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Let’s Talk About It: The Benefits of Counseling During Your Cancer Journey

Let’s Talk About It: The Benefits of Counseling During Your Cancer Journey

Shelby Goodman, MSW, RCSWI, Oncology Social Worker

A cancer diagnosis can be challenging for patients and everyone involved in their care. As a patient at Ackerman Cancer Center, we provide many different tools that will help you throughout your cancer care. Our hope is that our counseling services and support groups will be a nurturing aspect leading to a more positive experience when dealing with a cancer diagnosis for both our patients and their caregivers.

Our counseling services are here to help you better understand your feelings and reactions surrounding you and your care.

Our social work team will teach you coping skills and how to best use them when you start to feel anxious, sad, frustrated, and overwhelmed.

One of the most common skills that we teach is a grounding method known as the 5-4-3-2-1 Technique. “Grounding” is a coping strategy that connects patients and caregivers with the present moment.

Here is a brief overview of what the 5-4-3-2-1 Technique is and how you can incorporate it during your treatment journey.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique is comprised of five steps, which can be repeated as necessary to help ground you in the present moment.

Step 1: Look For 5 Things You Can See
Step 2: Become Aware of 4 Things You Can Touch
Step 3: Acknowledge 3 Things You Can Hear
Step 4: Notice 2 Things You Can Smell
Step 5: Become Aware of 1 Thing You Can Taste

During each of these steps, it is important to remember to breathe. After the final step, our goal is for you to feel more at ease and connected to the present moment, rather than feeling overwhelmed with things to come.

Another technique we recommend is called “Earthing”, which is another form of grounding. Simply put, Earthing is reconnecting your body with the Earth’s natural surface. The two most basic forms of Earthing are:

  • Indoors: utilizing inexpensive tools such as a conductive mat or body band
  • Outdoors: spending time barefoot and connecting with natural surfaces

As mentioned above, counseling is also beneficial for caregivers of patients with cancer.

Counseling provides a caregiver a place to communicate their thoughts and fears, and learn how to support the patient throughout their diagnosis. Learning that a family member or friend has cancer can be extremely difficult to deal with and may bring on feelings of fear and anxiety. Meeting with our social work team allows for caregivers to express these feelings, enabling self-care when caring for another person.

Counseling Services
Whether you were recently diagnosed with cancer, are receiving treatment, or are finished with treatment, we know that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and you may benefit from speaking in a confidential and safe space to express your feelings. Our social work team offers up to six sessions of counseling per patient to discuss your cancer care.

Our Support Services
Ackerman Cancer Center offers an array of support services for patients and caregivers. These support groups were created by our social work team with the intention of helping our patients and community to have a safe space, which allows for them to share experiences and provide help to one another. The following programs and counseling services are provided as educational and emotional support to those living with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers.

BEAM Team
The BEAM (Bravely Educating and Mentoring) Team is comprised of our cancer survivors who have made themselves available to talk with patients who are currently going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whether you have questions about your treatment or have a family member with cancer, our BEAM Team members are available to connect with you.

Men Helping Men – Prostate Cancer Support
Men Helping Men is our educational program that empowers men to make informed decisions throughout their prostate cancer journey. This group meets the third Monday of every month at our Mandarin location, and includes a presentation from a guest speaker that is focused on various topics pertaining to prostate cancer.

SHINE – Breast Cancer Support
SHINE (Supporting Her in Every Way) is our interactive breast cancer support group that provides an uplifting environment to encourage meaningful and helpful conversation, education, and activities. SHINE meets the third Tuesday of every month at our Mandarin location and is open to everyone in the breast cancer community.

Heading Forward- SPOHNC – Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Support
Heading Forward is a chapter of SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and support for head and neck cancer patients and their families, that meets the second Wednesday of every month at our Mandarin location.

Get to Know Shelby Goodman
Shelby Goodman is a Certified Oncology Social Worker at Ackerman Cancer Center. Shelby received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Florida, and chose social work because it allows for her to connect and advocate for individuals who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Her goal while working at Ackerman Cancer Center is to offer comprehensive care and assist with any hardships and hurdles that our patients may face throughout their cancer care.

We’re Here to Help
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be hard to process. With Ackerman Cancer Center’s support groups and counseling services, patients and caregivers have the opportunity to process what they are experiencing and learn how to best support each other.

To learn more about Ackerman Cancer Center and the support services we provide, please email Shelby and our social work team at socialwork@ackermancancer.com or call (904) 880-5522 and ask for the social work team.

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Headshot Arlean Marcellus

Arlean Marcellus, BS

Physician Liaison

Arlean Marcellus joined Ackerman Cancer Center in March 2023 and leads physician outreach. She builds and strengthens meaningful partnerships with referring physicians, healthcare facilities, and medical groups, driving growth in patient referrals. Arlean holds a degree in Health Science with a concentration in Public Health from the University of North Florida. Beyond her work, she volunteers with Feeding Northeast Florida. In her free time, Arlean enjoys running, roller skating, and spending time with her family.
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Shelby Goodman, MSW

Oncology Social Worker

Shelby Goodman joined the Ackerman Cancer Center team in January 2023 as the oncology social worker. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Florida and went on to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). With over five years of experience supporting individuals and families in the social work field, her practice focuses on psychosocial support, care coordination, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Shelby is a member of the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers (FSOSW). In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and dog.
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Kali Molter, MBA

Community Relations Specialist

Kali Molter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in August 2024 and supports community outreach, marketing initiatives, and engagement efforts. She holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the University of North Florida. A Jacksonville native and Bishop Kenny alum, Kali is passionate about contributing to and strengthening the local community. She brings experience in hospitality and event management and serves on the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX Professional Development and Community Engagement committees. Outside of work, Kali enjoys living at the beach, running and yoga, traveling, and is a lifelong Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

Ceilidgh O'Brien, BS

Patient Relations Manager

Ceilidgh O’Brien is the patient relations manager at Ackerman Cancer Center, where she leads the patient relations team and helps ensure every patient experience is organized, supportive, and welcoming. She oversees scheduling and communications and is passionate about creating efficient processes that help patients and staff feel informed, supported, and cared for. Ceilidgh earned a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from the University of South Florida in 2024 and values building strong, compassionate connections with both patients and colleagues. A Boston native, Ceilidgh traded snow for sunshine and now spends her free time running with friends and supporting the Jacksonville Humane Society.
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Tiffany Vaughn, RT (R)(T)

Manager, Radiation Therapy & Imaging

Tiffany Vaughn brings extensive experience and steady leadership to Ackerman Cancer Center, with 24 years of service to the practice. For the past 15 years, she has served in leadership roles, overseeing both radiation therapy and imaging departments with a focus on quality care, collaboration, and operational excellence. Tiffany is a proud member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. She earned her technologist degree from St. Vincent's Medical Center and completed radiation therapy training from Washburn University. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing in or around the water, and taking on hands-on projects around her home.
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Vivienne Bennett, MS, RT(R)(M)​

Clinic Manager

Vivienne Bennett joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2013 as a mammography technologist and was promoted in 2021 to oncology clinic manager, overseeing clinical operations across all four locations. She provides leadership for daily clinic operations, supports multidisciplinary oncology teams, ensures regulatory and accreditation compliance, and implements operational strategies to improve quality, safety, and patient experience. Vivienne holds a master’s degree in medical radiation sciences from the University of Sydney in Australia and is a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports, walking, and spending time with friends and family.
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Timothy Scott, RTR, RTT, CMD

Manager, Dosimetry, Facilities, & Research

Tim Scott joined Ackerman Cancer Center in 2003 and brings nearly 40 years of experience in radiation oncology and medical dosimetry operations. He oversees medical dosimetry, facilities, special projects, and research and has played a key role in nearly every building project and major technology launch at the center. Tim is passionate about innovation and the development, construction, and commissioning of advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy. Beyond his professional work, Tim serves as a worship pastor and is a brass musician. In his free time, he enjoys restoring classic cars and spending time on the lake.
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Greg Sarkisov, BS

Director of Information Technology

Greg Sarkisov joined Ackerman Cancer Center in September 2019 and oversees all facets of information technology and information security within the organization. Greg has over twenty years of experience in information technology and security. With over six of those years in our practice, he has led initiatives to strengthen our core security and expand the use of various technologies to help aid our staff in providing effective and efficient patient care. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems security from ITT Technical Institute. Outside of work, he stays active in the community and is a member of the IT Council with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
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Jennifer Zelaya, MHA

Director of Human Resources

Jenny Zelaya is the director of human resources at Ackerman Cancer Center and Ackerman Urology, where she oversees all HR functions and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture. She holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Miami and brings extensive experience in talent management, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. Fluent in Spanish, Jennifer enjoys staying active outside of work, playing pickleball, golfing with friends and family, and spending time with her golden retriever, Lenny.
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Amy Mousa, CPA

Director of Finance and Accounting

Amy Mousa joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2021 and serves as the director of finance and accounting. In her role, she oversees financial operations and supports the organization’s strategic and operational goals. Amy holds a Florida CPA license and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of North Florida. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
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Nelson Miksys, PhD, MCCPM

Chief Medical Physicist

Nelson Miksys joined Ackerman Cancer Center in October 2019. As chief medical physicist, Nelson manages the medical physics department, which is responsible for
quality assurance of all patient treatment plans, calibration of the radiation therapy equipment, maintenance of the radiation safety program, integration of new technology
into the clinic, and providing clinical technical support across all aspects of the cancer center. Nelson has over ten years of experience as a medical physicist and comes to Ackerman Cancer Center from The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre (Ottawa, Canada). Nelson has a PhD in medical physics from Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) and a
master’s degree in medical and health physics from McMaster University (Hamilton,
Canada). Outside of work, Nelson is actively involved in his children’s sports activities and community social events and is passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical fitness and outdoor activities.

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Robert Tokarz, MS, DABR

Vice President, Technical Services

Rob Tokarz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in January 2014 and oversees the Physics, Dosimetry, Therapy, Imaging, IT, and Transcription departments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from Notre Dame and a Master of Science in medical physics from Columbia University. Rob has worked in the field of medical physics for 25 years and has worked previously at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Prior to his career in medical physics, Rob was an officer in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant commander. As a naval aviator, he flew Seahawk
helicopters out of Naval Station Mayport and was stationed overseas in Bahrain.

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Gigi Ackerman Schwartz, MBA

Vice President, Operations

Gigi Ackerman Schwartz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2020 and leads strategic planning initiatives across all departments, directs all aspects of revenue cycle management, and works to develop and maintain relationships with community partners. Gigi holds an MBA from Tulane University. A Jacksonville native, she is involved in several local charitable and civic organizations. She serves as chair of the Art in Public Places Committee for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and is a trustee of the Jewish Community Alliance and Jacksonville Jewish Center. In her free time, Gigi enjoys playing mahjong, exploring new hobbies with friends, and spending time with her husband and two-year-old daughter.

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Baylee Richter, BS

Community Relations Manager

Baylee Richter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2024 and oversees digital campaigns, brand strategy, and community outreach and engagement. With more than eight years of experience in events and marketing, she has led initiatives that strengthen patient engagement, community awareness, and referral growth. Baylee holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she stays actively involved in the community through her service on the board of the American Lung Association. She also supports the American Cancer Society’s Cowford Ball as a member of the children’s art project committee and contributes to the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX program, serving on two committees. In her free time, Baylee enjoys spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Cooper, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.