Aspire Medical Academy Medical Education Team
Penelope Defreitas, MSN, RN, OCN
Program Director
Penelope Defreitas is a seasoned Nurse Educator and Oncology Specialist with over three decades of experience in clinical and academic environments across Guyana, Canada, and the United States. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, and began her career with a Nursing Diploma from Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana. A certified Oncology Nurse since 1997, Penelope is also the founder of Aspire Medical Academy in Guyana.
Diane G. Cope, PhD, APRN, BC, AOCNP
Curriculum Development Consultant
Diane G. Cope earned her PhD in nursing from the University of Miami, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Akron, and completed her nurse practitioner certification at the University of South Carolina. With over 30 years of experience in oncology nursing, she has served as clinical nurse, academic faculty, and nursing leadership. Dr. Cope currently practices as an oncology nurse practitioner at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute.
Nancy J. Solak, MSN, RN, OCN
Clinical Education Coordinator
Nancy Solak graduated from Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital Medical Center School of Nursing in 1978 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Her career included clinical research nursing, consulting for research organizations, contributing to the National Committee for Quality Assurance, and teaching Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, and Medical Assistant Competencies at US colleges.
Myrna Rivera RN BSN
Clinical Instructor
Myrna Rivera is an experienced Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of expertise in vascular access, infusion therapy, and oncology care. She currently works on the Vascular Access/PICC Team at Physicians Regional Medical Center, specializing in PICC and midline insertions, ultrasound-guided IVs, port access, and central line management. She holds a BSN from Florida Gulf Coast University and maintains BLS, CRNI, Chemotherapy-Biotherapy, and ACLS certifications.
L. Renee Pearl, MSN-Informatics, OCN
E-Learning Systems Administrator
Renee Pearl earned her Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from American Sentinel University in 2023, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and induction into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida Southwestern State College. Renee is a forward-thinking nurse executive dedicated to improving efficiencies and workflows in clinical applications for community oncology.
Linda Giddings-Henry, RN, BSc Accounting
Finance & Accounting Officer
Linda Giddings-Henry is a dynamic professional with expertise in financial management, healthcare, and data-driven research. A former Principal/Economist at the Bank of Guyana, she later became a Registered Nurse and works as a Data Analyst and Research Consultant on public health evaluations, gender equity programs, and statistical modeling.
Lori McCormick, BSN, RN, OCN
Clinical Instructor
Lori McCormick earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies with a Certificate in Gerontology from Colorado State University. With more than 20 years in oncology nursing, clinical research, case management, and patient education, she currently serves as an Ambulatory Care Nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.