Hillary Theakston is Executive Director of The Clearity Foundation. Since its founding in 2008 by San Diego biotech entrepreneur and ovarian cancer survivor, Dr. Laura Shawver, Clearity has become a trusted, science-based partner for hundreds of women on the ovarian cancer journey. Clearity is an advocate for patients, a champion of personalized medicine, a promoter of science and a credible source of hope for the ovarian cancer community.
Ms. Theakston began her career in the San Diego life science industry leading investor relations and public relations for Diversa Corporation, a genomic discovery company that went public in the biotech boom of 2000, raising more than $200M, which was the largest biotech IPO at the time. She then joined ResMed, an international medical device manufacturer, to direct their investor relations program and ultimately went on to lead communications for the Americas. She has also provided communications consulting to San Diego based healthcare companies including Trius Therapeutics, Medipacs and Sorrento Therapeutics.
In 2011, Ms. Theakston joined The Clearity Foundation as Executive Director, fulfilling her passion for bringing cutting edge technology to underserved areas of oncology and women’s health. To date, Clearity has provided hundreds of tumor profiles to patients and families and has supported thousands of others with resources, personalized information and, most of all, hope.
Dr. Anne Mette Buhl joined The Clearity Foundation in 2016, where she monitors and communicates scientific and clinical developments in the ovarian cancer field. Dr. Buhl has more than 20 years of experience in basic and translational cancer research in Europe and the US. Prior to joining Clearity, she was a fellow at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center at University of California San Diego. Before that, she was a senior scientist at the Department of Hematology, University Hospital Copenhagen, Denmark and cofounder of CLLU1 Diagnostics. Dr. Buhl received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Aarhus University, Denmark.
Dr. Ramez N. Eskander joined Clearity as Chief Scientific and Medical Advisor in July, 2021. As a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Eskander has a passion for improving outcomes for women with gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer, combined with extensive research experience. Dr. Eskander specializes in the systemic treatment and surgical management of female reproductive system cancers. His expertise includes chemotherapy, novel drugs and clinical trials as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Eskander is a Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the UC San Diego Health Moores NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he also leads the fellowship training program. Most recently, Dr. Eskander was appointed Medical Director of the Clinical Trials office at the Moores Cancer Center.
Lorena Gurule-Montes joined the Clearity team in 2020 as our Community Engagement Specialist. Lorena’s focus is on cultivating new partnerships within the healthcare community, as well as with local community organizations who have an interest in Clearity’s mission.
Lorena’s work enhances Clearity’s community presence and builds public awareness of Clearity’s innovative ovarian cancer care approach of supporting the whole person through their journey. Her extensive experience in HIV/AIDS services, trauma-informed care and non-profit management enhances Clearity’s comprehensive community engagement program and outreach to the greater San Diego region.
Lorena has her Masters in Social Work from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Liz Nilsen joined the Clearity team in September, 2020 as the Director of Marketing and Communications. She brings 20+ years of healthcare experience from her roles in provider and payor organizations. Most recently, Liz served as a Marketing Manager at Dignity Health (CommonSpirit Health), working directly with Marketing teams across 23 states. Prior to that, she was the Director of Marketing at Blue Shield of California, leading campaigns to increase enrollment for individuals and small businesses. Liz began her career at Planned Parenthood and is thrilled to be part of Clearity and return to her roots in women’s health.
Danielle joined the Clearity team in 2021 as an OC Counselor and began her role as the Director of Education in 2023. The majority of Danielle’s social work career has been helping people find their way through a cancer diagnosis. Danielle has worked at the local and national levels with non-profit organizations that serve people of all ages affected by cancer. Along with her work at Clearity, Danielle teaches in the Division of Social Work at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
KrisAnn Talarico is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Board-Certified Oncology Social Worker (OSW-C) who lives in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about improving the lives of patients and families facing cancer, and has been since facilitating her first Women’s Cancer Support Group in 2002. She has been with Clearity’s Steps Through OC program since 2018 as an OC Counselor. Now, as the Director of OC Counseling, she oversees operations and a team of OC Counselors who provide telephone and videoconference psychosocial support to survivors and caregivers nationwide. Previously, KrisAnn was an Oncology Social Worker at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, WA. She has also worked for non-profit organizations seeking to improve accessibility of psychosocial support to cancer survivors through the use of technology, including bringing to life an online Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management program for breast cancer survivors. KrisAnn has served as the Editor and now the Editor-in-Chief of AOSW Connections, the online newsletter of the Association of Oncology Social Work.
Kathy joined The Clearity Foundation in 2010. As Patient Services/Database Manager, she ensures the efficiency of Clearity’s Treatment Decision Support Program including clinical and profiling data entry into the database. Before joining Clearity, Kathy spent more than 20 years as a lab technician in clinical and biotechnology laboratory settings, including Cell Genesys/Genzyme, Quidel, and Scantibodies. She received her Associate Degree in Science-Medical Lab Technology from Springfield Technical Community College.
Anne McDonnell joined Clearity in 2022 where she is the Senior Engagement Officer. In this role, Anne enjoys cultivating relationships with major donors, community and corporate partners and other ovarian cancer constituencies in support of Clearity’s fundraising and development goals. Prior to joining Clearity, Anne was SVP of Development and Marketing at the Ridgewood, NJ YMCA. She began her career with SEI Investments where she was ultimately the Marketing Director for non-US markets, based in London, UK.