For general questions and inquiries either call us at (317) 257-1505 or
e-mail our general mailbox.

President & Chief Executive Officer

Kathleen N. Spears, PhD

Dr. Kathleen N. Spears, a Pennsylvania native, has more than 10 years of experience in healthcare administration having held management positions in hospital and community-based organizations and has successfully secured more than 5 million dollars in new funding over the years for the organizations she led. Prior to joining Cancer Support Community-Central Indiana as its Chief Executive in October 2008, she worked as an executive and business development consultant assisting not-for-profits, in retelling their stories through identifying and implementing new products and services that meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.

Spears earned both a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Studies/Community Health, from Texas Women's University (TWU). While at TWU, Dr. Spears published articles on disparities in health and health literacy. In 2000, her paper on disparities in health was recognized by the American College of Healthcare Executives as an award-winning management essay.

Recently, Dr. Spears was selected as one of 50 Women Who Make a Difference in Memphis, TN. While in Memphis, she served on numerous community boards including the Health Loop Board of Directors and the American College of Healthcare Executives Tennessee Regent’s Advisory Council. Kathleen was also active with the advocacy efforts of the American Cancer Society & Susan G. Komen. Having recently moved to the Indianapolis area, she is looking forward to becoming just as actively involved in the Indianapolis community.

[ e-mail ]

Clinical Program Director

Lora Hays, LMFT, RPT

Lora has been a facilitator for Cancer Support Community since 1999. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. She received her Master's Degree from Butler University in 1996. In addition to being Interim Program Director, she currently facilitates a patient group, a caregiver group, Kids Connect and Teen Night. Lora has a special interest in doing grief work and also has a passion for the healing power of art therapy.

[ e-mail ]

Vice President, Finance & Operations

Erin Tanner

Erin K. Tanner began her accounting career over 10 years ago. As a staff accountant at a public accounting firm she worked with a variety of small to medium sized businesses in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, construction and professional services. In January of 2004 Erin began working with another local non-profit where she served as the Finance and IT Director until earlier this year. She also completed a term as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for a separate, local non-profit.

Erin is an active member of the Plainfield community, the Plainfield Christian Church and the Indiana CPA Society. She is also a certified Lotus/IBM server administrator and has a degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She enjoys traveling and going to concerts with her husband and two boys ages 9 and 11.

[ e-mail ]

Executive Assistant to President & CEO

Kerry Teague

Kerry is a "new" resident of Indiana having lived most of her life in Marshall, Illinois. She moved to Avon in 2006 along with husband Brad and sons Ryan (28) and Andy (25). She is a licensed Elementary Education Teacher but worked at Sony Disc Manufacturing and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for 15 years, most recently as Manager of Video Operations and Distribution. She volunteers and works part-time at Cancer Support Community Central Indiana.

[ e-mail ]

Fund Development & Program Coordinator

Sara Anderson

Sara has been with Cancer Support Community-Central Indiana since it was chartered in 1993. Prior to joining Cancer Support Community, Sara worked for the Walther Cancer Institute as Executive Assistant to the Scientific Director. Sara studied business administration at Bowling Green State University.

[ e-mail ]

Adjunct Staff & Program Volunteers:

Lora Hays, LMFT, RPT, Clinical Facilitator
Sherry O'Brian, LCSW, Clinical Facilitator
Jan Wilson, LCSW, Clinical Facilitator

Jodi Smith, Adjunct Staff
Denise Petolino, Program Vounteer - Yoga Instructor
Shirley Wagle Valenti, Program Volunteer - Yoga Instructor
Amy Barr, QiGong Instructor