HEALTH RESEARCH OF HAMPTON ROADS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Patient Care Representative / Archiving Specialist
Amanda joined the HRHR team in August of 2019. She regards her new journey in clinical research as one of the most eye opening and rewarding decisions of her life. Amanda has quickly realized that clinical research is the mold that makes it possible for future medicine and the patient volunteers are the key foundation. She is proud to be a part of the HRHR team that has become like a family. Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys spending time with family and her precious pups, Benny and Lily.
Job Titles:
- Medical Laboratory Coordinator / Research Assistant
Ananda received her Phlebotomy Technician license in 2021 and she joined the Health Research team in August of 2022. Ananda enjoys processing specimens in the lab, and being able to connect with patients while performing their blood collections. When drawing a patient's blood, Ananda always strives to make patients feel comfortable during what some may feel is an uncomfortable experience. Outside of the office, Ananda loves spending time shopping, or binge watching Grey's Anatomy over and over again.
Job Titles:
- Patient Care Representative
Bobby is retired from city government after 28 years of working on behalf of the general public. He has been with HRHR since September of 2016. Bobby finds satisfaction in knowing that HRHR has an impact. He feels that few careers offer the chance to help individuals and families quite like HRHR. He appreciates working with the professional staff and speaking with the participants daily. Bobby enjoys time with his large family including his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren. Bobby also loves playing golf in his free time.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director / Lead Pharmacist
Dr. Gular began working with HRHR in 2008 as a summer intern where she developed a passion for clinical research. She graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech followed by her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, before beginning her career with HRHR in November of 2013. Dr. Gular enjoys working with HRHR's tremendous team of professionals, while educating staff and patients about clinical research, and continuing to always learn herself. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, chasing her two energetic children, and being at the beach.
Danielle received a BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Christopher Newport University. She began her career with HRHR in October of 2014. She enjoys being a part of the research to discover new treatments for varying disease states. She feels lucky to work with some of the kindest people who have become a second family to her at HRHR. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time her with husband, two daughters, and son. Danielle also enjoys working as a dance instructor at her local dance studio.
Job Titles:
- Controller
- Controller / Partner With Us
Deborah joined the HRHR team in November 2019. She enjoys being challenged and learning new things on a daily basis, and working alongside an outstanding group of professionals. Outside of work, Deborah enjoys spending time with her two adult girls, one teenage girl, and her many grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Principal Investigator
A Peninsula native, Dr. Freeman has a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Speech Communications from The University of Richmond. He attended The Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency at MCV/VCU in Women's Health. He is certified by The American Board of Ob/Gyn and served as an Assistant Professor at The Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, N.C. for thirteen years. After a career altering injury, he retrained in clinical research, attaining his certification as a physician investigator, joining HRHR in 2003. Dr. Freeman loves being at the cutting edge of practicing research and the opportunity to spend lots of quality time with patients. He also maintains a small, evidenced-based preventive/longevity medicine practice. Teaching patients about health is his passion. Out of the office he loves to cook, garden, play with his crazy rescue Lab, and spend time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Medical Laboratory Coordinator
A licensed Pharmacy Technician since 2014, Jenna received her BS in Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology with a minor in Leadership Studies from Christopher Newport University before joining the HRHR team in May of 2019. Her favorite part of working in clinical research is knowing that these trials can provide life changing care for individuals suffering from various ailments. She enjoys working with the wonderful patients and individuals that make up HRHR and loves that her roles allow her to grow and learn new things every day. Her favorite past times are traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Medical Laboratory Coordinator / Research Assistant
Jessica received her Phlebotomy Technician license in 2017 and her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies of Neuroscience in December of 2020. She has always adored all things science related and feels blessed to work in clinical research where she can play a small role in advancing science. She loves being in the laboratory and processing specimens. She enjoys working at HRHR, where the work environment is positive and everyone cares about each other. Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her family and two cats, Buttercup and Michael.
Kalli received a BA in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of Virginia and joined the HRHR team in August of 2022. She enjoys being part of the clinical process to advance the medical field, and she regards the HRHR team and patient volunteers with the utmost respect for aiding in this important endeavor. Outside of work, Kalli enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, and venturing out to the local historical sites.
LaVerne graduated from Hampton University in 1977 with a BSN and from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1989 with her MS as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She practiced Internal Medicine until 2002 and has since worked as a Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner. LaVerne began working with HRHR in 2020. She appreciates seeing firsthand the positive impacts clinical research can have on the quality of healthcare now and into the future. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren on the water as well as reading, painting, and cooking.
Dr. Marshall Cross is a native of Newport News, graduating with degrees in chemistry and economics from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He completed medical school at the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 1989 and completed a Residency program in general surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He has been practicing medicine and general surgery on the Peninsula Virginia since 1994, and joined HRHR early 2019 as a clinical investigator. He enjoys the time and patient-centered approach afforded under the umbrella of clinical medical research. Outside of the office, Marshall loves to be part of any outdoor activity.
A Hampton native, Rita is a graduate of The Medical College of Virginia with a pharmacy degree. She practiced pharmacy in both hospital and retail settings for many years before coming to HRHR in 2012. Rita finds herself enthralled with the ever-changing climate of medical research. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family, including her husband, two adult children, and two grandchildren.
Ted and wife Rita, a long-time Pharmacist, took over ownership and operations of Health Research of Hampton Roads in April 2013. Ted studied at Randolph Macon College before finding success as an entrepreneur. His vast business experience has given him the tools to grow HRHR and surround himself with talented professionals. Ted loves being on the water and spending time with his family, including the apples of his eye, grandson Cameron and granddaughter Madelyn.
Tim graduated from James Madison University with a BS degree in Health Sciences, and then completed a one year graduate program at the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. During his years of working in clinical research, Tim has received great satisfaction knowing our work is not only helping participating patients, but potentially reshaping the medical field of the future. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, and playing golf.
Job Titles:
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
While living in India, Usha received her BS and MS in Biology, followed by receiving her certification in Medical Laboratory Technology from Thomas Nelson Community College. Prior to HRHR, Usha worked in the medical laboratory at Riverside Family Practice in Newport News. She has been working at HRHR since June of 2000. She enjoys the company of her fellow employees and finds it a pleasure to work with each of them. She loves meeting new patients and enjoys challenging blood draws. Her passion is to travel to be with friends and family and the love her life, her granddaughter and grandson.