● Board of Directors & Staff

Meet the Team

Our team is a close-knit crew of long-time volunteers, including past campers turned counselors, and medical staff who bring both expertise and heart to Camp UOTS—shaping programs, guiding creativity, and making each year unforgettable.

Board of Directors

Camp Medical Team

Athena Pefkarou, MD

Co-Founder & Medical/ Board Director

“Dr. P” is one of the founding members of Camp UOTS and has been a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, for the past several decades. She is the Director of the Sickle Cell Anemia Program and a dedicated advocate for pediatric patients and their families—serving as the backbone for all Camp UOTS related programming.

Ziad Khatib, MD

Medical Lead

As the Director of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Co-Medical Director of the NeuroOncology Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (where he has been practicing for over 24 years). He is a clinical associate professor at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and is known for sparking an instant connection that brings comfort and ease to our families.

Maggie Fader, MD

Medical Lead

As a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist and Director of the Sarcoma and Solid Tumor Program, Dr. Fader brings over 16 years of serving patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and a relentless enthusiasm to bring joy to participants’ lives through our programming and beyond. Parents and patients alike are overjoyed when they see her in camp mode. 

CLINICAL COORDINATOR, HEM-ONC UNIT

Michelle Tai

Lovingly known as “Mama Nurse,” Michelle has been part of Camp UOTS since the very beginning. Many of our current counselors, once her patients, now proudly serve alongside her at camp. Her quick wit and trademark sense of humor are unmistakable. She oversees medication management and administration to keep every camper safely cared for.

Lilliam Rimblas

ORTHOPEDIC Oncology Nurse PRACTITIONER

“Lilly” is another beloved veteran nurse for many of our counselors and past campers, and a true wizard who wears many hats at camp. Whether she’s leading our glitter tattoo station, hosting cupcake night, or quietly checking in on a camper who needs extra support, Lilly brings warmth and steady reassurance that helps everyone feel at home and comforted.

Elizabeth Lopez

NEURO-Oncology Nurse COORDINATOR

“Ely” is one of the newest nurses on our Camp UOTS team, yet it feels like she has been with us from the start. With her calm presence, endless patience, and gentle approach to even the toughest moments, she has quickly become one of the most essential pieces of our camp family. Her primary role is assisting with medication management and administration.

Grisell Canizales

CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Leading our participants through the many unknowns of their individual journeys with compassion and a distinctive Child Life touch, Grisell has dedicated the past several years to UOTS, impacting our participants and helping to build our new programs and partnerships. As a Thrive Fest Co‑Founder and CCLS, she helps families feel seen and less alone.

● Contact

Join Our Team

Curious about joining our volunteer staff? Check out our volunteer page for more details. Other questions? Reach out and we’ll be in touch about current or future opportunities.