561.323.6498
5280 Linton Blvd. Delray Beach , FL 33484
5280 Linton Blvd. Delray Beach , FL 33484
Meet our SFPTI family
We are a family at SFPTI. The staff truly cares about one another, and that sentiment is extended to each of our patients as well. From the moment you walk in, through the day you finish, the SFPTI family will be there for you.
– Tim R. Williams, M.D. Founding Physician Emeritus
-
Dr. Naomi R. Schechter
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Naomi R. Schechter
Radiation Oncologist
Naomi R. Schechter M.D. is a board- certified radiation oncologist at the South Florida Proton Therapy Institute with a broad range of clinical research, patient safety and quality assurance leadership experience and expertise.
She has authored over 50 academic articles in peer-reviewed journals, and over 10 book chapters. She has served as Chair of the Patient Safety Scientific Committee of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), Chair of the Radiation Oncology Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Radiology (ACR), Chair of the Patient Safety Subcommittee of the Council of Affiliated Regional Radiation Oncology Societies (CARROS), Editor of the Patient Safety subsection of the ACR Journal Advisor, and an ACR Radiotherapy Facility Surveyor. Dr. Schechter has also served as Director of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety for the Radiation Therapy Departments of both the University of California, San Francisco, (UCSF) and the University of Southern California (USC), as well as Chair of the Integrated Patient Safety Committee and Co-Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee for Keck Hospital and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Schechter has also served as Chair of the ASTRO History Committee.
Dr. Schechter attended Stanford University, earning a B.S. with distinction in Biological Science and a B.A. with distinction in Psychology. Subsequently, she earned her medical degree from UCSF, and residency and research fellowship training in NYC at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).
Her professional career has spanned the nation, from her first job at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, specializing in Head & Neck, Skin, and Breast Cancer care, to her alma mater UCSF, followed by recruitment to USC and now SFPTI.Members of Dr. Schechter’s family have lived in Florida for over 4 generations. Dr. Schechter is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve patients in Florida at the South Florida Proton Therapy Institute, combining her top-tier training and experience with the unique advantages of the proton therapy technique and the warmth and dedication of the outstanding SFPTI clinical team.
Fun Fact: Dr. Schechter enjoys outdoor oil painting, especially of the gorgeous Florida beaches and the Everglades.
-
Scott A. Gasiorek, M.D.
Medical Director
Scott A. Gasiorek, M.D.
Medical Director
Scott A. Gasiorek, M.D., FACRO, is the Associate Medical Director of SFPTI and has been a board-certified therapeutic and radiation oncologist in Florida, primarily along the Treasure Coast, since 1986. Dr. Gasiorek helped develop several radiation therapy cancer centers in that time and served as Medical Director for many of those facilities.
Dr. Gasiorek is a long-standing member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) as well as member of the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), where was inducted as a fellow (FACRO) for his contributions in the field over the years. He is also a member or past-member of many healthcare organizations including the American Medical Association, American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Florida Medical Association, American College of Radiology, American College of Radiology and American College of Radiation Oncology.
He has also served on various hospital committees, including posts as Cancer Committee Chairman and Radiation Safety Committee Chairman at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, Florida, and the Cancer Committee at St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Dr. Gasiorek was a clinical assistant professor for the Florida State University, College of Medicine from 2010 to 2016.
Dr. Gasiorek is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Miami (1977) and received his M.D. degree from the Medical College of Georgia (1981), where he also took and completed his residency in 1985.
Fun fact: Dr. Gasiorek enjoys scuba diving and snorkeling in exotic locations.
-
Dr. Robert S. Malyapa, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Robert S. Malyapa, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Robert S. Malyapa is an internationally recognized radiation oncologist whose career spans more than three decades across Asia, Europe, and the United States, with a singular and distinguished focus on proton therapy.
Dr. Malyapa became a major figure in proton therapy during his tenure at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute (2005–2014). There, he was the lead physician for tumors of the skull base, spine, head and neck, CNS, and ocular sites, playing a formative role in developing what became one of the world’s premier proton therapy programs.
His global expertise expanded further at the Paul Scherrer Institute (2014–2015) in Switzerland, where he served as Senior Radiation Oncologist and physician-in-charge of the pediatric proton program, working extensively with spot-scanning proton therapy and contributing to European referral networks for complex tumor cases. He then joined the University of Maryland School of Medicine (2015–2019) as Professor of Radiation Oncology, helping launch pencil-beam scanning programs for skull-base, head and neck, CNS, spinal, and pediatric tumors, and leading international clinical outreach and education efforts.
From 2019 to 2024, Dr. Malyapa served as Director of Proton Therapy at the Singapore Institute of Advanced Medicine. Most recently, he completed a specialized fellowship in carbon-ion therapy at MedAustron in Austria (2024–2025), adding heavy-ion clinical training to his portfolio.
Dr. Malyapa has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications across tumor hypoxia, radiobiology, proton therapy outcomes, pediatric oncology, and dosimetry. His invited lectures span every major particle therapy meeting (PTCOG, ESTRO, NASBS), and he has held significant leadership roles in PTCOG, PTCOG-AO, and the North American Skull Base Society.
-
Charles Shang, M.B., M.Sc.
Director of Medical Physics & Radiation Safety Officer
Charles Shang, M.B., M.Sc.
Director of Medical Physics & Radiation Safety Officer
Charles Shang, M.B., M.Sc., DABR, FAAPM is a board certified and licensed medical physicist, and is the Director of Medical Physics and Radiation Safety Officer at SFPTI. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Shang holds diplomates of the American Board of Radiology in therapeutic radiological physics, diagnostic radiological physics and physics of nuclear medicine.
Dr. Shang has been a practicing medical physicist specializing in radiation oncology since 1991 and has served as the Director of Medical Physics of Radiation Oncology and Imaging, and Radiation Safety Officer at cancer centers in South Florida since 1997.
Dr. Shang has held several posts with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) over the years and is currently the Chair of its Asian Oceanic Affairs. He was awarded as Fellow by this organization. He is also an affiliate research professor in the Medical Physics Program at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.
A holder of patents in both the U.S. and China, Dr. Shang is credited with developing the Handhold Body Stereotactic Needle Guide for Interventional Radiology as well as the Patient Support Platform System for Breast Radiation Therapy and Simulation (pending).
Dr. Shang received his Bachelor of Medicine degree from a Medical University in Shanghai, China, Master of Science in Radiation Health/Medical Physics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Postdoctoral Diploma in Radiological and Medical Physics from Rosalind Franklin University Medical School in Chicago. He was instrumental to the earliest clinical adaptions of the modern radioactive seed implant, IMRT, virtual reality simulation, robotic 6D alignment and CyberKnife MLC.
Fun fact: Dr. Shang enjoys playing basketball and beach volleyball, traveling and photography.
-
Ruth Barbir
Radiation Therapist
Ruth Barbir
Radiation Therapist
Having the ability to help others is what led Ruth to pursue a career in the healthcare field, and being part of the radiation therapy team at SFPTI provides an opportunity to see patients complete their treatment journey is the ultimate reward for Ruth.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Seeing how much every member of our staff truly cares about each patient, and how dedicated they are to their wellbeing is inspiring.”
Fun fact: Ruth loves the outdoors and also enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her husband and their dog.
-
Andrew Barbosa
Center Administrator
Andrew Barbosa
Center Administrator
A deep interest in technology and a desire to help others made proton therapy very appealing to Andrew. The opportunity to work with a skilled and caring team that shared his passion for serving others is what led him to SFPTI.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“For me, that’s simple — the staff. There is a genuine and mutual love and respect among everybody here and that absolutely extends to our patients. The staff truly embraces every individual who walks through the door, making it a real place to heal.”
Fun fact: Andrew enjoys playing guitar, spending time outdoors and is a hopeless tinkerer — taking things apart just to see how they work. Hidden talent? He can juggle.
-
Candace Bracken
Registered Nurse
Candace Bracken
Registered Nurse
Candace came to SFPTI because she wanted to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. The advanced technology, experienced team and compassionate care model at SFPTI allow her to provide the ultimate support in patients’ battle to wellness.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“The special bond that we are able to make with our patients makes each day both fulfilling and rewarding.”Fun fact: Friends, family and my four four-legged children fill Candace’s life with love and good times! She also finds that quiet times are best spent with a good movie and popcorn.
-
Ana Castro
Office Administrator
Ana Castro
Office Administrator
Ana has managed a radiation oncology department for nearly two decades and enjoys making a positive impact in patients’ lives during difficult times. She considers it an honor to meet so many wonderful people.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“We treat every patient like a family member, and we receive comments every day about how grateful they are for the care they receive at SFPTI.”Fun fact: Ana likes watching boxing and spending time at the shooting range. Her co-workers say she also has a tendency of driving too fast — a claim she denies.
-
Christina Ducanis
Radiation Therapist
Christina Ducanis
Radiation Therapist
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“I’ve always loved helping people, so this field was a perfect fit for me.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“The excellent patient care.”
Some fun facts about yourself?
“I have a twin and I teach swim lessons every weekend.”
-
Maria Estrada
Registered Nurse
Maria Estrada
Registered Nurse
Maria has been helping patients through their treatment and recovery plans for more than 25 years, and she appreciates being able to positively affect so many lives as a member of the radiation oncology team at SFPTI.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Seeing the courage our patients have and hearing them say how much comfort they feel here is so uplifting. I’m so grateful to see their smiles every day.”
Fun fact: Maria loves dancing and Korean food.
-
Grant Evans
Medical Physicist
Grant Evans
Medical Physicist
A Board-certified and licensed medical physicist, Grant was looking for an opportunity to apply the latest techniques, advances and quality controls. He found it at SFPTI and is grateful to deliver the best level of care possible for cancer patients in Palm Beach County and bring the first-of-its-kind proton therapy system to the community.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Dr. Williams has really worked hard to create a special atmosphere for our patients and for our staff. Every decision is centered around providing the best possible care and the highest standards for our patients.”
Fun fact: Grant is an outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, surfing and scuba diving.
-
Laura Ferber
Radiation Therapist
Laura Ferber
Radiation Therapist
Laura’s interest and passion for healthcare began during her childhood. The daughter of a veterinarian, Laura would help rehabilitate the many different animals that people brought into her father’s practice. Knowing that she was extending or improving the lives of animals and bringing smiles to the faces of those who brought them in was incredibly rewarding for Laura, and it motivated her to pursue a career that enabled her to help people during their most challenging times.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“The idea of using innovative technology and techniques to help patients is what initially attracted me to SFPTI, but the family atmosphere is unbelievable. I get to work with friends everyday, and to be able to help others while in that setting is so special. We have such a wonderful team that genuinely cares about what they do.”
Fun fact: Laura is an avid crafter, specializing in epoxy resin. She also enjoys photography, listening to music, watching movies and reading. Her favorite pastime, however, is spending time and playing with her dog, Reggie.
-
Jill Gioeli
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Jill Gioeli
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
After seeing first-hand how proper diet and exercise positively effectived her mother’s recovery from breast cancer several years ago, Jill was determined to find a career that allowed her to help others find healthy solutions for challenging situations.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Just being there for our patients and providing comfort in knowing they are not alone is extremely important to everyone here at SFPTI. I am grateful that I can support our patients by helping them develop healthier lifestyles that improve their lives during, and after, treatment.”
Fun fact: Jill enjoys staying active and being outdoors, including playing tennis, running, walking and practicing yoga. She also loves gardening and traveling, especially visits to U.S. National Parks.
-
Michelle Heaphy
Registered Nurse
Michelle Heaphy
Registered Nurse
Why did you decide to pursue a career in this industry?
I have been a radiation oncology nurse for over 30 years. I love getting to know my patients and their families through our interactions daily during treatment. Radiation oncology nursing was a calling that found me. I am grateful for the opportunity to join SFPTI.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Our staff is just as supportive of each other as they are with our patients. This culture of caring spills over into the care we give to our patients daily. Patients and their loved ones are our priority and considered part of the SFPTI family.”
Fun fact: I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Florida from Kansas City. I love music and foods from many cultures, cooking, and time with my family. I have a blue and white standard parti-poodle named Cookie. She is a comedian.
-
Scott Johnson
Director of Information Technology
Scott Johnson
Director of Information Technology
Scott was drawn to a career in IT because it was an opportunity to be involved with cutting-edge and rapidly-evolving technologies. The ability to use that knowledge to help improve and save lives is what attracted him to SFPTI.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Almost all of us have personal experience with cancer. Our patients are our family and friends — literally and figuratively — and we want them all to receive the same treatment and outcomes I would wish for my loved ones.”
Fun fact: Scott holds a degree in Criminal Justice and is certified in both behavioral interviewing techniques and interviewing and interrogation techniques.
-
Matt Kligerman
Clinical Applications Specialist
Matt Kligerman
Clinical Applications Specialist
More info coming soon
-
Sheila Lewis
Medical Dosimetrist
Sheila Lewis
Medical Dosimetrist
Sheila works with radiation oncologists and physicists to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. Having a career that allowed her to help others was important, and Sheila has done just that for more than 30 years.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Patients at SFPTI are treated by a caring, compassionate staff of professionals using state-of-the-art equipment and software.”
Fun fact: Sheila is an animal lover and a huge New England Patriots fan — she never misses a game. She also likes going to the beach and amusement parks.
-
Emine Ozbay
Executive Director
Emine Ozbay
Executive Director
Emine has spent several years in both the healthcare administration and human resources fields. She lists working with doctors and patients as the most rewarding aspect of her job, along with resolving complex insurance issues.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Being able to create one-on-one relationships with our clients and having those personal connections is very special for us. It is an honor to have that opportunity every day. We strive to treat our patients and their families as if they were our own. It is not only an honor but a special opportunity to create that one on one, personal connection in a person’s life.”
Fun fact: Emine studied textile design in England and worked in the industry for 18 years before making a career change. She also loves the beach and is a frequent Disney World visitor.
-
Nick Panteles
Facility Manager
Nick Panteles
Facility Manager
Nick has worked in the facility management for more than three decades and he takes pride in knowing that everything he works on makes it easier for other team members to do their jobs, which ultimately benefits the patients at SFPTI.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“It’s both humbling and rewarding to be part of a company that does such meaningful and important work in the community.”
Fun fact: Nick is a big New York Yankees fan and also loves watching football. In fact, he has two cats named Eli and Romo, named after quarterbacks Eli Manning (New York Giants) and Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys). He is a self-described “Disney nut” who also likes Star Wars and going to the beach.
-
Azael Valero Pereira
Radiation Therapist
Azael Valero Pereira
Radiation Therapist
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“I chose oncology because I’ve always wanted a career where I could have a real impact on someone’s life. Helping patients through such a challenging experience is meaningful to me, and the blend of compassion, skill, and purpose in this field is what motivates me.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“Working at SFPTI is special because of the strong sense of teamwork and the positive, supportive environment. Everyone is genuinely committed to providing excellent patient care, and that creates a workplace culture that’s both motivating and enjoyable.”
Fun facts:
Outside of work, I’m a big car enthusiast and enjoy going to car meets and keeping up with the latest sports cars and automotive trends. I also love playing golf, I’ve been at it since I was 11, and I find it to be a great way to relax and challenge myself. On top of that, I enjoy fishing and spending time outdoors, especially when I want to unwind and disconnect.
-
Jesse Perez
Lead Radiation Therapist
Jesse Perez
Lead Radiation Therapist
Jessie sought a career as a radiation therapist after seeing how a cancer team helped his grandmother, and he wanted to impact lives like they did. Seeing patients smile, even during difficult times, validates his decision.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“We really go out of our way to make our patients feel comfortable, so it’s always nice to hear them say we are their second family.”
Fun fact: Jessie is a die-hard sports fan.
-
Jacqueline Pruzan
Registered Nurse
Jacqueline Pruzan
Registered Nurse
Jacqueline has been a nurse for more than 25 years and, in addition to radiation oncology, has worked in breast reconstruction and as a breast nurse navigator. Helping patients throughout their journey is most rewarding for her.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“Our staff has genuine compassion for all of our patients and their families, and we are dedicated to making sure they receive the best possible care and leave here feeling stronger.”
Fun fact: When she’s not working, Jacqueline likes watching sports, reading, listening to music and exercising.
-
Salina Ramirez
Radiation Therapist \ Research Coordinator
Salina Ramirez
Radiation Therapist \ Research Coordinator
Salina joined chose a career in healthcare because she wanted to help people feel better and have happier, healthier lives. That was 20 years ago, and she feels as strongly about it today as she did then.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“When patients come into our facility they feel a sense of comfort and security. We are a family here and our patients are definitely a part of it.”
Fun fact: Salina has a black belt in karate and spends most of her free time with her husband watching their two daughters play softball.
-
Jessica Rodgers
Billing Insurance Coordinator
Jessica Rodgers
Billing Insurance Coordinator
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“I desired to work in Oncology to bring a glimpse of light and a smile to patients that may be in a dark space. I believe that doing all I can to assist cancer patients is a tribute to my father, who passed away from lung cancer legacy.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“What makes SFPTI special is that I am allowed to be my motivational self. My goal is to express contagious positivity daily.”
Fun facts:
I am an award-winning poetry writer.
-
Marci Rupert
Patient Access Representative
Marci Rupert
Patient Access Representative
Marci has worked in the healthcare profession since 1984 and considers it a privilege to provide patients with important information about their treatment plans, while answering any questions and addressing any concerns they might have.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“It’s very important to us that our patients never feel like just a number. We want to be sure they are always treated with compassion, and that they know how much we care about them.”
Fun fact: Marci won tickets to Super Bowl XXIII at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami. She is not a football fan and doesn’t remember what teams were playing, but she does remember getting her picture taken with Kevin Costner (the San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16).
-
Jen Sckolnik
Medical Dosimetrist
Jen Sckolnik
Medical Dosimetrist
For more than 13 years, Jen has helped patients get through a very scary time in their lives. Being there for the men and women who come to SFPTI helps satisfy Jen’s passion for helping others.
What makes SFPTI so special?
“I can see that our patients feel very comfortable in our office, and they know they are receiving great care.”
Fun fact: Jen loves to travel with her husband and daughter. They choose a new city every year to visit and explore.
-
Courtney Stewart
Medical Dosimetrist
Courtney Stewart
Medical Dosimetrist
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“Growing up my mother was an Oncology nurse, so I was exposed to this field my entire life. Then, like many of us, I unfortunately watched my grandfather go through cancer treatments and from that point on I knew I wanted to help patients and their families in their own time of need. I have been lucky enough to do just that for the last decade and it has been extremely rewarding.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“Every single team member truly cares about our patients and our goals here. Each of us brings a unique set of talents and skills, coupled with attentive, compassionate care and cutting-edge technology, which I believe sets us apart from others.”
Fun facts:
“I have an identical twin sister and am very close with my family although we are spread out around the US. I was born and raised right here in Florida, however my favorite thing to do is travel with my husband, I have been to 18 countries and counting! In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, trying new restaurants and watching movies.”
-
Anjelee Tanis
Registered Nurse
Anjelee Tanis
Registered Nurse
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“I have always been drawn to the field of oncology because of the opportunity it provides to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others as a registered nurse. The prospect of being able to help patients and their families challenging times, and contribute to advancements in cancer research and treatment, is truly inspiring to me.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“The cutting-edge technology of proton therapy being used at this facility set it apart from the rest. The staff’s friendliness and experiencing the collaborative environment of teamwork and support. The excellence of the staff’s patient-centered care of compassion and personalization care to patients makes it a rewarding place to work.”
Fun facts:
I go by the name Lee. I enjoy travelling near or far and experiencing new food, people, and things. In my free time I indulge in floral design, abstract art and roller skating. I love listening to music. I am also a dog lover.
-
Rudy Weber
Radiation Therapist
Rudy Weber
Radiation Therapist
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“I chose radiation oncology because my mother’s battle with cancer, and ultimately her passing, inspired me to pursue this field. Her strength and the care she received shaped my commitment to giving every patient the same quality of treatment I’d want for my own family.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“SFPTI’s collaborative culture and dedication to excellence create an environment where both patients and staff are supported, encouraged, and cared for at the center.”
Fun facts:
When I’m not at the clinic, you’ll likely find me watching sports of all kinds, listening to music, or diving into something historical —books, films, or podcasts.
-
Riley Wright
Radiation Therapist
Riley Wright
Radiation Therapist
What made you want to work in Oncology?
“I started my healthcare career in diagnostic imaging and always wanted to do more for my patients. With that in mind, I directed my career towards oncology where I could do more for the patients. Here, I am involved on a day-to-day basis and have more of a positive impact in their treatments.”
What makes SFPTI special?
“The staff and overall positivity everyone brings with them. The willingness to help not only the patients but also each other makes this a truly kind and caring center.”
Fun facts:
Outside of work you can find me with my family at the beach, enjoying the water, paddle boarding somewhere, working on my car, in the gym, or in the books learning more. Always listing to music.
