NEW YORK STATE SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES

My name is Amanda Cafiero, and I am a second-year student at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the School of Radiation Therapy. During my time as a pre-med undergrad, I developed a strong interest in cell biology and understanding the mechanisms of cancer, which led me to pursue research after graduating. I went on to work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory conducting both in-vivo and in-vitro cancer research where my work primarily focused on animal imaging, including FDG injections and performing PET/CT and SPECT scans. This is the path that ultimately led to where I am today.

As a student, I am grateful for opportunities such as the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program which has kept me engaged in the field and introduced me to so many incredible new people. I hope to keep these connections and continue to grow and learn as a professional and leader.

Outside of being a student I usually find myself outdoors whether it’s hiking, sailing, fishing with my dad, or going for long walks with friends. I also love to explore new places and cultures, and hope to keep that as part of my lifestyle as a therapist!

Hi, my name is Britney, and I am a Radiation Therapy student at Manhattan University. I am passionate about helping others and making a positive difference in patients’ lives. My goal is to become a licensed radiation therapist and provide compassionate care to patients throughout their cancer treatment journey.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, reading, watching Korean dramas, and knitting.  My faith is also an important part of my life. I am excited to be part of the Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP) and look forward to learning from others, developing my leadership skills, and connecting with fellow radiation therapy students and professionals.

As a returning student pursuing a new career path, I made the decision to transition into a field where I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That decision led me to radiation therapy, a profession that has been both rewarding and fulfilling, and one where I am grateful to have found my calling.

I earned my Bachelor’s in Health Science in May 2025 and graduated from the Radiation Therapy Program at the Mount Sinai Center for Radiation Sciences Education at Stony Brook University in May 2026. I successfully passed my ARRT registry examination in June 2026, becoming a licensed Radiation Therapist.

I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care while continuing to develop my clinical knowledge and skills. As I begin this new chapter in my career, I look forward to growing within the profession, advocating for radiation therapists and our patients, and becoming a positive role model and mentor for future generations of RTTs. I am excited to contribute to the continued advancement of our field and make a lasting impact on the patients and colleagues I work alongside.

2025 SLDP PARTICIPANTS

Molly is currently a student in the Radiologic Technology program at Fulton-Montgomery Community College and will be graduating as part of the 20th class in May of 2026. She’s actively involved in the New York State AHEC program, gaining hands-on experience and insight into healthcare across the state. On campus, she serves as president of the Medical Imaging Students Association (MISA), a student-run club that brings rad tech students together for support, networking, and professional growth. She was also proud to be selected for the Student Leadership Development Program through the ASRT, an opportunity that’s helped her connect with leaders in the field and grow as a future radiologic technologist. 

Originally from the Adirondacks, Molly is passionate about giving back to her roots and looks forward to serving her community as a licensed radiologic technologist.”

Elizabeth is a student at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center School of Radiation Therapy, class of 2026. She worked for many years as a veterinary assistant, most recently in the Surgery department at a specialty hospital on Long Island. After seeing how the Radiation Oncology department treated their canine and feline patients, coupled with her godmother's breast cancer diagnosis and radiation treatments, Elizabeth knew she was meant to pursue a career as a Radiation Therapist. She is looking forward to growing her leadership skills and professional network through ASRT's Student to Leadership Development Program in hopes of one day becoming a chief therapist. In her free time Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her french bulldogs Pugsley and Gomez, trying out new restaurants, going on roadtrips and cooking with her boyfriend Kevin.

My name is Stephanie Lovett, and I am excited to have been selected as one of the representatives from New York State for the 2025 cohort of the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program! I am currently finishing the first year of the clinical phase of the AAS in Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging at New York City College of Technology, part of the City University of New York, in Brooklyn. I have previously earned Bachelor's degrees in Economics and Applied Mathematics. I was attracted to the unique mix of science, technology, and patient care in the field of medical imaging, and I look forward to exploring multiple modalities throughout my studies and career. When not on campus or at my clinical site, I enjoy visiting museums, going to the theater, walking around the city, and traveling.

2024 SLDP PARTICIPANTS

Dan Paccione

Maya Rivera

“It’s never too late to be who you might have been” -George Eliot, aka Marian Evans

My name is Dan Paccione, and I’m a radiation therapy student at Memorial Sloan

Kettering Cancer Center School of Radiation Therapy. Entering the field of radiation therapy was a major shift in my life. I graduated from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music 20 years ago as a jazz performance major. I’ve worked steadily as a freelance musician, recording, performing, touring, and teaching. Over the years I’ve had many adventures traveling and working with people from all over the world. I’ve spent over 15 years teaching music, and I recently spent a year as a general ed. sub teacher in Bronx, NYC.

A few years back I realized that in pursuing one path wholeheartedly I might have mistaken the trees for the forest. A timely conversation with an acquaintance in the RT field piqued my interest and I decided to enroll in some RT pre-req’s at City University of New York. Soon after, I had a chance to shadow a radiation therapist at MSKCC, and I knew immediately that I had found what I was missing.

It’s such a wonderful experience to become a student once again, pursuing my career in this amazing field. Having spent most of my career on stage or teaching, and now returning to school as a student is quite an experience; one that has enriched my life and opened my mind to so many possibilities. It might seem the worlds of music and radiation therapy have nothing in common, but they are alike in the most critical ways. The layers of thought and technique that are required in both disciplines are remarkably similar. The precision, focus, and orchestration that make for high quality treatment are the same attributes that make for virtuosic performance. Critical thinking, creative problem solving, and a strong sense of

empathy are marks of a skilled musician. I witness daily these very same virtues displayed by the dedicated RT(T)’s at MSKCC, and I strive to translate them into practice as I develop my skills as an RT(T) student.

As I finish year one of my journey and move forward towards my goals, I am grateful to be supported by the fantastic educators at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center School of Radiation Therapy. Each day I spend learning from the brilliant therapists at MSKCC I am one step closer to my goals of playing my part in the battle to eradicate cancer. I am truly honored for the opportunity to learn from the best. I am especially grateful for the chance to become

who I might have been.

Hello! My name is Maya Rivera, I am a first year student in the Fulton Montgomery Community College Radiologic Technology program! I have recently been selected as one of the NYS SLDP participants and I am looking forward to all amazing opportunities! One personal goal for me is to expand my professional network and learn new skills. Something fun about me is that I swam for 16 years competitively and I love teaching and coaching the sport! I enjoy spending my free time traveling and exploring different places with my closest friends and family! I look forward to hearing from everyone and making new connections during the course of the SLDP.