Our Nurses

Karla Thalmueller-Driskell began her career in nursing in 1978 at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences School of Nursing, where she earned her 5 year B.S.N. with a Nurse Practitioner component in Family Practice. She has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Nursing Honor Society, since 1980. 

 

 She completed her Masters Degree in Oncology Nursing in 1989, from the University of Texas School of Nursing, and became a Clinical Nurse Specialist.  Karla assisted in the establishment of Salem Oncology Centre.

She is a dedicated professional and a patient advocate who enjoys taking time with each patient and their family members to educate them about the journey they will be taking with their cancer treatment. Karla is available throughout the patient's treatment and follow-up process as a source of support.

Michelle has been a nurse since 1973. Among her accomplishments are 13 years of adult and pediatric intensive care nursing, including working with Dr. Michael DeBakey's team at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. For the last 25 years, Michelle has devoted herself to Oncology Nursing, first at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Intensive Care and Emergency Room and then with Dr. Salem's team in Medical Oncology in 1989. She joined Salem Oncology Centre at its inception in 1991 and has coordinated outpatient follow-up and chemotherapy treatments since that time.

Kathy became a registered nurse at the Catholic Medical Center School of Nursing in New York City in 1997, and received her B.S.N. from the University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston a few years later.

Kathy was recruited by Hermann Hospital in Houston to work in the Intensive Care Unit. Later, she joined Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine as a research nurse. Since October 2000, Kathy has been an integral member of the medical team at Salem Oncology Centre.

Although born and raised in the United States, Kathy has a rich Colombian heritage, which gives her special insight into patients from various cultures.

She is fluent in Spanish and speaks conversational Italian.

Deborah has been a registered nurse since 1986. She has practiced in outpatient settings for more than 20 years. She has extensive experience in academic research, radiation oncology and medical oncology. Deborah enjoys researching new cancer therapies, and is a strong patient advocate. She joined Salem Oncology Centre in May, 2006 and is a valuable asset to the team. 

 

Toni has been a nurse for over 40 years, specializing in Intensive Care, Emergency Room, Post-Surgical Recovery Room, Oncology, and travel nursing. She has participated in mission trips to Guatemala since 1998. Toni joined Salem Oncology Centre in January, 2008.  She enjoys interacting with patients and their families to meet their medical and psycho-social needs.