CONTRA COSTA ONCOLOGY - Key Persons
Aleena has achieved a Doctorate in Nursing from Samuel Merritt University, where she also successfully earned her Master's in Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing degrees. In addition to her nursing qualifications, Aleena holds a finance degree from San Jose State University. She has a commitment to professional development and is currently pursuing oncology courses at Duke University with the aim of attaining a specialized Certificate in Oncology.
Aleena‘s professional journey is marked by her commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to oncology patients. Her multidisciplinary background equips her with the skills to approach cancer care holistically, ensuring that her patients receive not only the best medical treatment but also the compassionate support they need on their medical journey.
Furthermore, Aleena has completed the Intensive Course for Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment offered by the City of Hope, enhancing her understanding of cancer genetics and personalized medicine. In addition, Aleena generously volunteers her time to collaborate with the Oncology Nursing Society, contributing to the development of evidence-based nursing guidelines that support clinical decisions in oncology nursing.
Outside her professional commitments, Aleena treasures precious moments with her husband and three children. She has developed a passion for gardening and enjoys reading. Alongside these interests, she lovingly cares for her tuxedo cat, Figaro.
Dr. Superfin is the principal author of three research papers, one of which was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in 2005. Dr. Superfin is also fluent in Russian and Ukrainian languages. A frequent lecturer in the community, Dr. Superfin attends national and local oncology and hematology meetings and is actively involved in clinical trials.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Oncology and board eligible in Hematology, Dr. Gauri Sharma is experienced in treating a broad range of hematological and oncologic diseases. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biopsychology and Cognitive Science from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. After receiving her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Sharma went on to complete her medical internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Her fellowship in Hematology/Oncology was completed at St. John Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, where she also served as Chief Fellow.
Upon completion of her fellowship in 2015, she joined a private practice affiliated with the Troy Beaumont Hospital in Michigan, where she practiced hematology and oncology until joining Contra Costa Oncology this year.
Dr. Sharma is a published author in peer reviewed journals, and has also published research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer patients. She regularly attends International Hematology and Oncology meetings. Dr. Sharma is also fluent in Hindi.
Julia joined Contra Costa Oncology in January 2023 as a board-certified adult-geriatric acute care nurse practitioner. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice degree from the University of California San Francisco in 2022 and her Masters in Nursing from New York University in 2017. Her doctoral project focused on improving inpatient consultation requests. She also holds bachelor's degrees in linguistics and nursing. Julia's clinical nursing background includes seven years of experience as a critical care registered nurse working in burn, medical and surgical intensive care units. Her post-Master's training includes a yearlong fellowship in oncological critical care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City. She subsequently worked as a consultant on the inpatient nephrology service at MSKCC from 2018-2020. Julia moved from New York City to the Bay Area in May, 2020. In her free time, she enjoys travel, hiking, dancing, and going to the theater.
Kathy joined Contra Costa Oncology in 2008. She carries a double certification as a board certified adult nurse practitioner and as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. Kathy graduated with honors from UCSF's Master's Nurse Practitioner program. She, also, holds bachelor's degrees in psychology/sociology and nursing. All degrees were conferred with honors and distinction. Her background includes many years of experience at Stanford University Hospital in primary care, trauma, intensive care, and cardiology. She has coordinated clinical medical research in interventional cardiology and radiology and continues to coordinate the practice's clinical trials. Kathy continues to coordinate clinical trials for Contra Costa Oncology, as well as gently guiding patients through bone marrow biopsies.
Since graduation Kathy has pursued additional studies in Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment through the Oncology Nurses Society and more recently became a member of City of Hope's community of practice upon completing their Intensive Course for Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment. Kathy has an active role in coordinating the American Cancer Society's San Ramon site of Relay for Life and is a volunteer with the California Disaster Relief Medical Volunteers. In her spare time she enjoys physical fitness, time with family, travel, reading and hiking.
Job Titles:
- Communications Director and Accounts Payable
Michael P. Sherman, M.D., Ph. D. is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, graduating from Cornell University with distinction and honors. While pursuing his medical degree at the State University of New York at Syracuse, he simultaneously completed his Ph.D. thesis studying cancer-causing viruses. Dr. Sherman went on to complete his medical internship and residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, as well as a Medical Oncology Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He received post-graduate training at the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology at UCSF. Dr. Sherman holds three U.S. patents and is the principal/secondary author of 27 original manuscripts and publications as well as eight reviews and book chapters. A nationally sought-after speaker on the subject of cancer treatment, he is also a frequent lecturer in the local community and participant in patient-oriented support groups. Dr. Sherman regularly attends national and international oncology meetings, including the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and is also an active leader and participant in patient-focused clinical trials.
Stephanie is a dedicated family nurse practitioner who brings a blend of knowledge and empathy to her practice. She has earned a Master's of Science degree in nursing from Samuel Merritt University and possesses Bachelor's of Science degrees in both psychobiology from UCLA and nursing from SMU.
Stephanie's professional experience is marked by her time at John Muir Concord Medical Center as a registered nurse, specializing in cardiology and stroke care. Her background has not only equipped her with invaluable insights and expertise but also instilled in her a strong desire to serve as a patient advocate through education and support. She is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care and creating meaningful connections with her patients.
Tracie Watson, D.O. is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Watson completed her undergraduate studies at University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with honors. After receiving her Masters of Science at Georgetown University, she earned her medical degree from Touro University of Osteopathic Medicine in California. Dr. Watson completed her medical internship and residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, where she also earned her fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology.
Her philosophy of treatment is to look at the patient as a whole, with a focus on their individual needs and characteristics. She remains up to date with current treatment paradigms, and attends national meetings.