of us knows how much time we have left to live. If we want to make the most of our gift of life we must do it now, at every available opportunity. A patient recently shared her special mantra with me: “There are no bad days. And the Ordinary is now Extraordinary.”

Anita Patel, Senior Healthcare Process Engineer

NAME: Anita Patel
JOB TITLE: Senior Healthcare Process Engineer
WHAT YOU DO: Through process observations and system data, I study operations to identify waste, optimize resources, re-engineer workflows/systems and plan for future growth. I’ve had the opportunity to work in many areas at Moffitt, including ambulatory clinics, Perioperative Services, Imaging, Pathology, Lab, Cell Therapy, Infusion, CRU and Radiation Oncology. I look forward to continuing to support these areas and also learning about others.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor’s in industrial engineering & operations research from the University of California, Berkeley
HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: Nine years and eight months
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: It’s lessened face-to-face interactions and has forced virtual meetings and presentations. I no longer use whiteboards and dry erase markers to capture ideas and sketch solutions or scribble notes on paper. Everything is captured electronically. I no longer use the printer or lug around a huge work bag.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: I’m energized by the compassion and drive of everyone I get to collaborate with, and I’m inspired by the courage and strength of Moffitt’s patients. I love being surrounded by both.

Robert Huntley, Supervisor of Security

NAME: Robert Huntley
JOB TITLE: Supervisor of Security
WHAT YOU DO: Work the overnight security shift at Moffitt Cancer Center on USF’s campus
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Former law enforcement, 28 years as a police officer and police chief in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
HOURS: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: 17 years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: The biggest difference I see since the onset of COVID-19 has been the heartbreak of family members not being able to visit with their loved ones, especially during the peak of the outbreak. Thankfully our visitation rules have eased to some degree and so has the anxiety of the patients and families.
BEST PART OF THE JOB: I enjoy seeing the caring and compassion of our nurses and am impressed with the positive attitude of our many patients and caregivers. I hope to serve Moffitt team members, patients and visitors for at least a few more years.

Gabi Harmon, Organizational Development Advisor

NAME: Gabriella (Gabi) Harmon
JOB TITLE: Organizational Development (OD) Advisor
WHAT YOU DO: The main focus of my job is to onboard new leaders at the manager and director level, which is a yearlong process. It is truly my pleasure to get to know our newly hired or promoted leaders. I also support leaders at Moffitt by offering support in the areas of team dynamics, leadership development and change management.
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: I have a Master of business management and a doctorate in organization development & leadership. I am an adjunct at the University of South Florida and teach courses on leadership. My Gallup strength of “learner” keeps me engaged in the local chapter of the OD Network, where we meet with other OD practitioners around the Tampa Bay area and share best practices.
HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: Proud to be here just over three years.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: The Organizational Development Department used to work in a shared space, but we are all working a hybrid model now. We come on campus when our clients need us. Working from home saves on travel time, and I have found that I can serve so many more people by working virtually.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: Besides everything? Supporting leaders in finding their authentic way of leading. I am inspired daily by the commitment that our leaders show to their team members and to their team members’ development. Moffitt leaders care deeply and they are good at what they do. It is my honor to support them. The best part of my job at Moffitt is the people!

Jodi Conway, Director of Process Excellence

NAME: Jodi Conway
JOB TITLE: Director of Process Excellence
WHAT YOU DO: Manage a team of process improvement and health care process engineering professionals
TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Lean/Six Sigma Master Black Belt
HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: 10 years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: We use a lot more technology to collaborate. Prior to the pandemic we would roll into an area with flip charts and Post-it notes to map a process. Now we utilize Zoom and collaborative web-based programs to collaborate.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: I love the energy and passion of the people I work with. There is such an amazing desire to provide the best possible environment for our patient and team member experience.

NAME: Yvonne Cowley-Smith

Yvonne Cowley-Smith developed the interior design for Moffitt Cancer Center at Wesley Chapel.

JOB TITLE: Interior Design and Wayfinding Program Manager
WHAT YOU DO: My job is to have an all-encompassing view on our new and existing spaces, along with the future of each, in order to develop a vision for our interior environments that is comfortable, functional and healing for our patients, visitors and staff at all Moffitt locations. I express the design vision concepts through floor plans, 3D renderings, color palettes, budgets and informational spreadsheets. Currently I am working on interior design and wayfinding for the Moffitt Magnolia campus, new expansion hospital, Faculty Office Building renovation, patient amenities pavilion and the new provider lounge. Other endeavors are developing designs and documenting information into a guidelines package that sets the bar for Moffitt branded environments. One recent accomplishment was developing the “Spa Concept” package for our new Wesley Chapel location, which will serve as the design aesthetic for future satellite facilities.

TRAINING/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor’s in interior design, University of Cincinnati – College of Architecture; Florida licensed and certified Interior Designer from NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification); 20 years of experience in health care design with various architecture firms and hospital systems

Moffitt at Wesley Chapel boasts a comfortable, functional and healing design.

HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WITH MOFFITT: 2 ½ years
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK: I was 100% in the office previously, now I work from home mostly and come in when needed for site visits.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: It is very rewarding knowing that what I do as part of a team with my incredible co-workers makes a difference in the lives of our patients through the creation of calming environments. A soothing built environment that reflects the high standard of care provided by Moffitt helps our patients, visitors and staff to be more comfortable and have a healing experience.