Speaker Bios

THE ULTIMATE IBC MEET UP SPEAKERS

Mark V Schaverien, MB ChB, MD, MSc, MEd, FRCS (Plast)

An expert in complex reconstruction and microsurgery, in particular breast reconstruction and lymphedema surgery, Dr. Mark Schaverien received his Board Certification from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in the UK. His expertise and experience enabled him to join the faculty in the Department of Plastic Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where he is an Associate Professor. Dr. Schaverien has over 100 publications and 60 invited national and international presentations.

After receiving his medical degrees from the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Schaverien completed his Plastic Surgery training in the UK, during which he undertook a clinical research fellowship in the Department of Plastic Surgery at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He completed four clinical fellowships including in Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He was elected as a Hunterian Professor by the Royal College of Surgeons in England and was an Attending Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in the UK.

Additionally, Dr. Schaverien is an active researcher with interests in outcomes and translational research, including funded research in lymphedema surgery, and he is Co-Director of Translational Research. He is an Associate Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Member of American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery.

Diane Koster, Founder of Lindsay’s Legacy Fund

Diane’s daughter, Lindsay Thul, was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer at the young age of 28. She died just 10 short months later. She was was strong, brave, funny & fun, a loving daughter, sister, niece, cousin, granddaughter, auntie, and loyal friend. Lindsay inspired Diane to start Lindsay’s Legacy Fund to help provide financial assistance to families with financial issues get prompt, expert medical attention required to diagnose and treat IBC.

Diane is also co-author of Lindsay’s Legacy: A Mother’s Memories

Marc A Miller, Senior Physical Therapist

Dr. Marc Miller, Certified Lymphedema Physical Therapist, Senior Physical Therapist

Marc Miller, PhD Is board certified in specialty for lymphedema and is part of the Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer team at MD Anderson.

Amy Pitman

Amy Pitman is a 21-year IBC Survivor. January 2002, Amy was diagnosed with IBC at the age 37 years old. She was a single mom with a 9-year-old daughter. During cancer, she lived with a positive attitude, prayers, family and friend support, and laughter. With cancer, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. Amy chose to focus on the good. She met new friends, learned a lot about cancer, and became closer to God.

After cancer, her life has changed but she is healthy, has two precious grandchildren, lots of friends and lives life to the fullest.

Angela Alexander, PhD

Angela Alexander is the Clinical Trial Coordinator with the Morgan Welch IBC Research Program and Clinic and MD Anderson.

Martha Van Dam

Approach and Values

Martha approaches her client’s discomfort and pain with compassion coupled with competent, experienced, guidance. It is intensely important that she provide her clients with a safe and comfortable place to deal with the circumstances you are facing so you can find healing.

Experience

Martha is experienced in treating PTSD, depression and anxiety, and Co-Dependency. Whether these issues arise from circumstances of abuse, marital affairs, divorce, grief, or terminal illness, Martha is in the position to help you find healing, peace and empowerment.

Education

Martha earned degrees from Auburn University and Troy State University to prepare herself for treating clients just like you. Her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Masters of Counseling gave her the foundation to build her career in trauma treatment. She is also a trained and certified Crisis Responder and has trained through the Military Ministry in care and counsel for Combat Trauma. Martha has also gained her certification through the American Association of Christian Counselors and a is Family Mediator and Pre-Marital and Marital Counselor.

Susan McGee

Savannah Barrett

Savannah Barrett is the proud sister of an IBC survivor and believes confidence is a feeling every woman deserves! As a licensed Master Medical Aesthetician for over a decade, she serves as the Global Brand Manager for Hydrafacial, a Beauty Health Company, delivering Hydrafacial experiences, education, and engagement throughout the globe.

Savannah was the emcee last year for the Ultimate IBC Meet up in Nashville. We are excited to have her back!