Meet the Team

Dr. Ann Partridge is the Founder and Director of Young and Strong and Vice Chair of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. A leader in breast cancer research and care, she is internationally recognized for improving outcomes and quality of life for young adults with breast cancer. Her work continues to shape clinical innovation and survivorship care around the world.

Dr. Phil Poorvu is a medical oncologist specializing in the care of young adults with breast cancer and breast cancer survivorship. His research focuses on tailoring treatments using gene expression and understanding how cancer therapies affect fertility and long-term well-being. His work for Young and Strong has helped build programming that meets the diverse needs of young patients.

Dr. Sara Giordano is a breast medical oncologist and clinical investigator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Boston Medical Center, Brighton. As Regional Site Director for Young and Strong, she focuses on innovative therapies and the care of young adults with breast cancer. She also directs the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program at Dana-Farber’s Brighton location.

Dr. Leticia Varella is a medical oncologist in the Breast Oncology Center with a focus on improving outcomes for young patients with breast cancer. Her research explores quality-of-life factors and advances in metastatic disease. She also teaches and mentors medical trainees while advancing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Dr. Megan Tesch is a medical oncologist in the Breast Oncology Center who specializes in the care of young adults with breast cancer. Her research investigates the biological and clinical differences that influence outcomes for younger patients. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Kathryn Rigby brings expertise in social work, education, and program management to her role leading programs within Dana-Farber’s Breast Oncology Center. She is deeply committed to expanding access and support for young adults with breast cancer, ensuring the program continues to evolve and meet patient needs.

Sarah Desmarais has been part of the Young and Strong team since 2019, combining her background in public health, research, and education to strengthen the program’s reach and impact. She is passionate about health promotion, advocacy, and empowering young adults through education and community engagement.

Vanessa Adjei is a public health professional and Certified Community Health Worker deeply committed to advancing equity and improving access to care through the Young, Empowered, and Strong (YES) Project, a strategic initiative focused on strengthening partnerships and developing new resources.

Miranda Brown supports both the Young and Strong and EMBRACE programs in Dana-Farber’s Breast Oncology Center. With a background in patient operations and psychology, she helps ensure that young adults and their families receive responsive, compassionate support throughout their care experience.

Mariesa Powell supports both the Young and Strong and Inflammatory Breast Cancer programs in Dana-Farber’s Breast Oncology Center. Mariesa has been working with breast cancer patients at Dana-Farber since 2017. Bringing experience with a background in psychology, she focuses her efforts on patient support and education and is passionate about meeting unmet needs for patients facing cancer.