Patient Navigators

The patient navigators at NCH offer support, guidance and education, from diagnosis and treatment options to obtaining timely appointments and care. They act as a proactive link between physicians and patients.

Our patient navigators understand the anxiety our patients experience when they are diagnosed with cancer and are preparing for or receiving treatment. They are here to offer compassionate support and professional guidance.

Your patient navigator is a resource who can be with you every step of the way, assisting with whatever you might need, including emotional support, coordination of appointments, answering questions and providing assistance with other resources you might need. Their goal is to make your diagnosis and treatment as patient-friendly as possible.

Breast Patient Navigators

Sarah Butler
RN, BSN
Breast Patient Navigator
Breast Cancer Screenings
847.618.5904

Sarah Butler, RN, BSN earned her nursing certification from Grand Canyon University. Sarah has worked at Northwest Community Hospital for more than 12 years, currently serving as a breast patient navigator. Other positions at NCH include surgical services operation specialist and circulating nurse in the operating room, the clinical unit leader in the post-surgical orthopedic unit, and acute care staff nurse. Sarah says, “I am here to be a constant for my patients throughout the course of their journey, ensuring they receive seamless and coordinated care. I can serve as their ‘go-to’ person, here to answer questions, reinforce patient education, ease anxiety and help eliminate any barriers that might impede their care.”

Tracey Martin
RN, BSN
Breast Patient Navigator
Breast Cancer Screenings
847.618.5905

Tracey Martin RN, BSN earned her nursing degree from University of Iowa. In addition to her current role as Nurse Navigator in the Breast Care Center, Tracey has been an RN at NCH for 30 years. She most recently served as both a circulating and charge nurse in the Main Operating Room.

“My goal is to provide highly individualized care for each patient during their cancer journey and beyond. I want to empower patients by providing comprehensive education and communication. It is my privilege to ensure timely access to cancer treatment as well as emotional support for patients and their families.”

Colorectal Patient Navigator

Brenda O’Brien
RN, BSN
Colorectal Patient Navigator
Colonoscopy Cancer Screenings
847.618.6596

Brenda O’Brien, RN has been with NCH for more than 23 years, with 21 of those as a gastrointestinal nurse working in admitting, procedure rooms and recovery areas. She also worked with our interventional pulmonologists, assisting with lung procedures.

Brenda’s main focus is patient health and comfort level during a difficult diagnosis. “Clear communication, follow-up and just holding my patient’s hand will hopefully help them feel that they are a priority and truly cared for,” she says. “The support and resources available to our patients require a care team that has the same focus. Our team puts our patients first, every step of the way.”

Lung Cancer Patient Navigator

Jennifer Aversano
MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG
Lung Patient Navigator
Lung Cancer Screenings
847.618.6572

Jennifer Aversano, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, earned her master’s in nursing at Lewis University and is certified in both oncology and oncology navigation. She has over 18 years of experience in Oncology Nursing including inpatient and stem cell transplant; oncology navigation with a focus in lung; managing the Lung Cancer Screening program and lung Nodule program; and has chaired various committees at a system level at her previous employments. Jennifer is currently in school to obtain her APRN.

Jennifer’s focus for her patients is being their advocate and making sure they are receiving timely care. “I know when my patients receive a lung cancer diagnosis, they don’t always know what the next step should be. That’s where I can help. I am here to help educate, guide, and support my patients throughout the continuum of their care”.

Pancreatic Cancer Patient Navigator

Nicole Nichols
MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Pancreatic Patient Navigator
Pancreatic Cancer Screening
847-618-2790

Nicole Nichols, RN, BSN has proudly worked at NCH since 2004 with experience in inpatient post-surgical and outpatient surgical oncology. She has been an integral part of the Pancreas Center since 2011 and currently serves as the Pancreas Nurse Navigator guiding patients and their families through the pre and post-operative phases of care.

“Having experienced the devastating effects of cancer in my own family, I am privileged to navigate patients and their families during this difficult time in their lives. My goal as a Nurse Navigator is to provide excellent patient-centered care through communication, education and emotional support.”

Prostate Patient Navigator

Krissy Olson
RN, BSN
Prostate Patient Navigator
Prostate Cancer Screening
847-618-6556

Krissy Olson, RN, BSN earned her nursing degree from St. Louis University. She has over 33 years of experience in Oncology Nursing including: Oncology inpatient nursing, Medical/Surgical inpatient registry, pediatric registry and Apheresis Nurse Coordinator.

“My goal as the Prostate Nurse Navigator is to help support patients and their families through their cancer journey. Working with the Radiation Oncology Team, I want to help provide personalized education, effective communication, guidance and emotional support to those affected by Prostate cancer.”