Meet the Oncology Team

Megan Duckett, DVM, DACVIM (Medical Oncology)

Dr. Megan Duckett began her veterinary career in a comparative oncology research lab at the University of Minnesota. While the laboratory experience proved invaluable, Dr. Duckett realized she was most passionate about directly caring for patients and connecting with owners in the clinic. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota and subsequently completed a rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Duckett then returned to the University of Minnesota for a medical oncology residency and served as chief resident in her final year. In 2019, she won an ACVIM resident research award for her project evaluating alpha- and beta-blockers (common cardiovascular drugs) as potential radiation sensitizers. She continues to foster a strong interest in the translation of research from the laboratory bench to the oncology clinic. Dr. Duckett is excited to help care for the pets of Boston as part of a comprehensive medical and radiation oncology team. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and international travel with her family.

EDUCATION

University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2015
University of Wisconsin-Madison, BS in Zoology, 2006

SPECIALTY TRAINING

University of Minnesota, Residency in Medical Oncology, 2016-2019
Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, 2015-2016

CERTIFICATION

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), 2020

Lyndsay Kubicek, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology)

Dr. Kubicek specializes in cancers treated with radiation therapy with an emphasis on maintaining good quality of life for patients. Prior to joining Angell, Dr. Kubicek developed the radiation program at the University of Florida where she was a clinical assistant professor and the University’s first radiation oncologist. Dr. Kubicek leads Angell’s radiation therapy program. Angell’s radiation therapy options include palliative and definitive therapies using photon and electron beams. Dr. Kubicek is an advocate of proactive pain control and has extensive training in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). IMRT minimizes side effects by sculpting the radiation treatment beam to the exact size and dimensions of the tumor. SRS delivers high doses of radiation using a precise beam to the site of the tumor. The high dosage allows for fewer treatment sessions (3 or 4 instead of 18-20). Beyond the technology, Dr. Kubicek loves working in oncology because of the relationships she builds with clients and patients. She also relishes Angell’s interdisciplinary approach to helping patients.

EDUCATION

Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince Edward Island, Canada, DVM, 2008
Northeastern University, BS in Medical Laboratory Science, 2004

SPECIALTY TRAINING

University of Wisconsin, Residency in Radiation Oncology, 2010-2012
University of Wisconsin, Oncology Clinical Trial Internship, 2009-2010
University of Wisconsin, Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, 2008-2009

CERTIFICATION

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology (Radiation Oncology), 2013

Ji-In Lee, DVM

Dr. Lee received her degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee in 2015, followed by a small animal rotating internship at the University of Minnesota in 2016. Most recently, she completed a residency in medical oncology at the University of California, Davis in 2019. She has a special interest in hematopoietic cancers, particularly lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and targeted therapies, including small molecule inhibitors and novel immunotherapies. In her free time, Dr. Lee enjoys yoga, cooking and eating. She is excited to explore the Boston area and cheer on the numerous sports teams!

EDUCATION
University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2015

SPECIALTY TRAINING
University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Residency in Medical Oncology, 2019
University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Rotating Internship, 2016

J. Lee Talbott, DVM, DACVIM (Medical Oncology)

Dr. Talbott earned her veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 followed by a small animal rotating internship in Denver, Colorado at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital from 2011-2012. Dr. Talbott received advanced training in medical oncology at the University of Florida, as part of a comprehensive oncology department that combined the use of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists – one of only two academic training programs in the U.S. to offer this type of oncologic training. Dr. Talbott was board certified in medical oncology in 2016 and is passionate about collaborating with Angell’s team of specialists in order to use a multi-modal cancer treatment approach including immunotherapy, optimized nutrition and integrative medical therapies for pain management and palliation, in addition to traditional treatments utilizing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. It is an exciting time to be in the field of veterinary oncology especially with the advancement of molecularly targeted drug therapy for treatment of cancer in our companion animals.

EDUCATION
Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2011
Pennsylvania State University, BS in Animal Sciences, 2004

SPECIALTY TRAINING
University of Florida, Residency in Medical Oncology, 2012-2015
Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, 2011-2012

CERTIFICATION

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), 2016

Jillian Walz, DVM, DACVIM (Medical Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)

Dr. Jillian Walz earned her veterinary degree from Ohio State University, and went on to do a rotating internship at The Animal Medical Center. After completing a medical oncology residency at University of Minnesota, she became board certified in medical oncology. Dr. Walz then returned to Ohio State and completed an additional residency in radiation oncology. In the clinic, her goal is to use both her medical oncology and radiation oncology training to generate a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. She has extensive training in advanced radiotherapy techniques such as volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT/SBRT).Outside of work, Dr. Walz enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and flying trapeze.

Education
Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2013

Specialty Training
Ohio State University, Veterinary Medical Center, Residency in Radiation Oncology, 2017-2019
University of Minnesota, Veterinary Medical Center, Residency in Medical Oncology, 2014-2017
The Elmer & Mamdouha Bobst Veterinary Teaching Hospital, The Animal Medical Center, Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, 2013-2014

Certification
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Radiation Oncology), 2019
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), 2017

Rachel Crawford, CVT, Oncology Technician

Kayla DeMelo, Radiation Therapy Anesthesia Assistant

Kayla started out at Angell working as an oncology attendant, and eventually decided she wanted to do more. After training with the surgery department, she moved to her new position as Radiation Anesthesia Assistant. Her duties include induction, monitoring, and post-radiation recovery of patients receiving radiation treatment. Currently Kayla is enrolled in an online program with San Juan College working toward her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology. She plans to take the VTNE next year to earn her CVT and continue her career at Angell. She lives at home with her 3 cats, Roland, Valley, and Elliot. In her free time she enjoys binge-watching Netflix and crocheting scarves for oncology patients who have VAPs (vascular access ports) during their treatment.

Karina Garcia, Radiation Technician I

Karina joined the Angell Oncology Team in June 2017, after she graduated from Mount Ida College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Technology. Soon after graduation, she has become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). Karina interned with our surgery department for one of her internships and assisted in the radiation therapy department and fell in love with the patients and the care each member of the team provided for their patients. Karina lives in Chelsea, MA with her family and two cats, Betty and Gizmo. In her free time she enjoys watching multiple television shows on Netflix, crocheting scarfs for her patients with VAP’s, and spending time with her family.

Kaitlyn Kennedy, Radiation Therapy Assistant

Katie grew up in Verona, VA and graduated from University of New England in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. She joined the team here at Angell in May 2017 as Dr. Kubicek’s assistant. While not at work, she plays rugby with the Charles River team and enjoys spending time with her Caique parrot.

Jamie Latchaw, Oncology Technician

Jamie graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, SC in May 2018. She previously completed an externship at Angell the year before, and after graduation decided to come back to join the Oncology team. Jamie passed her VTNE in August and is excited to start her career as a Certified Veterinary Technician here at Angell. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her cat, Gilbert Eugene.

Gabby Meehan, CVT, Oncology Technician

Gabby began working in the veterinary field in 2010 after high school in upstate New York. From there she went to Mount Ida College for Veterinary Technology and became a CVT soon after graduating. Gabby lives in Boston with her husband, two dogs, and two special needs cats. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her four legged babies and can usually be found on any beach.

Sam Mo, Oncology Attendant

Sam joined our team in June 2019 as our Oncology Attendant and works with patients in radiation therapy and medical oncology. As a high school student she volunteered at the Adoption Center. She then worked at a dog daycare, grooming, and walking company for 7 years. She plans on continuing her education and completing a veterinary technology program to become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). She lives in Dorchester with her partner and two cats, Abbi and Ilana. In her free time she enjoys camping and going to art museums.

Xuan Nguyen, Radiation Oncology Assistant

Xuan is from Albuquerque, NM and moved to Massachusetts to attend Amherst College, where she graduated in May 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. Before coming to Angell, Xuan worked in animal care for laboratory mice and interned at the Franklin Park Zoo. In her free time, Xuan enjoys going for walks and dreams of having chickens one day.

Kristen Tefft, CVT, VTS (EEC), Specialty Technician and Assistant Supervisor

Kristen started working in the veterinary field in 2006. She graduated from Great Bay Community College in 2009 with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology and obtained her VTS in Emergency Critical Care in 2017. Kristen began her career at Angell in 2011 as a Critical Care Unit Technician and was promoted in 2012 to an Emergency Critical Care Unit Supervisor. In 2019, she transitioned to Supervisor of Specialty Technicians and Assistants. When Kristen is not at Angell she enjoys drawing/ painting and spending time with her friends, family, and dog, Lylah.

Nicole Wilson, Oncology Attendant

Nicole grew up in Galway, Ireland and moved to the US in 2017 after graduating from NUIG with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology. She hopes to advance to receiving my VTC in the coming years at Angell. In her free time Nicole loves to cook, paint, and look after her dog, Rocco.

Todd Daniels, Client Care Coordinator, Oncology

Todd began working at Angell in December of 2011 after working for over eleven years as a manager and diving instructor at a scuba diving store. Todd began his work with us as a Primary Care Attendant, he then moved on to work as a Critical Care Unit Attendant and an Inpatient Assistant before taking his current role in June of 2016. Todd joined the Client Care Coordinator team to work with the Surgery, Oncology, and General Medicine services.  In his spare time, Todd still enjoys scuba diving and teaching new diving students.  He also enjoys spending time with his two “kids,” a Black Lab named Jack and a Bassett Hound named Sarge.  Todd is a hopeless television-aholic and does not plan to seek treatment.

Kerianne Durgin, Client Care Coordinator, Oncology, Avian and Exotics

Kerianne first joined Angell in 2017 as a Client Care Specialist. In August 2018, she moved to her current positon as a Client Care Coordinator, working with our Oncology and Avian/Exotic services. Kerianne graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2016 with a Business and Sociology Degree. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, and most of all spending time with her Pit Bull, Mylee.

Stacey Escalante, Client Care Coordinator, Oncology

Stacey graduated from the University of Southern California in 2009 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. After moving to Boston from California in January 2012, Stacey joined Angell as a Client Liaison, before becoming Secretary for the Angell Avian/Exotics and Oncology teams. In January of 2015, Stacey assumed her current role as Client Care Coordinator for the Oncology services.

Rachael Donnelly, Oncology Secretary

After her cat was treated by the emergency department at Angell, Rachael began volunteering at the hospital and joined the staff as a Client Liaison in February of 2012. She moved to her current role as Oncology Secretary in September of 2017. Rachael lives in Boston with her two cats, Manny and Oliver, and her dachshund Special Agent Dale Cooper.  Outside of work, she enjoys surfing and playing on the beach with her dog.