Deaconess Cancer Services’ nurse navigation program assists the patient and family through their cancer journey with compassion in a stress-free environment. Nurse navigators provide a full range of support services and can be a convenient, single point of contact between the entire care team. Their knowledge and special training in oncology and patient management makes them an integral member of your care from diagnosis through survivorship.
Your Oncology Nurse Navigator can:
- Help you and your family understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
- Ensure you have the information you need to actively participate in your own care, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- Coordinate your care with your medical team.
- Enhance your communication with your care team.
- Ensure your questions are answered and any care and health concerns are successfully resolved.
- Advocate for you and serve as a medically-knowledgeable friend who is committed to helping you through your cancer journey.
Oncology Nurse Navigators
Jessica Barnes
Gastrointestinal Cancer Nurse Navigator
Abby Bretz, BSN, RN
Lung Cancer Navigator - Jasper, IN
812-996-5513
I graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I have worked at the Lange-Fuhs Cancer Center for over 8 years and have my Oncology Certification. I have been employed at Memorial Hospital for over 10 years. Prior to coming to the cancer center, I worked as a certified nurses aid and registered nurse on the Skilled Caring Center. I have loved being an Oncology nurse and being their for my patients through their cancer journey. The knowledge that I have gained from my past experiences help me to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to my patients and their families.
Terry Buckman, BSN, RN, OCN
Oncology Nurse Navigator - Henderson
270-631-2335
As the Henderson oncology nurse navigator, I will help you through your cancer journey. With a new cancer diagnosis, fear and anxiety can tag along. I will be by your side during your journey and will help to answer any questions, big or small; to explain procedures and processes; share resources and offer comfort when needed. I will help you navigate through this process by coordinating your care with other disciplines and departments so that you can focus on treatment and self-care. I assist any cancer patient who may have any navigation needs by addressing any barriers that may delay their care.
I graduated from Henderson Community College with an Applied Science in Nursing degree in 2006 and obtained my bachelor's degree in nursing in 2016 from Western Governors University. I have worked in oncology since 2006, starting on the inpatient surgical/oncology floor and transferring to Infusion services in 2012. I received my certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse in 2019. My goal is to provide the community I live in the best possible assistance and support in cancer care services that I can.
Megan Cochenour, RN
Breast Surgical Navigator
812-842-2447
As the Breast Surgical Navigator, I believe that every aspect of cancer treatment and care is vital in helping people to navigate this difficult time. My goal is to be a resource for patients from the very beginning. Help them process and understand their diagnosis, explain the treatment process and what to expect, as well as be a person of support and someone who they can come to with any questions and concerns along the way.
I graduated from the University of Evansville with a bachelors in psychology and worked at a mental health/drug rehabilitation center before deciding to pursue nursing. I got my associate degree in nursing while working on the surgical oncology floor at Deaconess Gateway. Eventually I decided to branch out to other areas of nursing and worked in the GI/Urology procedure center. Oncology is my passion so when the Role of Breast Surgical Nurse Navigator at The Women’s Cancer became available, I knew that was my chance to get back to the area of nursing that I loved the most. I now work with our multidisciplinary breast clinic patients and help to navigate them through the initial stages of their treatment. While my role involves surgical planning and post op care, I am available to help patients in any way I can throughout the treatment process.
Don Fox, BSN, RN
Thoracic Cancer Nurse Navigator
812-858-2268
Tennille Garrison
Genitourinary Cancer Nurse Navigator
812-492-5073
Terri Kempf BSN, RN, CN-BN
Breast Cancer Navigation
812-858-2260
As the Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator, I see the fear and uncertainty on the faces of my patients. My desire is to be by your side as you start your journey and through treatment. I am here for you and your family. I assist with answering questions, big or small, by communicating with other disciplines or departments or in any other way needed, allowing you to focus on your treatment and self-care. Although my focus is on breast cancer, I assist any cancer patient who may have navigation needs.
I graduated from the University of Evansville with my bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked on the surgical oncology unit at Deaconess during college. Since then, I’ve worked on a cardiovascular surgery unit, surgical oncology unit, and in home care and hospice. I returned to Deaconess in 2007 and accepted the Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator position in 2011. I received my certification of Certified Navigator - Breast Nurse (CN-BN) in 2012. I was selected to go to Washington DC in 2015, along with a survivor, to advocate for coverage of breast cancer screenings.
Samantha Kahle, RN, BSN, OCN
Gynecologic Cancer Nurse Navigator
812-842-2196
Melissa Knust, BSN, RN, OCN
Breast Cancer Navigator - Jasper, IN
812-996-8658
I graduated from Vincennes University - Jasper Campus with my associate's degree in nursing and then proceeded to get my bachelor's degree from Western Governors University. I have worked at the Lange-Fuhs Cancer Center for over 10 years, and I am an Oncology Certified Nurse. This certification helps assure I am providing the highest quality of care to you. Prior to coming to the cancer center, I worked on the Medical Unit at Memorial Hospital and have also been a nurse with a primary care group here in Jasper. This past experience has allowed me to build on my medical knowledge so that I can offer more comprehensive care to my patients.
Katie Marvell, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Head & Neck Cancer Navigation
812-858-0753
As the Head and Neck Nurse Navigator, my goal is to provide education and resources for you and your family as you face uncertainty and challenges that inevitably come with any cancer diagnosis. I want to serve as a consistent person of contact and support for you through your cancer journey to reduce any barriers to successful patient outcomes. I want to assist in coordinating care between departments and specialists. My role as navigator is to help you understand and use the complicated healthcare system so that you can focus on what’s most important to you.
I graduated from the University of Kentucky with my bachelor’s degree in psychology. After working my way through nursing school at a state hospital, I began my nursing career at Deaconess in 2014 where I started on the cardiac/renal unit. I transitioned to the surgery/oncology unit as the nurse clinician in 2021; during that time, I developed a passion for oncology and those patients that lead me to the Oncology nurse navigator role. My hope for all patients is to be a source of comfort and assistance through their entire healthcare journey.
Whitney Williams, BSN, RN
Malignant Hematology navigator
812-492-5210
As the malignant hematology navigator, my belief that a holistic approach is a key factor in maintaining the best quality patient outcomes. My role is to provide comprehensive and compassionate services to my patients and their families, from the time of diagnosis of their blood cancer to the completion of treatment. In addition, to assist with any barriers and be an advocate to provide the best possible care for my patients.
I graduated from Henderson Community College in 2009 with an associate in applied science degree. I furthered my education and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012, from Walden University. I have had the opportunity to have experiences in medical surgical, telemetry, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.