Meet the Team

Catherine Wallace

Director of Clinical Operations

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy in 2003, Catherine Wallace began her career in UT Southwestern's Department of Radiation Oncology. She worked as a radiation therapist until 2011. She then moved into leadership roles where she served as a chief therapist, clinic/practice manager and now, since 2021, Assistant Director of Clinic Operations where she supports and oversees more than 220 staff including scheduling, nursing, medical assisting, radiation therapy, dosimetry and support services. Catie was certified as a medical practice executive in 2014, and completed her MBA from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2020.

In her spare time she loves spending time with family and friends, reading, bingewatching true crime and period-piece dramas, and spending time with her best buddies, Gizmo and Cricket.

LaChandra Wilcox

Clinic and Technical Manager

LaChandra Wilcox graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. Following her graduation, she began her career as a radiation therapist in Mobile, Alabama, where she honed her skills in patient care and treatment delivery until 2014.

In 2014, LaChandra relocated to Texas to serve as the radiation services director at Collom & Carney Cancer Center in Texarkana, where she worked until 2017. During her tenure, she demonstrated leadership in managing clinical operations and enhancing patient care protocols.

In 2017, she joined UT Southwestern Medical Center as a senior radiation therapist. Through her dedication and expertise, she advanced to her current role as chief radiation therapist in 2021. In this position, LaChandra oversees a team of over 60 radiation therapists, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care while addressing the daily needs of both staff and patients.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, LaChandra enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three children, as well as their beloved Lhasa Poo, Smokey. She also enjoys binge-watching new crime series and relaxing by the pool.

Faraz Chamani, Ph.D.

HIFU Physicist

Faraz Chamani, Ph.D., earned his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Kansas State University in 2023. His research focused on in vitro measurement and mathematical modeling of hyperthermia-induced bioeffects in pancreatic cancer cells, contributing to the development of modeling tools for predictive treatment planning of thermal therapies and furthering understanding of the effects of energy-based interventions that involve perturbation of tissue temperature.

Dr. Chamani gained industry experience as a R&D radiofrequency engineer at Varian Medical Systems in Austin, Texas. During his one-year tenure, he expanded his technical engineering skills and computational modeling expertise, particularly in finite element analysis (FEA) in minimally invasive thermal ablation for cancer treatment. During this time, Dr. Chamani contributed to the development of a microwave thermal ablation system for the treatment of liver tumors.

With extensive research and industry experience in energy-based thermal ablation modalities, Dr. Chamani has published his work in peer-reviewed journals. Currently, as a post-doctoral researcher, his work focuses on optimizing high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a novel non-invasive therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. This includes both thermal ablation and non-thermal histotripsy techniques, with a particular emphasis on designing personalized treatment protocols for canine cancer patients.

Paige Neumann

Animal Research Study Coordinator

Paige graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University. She worked as a veterinary assistant in many mixed animal practices during college to gain experience in animal care and safety, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and other veterinary medical procedures. She also has experience working in biological and chemical laboratories, which has fueled her love of research. Paige’s research interests include investigating the use of gene and immuno-therapies for cancer in a "One Medicine" approach.

Outside of work, Paige loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, gardening, and competing as a west coast swing dancer.

Stacey Hoya

Veterinary Ultrasound Scientist

Stacey began her journey in ultrasound in 2017, starting in human medicine before discovering her true passion in veterinary care. In 2019, she made the transition to veterinary medicine, which has allowed her to expand her skills in new and meaningful ways. With a passion for ultrasound imaging, Stacey enjoys the challenge of solving problems and finds the use of imaging to help provide answers and guide care for patients incredibly rewarding. She is always learning and growing through the work she does each day and feels incredibly lucky to play a role in helping animals live healthier, happier lives.

Outside of work, Stacey is dedicated to rescuing dogs and helping them find safe, loving homes. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with her family—whether it’s hiking, relaxing in nature, or just being together. In her personal time, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, and exploring different forms of art. She is also trying her hand at gardening and learning to grow her own.

Shelbee Gilmore

Shelbee is one of our dedicated radiation therapists, passionate about helping pets feel loved and comforted while supporting their families through treatment. Shelbee’s love for animals began early. She volunteered at veterinary clinics, worked at the Fort Worth Zoo, and even served as a dog walker during her grad school years. Shelbee earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in radiation therapy from UT Southwestern.

Outside of work, Shelbee enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their Springer Spaniel, Birdie. On weekends, you’ll likely find her at a concert, traveling, volunteering with her special needs friends, or exploring new restaurants around the DFW area.

Kady Le

Kady holds a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Houston and completed her radiation therapy training at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She has three dogs: Taco the Doberman, Gunner the Great Pyrenees, and Khloe, the mischievous mutt who keeps everyone on our toes. She is looking forward to learning, growing, and contributing to the positive impact that is made at VROC.

Laura Smith

Laura Smith has a lifelong passion for helping others, which led her to a career in healthcare. She earned her bachelor's degree in radiation therapy from Texas State University in 2019 and has spent the last six years working as a radiation therapist, building deep expertise and adaptability in the clinic.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys life in her East Dallas neighborhood, where she cares for community cats, bakes sweet treats, and spends time with her lively household of four dogs and three cats. Whether at home or at work, Laura brings the same care and dedication to the people and animals around her.

Hannah McComber

Hannah grew up in Iowa and moved to Texas in 2021. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2019 with a B.S. in zoology. In college, she assisted with various wildlife management research projects. Hannah found a passion for helping animals through internships in wildlife rehabilitation and had the opportunity to work with many different species of animals through work in wildlife rehabilitation hospitals, wildlife sanctuaries and the Dallas Zoo. She also has experience working in general practice veterinary clinics and a veterinary diagnostics lab.

Outside of work, Hannah loves to hike, be at the lake or at home with her two cats.

Migxi Rodriguez

Since completing the Veterinary Technician Program at Cedar Valley College in Dallas in 2016, Migxi has had the opportunity to work in general practice veterinary clinics, veterinary oncology, and urgent care, which has helped her gain knowledge in animal care, diagnostics, anesthesia/surgery, chemotherapy administration, and urgent/emergency care. Migxi has a special love for oncology medicine and her patients. In her career, she has had the opportunity to work with two veterinary medical oncology teams in DFW, which has helped her understand the importance of chemotherapy, radiation treatment capabilities, and overall care — no matter the breed or age of the patient.

Outside of work, Migxi enjoys coffee shops and reading books. She has four pets at home: two super-active shepherds, Regina and Abbi; her senior dog, Taco (a blind 15-year-old Chihuahua); and her cat, Leonardo DiCATprio.