Meet Our Board Members

I believe a bio should not tell what you’ve done, what you’re doing, or what you want; but rather who you are.

The dream of becoming a doctor haunted my reverie for as long as I can remember. Curing disease, eliminating pain, and making a difference was the most noble thing I felt a person could do. As I approach the fourth decade of my career, that sacred respect which consumed me then, consumes me now. I credit this sustained passion for my work both to the heroic survivors I serve, and the life lessons they have taught me.

I learned just being a great technical doctor was not enough; you had to also care.

• Care enough to get to know your patient’s essence
• Care enough to take a stand against substandard treatment
• Care enough to carry them through the fire
• Care enough to put their interests above your own

I learned the greatest resource for a survivor was another survivor, not their doctor, and that was the driving force behind Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer.

Lastly, I learned four foundational and unmovable pillars which support the temple of my professional philosophy.

• Disseminate information to ensure proper shared decision making
• Engender informality to eradicate fear
• Demand accessibility to abolish health disparities
• Encourage approachability to derive better outcomes

This is who I am!

My professional career has spanned over 30-plus years, all inextricably interwoven in the field of public health. Having a solid foundational background in health, wellness, nutrition and research has allowed me to improve the lives of others but am deeply aware by how quickly things can change. I encourage all to get plenty of nature & fresh air, eat well, create a solid sleep hygiene regimen and be mindful. I’m a passionate lover of Great Danes and an aspiring gardener. Being married to Tom takes lots of energy and it’s quite a joyful ride!

I joined Garnet Health Medical Center (GHMC) in 1997, and became a Registered Nurse in 1998, achieving Oncology Certification in 2001. In 2014, I initiated Nurse Navigation Lung and Head & Neck Oncology Programs. Nurse Navigators support individual patients in a comprehensive manner, helping to navigate a patient’s cancer journey with compassion and support. I also facilitate Lung and Multiple Myeloma Support Groups at GHMC. Some of the highlights of my career include being a national finalist at the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care in Boston in 2014, and being honored by the Cancer Resource Center of the Hudson Valley as a “True Cancer Warrior” in 2019. I have been married to my husband Jim for 43 years and we live with our two dogs Ringo and Huckleberry.

I joined Garnet Health Medical Center in 2005, first as a per diem infusion nurse. I rose up throughout the years, delving into different oncology roles like inpatient, outpatient, radiation oncology and onto my current title of H&N/GI Cancer Navigator. I am a graduate of Chamberlain University, where I attained my BSN and currently enrolled in their Master’s Program-Nurse Executive track. I have been honored to receive CURE’s Extraordinary Healer Award in 2017 and was the 2019 recipient of Garnet Health’s Gratitude Award for volunteer leadership. I currently live in Orange County NY with my husband-Chris and 4 beautiful children. When I’m not busy working or studying for school, you can find me outdoors either hiking, kayaking, gardening or on a beach!

I am the managing partner of my family’s third generation law firm in Newburgh, New York. I was born and raised in Newburgh and attended Cornell University and Albany Law School. I’m a long suffering fan of the New York Knicks, Giants and Mets. I’m thrilled to be a small part of the CROC Nation.

My name is Angel Santana and for over 30 years I have worked in the field of communications. My dream has always been to help others and to do it with a smile on my face. Recently on June 16, 2018 I launched my podcast Have Faith Let it Begin, A show designed for the daily commuter with motivational topics, inspirational stories and personal testimonies set out to change the world. I have been blessed to be the co-host and producer of The Croc Podcast and look forward to future episodes and new beginnings for all to see and enjoy!

Eloise Hickman’s life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to both education and overcoming adversity. Born in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, New York, Eloise’s journey began with a humble yet determined spirit. She laid the foundation for her academic journey at Theodore Roosevelt High School and then embarked on her higher education pursuits, attending Lehman College, setting the stage for her impactful career in teaching. Driven by a thirst for knowledge Eloise continued her academic journey at the City University of New York (CUNY) and then she earned a second Master’s Degree from SUNY New Paltz in Education Administration and Supervision. For nearly three decades, Eloise poured her heart and soul into her role as a High School English teacher in the Enlarged City of Middletown School District.

I have been working in the healthcare field for over 40 years in the area of finance and administration with hospitals serving underserved areas. My goal was to assure that the community would not lose the provision of essential healthcare services. I feel that this opportunity on the CROC Board will provide an extension of a goal to help individuals experiencing a health crisis to have the best service support they can. I have been married 43 years to my wife Diane and we live with our daughter and dog Ozzy.

During my week-day job I develop software and train Artificial Intelligence that matches the best providers for any sourcing need. My weekend job… consists usually of building something. Maybe a Skoolie or maybe repairing frozen pipes. But it’s my night job that allowed me to find CROC and become part of this great team. Designing websites has been a passion of mine for almost 25 years. And when I am not working, I’m happily sharing with my wife transport duties of one of our three kids to some sporting event. It’s a busy life, but I wouldn’t change anything.