Southeast Region Ovarian Cancer Community Education Program 2026

Shelly Seward, MD

Gynecologic Oncologist
Orlando Health Cancer Institute

Shelly Seward, MD, is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. Using robotic, minimally invasive, open surgery, and other treatments, she cares for women with cancers of the reproductive system. Prior to earning her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Dr. Seward completed graduate-level studies in microbiology and immunology at The Ohio State University in Columbus. After medical school, she returned to Ohio State to pursue a residency in obstetrics and gynecology followed by a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Seward is board certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has additional certification in gynecologic oncology. She is active in her profession as a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Group/NRG, and Florida Society of Clinical Oncology. Research has been an area of focus for Dr. Seward throughout her career. To date, she has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on nearly 30 clinical trials. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed publications, and she is a frequent presenter. Since her fellowship at Wayne State University, she has held various university-level teaching positions, including clinical associate professor at both the University of Central Florida School of Medicine and Florida State University School of Medicine.

Melyssa Allen

Lifestyle Medicine Coach
Author, Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK

Melyssa Allen is a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach and author of Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK. She holds her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida and specializes in a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to health behavior change. Melyssa is a highly rated speaker and coach dedicated to inspiring individuals, communities, and companies to create sustainable lifestyle changes.

Tanya Stellpflug

Yoga Instructor 

Tanya Stellpflug has a B.S.in Education with a concentration in therapeutic recreation and a minor in music.
She is an E- RYT 200, E-RCYT-Trauma Informed and Certified in Yoga for Cancer Patients.
She teaches at the Orlando Health Cancer Support Community, The Kids Create Art and Wellness Center and also facilitates mindful movement and de-stress techniques in elementary classrooms.

Kirbie Whitaker, MS, RDN, LDN

Clinical Oncology Dietician
Orlando Health Cancer Institute

Kirbie Whitaker joined the Orlando Health Cancer Institute nutrition team in February of 2022 immediately following her dietetic internship with Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. She received a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Drexel University and is a board-certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition.

Prior to this, she earned a bachelor's degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences from the University of Delaware in Newark and worked as a veterinary technician throughout school. To this day, she assists the Walt Disney World’s Animal Nutrition Center as needed and cares for Katniss, the cat she adopted from the animal hospital she worked for.

Andrea Aronowitz

Certified Life Enrichment Director

Andrea Aronowitz is an Activity Director at a Long-Term Care Facility in the New Smyrna Beach area. Andrea loves sharing ideas about finding ways to provide self-care when faced with adversity. With a background in Social Services, she brings practical insights and relatable stories to every situation. The goal is simple: to leave participants informed, motivated, and ready to take the next step in expressing feelings during and after treatments for medical conditions. Andrea has worked in a variety of roles in healthcare settings since 1991. She is a mother of two grown children and twin grandsons with whom she enjoys spending quality time.

Venue

The Sanford Galleon
541 N. Palmetto Ave
Sanford, FL 32771

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Hotel 

The Westin

2974 International Pkwy
Lake Mary, FL 32746