Keith Ayrons, MD
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Keith Ayrons grew up on Long Island, New York, and completed his bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Albany while volunteering at the local hospital in the Pathology department. His passion for science and early learnings in the experimental and clinical based approach inspired him to complete first, a Master’s in Microbiology from Adelphi University and then his medical degree from Wayne State University. He then completed his Internal Medicine residency, and combined fellowship in Oncology and Hematology at Stoney Brook University.
In 1995, Dr. Ayrons joined a growing oncology and hematology practice in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he was a partner for 23 years. He is Board Certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine and served as past president of the Internal Medicine department. For 25 years he developed excellent patient and family relationship skills that created a loyal patient following.
In 2018, Dr. Ayrons relocated to the Central Coast and is excited to be a part of the Mission Hope Cancer Center where he can continue to fulfill his passion of serving the community through providing quality care.
Wei Bai, MD
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Wei Bai grew up in Beijing, China. In 1995, she graduated from Peking University Health Science Center (previously known as Beijing Medical University) with distinction. She then pursued graduate study in the United States. Upon receiving her master’s degree in Molecular Medicine from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1998, Dr. Bai joined a leading biotech company, Genentech, Inc., in South San Francisco to pursue her passion in translational research. She participated in research and development of several cancer drugs, including trastuzumab (Herceptin), bevacizumab (Avastin), and erlotinib (Tarceva), among others in the company pipeline.
Excited to bring bench research to bedside practice, Dr. Bai ultimately transitioned to direct patient care in 2005. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital in 2008, which included several months of clinical rotation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Dr. Bai’s experience at MSKCC further enforced her commitment to oncology research and practice. She proceeded to a combined Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center of Georgetown University in Washington DC from 2008 to 2011.
After her fellowship, Dr. Bai practiced hematology and medical oncology in the Samaritan Health System in Oregon. During her nine years with Samaritan, she treated patients with a wide range of cancer types and blood diseases. She served her patients with PRIDE — passion, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence. Dr. Bai was also active in clinical trials and resident education.
Kevin Kim, MD
Medical Oncology
Kevin Kim, MD, grew up in the Seattle, Washington area. He obtained his undergraduate education at the University of Chicago and attended Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, for his medical degree. He received training in Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Scripps Clinic/Green Hospital in La Jolla, California.
After completing his training in 2010, he joined Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was instrumental in achieving the Cancer Center’s prestigious National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). As well, he is a strong proponent of clinical trials to improve patient care.
Dr. Kim strives to balance his experience and knowledge of individualized cancer care with a deep empathy and compassion for his patients. He believes in building a partnership with his patients. Additionally, he supports patient education that optimizes patients’ understanding of their disease and treatment options.
He comes to the Central Coast with his beautiful wife, Anna Kim, MD, and two amazing children. He enjoys many outdoor activities, such as surfing, fishing, golfing, skiing and hiking.
April Kennedy, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Board Certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Kennedy provides compassionate care for patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center, and works collaboratively with all departments to provide patients with all aspects of cancer care. Dr. Kennedy is able to offer patients the most advanced treatment with enrollment in cutting edge clinical research studies. She has years of experience in the treatment and diagnosis of all cancers and provides her patients with individualized care for the best possible outcomes.
An educator at heart, Dr. Kennedy has a passion for teaching her patients about their disease and how their treatments work. Understanding a disease is empowering for the patient and can remove some of the fear associated with a cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Kennedy received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of California Davis, and Hematology-Oncology fellowship program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center-Stephenson Cancer Center.
As an experienced principal investigator on numerous clinical trials for cancer therapies, Dr. Kennedy has published her findings in national medical journals, and puts her research knowledge into practice when treating patients.
Case Ketting, MD
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Ketting was born and raised in Southeast Asia, the son of American & Dutch physicians who chose to spend their career in mission hospitals. After moving “back home” to the United States, Dr. Ketting completed a degree in electrical engineering at Walla Walla College and his M.D. at University of Washington in Seattle. His technical background and interests led him to seek out a medical specialty where he could apply those skills, yet “still have my own patients”. On completing specialty training in radiation oncology at Loma Linda University in Southern California, he participated in the burgeoning technical growth of radiation oncology through a two year software research fellowship back at University of Washington.
While a research career was appealing, Dr. Ketting found patient care too enjoyable to return to the research lab long term. He returned to clinical practice as adjunct faculty for Loma Linda University in Glendale, then served as Medical Director of St. Jude Medical Center’s radiation oncology department in Orange County for seven years. Dr. Ketting has practiced in Santa Maria since 2009.
At work, Dr. Ketting enjoys his patient relationships, his skilled and dedicated staff, and the intricate task of using technically sophisticated radiation equipment to fight cancer. When not at work, he loves playing papa to his twin daughters, traveling with his wife, Jolene, and flying his “little, old airplane,” a 1948 Navion.
J. Ben Wilkinson, MD, FACRO
Radiation Oncology
Ben Wilkinson, MD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist who specializes in the treatment of all cancers including prostate, breast, lung, and brain tumors. Dr. Wilkinson is a proud alumnus of both Texas Christian University and Texas A&M College of Medicine. He completed his medical internship at the University of Maryland and his residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.
One of the focuses of his medical practice is providing care that is consistent with national guidelines and scientific literature.
Dr. Wilkinson has contributed to clinical research through authoring or co-authoring more than 30 peer-reviewed publications. He has presented his research at multiple national meetings and is co-chair for the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American College of Radiation Oncology membership committee.
Dr. Wilkinson enjoys helping the under-served and sits on the board of the Radiating Hope Foundation, a non-profit that provides radiation treatment equipment to developing countries including Panama, Senegal, and Nepal.
Dr. Wilkinson and his wife Laurin grew up in San Diego and moved around the country quite a bit before planting roots here on the Central Coast. They have three daughters, Brinkley, Elley, and Natalie, and are actively involved in their church. Dr. Wilkinson enjoys attending Bible Study Fellowship and giving back to the community.
Jonathan Tammela, MD
Gynecologic Oncologist Surgeon
Dr. Jonathan Tammela is a triple board-certified surgeon in Gynecologic Oncology, Hospice and Palliative care, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. He provides highly specialized care in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers affecting the female reproductive tract.
He received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency in OB/GYN at the University of Florida. He was selected to complete subspecialty training in Gynecologic Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.
Dr. Tammela is a trailblazer in his field, having established the first robotic gynecologic oncology program in NE Wisconsin, when robotic surgery was just beginning to show clinical promise in surgical cancer care. He became a proctor and instructor for colleagues desiring to train in robotic surgery, and has himself performed over 1000 robotic surgeries.
Tracy Tilley, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Born and raised on the central coast, Tracy Tilley, NP-C, attended AGHS and Cal Poly where she studied Nutritional Science. After graduation, she moved to Colorado with her college sweetheart where she became a Registered Nurse in 2006. She then went on to receive her Masters Degree in Nursing from the University of Colorado in 2017 with an Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner emphasis.
She was drawn to oncology after her father was diagnosed with cancer, and she went on to become an Oncology Certified Nurse. In 2009 she joined a community-based hematology and oncology practice in Colorado where she eventually became their lead chemotherapy infusion nurse and later their Nurse Practitioner. Her personal and professional experience working closely with patients allows her to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
Outside her career she enjoys spending time outdoors. Tracy trail runs and has completed several high altitude ultra-marathons; she also enjoys camping, hiking and going to the beach with her husband and their two dogs.
Tracy is excited to be returning to the central coast to be close to friends, family, and to join Mission Hope Cancer Center. Collaborating with physicians and the rest of the multidisciplinary team will allow for increased access to exceptional care, allowing patients to stay close to home on the beautiful central coast.
Ginger Carmichael, MSN, OCN, AGNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Ginger’s goal is to be an integral component in the care of her patients and their families. While some of her focus shifted over the years with regard to the area of medical expertise, the desire to provide care and dedication to the best of her ability has never changed. This is a focus that has led her through a number of helpful professions and specialties. She has worked in family medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care medicine until she landed in oncology. Once there she knew that she had found her niche. She has spent over 30 years working in medicine and over half of those working in oncology as an oncology certified nurse.
Ginger’s education began at an early age tagging around after her family doctor and peppering him with questions to increase her understanding of the work that would eventually lead her to become a Nurse Practitioner. She has completed her undergraduate and postgraduate education at the University of Colorado and has continued to learn and grow since then in her chosen profession. Her goal to work in a community oncology practice that focuses on care and compassion has led her to Mission Hope Cancer Center. Here, she looks forward to playing a pivotal role in the care of patients and their families.
In her spare time, she plays competitive billiards, golfs, exercises and spends time with her family of her husband and two furry pillows that eat—otherwise known as cats.
Melissa Garcia, RN, BSN
Nurse Navigator (Breast and GYN)
Melissa was born and raised in the Central Valley, where her backyard was the "gateway to Yosemite National Park." Determined to become a Registered Nurse, she followed her dream and graduated from the College of the Sequoias with her RN degree. Melissa discovered her passion for Oncology and worked as an Oncology Infusion Nurse for 11 years, where she assisted patients from the point of diagnosis through completion of care.
She continued her education and received a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University where she had the opportunity to explore her nursing skills. She provided care in the community as a hospice nurse focusing on comfort and quality of life based on the individual’s needs. In addition, she has experience in all phases of surgery: from admitting, recovering and discharging patients home safely. As an Oncology Nurse Navigator, Melissa works to coordinate the many aspects of patient care throughout treatment.
Melissa says, “Given the opportunity to be a Nurse Navigator for Mission Hope Cancer Center and relocate to the Central Coast is a dream come true. I am excited to be a part of this team to provide education, advocacy, and most importantly, support to our patients through their cancer journey.”
Dolores “Deedee” Solano, RN
Oncology Nurse Navigator
Providing excellent care and developing a relationship with the patient and their families has always been a priority for Deedee. This continuity of care forms a special bond that develops with these individuals. Working in Oncology can mean facing the reality of loss; there are also those patients who overcome the odds. It is the impact a health care provider can leave on someone that has been the most rewarding part for Deedee. She strives to provide excellent care, advocate for her patients and be the extra support one may need during a scary and difficult time.
From the beginning of her nursing career, her passion has been focused in Oncology. After graduating nursing school, she first took a position on the Telemetry unit at Marian Regional Medical Center to gain a solid foundation. Deedee later joined Mission Hope in the infusion center practicing there for more than three years before moving to Home Health as an Oncology Case Manager. Now, she is happy to serve patients at Mission Hope as an Oncology Nurse Navigator.
Married with two kids, Deedee has a son who attends Sacramento State and a daughter who will be graduating high school this year. Her hobbies include camping, traveling, crafting and cooking.
Carol Lowe, RN, OCN
Oncology Nurse Navigator
Carol serves as an Oncology Nurse Navigator with more than 35 years of experience. She received her degree in Nursing from Oklahoma City Community College and relocated to the California Central Coast in 2012. Carol’s diverse nursing background from experience in the Navy to work in oncology and navigation offers a wealth of knowledge to patients navigating the complexities of the health care system. As an Oncology Nurse Navigator, she educates patients and connects them to critical support resources throughout their cancer journey. Carol also facilitates both the lung and colonoscopy screening programs, offering essential community preventive services in an effort to detect cancer early and improve overall health outcomes.
Lindsey Hughes RN, OCN
Oncology Nurse Navigator
Gina Rotondo, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Gina is a full-time speech language pathologist at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation. Originally from the Central Valley, Gina obtained a multiple subject teaching credential at CSU Fresno before realizing her heart wasn’t in the classroom. After shadowing a friend completing clinical work in speech language pathology, it was then Gina realized she wanted to make a greater impact in a medical setting with adults. She completed her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology at University of the Pacific in Stockton and moved to the Central Coast for work. Gina has practiced in private outpatient, home health, acute inpatient, skilled nursing facilities, and acute rehab settings prior to AGCH Outpatient Rehabilitation. She currently resides in Grover Beach with her husband and young daughter.
Mia Leeper, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Mia is a Speech Language Pathologist and Central Coast native. She received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Mia has worked with head and neck cancer patients across acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient settings. She currently works at Marian Regional Medical Center and Marian Extended Care Center. She is also a certified yoga instructor and a believer in the benefits of mind-body awareness. Mia enjoys the outdoors and lives in the Five Cities with her husband, 4-month-old son, three cats, and a dog.
Ruth Farrell, MPH, RDN
Registered Dietition Nutritionist
Ruth is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about nutritious foods and the important role they play in supporting health and wellness. She fell in love with nutrition after taking an introductory college course on the subject. She realized that food provides much more than just energy: food creates culture, promotes social connection, allows for creativity in the kitchen, and provides the nutrients that can help us heal and thrive. After six years of formal education, Ruth obtained a BS in Nutrition Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an MPH in Nutrition from Loma Linda University (LLU).
During her master’s program, she worked at LLU’s Nutrition Research Center and enjoyed guiding participants through the stages of various research studies. The studies focused on examining the connection between plant-based foods and cognition/ immunity. She also completed three professional practic*ms that exposed her to community, food service, and clinical nutrition work settings. Ruth is honored and excited to begin utilizing her expertise to support cancer patients throughout their journey. In her free time, Ruth enjoys cozying up with a good book, hiking, and spending time with her fiancé Joey and her dog Max.
John Malinowski ATC, CET
John received his BS in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 2002. From 2002 through 2004 he continued his education at San Jose State University to pursue an MA in Athletic Training. He presented “Incorporating Applied Kinesiology Concepts into the Athletic Training Evaluation” to the Far West Athletic Training Association in 2004. He returned to San Luis Obispo in 2005 as the Athletic Trainer for Cuesta College where he was the staff member for the Students Pursuing Athletic Training club. He served as an associate athletic trainer for Allan Hanco*ck College 2008 through 2012. He served as an adjunct faculty member teaching Introduction to Athletic Training and Rehabilitation and Modalities at Allan Hanco*ck College in 2012. During 2013 he was a full time teacher at Paso Robles High School teaching the Health Careers ROP classes while serving as the Athletic Trainer for all the sports teams. He joined the team at Mission Hope Cancer Center at Marian Regional Medical Center in 2014. He collaborated with other health care professionals to establish the Cancer Rehabilitation Program. John became a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine in 2015. He presented the Swing Thru Cancer class to the Association of Community Cancer Centers annual meeting in 2015.
John Lives in Arroyo Grande with his beautiful wife (Jenny) and two wonderful children (Joel and Jessa). John and Jenny enjoy running and have completed nine half marathons, so far.
