Cancer Care Nurse Navigators
A cancer diagnosis is highly personal. That’s why our team of cancer nurse navigators guides patients with breast, lung and colon cancer through their diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation with sensitivity, empathy and compassion.
What does a cancer care nurse navigator do?
Nurse navigators are nurses specially trained and experienced in working with people with cancer. They understand the medical and personal challenges cancer adds to life and are ready to help.
Nurse navigator services for cancer
Nurse navigators can provide:
- Access to clinical trials and other resources
- Early detection resources
- Education on cancer, treatment options and rehabilitation
- General support for patients and their families, including monthly support groups
- Help with making appointments
- Help with quitting smoking
Does Medicare provide a cancer nurse navigator?
Medicare may cover cancer nurse navigation services. Check with your Medicare and financial representatives for the latest policies and updates for your condition, coverage and care needs.
If you’re a cancer patient at NKC Health and haven’t been assigned a nurse navigator, talk with your healthcare provider or call:
- For breast cancer: (816) 691-5092
- For colon and lung cancer: (816) 691-4001
- For head and neck, prostate, renal or bladder cancer: (816) 691-5196
- For general oncology navigation: (816) 691-2922
Meet the team
Leading up to surgery and throughout your road to recovery, lean on our nurse navigators to help you make informed decisions that fit your needs.
Erin Asmus, BSN, RN, OCN - Oncology
Erin graduated from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska in 1996 with a nursing degree. She moved to Kansas City in 1999 and began her oncology career, serving as a bedside nurse and later as charge nurse on the 5th floor Oncology Medical-Surgical Unit for 27 years, where she provided expert care, leadership, and mentorship to patients and colleagues.
In 2024, Erin transitioned to the role of Oncology Nurse Navigator, eager to guide and support patients through their cancer journey by sharing her extensive oncology experience and compassionate approach.
Outside of work, Erin finds joy in her family. She is proud of her two grown daughters, Maddie and Jillian, and enjoys spending time with her grand-dogs, Kramer and Kevin, and grand-kitty, Skye. Erin also loves cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and looks forward to all her family's future adventures.
Allison Dwyer, BSN, RN, OCN - Oncology
Allison graduated from UMKC with a nursing degree in 2011. She has been with NKC Health since 2018 and has worked in oncology for over 10 years.
Allison loves building relationships with her patients and their families and supporting them during one of the most difficult times of their lives. She works part time as an oncology nurse navigator and part time in Radiation Oncology.
Allison and her husband love concerts, Chiefs games and checking out dog parks with their pup Oscar.
Kelly Filipponi, RN, OCN - Breast Care
Kelly started her nursing career in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated in 2004 from the University of Pittsburgh Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing. She continued working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and began her oncology nursing career in 2008.
She became a nurse to have a positive impact and improve a patient’s day-to-day life. Kelly's connection with oncology patients has taught and inspired her in her life as well.
Her husband's career brought them to Kansas City in 2016. She has worked at NKC Health since January 2017. Kelly and her husband have two teenagers who keep their nights and weekends filled with practices, games and voice lessons.
Michelle Pritchett, BSN, RN, OCN - Oncology
Michelle received her BSN from the University of Central Missouri in 2013 and began her nursing career at NKC Health after graduation. She has worked in oncology her entire career.
She found her passion caring for people with cancer and the comfort she can provide during what is often the most difficult time in their lives. As a nurse, she likes the connection she makes with people. She chose to become a navigator to build those connections by educating, advocating and supporting patients through their cancer journey.
Michelle is married with two goldendoodles, Jax and Kaci. She enjoys spending time with her son, going to Chiefs games and afternoons at the dog park.
Samantha Terry, BSN, RN - Breast Care
Samantha graduated from the University of Saint Mary in 2015 and began at NKC Health right after graduation.
Samantha was a float nurse before working on the oncology floor. She worked at the Outpatient Infusion Clinic for two years, then became a nurse navigator for breast cancer patients. She enjoys building relationships with patients and their families and supporting them during a difficult time.
Married with two children, Samantha enjoys listening to audiobooks, drinking iced coffee and spending quality time with her family.