Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Join the AYA SIG and unite with APOSW members dedicated to enhancing support for adolescents and young adults facing pediatric cancer and hematology challenges. Together, we integrate psychosocial care into clinical practices, hospital programs, and community organizations.

Facilitators:

• Bianca Gonzalez, Texas Children's Hospital

• Kaylee Raggio, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

• Maricela Varela, Texas Children’s Hospital

Step into the Advocacy SIG to champion opportunities in pediatric oncology and hematology social work, enhancing the support we provide to patients and families.

Facilitators:

• Stephanie Attaway, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Dive into the BMT SIG, where APOSW members collaborate to develop innovative programming and share best practices for supporting children adolescents undergoing blood and marrow transplant, or similar treatments, and their families.

Facilitators:

• Stephanie Fooks-Parker, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

• Sydney Stupp, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Connect with the Community-Based Programs SIG to network and share best practices for supporting pediatric oncology and hematology patients within community settings.

Facilitators:

• Wendi Henning, Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit

• Beth Jones, Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

Delve into discussions on palliative care, grief, and bereavement, nurturing both patients and caregivers.

Facilitators:

• Heather Jolly, Kaiser Permanente - Oakland

• Barbara McLain, Children’s Hospital of Montefiore

The Hematology SIG offers a platform for APOSW members to share resources, ideas, and best practices tailored to pediatric hematology patients and their families.

Facilitators:

• Rebecca Massey, Texas Children’s Hospital

• Kathleen Rooney, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Join the Neuro-Oncology SIG to explore the unique needs of neuro-oncology patients and their families. Share best practices, innovative programming ideas, and advocacy opportunities related to this population.

Facilitators:

• Regina Karchner, Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

• Lola Lin, BayCare

Jump into the world of research by joining the Research SIG. Members of this SIG come together to learn from each other, share opportunities, and advance research in the field of pediatric oncology and hematology.

Facilitators:

• Marcella Mazzenga, Boston Children's Hospital

Discuss the best ways to support and develop the pediatric oncology & hematology staff you oversee with other leaders in the Supervisors, Managers, & Directors SIG. 

Facilitators:

• Caley Nelson, Phoenix Children's Hospital

The Survivorship SIG is a hub for APOSW members focused on supporting cancer survivors. Engage in discussions about treatment guidelines, new resources, and programs enhancing survivors' long-term health and quality of life.

Facilitators:

• Margaret Gossen, Northwestern Medicine

• Lisl Schweers, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles