Welcome New Members, Torie Lavoie and Matthew Mugford!

Matthew Mugford, MSW - Matthew is a Social Worker II Hematology & Oncology at The University of Vermont Medical Center who is passionate about improving the experience for cancer patient population.

Torrina (Torie) Lavoie - Born and raised in Maine, Torie Lavoie is the Financial Advocate Manager at New England Cancer Specialists. After spending years in sales, medical billing and collections, Torie joined the team at New England Cancer Specialists almost eight years ago as a Financial Advocate. Oncology Advocacy has become a great passion of Torie's and she enjoys helping patients throughout their journey. She believes it is imperative to help lessen financial burden for patients and help gain access to care, one patient at a time. After helping her 23 year old son fight Leukemia in 2018, she was able to see the importance of Financial Advocacy from the family standpoint and the difference it makes. This has only made her passion grow all the more. Torie is also a Board member for Foundation4Love, a non-profit organization that gives back to patients fighting cancer and is eager to help many more patients during their journey, one patient at a time.

The Nursing and Allied Health Professional Advisory Committee was established in the fall of 2012 by the NNECOS Board of Directors to enhance opportunities for the education and involvement of our non-physician members including, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, practice managers and other members of the cancer care team. The NAHPAC meets monthly by teleconference and provides invaluable guidance to the NNECOS board to continue to improve the programs and services NNECOS provides to the oncology community of Northern New England.

Committee Goals:

• Team Based Oncology Care:  The NHPAC will work to strengthen the inter-disciplinary care of the cancer patient and their families throughout our region.
• Educational: Assist in planning of educational opportunities for our members, including, but not limited to Lunchtime Best Oncology Practice Series webinars, Spring Meeting, OCN Review Course, and Annual Meeting.
• Advisory: Serve as an advisory resource to the NNECOS Board of Directors, providing a “pulse” on oncology care in the region through regular communication with the NNECOS associate membership.
• Membership: Facilitate increased recruitment, engagement and retention of members.