Zarek Mena, OPN-CG

Zarek Mena, OPN-CG, has 15 years of experience in the field of patient navigation, survivorship viewpoint, local navigation network leadership, and is a caregiver at heart. She was instrumental in the creation of the Smilow Family Breast Health Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Physicians affiliation at Whittingham Cancer Center at Nuvance Health, including its numerous support programs. She currently serves as Women’s Health Program Manager bringing the Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers accreditation standards to the next level.

Zarek facilitates the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) Fairfield County Patient Navigation Network, comprised of nurse and non-clinical navigators, as well as participating in community advocacy efforts. Zarek assists with the AONN+ LNN Development and Sustainability team, Conference Planning Committee, and other speaking projects. Zarek’s passion in serving the under-represented and historically excluded communities has led to implementing local programs addressing various needs such as food insecurity, cold capping, and grant funding, as well as cancer screening through the Connecticut Early Detection and Prevention Program.