The clinical trial team at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida are dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care for our patients.
who we are
Retina-Vitreous Associates of Florida offers a robust, in-house clinical research program to all of our patients. We participate in some of the most innovative research and clinical trials surrounding retina treatments, diagnosis, and cures for blindness. At Retina-Vitreous Associates of Florida, we believe that ongoing research into disease states and treatments is a vital part of improving our patients’ well-being. We are committed to participating in cutting-edge research, allowing our patients to have access to the latest treatments and drug options, while furthering scientific developments and changing the future of retina.
meet the study coordinators
Allison CalvaneseClinical Research Quality Assurance Manager
Training Allison Calvanese started working at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida when our practice started clinical trials in 2014. She graduated from The University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Minor in Sociology in 2013. She is now working as the Clinical Research Quality Assurance Manager within the practice and continues to manage aspects related to patient safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
Experience
9
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Temple Terrace
Amy Ewald, MSClinical Research Manager
Training Amy graduated from the University of Florida with a dual bachelor’s of science degrees in microbiology and psychology. After her undergraduate studies, Amy continued to be in research while getting her master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida. She has been with the practice since 2015.
Experience
9
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg and Temple Terrace
Ledra Bataku
Training Ledra graduated magna cum laude with phi beta kappa from Florida State University in psychology. During her undergraduate studies, Ledra worked in a neuroscience laboratory studying neuronal apoptosis. While in Tallahassee, Ledra volunteered with the Florida Department of Health as an HIV counselor. Prior to joining our practice, Ledra worked on clinical trials in dermatology and rheumatology.
Experience
5
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg
Jamie Ferree
Training Jamie began working at RVA after graduating from The University of Tampa with a degree in Public Health and a concentration in Wellness. While at UT she was an intern with Baycare Health systems working on diabetic prevention projects as well as working at Tampa General Hospital on program processing and asset mapping. She also spent some time working at the TGH health and wellness center. She has been with the practice since 2017, initially as an ophthalmic technician.
Experience
6
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg
Kimberly Williamson
Training Kimberly started her career in Opticinary and developed a passion for preserving eyesight. She transitioned her career to a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2010. Kimberly came to Retina Vitreous Associates from The Greater Houston Retina Research Center at Retina Consultants of Houston. There she was a Clinical Research Coordinator and has experience working with some of the top leading Physicians in studying new treatments for vitreoretinal disorders. She has been with our practice since 2018.
Experience
13
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg
Devon Willock
Training Devon graduated Eta Sigma Gamma from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a minor in Sociology in 2018. During her undergraduate studies, she was an intern at the American Lung Association and Florida Department of Health where she promoted healthy lifestyles through engaging with the community. Devon began working at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida as an ophthalmic technician in 2019. She then took over the clinical trials as a study coordinator in 2020.
Experience
4
years experience
Offices
Temple Terrace
Rebekah Anderson
Training Rebekah graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2020. During her undergraduate studies at USF, she spent her time competing in collegiate soccer and volunteered at the Student Health Services clinic on campus as well as with the Paralympic Sports Club of Tampa Bay. She has been with the practice since 2019 as an ophthalmic technician and began working in the role of Unmasked Clinical Research Coordinator in 2021.
Experience
4
years experience
Offices
Temple Terrace
Megan Gross
Training Megan holds a Bachelor of Health Services with a major in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University. As an undergraduate student, Megan was an intern at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in the Oncology department where she worked in a project management role. She also organized various community outreach events to provide continuous education to the community. Megan has been with the practice and clinical studies since 2020.
Experience
3
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg
Samantha Silva
Training Samantha graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, concentrations in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Leadership Studies in 2020. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research and worked as a student leader for USFSP. Samantha began working at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida as a masked Clinical Research Coordinator Assistant in 2021.
Experience
2
years experience
Offices
Saint Petersburg
