ECHO Cohort 1: Alberta & NWT

Managing Pain: Lauren Capozzi (PhD, MD, Clinical and Postdoctoral Fellow, Cancer Rehabilitation; CSEP-CEP)

Lauren Capozzi is a Cancer Physiatrist and the Provincial Medical Director of Cancer Rehabilitation at BC Cancer. As a physician, clinical exercise physiologist, and researcher, she is dedicated to improving physical function and quality of life for individuals affected by cancer. Her research focuses on identifying physical impairments and inactivity early after diagnosis and developing strategies to ensure timely access to rehabilitation and exercise support.

Clinically, Dr. Capozzi works with patients experiencing pain and functional challenges due to cancer and its treatment, helping them regain strength, independence, and well-being. She has delivered over 100 presentations and published more than 80 articles and abstracts in cancer rehabilitation medicine. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award.

Managing Life Roles: Amy Driga (OTD, MSOT, BOT)

Amy Driga is a proud occupational therapist with a keen interest in occupational therapy advocacy and the optimization of “life role” participation for the many people she serves. Her career has included extensive experience in oncology rehabilitation practice: inpatient, outpatient, outreach, and interdisciplinary specialty clinics. In addition, she has experience with ortho/neuro subacute, medical legal, pediatric and continuing care areas of practice. She currently provides practice leadership for two provincial programs: one that supports clinical research opportunities for novice researchers, and one that leverages technology to enhance virtual care for those living in rural and remote regions. Her clinical doctorate explored connections between stress and cancer-related cognitive impairment, and the occupational therapy role therein. She teaches interdisciplinary rehabilitation module courses at University of Alberta in both palliative care and oncology. She is pleased to be included in this ECHO Hub and looks forward to the engagement, sharing and learning with and from the group.

Managing Fatigue: Naomi Dolgoy (PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta)

Naomi Dolgoy is an Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta and a practicing Occupational Therapist with Alberta Health Services. Naomi completed a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia, a Doctorate and Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the University of Alberta, and Certified Lymphatic Therapist training through the Norton School of Lymphatics. Her research focuses on functional outcomes following a cancer diagnosis.  IO]

Lymphedema & Skin Care: Lori Radke (BScPT, CLT)

Lori Radke BScPT, CLT, is a physiotherapist and certified lymphedema therapist who coordinated the Rehabilitation Oncology program in Calgary, AB from 2009-2021. She currently works at the cancer and non-cancer lymphedema clinics in Calgary and Lethbridge on a casual basis. She has presented at local, provincial and national lymphedema conferences, participated in lymphedema research projects, and is a clinical assistant with the oncology labs for the U of A physical therapy program. Lori has volunteered on the editorial board of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework Pathways magazine since 2017. When not working, Lori enjoys the mountain life in Canmore and a good game of pickleball!

Sexual Function: Lauren Walker (PhD; Adjunct Associate Professor, Departments of Oncology and Psychology, University of Calgary)

Dr. Lauren Walker is a registered psychologist in Alberta and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, in the Departments of Oncology and Psychology. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2013 and completed a Clinical Fellowship at the Tom Baker, specializing in Oncology and Sexuality in 2015. Dr. Walker established the University of Calgary’s Oncology Sexual Health Lab in 2015 and maintains an active research program.  She was the 2022 recipient of the Department of Oncology’s Research Excellence Award. She has written 60 peer reviewed articles on psychosocial and sexual adaptation to cancer. Dr. Walker is also the Director of a group private practice – Walker Psychological – which specializes in sexuality and intimate relationships in the community. 

Nutrition Considerations: Lindsay Lee (RD)

Lindsay is a Registered Dietitian who completed her BSc with a Major in Nutrition from the University of Alberta and graduated from the combined Dietetic Internship program in 2008. She has been a Clinical Dietitian with Alberta Health Services since 2009 with a focus on cancer care since 2012 at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. During her 13 years in oncology nutrition, she has been fortunate to work with a variety of patients; however, Lindsay has specialized in working primarily with breast cancer patients and contributing to provincial nutrition resources and educational groups. As a self-described “foodie”, she has a passion for helping her patients sift through misinformation so they can have a positive relationship with food and feel confident they are nourishing themselves well when living with and beyond cancer. 

Managing Pain: George Francis (PhD; Clinical Associate Professor, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Oncology, University of Calgary)

Dr. George Francis is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences as well as the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. His inpatient practice includes cancer rehabilitation at the Foothills Medical Centre, as well as general rehabilitation consults at the Peter Lougheed Centre. His outpatient practice includes cancer rehabilitation at the Holy Cross Hospital, brain injury rehabilitation through the Calgary Brain Injury Clinic, and electromyography at the Rockyview General Hospital. He completed his medical degree at the University of Alberta (2011) and his specialty training there in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in 2016. He has also completed a clinical fellowship in cancer rehabilitation at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas (2017)

Managing Emotions: Jill Turner (PhD; Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta)

Dr. Jill Turner is a Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in psychosocial oncology. She has supported individuals and families across the cancer continuum—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and palliative care. Jill has held leadership roles within CancerCare Alberta, including leading Supportive Care Services (North), encompassing psychosocial care, rehabilitation, sexual health, adolescent and young adult (AYA) programs, and Indigenous Navigation. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Currently, Jill also specializes in working with individuals who work in high stress and complex work environments, such as first responders, physicians, health care workers, and teachers, who have unique workplace stressors and work/life balance concerns. 

Exercise Considerations: Tanya Williamson (PhD; Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta)

Tanya Williamson is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) and the Project Coordinator of the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) program in Calgary and Southern Alberta. She has worked in exercise oncology within the Health & Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary for over 17 years and continues to pursue the inclusion of exercise oncology as a sustainable program within the cancer system. She also has clinical exercise experience in cardiac rehab, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, and complex pain management. As a University of Calgary alumni, she proudly collaborated on numerous studies throughout her career in the Health & Wellness Lab. 

David Langelier (BSc, MSc, MD, FRCPC, Dip CSCN (EMG); Assistant Professor, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences & Oncology, University of Calgary) 

Dr. David Langelier is the Medical Lead of the Alberta Cancer Physiatry Program at the Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary. His clinical practice focuses on managing functional impairments and improving quality of life for individuals across the cancer continuum. His academic interests include cancer rehabilitation surveillance models, exercise promotion in advanced and metastatic cancer populations, and medical education in cancer survivorship. Dr. Langelier holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and has additional certification in electrodiagnostic medicine.