Loril Garrett
Nurse Director, Solid Tumor Clinics
Loril Garrett recently joined the Rutgers Cancer Institute as the Director of Nursing for the Solid Tumor Groups. Prior to joining our team, Loril spent twenty years at Spectrum Health’s cancer center (in Michigan) where she worked with both inpatient and outpatient patient populations. Loril most recently served as the Clinical Manager for their multi-specialty team clinics, the oncology nurse navigators and oncology social workers, which spanned six care locations. Loril began her career as a bedside nurse in oncology, worked as a nurse care facilitator in care management and later helped establish the oncology nurse navigation program serving as their first breast cancer nurse navigator. Loril completed her master’s in nursing business and health systems at the University of Michigan in 2014 and has worked in leadership since that time. She has a heart for cancer patients and holds specialty certifications as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) and Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN®).
Donna N. Thomas RN, BSN, OCN
Nurse Director, Solid Tumor Infusion
Donna is the Nurse Director of Solid Tumor Infusion Services at Rutgers Cancer Institute. She oversees the operation and clinical activities in the oncology infusion department, assuring safe and efficient quality-driven outcomes. She leads a team of remarkable professionals that provide high-quality care to oncology patients. Donna is a passionate nurse leader with 13 years of oncology nursing experience in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. She has dedicated her life to oncology and makes a difference in the lives of the patients she has the privilege to serve. Donna is an Oncology Certified Nurse and a member of the Oncology Nursing Society. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University and is currently enrolled in the DNP program at Rutgers University.
Khooshbu Patel, MSN, RN, FNP-C, AOCNP
Oncology Nurse Education Specialist
Khooshbu Patel recently obtained her advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner certification (AOCNP). She is currently involved in the new nurse orientation process and is part of the policy and procedures committee at Rutgers Cancer Institute. In past positions, she has served as a gynecologic oncology nurse practitioner at Rutgers Cancer Institute prior to transitioning to the education role. Prior to this, she served as a staff registered nurse and charge nurse for in an inpatient medical/surgical oncology unit. Khooshbu’s undergraduate accelerated BSN was obtained at Rutgers University and her MSN in family practice primary care was obtained at Rutgers University.
Deena Centofanti, RN, MS, AOCN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Deena is a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Rutgers Cancer Institute. During her 18-year tenure, Deena has held several jobs in education and leadership in both the Adult and Pediatric clinics at Rutgers Cancer Institute. She has over 30 years’ experience in oncology, including working at several inpatient and outpatient programs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as staff nurse, assistant nurse manager, oncology program development, research nurse and clinical nurse specialist. Deena has been a contributor to the Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses Triage Guidelines on Sleep Disorders. She has worked with the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation on Advanced Practice Test Development and AOCN Item Writing Council. Locally, she served seven years as an elected member to the Hillsborough Township Board of Education as well twelve years on the Hillsborough Township Board of Health. Deena received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Albright College and Master of Science Degree from University of Delaware.