Brenda Chambers Johannesen, RN, BSN, HP (ASCP)

Brenda graduated with honors from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, TX with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Brenda was accepted in the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Society, Ambassador's of TTUHSC, Golden Key National Honor Society, TTU and TTUHSC Deans' and Presidents' Lists. Brenda began her career as an ICU nurse with Convenant by the Lakeside (formerly St. Mary's Hospital) in Lubbock. Beginning her career at Medical City Hospital in 2004, she is currently the Manager of the Stem Cell Transplant and Research Program at Medical City Hospital, which provides oversight and management of the 13-bed Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Apheresis, Laboratory, Clinical and Data Coordinators and Program Assistant. Brenda received her certification as a Hemapheresis Practitioner in 2001 through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Since 2003, Brenda has also been an inspector for FACT-JACIE, the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy - Joint Accreditation Committee ISCT EBMT, ensuring quality medical and collection practices in the hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantations programs across the nations. In 2007, Brenda began a three year appointed position to the Collection Standards Committee for FACT-JACIE. Brenda is married and enjoys reading, painting and traveling, both domestic and international.
 

Maria Custodio, BSMT(ASCP)BB

Maria currently serves as Quality Assurance and Stem Cell Laboratory Manager in the transplant program. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines in 1978. She completed Medical Technology training at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri in 1984, and received her certification for medical technology from the American Society of Clinical Pathologist in 1984, and in blood banking in 1991. Maria worked as a medical technologist in the clinical laboratory for 10 years, and in the field of quality assurance/management for 14 years. Maria began at Medical City in 2001 to develop and maintain the quality management program of the Stem Cell Transplantation and Research Program. Maria’s role is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and evaluation of the quality management/performance improvement plan, and maintaining the transplant program’s compliance with regulatory agencies. Since 2003 Maria has been an inspector for the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy ensuring quality medical and laboratory practice in the hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation programs across the nation. Maria claims minimal skill as a tennis player, likes to watch football and basketball, and ballroom dancing is her favorite past time.
 

Kelly graduated with honors in 1992 from UTMB in Galveston with a BS in Nursing, where she was also accepted in the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Society. Kelly worked at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston with childhood cancer patients for three years before accepting a position with the stem cell transplant program here at Medical City in 1995. In 2003 she accepted the stem cell transplant coordinator position. Kelly has more than 16 years experience in oncology and is an active a member of the Oncology Nurses Society and has certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse. As the stem cell transplant coordinator, she incorporates all aspects of the transplant process as well performs searches for unrelated donors for our patients that have no related donors. Her hobbies are gardening and antique shopping, and she loves spending time with her husband and two children.
 
 

Kristin James graduated in 1997 from Baker University in Topeka, Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After graduation she moved to Dallas to and accepted her first nursing position here at Medical City. Kristin attended the oncology/stem cell transplant internship and worked on the stem cell transplant unit for three years. She then traveled as a pediatric oncology/stem cell transplant nurse before coming back to Dallas. Kristin accepted the position of stem cell transplant coordinator in October 2005. She coordinates transplant services for patients and donors, as well as searching for unrelated donors. She follows the patients through the inpatient transplant phase and focuses on education of the patient prior to discharge. Kristin is a member of Oncology Nurses Society and keeps up her bedside nursing and critical care skills by working part-time in the clinical apheresis department. Kristin’s hobbies include traveling, Texas country music and spending time with family and friends. She has been married for six years and has one young son.
 
 

Cynthia B. Johnson, RN, OCN

Cindy gradutated from Brookhaven College in 1994 with an AD in Nursing. She completed her last semester in nursing school here at Medical City Hospital on the adult oncology unit, where she also started her professional career as an RN. In 1998 Cindy accepted the position as the stem cell transplant unit supervisor. Currently she is the special projects coordinator and working on data collection. Cindy collects, reports and inputs data for the CIBMTR/NMDP and the Medical City Program. Cindy has 13 years of oncology experience and 10 years of stem cell transplant experience in both adults and pediatrics. Cindy is an Oncology Certified Nurse, ONS chemotherapy certified and is a member of Oncology Nursing Society and local Dallas ONS Chapter. Cindy's hobbies include traveling, reading and collecting Madame Alexander dolls. She has been married for 33 years, has 3 wonderful children and 3 fantasic grandchildren.
 

Deborah has been a pediatric nurse for 23 years and a pediatric oncology nurse for 18 of those years. In her current position, she coordinates the oncology program, with responsibility for managing patient care and the overall program. Deborah received her BS in Nursing from Truman State University, Missouri in 1981 and her Masters in Nursing-Clinical Specialization from California State University, Fresno in 1992. Deborah has been with Medical City since 1993. In her spare time, Deborah is co-director for Camp Discovery and a beach and baseball fan.
 
 

In 1995, Marchelle Badon earned a B.S. degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana. She completed her training at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. As a technologist, Marchelle has been a generalist in the core laboratory on all shifts. Before joining the team in 2006, her most recent work experience was Transfusion Service and Stem Cell Processing at a pediatric facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. Marchelle’s work philosophy is one of continuous quality improvement in processing stem cells for storage and transplant, data collection and reporting, and donor searches. When she’s not working, Marchelle and her husband keep themselves and their son busy with a wide variety of interests including music, cooking and soccer.
 
 

Heidi graduated from the University of North Texas in 1999 with a BS degree in Medical Technology, as well as a minor in Biology and Chemistry. She joined our Stem Cell Transplant and Research Laboratory staff in May of 2004, after working five years in clinical microbiology. Heidi is responsible for the care of stem cell products coming into the laboratory, including processing and storage. She also helps find HLA matched donors for our patients, and contributes to the continual quality improvement process. Heidi grew up in the DFW area, and lives here with her husband.