In October, we bid a fond farewell to Heather Oakley, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, who retired after a remarkable career that spanned 12 years with the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. As the Director of Social Services, Heather was an exemplary leader, instrumental in establishing a program to support patients and their families. “Her professionalism, compassion and ability to connect with adult and pediatric patients set an unparalleled standard. We wish her nothing but the best in her well-deserved retirement,” said Bradlee Robbert, Director of Operations at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
In November, we welcomed Director of Social Services, Tamara Sorrye, LMHC-QS. With over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Tamara most recently served as Oncology Case Manager at UF Health Jacksonville, primarily focusing on outpatient oncology psychosocial care.
In her new role, Tamara will play a pivotal part in assisting patients and their families with the psychological, social and financial aspects related to their diagnosis and treatment. Her responsibilities will encompass facilitating various patient and caregiver support groups at the Institute, as well as providing short-term counseling.
Tamara’s educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in social work from Florida A&M University. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at Webster University in Jacksonville, Fla., where she earned a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. Sorrye is a licensed Mental Health Counseling Qualified Clinical Supervisor recognized by the State of Florida.
Her dedication to supporting patients and caregivers is truly commendable. In 2018, Tamara led a collaborative effort with the University of North Florida’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program to create a patient care model that provides nutritional education for oncology patients at UF Health Jacksonville.
Tamara’s commitment extends to providing clinical supervision to post-master’s level mental health counseling interns, education and short-term psychotherapy for those needing emotional, grief or supportive counseling. Notably, she received the American Cancer Society Emerging Leader in Oncology Social Work Award and was a 2019 Jacksonville Business Journal “40 Under 40” nominee. Her achievements also include being a guest speaker on “Self-Compassion” at the Transform Her Women’s Empowerment Brunch.