We are excited to announce the release of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) webinars specific to health care professionals. Whether you work with young people every day, only see a young person in clinic every now and then or simply want a refresher for topics that young rangatahi will come across in their treatment regime then this space is for you.
The aim of these sessions is to improve access to AYA educational opportunities for all health care providers, support collegial collaboration, celebrate and share in AYA innovations and advances.
Check out our webinar webpage, watch our previous ones and register today!
AYA Webinar Series
The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .
Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.
Cristal Salatas is the Research & Data Lead for the AYA Cancer Network. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, specialising in Perinatal Sciences. Her research utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic determinants of preterm birth risk across New Zealand. Cristal’s research bridges spatial epidemiology, GeoAI-driven risk modelling, and public health policy, ensuring that geospatial insights translate into actionable healthcare solutions.
Cristal has also conducted cancer research at her alma mater (University of Florida), where she developed a successful killing assay for glioblastoma multiforme. Now, she will build on that foundation by leading research and data efforts to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer across Aotearoa.
