The Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) Program is at the forefront of understanding, treating, and ultimately preventing Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing exceptional care while advancing critical research in this challenging field. Meet the leadership and key members driving the AD-CARE program forward:
Anton Porsteinsson, MD – Director: Spearheading Alzheimer’s Research and Patient Care
As the Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) Program, Dr. Anton Porsteinsson is a distinguished figure in the field of memory disorders. His career is deeply rooted in the comprehensive care and rigorous study of individuals affected by these conditions. Dr. Porsteinsson’s clinical and research endeavors are centered on the cognitive impairments and behavioral changes that accompany memory disorders, with a particular emphasis on innovative treatment strategies and the development of improved diagnostic tools. His expertise in these areas has garnered international recognition. Leading numerous prominent national Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment trials, Dr. Porsteinsson is instrumental in shaping the future of therapeutic interventions. His extensive clinical trial experience includes work with cognitive enhancers, disease-modifying agents, and psychotropic medications aimed at managing behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. A prolific author and collaborator, Dr. Porsteinsson has contributed to hundreds of research publications, further cementing his influence in the field. He also serves as the principal investigator for research grants funded by the National Institutes of Health and other leading organizations, underscoring his commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research.
Dr. Porsteinsson’s academic appointments include William B. and Sheila Konar Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Rochester, reflecting his dedication to both clinical practice and academic advancement. He is a graduate of the University of Iceland School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Beyond his AD-CARE role, he also directs the Psychiatry Program and Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Service at Monroe Community Hospital, demonstrating his broad impact on mental healthcare within the community.
Emily Clark, DO – Associate Director: Dedicated to Memory Disorder Treatment and Management
Dr. Emily Clark joined the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team as a Co-Investigator in 2020 and currently serves as the Associate Director. Her expertise enhances the program’s commitment to patient-centered care and cutting-edge research. Dr. Clark earned her medical degree from Kansas City University in 2015 and completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Rochester in 2019. Further specializing in geriatric psychiatry, she completed a fellowship at the University of Rochester in 2020. Dr. Clark’s clinical focus is divided between the AD-CARE program and the Memory Care Program clinical service. In these roles, she is deeply involved in the direct treatment and comprehensive management of memory disorders. Her dedication extends to addressing the behavioral changes often associated with these conditions, ensuring a holistic approach to patient well-being. Dr. Clark’s contributions are vital to providing compassionate and effective care within the AD-CARE program.
Susan Salem-Spencer, RN, MSN, CCRC – Clinical Operations Manager & Senior Study Coordinator: Ensuring Excellence in Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials
Susan Salem-Spencer is the Clinical Operations Manager and Senior Study Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) Program, playing a pivotal role in the smooth and efficient conduct of research. She obtained her BSN from Syracuse University in 1988 and her MSN from George Mason University in 1991, building a strong foundation in nursing and advanced practice. Prior to her tenure at the University of Rochester and AD-CARE, Susan served as an Advanced Practice Nurse in both acute and outpatient psychiatry settings, gaining diverse clinical experience. She also contributed to nursing education as an adjunct instructor at Monroe Community College. Susan’s dedication to Alzheimer’s Disease Research began in 1997, and she has been a valuable member of AD-CARE since 2001. In her current role, Susan is responsible for supporting, facilitating, and meticulously coordinating all aspects of daily clinical trial activities. Her expertise ensures the integrity and success of AD-CARE’s research initiatives. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to patient care, Susan was honored with the Daisy Award for Nurses in 2022.
Nancy Kowalski, RNC, MS – Study Coordinator: Long-Standing Commitment to Alzheimer’s Research and Family Support
Nancy Kowalski has been an integral part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team since 1996, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the program’s mission. Throughout her tenure, Nancy has held various key roles, including Cognitive Rating administrator and Psychiatric consultant, showcasing her versatile skills and deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Since 2015, Nancy has excelled in the role of Research Study Coordinator, where she leverages her experience to manage and oversee research activities. Nancy expresses profound gratitude for the opportunity to work with the families involved in AD-CARE’s research. She finds daily inspiration in their resilience and dedication, which fuels her continued commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research and improving patient lives.
Kim Martin, RN, BSN – Research Nurse: Passionate About Geriatric Care in Alzheimer’s Research
Kim Martin, a Research Nurse with the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) program since 2000, brings a dedicated focus to geriatric patient care within the research setting. Her passion for working with the elderly population is evident in her commitment to AD-CARE’s mission. Kim earned her BSN from the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing, establishing a strong educational foundation for her nursing career. Her long-term involvement with AD-CARE reflects her consistent dedication to advancing Alzheimer’s research and providing compassionate care to study participants.
Abigail Mathewson, RN, BSN- Research Nurse: Advancing Alzheimer’s Research with Expertise in Psychiatric Mental Health
Abigail “Abby” Mathewson joined the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team in 2022 as a Research Nurse, bringing valuable experience from the University of Rochester’s Memory Care Program, where she worked for four years. Abby graduated from Nazareth College in 2015 with her BSN and holds dual certifications in Ambulatory Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, demonstrating her specialized skills. She is enthusiastic about continuing her work with the geriatric patient population at AD-CARE and is eager to contribute to the progress of Alzheimer’s Disease research through her nursing expertise and dedication.
Julie Portanova, MSN, AGPCNP-BC- Study Coordinator: New Expertise in Geriatric Primary Care for Alzheimer’s Research
Julie Portanova recently became a Study Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team in 2023, adding her expertise in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care to the program. Prior to joining AD-CARE, Julie worked in Primary Care at Alexander Medical Group, gaining valuable experience in patient management. She completed her Nurse Practitioner education in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care at the University of Rochester, further specializing her skills. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Julie worked as a Registered Nurse in Imaging Sciences at URMC, providing her with a diverse healthcare background that benefits her role in Alzheimer’s research coordination.
Megan Fischer, MSN, FNP-BC – Study Coordinator: Family Nurse Practitioner Bringing Acute Care Experience to Alzheimer’s Research
Megan Fischer is a Study Coordinator who recently joined the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team in June 2024. Her background as a Family Nurse Practitioner adds valuable clinical expertise to the program. Before joining AD-CARE, Megan worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Endocrinology at the University of Rochester, expanding her medical knowledge. She completed her Family Nurse Practitioner education at the University of Rochester and previously worked as a Registered Nurse on the Acute physical rehab floor (5-1200) at URMC, providing her with a strong foundation in acute patient care that informs her approach to Alzheimer’s research coordination.
Asa Widman, BS – Sr. Human Subjects Research Specialist: Managing Cognitive Testing and Research Documentation
Asa Widman has been a dedicated member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team since 2001, serving as a Sr. Human Subjects Research Specialist. Her primary responsibilities include administering cognitive and memory tests to research participants, crucial for assessing and monitoring cognitive function in Alzheimer’s research. In addition to her testing role, Asa is responsible for organizing and maintaining research-related source documents, ensuring the meticulous record-keeping necessary for high-quality research. Her long-term commitment and organizational skills are vital to the smooth operation of AD-CARE’s research studies.
Esmeralda Morales-Lamarre, MS – Sr. Public Health Specialist: Connecting with the Community for Alzheimer’s Research and Outreach
Esmeralda Morales-Lamarre, a Sr. Public Health Specialist, joined the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team in 2019, bringing her experience working with both the geriatric population and Alzheimer’s Disease research initiatives. Her role is multifaceted, involving direct interaction with research participants through cognitive test administration, performing clinical procedures, and processing specimens. Esmeralda is also actively involved in recruitment and outreach efforts across all AD-CARE studies, working to connect with the broader community and ensure diverse participation in Alzheimer’s research programs.
Rebecca Hunt, BS- Human Subject Research Specialist: Focus on Cognitive Testing and Clinical Procedures in Geriatric Psychiatry Research
Rebecca Hunt became a Human Subject Research Specialist with the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team in 2022, bringing her prior experience working with the geriatric population in psychiatry to the program. Her responsibilities include direct participant interaction through administering cognitive tests and performing clinical procedures, contributing directly to the data collection and participant care aspects of Alzheimer’s research.
Roberta Calzavara, PhD- Research Technician: Neuroscience Expertise Supporting Clinical Procedures and Specimen Processing
Roberta Calzavara, PhD, joined the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team as a Research Technician in 2023, adding her background in neuroscience research to the program. Her role focuses on performing clinical procedures and specimen processing, essential laboratory functions that support the biological aspects of Alzheimer’s research at AD-CARE. Roberta’s expertise in neuroscience enhances the team’s capacity for in-depth investigation into Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms.
Bridget Holvey, MPH – Grant & Program Manager: Overseeing Program Operations and Sponsored Projects in Alzheimer’s Research
Bridget Holvey, MPH, joined the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team in 2019 and currently serves as the Grant & Program Manager. Her commitment to the geriatric population led her to AD-CARE, where she initially worked as a psychometrician, directly involved in clinical procedures and cognitive testing with research participants. After earning her Masters in Public Health at the University of Rochester, Bridget transitioned to her current management role. She now oversees the daily operations of the AD-CARE program and manages all aspects of sponsored projects, ensuring the program’s administrative and financial functions align with its research and patient care goals in Alzheimer’s disease.
Russ Kurvach, BS, CCRP – Sr. Regulatory & Compliance Specialist: Ensuring Ethical and Regulatory Standards in Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials
Russ Kurvach, BS, CCRP, has been a vital member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) team since 2011, serving as the Sr. Regulatory & Compliance Specialist. His expertise is crucial in overseeing all regulatory aspects of AD-CARE’s clinical trials, ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal regulations. Russ’s work guarantees that all research activities are conducted ethically and in full compliance with all applicable guidelines, protecting both research participants and the integrity of the Alzheimer’s research conducted at AD-CARE.
