Inova's breast care navigators are your personal resource experts. These specially trained registered nurses serve as a source of support for you and your family. They help manage and coordinate your doctor’s office visits, diagnostic tests, and communications between your specialist and primary care physician. They also are excellent resources for information about clinical trials, breast cancer education and transportation or financial concerns.
For general information about Inova Breast Care Institute, call 855-MY-INOVA (855-694-6682. Or you can contact one of the individual breast care navigators below.
Ami Bhavsar, RN
Inova Alexandria Hospital Breast Care Navigator
703-504-3394
Before coming to Inova Alexandria Hospital, Ami worked as a navigator in the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, specializing in cancers of the head and neck. She has experience working with all types of cancer patients, especially in helping with psychosocial issues involving patients and family.
Ami enjoys helping people manage their way through the healthcare system and thrives on opportunities to provide educational information about diagnosis and treatment and to offer emotional support and encouragement. She is a very enthusiastic, compassionate, hard working individual and loves to be around people – especially her patients.
Ami received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marshall University, Huntington, WV, and has experience in medical, surgical, telemetry and emergency nursing. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society.
Email Ami or call her at 703-504-3394 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Candace Choquette, RN, BSN
Inova Fairfax Hospital Breast Care Navigator
703-776-2051
Candace worked as a travel nurse in the areas of oncology and bone marrow transplant prior to her arrival at Inova. She has practiced at institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Lowell General Hospital – all in Massachusetts – as well as Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. Candace received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Candace is a very outgoing, compassionate nurse who is dedicated to the needs of oncology patients. Her wonderful ability to remain calm and professional during stressful situation helps tremendously in her work with patients, especially those with a new cancer diagnosis.
Email Candace or call her at 703-776-2051 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Leigh Ann Hallowell, RN
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Breast Care Navigator
703-391-4673
As a registered nurse for more than 20 years with Inova Health System, Leigh Ann has taken on the role of patient advocate while working in the community to promote women’s breast health. She has cared for breast cancer patients, and their families, while working as an intensive care nurse, post-anesthesia care nurse and operating room nurse.
Leigh Ann will take an active role in your care, providing emotional support and guidance as you navigate our health system.
Leigh Ann received her associate nursing degree from Belleville College and also holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from James Madison University. She is a member of the local and national chapters of the Oncology Nursing Society.
Email Leigh Ann or call her at 703-391-4673 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Sara Koslosky, RN, BSN, MPH, CHES
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Breast Care Navigator
703-664-7488
Prior to joining Inova, Sara managed community-based research, education and outreach initiatives as a public health professional. With a background in health disparities, specifically in relationship to breast cancer, she pursued a nursing degree to gain a better understanding of the clinical needs of her patients and to be able to serve as an integral member of their treatment team.
Sara holds both a Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from from Johns Hopkins University. Sara is fiercely committed to utilizing her diverse skill set to address the needs of breast cancer patients.
Email Sara or call her at 703-664-7488.
Barb McDonnell, RN
Inova Loudoun Hospital Breast Care Navigator
703-858-8867
Barb has 32 years of nursing experience, spent mostly in surgical services, where she has cared for patients before, during and after surgery. Her background also includes clinical oversight of the obstetrical unit, intensive care unit, and outpatient infusion and transfusion services.
She feels strongly that nurses should be patient advocates, informing them and helping ease their stay with empathetic, compassionate care. Barb sees the breast care navigator role as tailored to that vision, giving her an opportunity to make breast patients’ experience as positive as possible during their entire care continuum, from mammogram to treatment.
Barb received her master's in nursing from George Mason University and her certification in nursing administration from the American Nursing Credentialing Center. She is also a member of Association of Perioperative Nurses and Oncology Nursing Society.
Email Barb or call her at 703-858-8867 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
For general information about Inova Breast Care Institute, call 855-MY-INOVA (855-694-6682).
