Meet Our Team

Across our entire JCCT team, we are proud experts in our field, and together we share a passion for excellence in clinical research.

Since 2005, we‘ve been helping to continuously advance modern medicine through scientific disease prevention while raising the standards of clinical research. We know the work we do in pharmaceutical research and drug/vaccine development makes a difference in the world by improving health and well-being for patients across the country – and we take that to heart.

JCCT Leaders

As co-founder of JCCT in 2005, Nathan has watched the company grow from six people working in a strip mall to a free-standing facility with almost 100 team members. After 300+ clinical trials, his philosophy remains the same: continue to learn and improve to deliver a better product and provide a great place to work. Nathan still has a special place in his heart for the lab, but his duties as CEO come first. He looks forward to what the future holds and is excited about the continued growth of JCCT.

Nathan Arthur

Co-Founder and CEO

After earning a B.S. in Respiratory Care at the University of Kansas Medical Center, he then received a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Kansas. He began his clinical research career in 1998 and co-founded JCCT in 2005. Mazen has been paramount in JCCT’s growth and remains committed to raising standards of quality in clinical research. He is an advocate for early-stage engagement with experienced sites/experts and evidence-based strategies.

Mazen Zari, RRT, MCS

Co-Founder and CEO

Heather began her professional career as an RN in the cardiac department. She found research when she began working PRN at a site. When JCCT opened in 2005, she had the opportunity to join the team. She obtained an MBA, and then an MSHS focused on Clinical Research Administration. The first lesson she learned in research is that there will always be more to learn. She’s looking forward to perpetually learning within the industry and to contributing to the growth and success of JCCT.

Heather Barker, MSHS-CRA, MBA, BSN, RN

Vice President, Business Operations

Channele joined JCCT in April 2022, bringing 15+ years of experience in the finance sector, 5 years in the healthcare industry, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Channele is responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial-related activity, with direct focus on accounting, finance, forecasting, and corporate compliance. Channele loves to laugh, so sharing time with family and friends and creating positive memories is where she finds herself outside the office.

Channele Payne

Vice President, Finance

Chris joined JCCT in May 2024, bringing over a decade of finance experience from AMC Theatres, H&R Block, and several early-stage startups. Chris is enthusiastic about his new role and is ready to spearhead JCCT’s strategic finance function including long-term planning, mergers and acquisitions, financial modeling, and financial analysis and reporting. Outside of work, Chris enjoys honing his skills on the golf course, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife and young daughters.

Chris Southard

Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis

A proven leader in clinical operations, Judy has spent over 30 years in the industry and is passionate about building high-performing teams and ensuring that organizations achieve success. As the newest addition to JCCT, she is poised to utilize her leadership skills and expertise to positively impact staff members and contribute to the company’s continued growth and success. Outside of work, Judy enjoys traveling, and spending time with family & loved ones.

Judy Atkinson

Vice President, Regional Operations

A Principal or Sub-Investigator for over 20 years, Dr. Fierro has participated in over 200 clinical research studies. After getting his BEngSc (BME) from MIT in 1993, he earned his MD from the University of Kansas in 1998 and completed an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics internship in 2000. He has extensive experience overseeing trials for both small biotech startups and large Pharma in private and government sectors. He stands ready to tackle challenges brought by the changing trials landscape.

Carlos Fierro, MD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Kreamer joined JCCT in Feb 2024 as a Principal Investigator. He has a BA in Biology from Northwestern Univ. and graduated medical school from UMKC. A board-certified emergency medicine physician, Dr. Kreamer practiced here In KC for 20 years after completing an internal medicine internship at the Mayo Clinic and an ER residency at Truman Med Center in KC. Most recently CMO at Mercy & Truth Medical Missions, he is enjoying his transition into clinical research and is grateful to be a part of our outstanding team.

Tom Kreamer, MD

Principal Investigator

Angela has been with JCCT since 2013. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, she went on to get her master’s degree from the University of Kansas. Her role has transitioned from lab tech to lab manager to lab director. Currently the director of our Specialty Lab, her focus is PBMC isolation and cryopreservation. Angela’s love of science and dedication to achieving a healthy global community is the foundation for her work in clinical research.

Angela Eichler, MS

Director, Specialty Lab Services

Mary began her career in clinical research as a nursing student in 1998. After becoming a Registered Nurse and working in both hospital and research settings, she found clinical research to be her true passion. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is one of the original six members of JCCT. She has been a key player in the growth of the company and is currently the Director of Study Management, leading her team in delivering quality finished projects to our sponsors.

Mary Easley, RN, BSN

Vice President, Study Operations

Karie joined JCCT in November 2021 and oversees the departments responsible for sample collection, sample processing, and sample shipments. She has over 20 years of experience in Phase 1 – Phase 4 clinical research studies. Karie is often found working alongside staff to ensure the flawless execution of study activity.

Karie Carlson

Manager, Central Lab

Nathan joined JCCT in August 2022 with 15 years of experience in Management and Quality Improvement. He has a BA in Leadership and Management from Ottawa University and an MBA-HCA from Baker University. Prior to JCCT, he was a Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Therapist for 19 years, with 15 of those years in Leadership and Management before transitioning to Clinical Research. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and coaching his kids’ sports activities.

Nathan Carman, MBA-HCA, RRT-NPS

Vice President, People Operations

After receiving a BSN from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Monica began her career as an Orthopedic Nurse. She spent five years as a floor nurse, then transitioned into clinical research. Finding her passion, she has never looked back. At JCCT since 2005, Monica has held various positions here including Research Coordinator and Principal Clinical Data Manager before assuming her current role as Quality Manager. In her free time, you will find her swimming, e-biking or traveling the world!

Monica Atwood, RN, BSN

Chief Quality Officer

Investigators

A Principal or Sub-Investigator for over 20 years, Dr. Fierro has participated in over 200 clinical research studies. After getting his BEngSc (BME) from MIT in 1993, he earned his MD from the University of Kansas in 1998 and completed an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics internship in 2000. He has extensive experience overseeing trials for both small biotech startups and large Pharma in private and government sectors. He stands ready to tackle challenges brought by the changing trials landscape.

Carlos Fierro, MD

Principal Investigator, JCCT

Dr. Kreamer joined JCCT in Feb 2024 as a Principal Investigator. He has a BA in Biology from Northwestern Univ. and graduated medical school from UMKC. A board-certified emergency medicine physician, Dr. Kreamer practiced here In KC for 20 years after completing an internal medicine internship at the Mayo Clinic and an ER residency at Truman Med Center in KC. Most recently CMO at Mercy & Truth Medical Missions, he is enjoying his transition into clinical research and is grateful to be a part of our outstanding team.

Tom Kreamer, MD

Principal Investigator, JCCT

Dr. Awad is board certified in nephrology and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University Missouri-Kansas City. Conducting over 100 clinical trials, he has been involved in clinical research since 1999, focusing on diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney failure. Dr. Awad has authored/co-authored several medical publications in peer reviewed journals and created the guidelines for primary care physicians on early detection and diagnosis of kidney disease.

Ahmed Awad, DO, FACP, FASN

Principal Investigator, CRC

As a Board-certified Endocrinologist, Dr. Mounla is dedicated to empowering his patients in managing diabetes, thyroid, and other endocrine disorders. He is thrilled to join the clinical research community and eager to contribute to advancements using his extensive experience in endocrinology to improve patient lives. He’s looking forward to creating positive outcomes by joining with JCCT to navigate and excel in managing endocrine health with cutting-edge research and compassionate care.

M Yaser Mounla, MD

Principal Investigator

Devin joined JCCT in 2022 as a Sub-Investigator after seven years working in hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplants. She graduated with a master’s from UMKC in 2021 and is enjoying her transition into clinical research. Outside of work, she likes spending time on the lake and hanging out with her family and dogs.

Devin Schwartzburg FNP-C

Sub-Investigator, JCCT

Lana joined Johnson County Clin-Trials as a sub-investigator in 2022 after seven years in Neurotrauma Critical Care. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing in 2021 and then began her journey into clinical research. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, traveling, and cheering on the Chiefs.

Lana Morrison, FNP-BC

Sub-Investigator, JCCT

JCCT Pharmacists

Jeremy joined the JCCT team in September 2022. He graduated pharmacy school from the University of Kansas in 2013. Prior to JCCT, he worked in retail pharmacies for 15 years with roles ranging from technician to pharmacy manager. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife and three dogs, playing pickleball and golf, and sampling the finest craft beer.

Jeremy Snyder, PharmD

Pharmacy Lead

Dina received her Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Lebanese International University and worked as a relief pharmacist for several years before joining the JCCT pharmacy team in 2019. She also has a certificate in immunization. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and working on getting her fashion design online degree.

Dina Abou Hammine, RPh

Pharmacist

Sam received his pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas and has worked in pharmacy for over 30 years, 20 of those as the owner of his own pharmacy. He is immunization certified and has taught courses in immunizations at KU and Johnson County Community College. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle.

Sam Boyajian, RPh

Pharmacist

Clinical Research Consultants (CRC) – A JCCT Company

Dr. Awad is board certified in nephrology and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University Missouri-Kansas City. Conducting over 100 clinical trials, he has been involved in clinical research since 1999, focusing on diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney failure. Dr. Awad has authored/co-authored several medical publications in peer reviewed journals and created the guidelines for primary care physicians on early detection and diagnosis of kidney disease.

Ahmed Awad, DO, FACP, FASN

Principal Investigator, CRC

Ameneh graduated from the UMKC School of Pharmacy in 1992 with top honors and awarded the Fulbright Scholarship three of her five years there. She spent 16 years as a hospital pharmacist at St. Luke’s Hospital, and as a consultant pharmacist in the KC area. Currently VP, Site Quality Control Manager at CRC, she has conducted Phase II-IV trials for diabetes, anemia, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease the past 14 years. She is humbled to be a part of novel research and drug development.

Ameneh Paziresh, RPH

VP, Site Quality Control Manager, CRC

Affiliations

KC Diabetes & Endocrinology

As a Board-certified Endocrinologist, Dr. Mounla is dedicated to empowering his patients in managing diabetes, thyroid, and other endocrine disorders. He is thrilled to join the clinical research community and eager to contribute to advancements using his extensive experience in endocrinology to improve patient lives. He’s looking forward to creating positive outcomes by joining with JCCT to navigate and excel in managing endocrine health with cutting-edge research and compassionate care.

M Yaser Mounla, MD

Endocrinologist

Let’s Connect Today

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