Board & Staff
NCC Board of Directors — Committed to Reducing the Impact of Cancer in Nevada
Stacey spent more than two decades as a broadcast reporter and was well-known in the Las Vegas market when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma. Since her diagnosis she has been on a mission to save lives by educating others about skin cancer. She travels to Washington D.C. to advocate at the national level and was part of the release of the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Skin Cancer. At the state level she has helped to pass several laws to reduce skin cancer risk and helped NCC to launch Sun Smart Nevada.
Chelsea Bishop is a native Nevadan, registered nurse and mom. Her daughter, Navy, is her inspiration in using her voice to help those going through cancer treatments. Navy fought stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma for over 6 years before passing away in 2021 at the age of 9. Chelsea is an advocate for children’s health care in Nevada working with Act 4 Kids Nevada and is a parent ambassador with Children’s Advocacy Alliance.
Dr. Cohen is a retired medical oncologist. He was an English major and art history minor as an undergraduate before deciding that wasn’t his path. Instead, Dr. Cohen became a third-generation physician, graduating from Js Weill Medical College, Cornell University, training at Memorial Sloan Kettering, UCSF and Stanford. He has practiced medicine for five decades and says, “My philosophy is that the patient comes first. It’s all about the patient.”
Melissa is a licensed Benefit Solutions Consultant with more than 15 years of experience assisting employers and HR professionals with comprehensive employee benefit solutions. She is passionate about health and holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is a graduate of the Washoe County Medical Society’s Mini-Internship Program and the Reno Sparks Chamber Leadership Program. She will also serve as president of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
Kim Dupuis’ experience in Healthcare spans for more than 40 years and currently holds the position of Oncology Development Director and Rectal Cancer Program Coordinator for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. She oversees the Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accreditations for Sunrise Hospital. Kim has a passion and commitment for all patients requiring healthcare and works diligently to support the needs of her patients. In 2022, she received NCC's Healthcare Partner of the Year award. Kim is a proud parent of three children and three grandchildren. In her free-time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Kimberly S Johnson, MHA CPHQ has over 30 years of healthcare experience. Having worked at health plans in provider relations, credentialing, claims, contracting, marketing, and healthcare delivery in clinical practice management and hospitals, Kim has a thorough understanding of the healthcare system. Using 14 years of NCQA experience, she is now working with a nationally recognized healthcare consulting firm to support health plans and other healthcare entities achieve excellent NCQA and URAC scores. Kim received her master’s degree in healthcare administration at UNLV and is certified in healthcare quality. When not working, Kim loves to hike, garden, and watch various sports with her husband, Pat.
Dr. Levin practiced a wide range of general surgery for several years and saw firsthand the devastating toll that cancer takes on patients, families and the healthcare system. Though she loved patient care, she developed an interest in the business of medicine and our healthcare system due to frustrations she experienced in clinical practice. Over time she transitioned full-time into non-clinical roles and now serves as a medical director for the Anthem NV Medicaid health plan. This role allows her to influence healthcare on a larger scale, striving to make it efficient and accessible to all Nevadans.
Dr. Levin is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. When not hard at work, she enjoys hiking, skiing and traveling with her husband and two daughters. She has lived in Las Vegas since 2012, enjoying all the southwest has to offer.
Tom has been involved with NCC since its inception in 2002 and has been a valuable member of the cancer control community by advocating for policies at both the state and national level. He served for more than 12 years as the Government Relations Director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network before retiring. He continues to work on a variety of issues related to cancer, chronic disease and palliative care. He received his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law and has a BA and MA in Mass Communication and Media Studies.
Dr. Mehta is the Director of Interventional Pulmonology at the Lung Center of Nevada, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers and also the Department Chair of Pulmonology at MountainView Hospital, both in Las Vegas, NV. He is fellowship trained in Interventional Pulmonology, which specializes in the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions.
He has authored and reviewed various published scholarly articles. and served as faculty at international conferences. He is a recipient of the prestigious FCCP (Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians) designation from CHEST (American College of Chest Physicians), serves on the Nevada Leadership Board of the American Lung Association (ALA) and is the Founder of the Nevada Lung Foundation, which is his personal philanthropic effort to improve lung health (& lung cancer screening in particular) in Nevada. For his work, he was recognized by Vegas Inc. with their 40 under 40 award in 2023.
His growing interest and consulting expertise lies in the application of artificial intelligence in pulmonology especially in early stage medtech ventures. He is also the founder of Pulmonary.aI
Annie Millard recently retired as the Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator at Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. Annie’s healthcare education began as a nurse aide. She progressed to LPN and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and MBA. She has experience in Oncology, PACU, Pre-op, ER, ICU, Telemetry and Med-Surg nursing. Annie most recently obtained her certification as a Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and provides clinical trial education to facilitate clinical trial enrollment.
Dr. Charles St. Hill was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended UC Berkeley where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology: Immunology in 1997. After matriculating to USC’s Keck School of Medicine in 2001 for his medical doctorate, he completed a general surgery residency here in Las Vegas at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) in 2010. During this time, he developed a passion for the treatment of patients with cancer as well as research to improve their outcomes. He completed fellowships in Surgical Oncology and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical Trials Design at the University of Louisville in 2012. He then returned to join the faculty at UNR Med where he was dedicated to expanding the surgical oncology practice, developing a clinical and translational research program, as well as teaching the resident and student physicians.
In 2017, he transitioned to the inaugural Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV faculty to add his expertise in cancer care, research, and teaching. He offers patients with complex cancer of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas access to minimally invasive resection techniques that are not widely available here.
He participates in the Society of Surgical Oncology Hepatopancreatobiliary Disease workgroup that develops guidelines for the treatment of these diseases. He also serves on the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Research Committee and develops consensus statements on the management of relevant diseases. Locally, he serves as the chair of UMC’s Robotic Steering Committee and Cancer Liaison for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Cancer program at Sunrise Hospital.
NCC Staff — Working to Fulfill Our Mission Every Day
Cari joined NCC as its first Executive Director and staff in September 2011. For more than 25 years, she has built and led organizations and coalitions focused on protecting and improving the health of Nevadans. Cari received her MBA from University of Nevada, Reno. She is an avid runner and marathoner and mom to twin girls now attending college.
Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 101 | EMAIL
Kristen champions cancer control by keeping NCC’s communications sharp, strategic, and unmistakably on brand. As communications director, she makes sure every message is clear, concise and impactful, whether she’s crafting a single social media post, drafting objectives for an upcoming webinar, or steering the creation of an 84-page statewide cancer plan.
When she’s not editing with ruthless efficiency or color-coding another data visualization, Kristen is usually traveling, visiting antique stores, exploring the outdoors, or editing with ruthless efficiency at her side hustle.
Her Why: "Cancer has affected my family in deeply personal ways, from diagnoses to losses, and it’s hard to watch others suffer the same. Working at NCC lets me turn that personal experience into meaningful action."
Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 105 | EMAIL
Michelle is a highly organized, detail-oriented Operations Manager with over 20 years of accounting experience. She excels in managing budgets, reconciling accounts, monitoring expenditures and preparing reimbursement requests while ensuring accurate documentation and timely financial reports. She's also an ace at keeping the NCC team organized and running smoothly.
When she’s not analyzing and classifying financial transactions, she is usually supporting her teammates with outreach efforts, traveling, spending time with her husband and family, cooking, camping, skiing, hiking, reading and enjoying the outdoors with her two fur babies.
Her Why:
"Cancer has affected most everyone I know, including my loved ones. Being part of an organization that cares and helps to reduce the incidences and burdens of cancer is very rewarding."
Amy joined NCC in March 2020, bringing with her a deep commitment to compassionate, person‑centered care. A proud Native Nevadan, she blends her background as an Oncology Certified Registered Nurse and Certified Breast Nurse Navigator with a public health lens—bridging clinical knowledge with community needs to ensure every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered. With years of experience guiding patients and families through some of their most vulnerable moments, Amy is dedicated to strengthening survivorship pathways that honor both medical realities and human stories. She is passionate about creating programs and opportunities that equip individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and voice they need to navigate their health journey, while also supporting those working in health care roles. A compassionate connector, Amy thrives in collaborative environments and finds joy in mentoring and uplifting others in similar positions.
Amy is a proud wife and mom. Outside of work, she finds joy in creativity and exploration—traveling, dancing, reading, writing, yoga, and spending meaningful time with her family and friends.
Her Why: “Cancer has touched people I love and those I’ve had the privilege to care for. No one chooses cancer, and its impact reaches all of us in some way. I strive to be a positive presence in the midst of an experience that can feel overwhelming and uncertain.”
Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 106 | EMAIL
Lily Helzer is a native Nevadan, a graduate from the UNR School of Public Health, and has enjoyed her varied career in Nevada public health efforts supporting chronic disease prevention and control initiatives. She had the good fortune to work alongside NCC for a number of years before officially joining in February 2023. Lily spends as much time outside as she can manage, traveling, hiking, trail running, camping, snowshoeing and skiing, often accompanied by her son and husband.
Phone: (775) 451-1670 ext. 103 | EMAIL
Sarah is dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection educational outreach, connecting Nevadans with information and resources they need to live healthier lives. As the community engagement manager, she ensures NCC’s presence in the community at outreach events and educational tabling opportunities ranging from baseball games and festivals to community health fairs and more. She also oversees our volunteer efforts, working with Nevadans of all ages to help them become a part of NCC's work.
When she is not planning or attending outreach events, she is hanging out with her new baby boy, exploring the great outdoors, or she has her nose buried in a good Thriller/ Fantasy book.
Her Why: “Cancer has sunk its gnarly teeth in both friends and family. I want to educate as many Nevadans as I can on the importance of prevention and early detection to save lives.”
Phone: 775-451-1670 x104 | EMAIL
Valerie supports NCC by leading the Oncology Patient Navigation Network and overseeing ThriveNV. As a patient navigator, she helps reduce barriers for individuals navigating cancer care or seeking screening services. She also works alongside community health workers and partners to improve access to cancer screening, education, and supportive services, with a strong focus on equity and community-driven solutions.
When she’s not supporting community-based programs, Valerie enjoys spending time with her little family and their dog, Luna, and exploring local coffee shops in search of the perfect cup.
Her Why:
"Cancer has deeply impacted my family, my aunts are breast cancer survivors, and I lost an uncle to cancer. That experience drives my commitment to helping others navigate care and access the support they need."
As NCC’s Lung Screening Program Manager, Kayla works alongside experts from University of Kentucky and University of Colorado to help facilitate and implement the QUILS (Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening) project in Nevada. She has taken on this important roll to educate, support, and unite health professionals throughout the lung screening continuum, to increase early detection rates, and to de-stigmatize lung cancer screening.
When she is not advocating for lung cancer awareness with our partner organizations and connecting with healthcare providers, Kayla can be found indulging in shopping, pampering herself, exercising, crafting, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Her Why: “I am passionate about helping people. I have a background as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and have been able to change lives on an individual basis since 2018. Once I had the opportunity to be involved in shifting health behaviors and attitudes on a wider scale, I could not resist taking on the role. Furthermore, my family has been heavily affected by cancer mortality, and this work allows me to better understand my family’s needs and discover different ways to support them.”
Phone: 775-451-1670, ext. 109 | EMAIL