Support Coordinators
Champions of Quality Care
The cancer treatment process can be overwhelming. You might be confused or scared. Perhaps you don’t know what to expect and you’re anxious about what’s ahead.
Our Cancer Support Coordinators are here to help.
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Sarah Ashenbrener, RN, BSN, OCN, Transplant Program Coordinator
Sarah is the Stem Cell Transplant Program Coordinator and guides stem cell transplant patients and their families through the transplant process.
A stem cell transplant is a major procedure and it can take several months for patients to fully recover. Sarah is responsible for preparing patients for the transplant, educating patients and families throughout all phases of the process and providing long-term follow-up care. Sarah also provides medical counseling to stem cell patients participating in Cancer Care Northwest’s stem cell support group. A graduate from the School of Nursing at The University of Washington, Sarah is a Certified Oncology Nurse who has worked in the transplant field for eight years.
The Inland Northwest Myeloma/Lymphoma and Transplant Program is the region’s only autologous stem cell transplant program. The program is directed by Hakan Kaya, MD, a medical oncologist at Cancer Care Northwest. Cancer Care Northwest partners with Deaconess Medical Center and the Inland Northwest Blood Center to offer this invaluable service to patients.
Kelly Guswiler, RN, BSN, AOCN, Breast Care Coordinator
Kelly offers patient navigation services for breast cancer patients and their families. She is a valuable resource, providing assistance and education throughout the entire process of diagnosis and treatment.
Kelly, a registered nurse with a strong clinical background in oncology, serves as an important link between your medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, ensuring that all of your needs are met during your course of treatment. She is a single point of contact and there with you every step of the way.
Certified as an Advanced Oncology Nurse, Kelly has extensive experience caring for patients with cancer. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO.
Kristina Hines, MS, CN, Oncology Nutritionist
As a Certified Nutritionist for Cancer Care Northwest, Kristina Hines provides nutrition education and guidance to patients and their families to promote optimal treatment outcomes and to support the overall well-being of patients. Kristina is an instrumental part of the patient care team and can provide counsel in the following areas:
- Healthy lifestyle education
- Body composition assessment
- Diet and supplement review and assessment
- Dietary intervention focusing on anti-inflammatory and whole foods
- Assistance with managing treatment side effects
- Stress management
- Exercise recommendations
Kristie Peters, American Cancer Society Patient Navigator
A staff member of both Cancer Care Northwest and American Cancer Society, Kristie acts as your personal guide throughout your treatment, answering your questions and addressing issues or concerns.
As your advocate, she works closely with your doctors and other support staff to help you manage resources and remove any barriers—financial, social, emotional or medical—so you receive the best possible care. She is also your connection to our onsite American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center, which is packed full of helpful cancer information for you and your family.
Kristie holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Eastern Washington University and bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University. She has more than 12 years of experience as a mental health professional, providing patient and family counseling for adults and children.