Authors
The Peak Editors
The Peak editorial team is made up of experienced editors and writers who work towards bringing readers the best Breastie-approved content.
Allie Brumel
Allie is a co-founder of the Breasties and a triple negative breast cancer survivor. During her treatment, she knew that she wanted to channel her energy into helping others affected by cancer.
Paige More
Paige, also known as @paige_previvor, is a co-founder of the Breasties. In 2017, Paige had a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation.
Leighann C Lenti
Leighann C Lenti was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and has been NED for over 2 years. Education policy wonk by day, Leighann uses her free time to raise awareness about gynecological cancers.
Dani Strumeier
Dani Strumeier is a 28-year old ovarian cancer survivor and advocate for cancer research. Dani is a CPA in NYC and in her spare time loves to write, exercise, and watch competitive reality TV.
Mindy Miller
Mindy is a speech-language pathologist and stage 2 breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at age 29, she is in her sixth year of survivorship and works to spread encouragement within the cancer community.
Sarah Cohn
Sarah is a farmers market manager & a hormone-positive breast cancer survivor. She finds healing in connecting with others in the young adult cancer community, walks with her dog & making great food.
Leanna Blanchard PT, DPT
Leanna is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and breast cancer survivor in Chicago, IL. She holds board certification in orthopedic physical therapy and is certified in lymphedema therapy.
Kate Burns
Kate Burns is a 41 year old breast cancer survivor, community organizer, advocate, and member of the DEI committee. Antifascist researcher, mutual aid activist and co-leader of the SoCal Breasties.
Julie Hinze
Julie Prairie Hinze is an an artist and 11 year cancer survivor. She is pursuing her Masters in art therapy at George Washington University in DC. She lives with her husband Matt.
Falon Stahley
Falon Stahley is a 31-year-old triple-negative breast cancer survivor who lives in Virginia with her husband, son, & pitbulls. She is a Breastie meetup host and loves Disney, dogs, coffee & tattoos.
Rebecca Gigliotti
Rebecca Gigliotti is a New York-based attorney & cervical cancer survivor. She is close with her family, the oldest of 4 siblings, practicing law alongside her mom & often at her family's restaurant.
Miranda Gonzales
Miranda is a recovering stay at home mom, chronic volunteer, and passionate patient advocate. Initially turned away because she was "too young," she now teaches others to advocate for themselves.
Robin Davies
Robin is a writer and previvor who was born in London and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children, works in TV, and is passionate about supporting those impacted by breast cancer.
Veronica Laurel
Veronica is a stage 2B breast cancer survivor, living her best life after aesthetic flat closure. Her focus is ensuring women have access and have the information to make informed choices.
Karen Galo
Karen is a 15 year breast cancer thriver and passionate advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented LantinXBreasties.
Brooks Fuentes
Brooks is passionate about connecting with other survivors and works for the Oregon-based nonprofit Breast Friends, focusing on outreach and programming for the Latinx and AYA community.
Lindsey Baker
Lindsey Baker is a cancer survivor, patient advocate, and nonprofit consultant. Lindsey holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Emory University.
Jenny Altman
Jenny Altman is a member of the Bobbie team who strives to be the voice of all moms through her content
Nabeela Merali
Nabeela Merali is a triple negative breast cancer thriver, a BRCA1 previvor, trauma survivor, first generation Indian American, and mental health warrior.
Vanessa Herkert
Vanessa, affectionately known as Vanay, is a member of The Breasties community, and identifies as a Previvor carrying the BRCA2 genetic mutation.
Alyssa Pressman
Alyssa is a licensed therapist and certified coach who specializes in supporting women in coming home to themselves and tapping into their power so they can show up fully expressed in their lives.
Tiffany Dyba
Tiffany Dyba is a career coach and recruitment consultant based in NYC. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35, and is focused on helping women find more fulfilling careers.
Lindsey Baguio Gerhard
Creative. Curious. Chatty. Lindsey is a storyteller, community organizer and homemaker. At 30 and 32, she was diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer and has been NED for three years.
Simran Malhotra, MD
Dr. Simran Malhotra is a triple board-certified physician specializing in palliative care and lifestyle medicine. She is also a mother of two toddlers and a BRCA1 previvor.
Natasha Ewa
Natasha Ewa is a 33-year-old licensed clinical social worker / psychotherapist who was diagnosed with breast at age of 29. Natasha is a wife, business owner and also a new mom.
Natalie Tiojanco
Natalie Tiojanco is the ambassador for the Vancouver Breasties, a cancer survivor, a mental health advocate, and an aspiring clinical counselor studying at Adler University.
Gretchen Herrera
Gretchen is a pregnant breast cancer survivor and proud Houston Breasties Ambassador.
Jessica Bonilla
Jess is a certified health coach, fitness instructor and serves as the Breasties' chief of wellness. Jess is fueled by creating an inclusive wellness space and community for all.
Trish G
Trish is a cancer thriver & healthcare professional. Trish's lived experience is her expertise and she finds joy in community. She's #NotDeadYet and living her best life.
Lauren Oxenhandler
Lauren (she/her) is the Director of Virtual Programming for the Breasties and is also a transformational Life Coach and Reiki II practitioner. Lauren is also a triple negative breast cancer survivor.
Bianca Muñiz
Bianca Muñiz (she/her) is a singer/songwriter and three-time cancer survivor and advocate. She was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 11, breast cancer at 22 along with a genetic mutation called TP53, and then lung cancer at 26.
Dana Donofree
Dana Donofree is a breast cancer survivor and the founder of AnaOno, an inclusive lingerie line for those affected by breast cancer.
Joslynn Corredor
Coach Jos, also known as @bodyenroute, is a breast cancer previvor and expert in developmental strength. She works closely with women looking to regain their strength after mastectomies.
Monica
Monica is a survivor of Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma and a proud Latina Breastie. She wants nothing more than to be a mother and openly shares the challenges she’s faced on this journey to parenthood post-cancer.
Jessie Lerner
Jessie learned she carried BRCA2 at 26. At 36, as a mother of two young boys, she underwent a prophylactic salpingectomy. She underwent a prophylactic mastectomy the following year. Her memoir, Nipples Cost Extra, is about navigating genetic risk while becoming a mother. Learn more at https://JessieLerner.com
Christy Fennewald
Christy is a maker and breast cancer thriver at age 36. She and her partner, AJ, live in Texas. She gardens, hikes, kayaks, paints, woodworks, and does anything that keeps her active. She is a mom to four crazy cats and two dogs, and an aunt to three awesome nieces.
Keri Smith
Keri is a stage IV thriver living in Schenectady, NY. She works as a senior vocational counselor and enjoys spending time with family and friends, connecting with others in the breast cancer community, and advocating for greater awareness and action for those living with MBC.
Nancy Lê Maestro
Nancy Lê Maestro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in private practice in San Diego. She is a survivor and thriver living with her family and beloved French Bulldog. She’s an avid traveler and passionate European football fan. She is dedicated to empowering marginalized voices and promoting healing and hope for those touched by breast cancer.
Maggie Wickman
Maggie Wickman, 28, is a single BRCA1 previvor who underwent a non-nipple sparing double mastectomy nearly three years ago. As a pediatric Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she is dedicated to helping children and families thrive. Maggie shares her journey with honesty and strength, embodying resilience, advocacy, and hope in previvorship.
Myriam Alejandra Pérez
I was born in Los Angeles and diagnosed at 28 with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer (5% hormone), with no family history or gene mutation. As of November 9, I’ll be two years cancer-free. I spend my days with my two dogs—a corgi and a chihuahua—and love baking and cooking, especially making things from scratch!
Candace Grande
Candace is a mother of two boys who loves family time, coffee, and all things Disney. She finds healing in telling her story in hopes it will help other women.
Jessica Fioretti
Jessica Fioretti is a writer, blogger, wife, and mother of two daughters, and a metastatic breast cancer advocate fueled by hope and gratitude. She shares her life on Facebook as My Mindful MBC Life and on Instagram on @My_Mindful_MBC_Life.
Paloma Soledad
Paloma Soledad is a fashion designer, cancer survivor, and founder of LuxCare Clothing. Her career spans costume design for the Academy-nominated film Coraline to winning Best Emerging Designer at Portland Fashion Week. Today, she channels that experience into creating wellness fashion that blends beauty, comfort, and protection for survivors and thrivers.
Sara Champie
Sara Champie, LCSW, is a psychotherapist specializing in hereditary cancer, developmental trauma, and self-connection. She brings both clinical depth and lived experience to her work, supporting people navigating genetic risk and cancer in reclaiming agency, authenticity, and the freedom to live fully no matter what life throws at us.
Erin Mullen
Erin is a former decorated athlete and baseball gold medalist best known for her contribution on Team USA. She is a breast cancer survivor and is currently in treatment. Erin is a proud mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. Her life goals include helping others navigate through their diagnoses and advocating for the best and most accurate care in all circumstances.
Katrina Pielli
Katrina Pielli is an outdoor enthusiast, public servant, and former belly dancer living in rural North Idaho. She is a de novo metastatic breast cancer Thriver traveling the world with her husband and enjoying time at home with her adorable (and bossy) cat. Katrina is passionate about empowering other Thrivers to deeply learn about their unique cancer situation (e.g., genetic mutations, family history, new drug trials) and take control of their narrative (e.g., attitude, outlook, treatment care team options) to live their best life.
Mady Crist
Mady, 27, is a single Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer thriver. She has undergone fifteen rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a non-nipple sparing double mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and five rounds of brain radiation. She is a chemist that loves cats, crafts, being out in nature, and a laugh with her friends. She continues to fight cancer while hoping to provide space for other thrivers, survivors, and previvors to feel joy and gratitude.
Stephanie M Wong, MD MPH FRCSC
Stephanie Wong, MD MPH is an assistant professor of surgery at McGill Medical School, a breast surgical oncologist at the JGH Segal Cancer Centre, and the Director, High Risk Breast Clinic at the JGH Stroll Cancer Prevention Centre in Montreal, Canada. She received her medical degree and completed general surgery residency at McGill University, her MPH at the Harvard School of Public Health, and in 2019, completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre and Massachusetts General Hospital. Her clinical and research interests focus on surgical outcomes following neoadjuvant treatment and high-risk patient populations.
Amanda Grilli, PT, CLT
Amanda Grilli, PT, CLT is a physical therapist, certified lymphedema therapist, and cancer coach specialized in breast cancer recovery and lymphedema treatment. She uses a whole-body treatment approach, combining hands-on therapy and individualized exercises, to help her patients overcome their cancer-related side effects and maximize their well-being during and after cancer treatments.
Amanda is also the founder and Executive Director of Well Beyond Breast Cancer (WBBC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of the breast cancer community by expanding access to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. WBBC advances equitable access through its Financial Assistance Program, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, helping more individuals receive the specialized care they need to live well beyond breast cancer.
Joanie Carey
Joanie Carey volunteers as a writer for The Peak. She’s a breast cancer survivor striving to ensure no one travels this road alone. Joanie wants to make a difference in the lives of those facing hard decisions and uncertain outcomes on their cancer journey, no matter what that looks like.
Tegan O'Neill
Tegan O’Neill is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). She offers evidenced-informed therapy, with a special focus on supporting folks affected by cancer. Her path to becoming a therapist in this space has been shaped by both her professional training and her own personal history having had triple negative breast cancer. She celebrated her 5 year “cancerversary" in 2026. These experiences have not only deepened her understanding of what it means to heal, but also inspire a commitment to supporting others whose lives have been affected by cancer.
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