Physicians
Toluwalase Ajayi, M.D., Interim Medical Director of Palliative Care; Associate Physician, UC San Diego
Jaime P. Sellers, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Clinical Operations, Palliative Care; Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Kimberly Bower, M.D., FAAHPM, HMDC
Ami Doshi, M.D., Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Krishelle Marc-Aurele, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, UC San Diego
Stephanie Schmitt, M.D., Associate Physician, UC San Diego
Nurses
JoAnne Auger, R.N., CHPPN
Joanne is the supportive care nurse coordinator in the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders. She was instrumental in the development of the Supportive Care Program, which enables palliative care to be a key part of the pediatric cancer treatment plan. The parent of a childhood cancer survivor herself, JoAnne has special insight into the challenges shouldered by families when a child is diagnosed with cancer. She is the author of “When Every Moment Counts,” a booklet written for parents of children living with serious illness. In 2008 and again in 2014, she and her team were recognized with the Daisy Award for the kindness and compassion they provide to patients and families. In 2012, she was recognized by the Hospice & Palliative Nurse Foundation with their National Nursing Leadership Award. Her two dear, sweet grandbabies bring joy to her days.
Patty Clanton, R.N.
Patty is the Supportive Home Care coordinator at Rady Children’s Hospital. She works closely with families and clinicians to provide support to patients in the outpatient setting.
Samantha Brown B.S.N., CPON, CHPPN
Originally from North Carolina, Samantha attended nursing school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she moved to San Diego and began working at Rady Children’s on the hematology/oncology floor. She was the charge nurse and bone marrow transplant nurse for many years, as well as an inpatient bedside nurse, specializing in palliative care. With a passion for helping patients and families with palliative and supportive care needs, she now works in the outpatient clinic of the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders and recently joined the Supportive Care Program as the supportive care clinic nurse. Samantha brings tremendous excitement and appreciation to this new role.
Spiritual Counselors
Rev. René Roth, M.Div.
René is currently the staff chaplain at Rady Children’s and solo pastor of Linda Vista Presbyterian Church. A graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary, she is an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church USA and has over 20 years of experience ministering to families, youth and children. René completed her chaplain residency in clinical pastoral education at Rady Children’s, with an emphasis on palliative care for children. After completing her residency, she worked as a chaplain in an adult hospice setting. René accepted the position of staff chaplain three years ago and has been involved with supporting families through trauma, end-of-life and grief counseling; providing spiritual support; giving sacraments; training volunteers, raising funds for spiritual care; and being a member of the Supportive Care team.