Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

We are healthcare consultants motivated by a desire to transform your business and advance healthcare.

Taking.
Research Further.
Together.
Insight by Design
approach

Your Healthcare Experts

We built our team of experts on intellectual curiosity and passion to empower our clients to transform their businesses. Each KJT employee-owner is driven by a passion to help improve healthcare for patients and providers globally.

For every engagement, our team of healthcare consultants configures our approach to be responsive to specific client needs, while integrating fresh approaches that enhance the efficiency of gathering and communicating insights.

Leadership

Michaela Gascon, MBA

President & CEO

Michaela Gascon, MBA

President & CEO

Since KJT’s inception, Michaela has been pivotal in shaping its core business and directing research projects. As CEO/President, she oversees strategic operations. Leveraging her 18+ years of research experience and strong business acumen, she leads the senior leadership team across all business units, ensuring KJT’s continued growth & innovation.

Dan Wasserman

Chief Operating Officer

Dan Wasserman

Chief Operating Officer

Dan Wasserman is KJT’s COO, leading the integration of generative AI into client solutions to drive innovation and improve patient health. With expertise in compliance, operations, and analytics, he transforms complex data into actionable insights. Dan values collaboration with KJT’s teams to help clients design better products and services.

David Graham, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

David Graham, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

David oversees the finance and accounting responsibilities of KJT and is a member of the senior leadership team. He is a CPA bringing over 15 years of financial expertise mostly in professional service organizations. He has extensive knowledge of process optimization, automation and has previously been involved in various M&A activity.

Katy Palmer, PhD

Client Strategy & Growth, EVP

Katy Palmer, PhD

Client Strategy & Growth, EVP

Katy is part of the Executive Team guiding the overall strategy of KJT and leads the Strategic Account Team; ensuring great client experience while also being focused on revenue growth. Katy has worked in healthcare insights for 20+ years, both client and agency side. She has a PhD in immunology.

Alex Castello, MBA

Marketing & Client Strategy, VP

Alex Castello, MBA

Marketing & Client Strategy, VP

Alex is a passionate insights marketer and seasoned healthcare researcher with over 15 years of experience delivering impactful business insights for life sciences companies. As part of KJT’s leadership team, Alex is focused on marketing and research solution development, with a goal to create the foundation for marketing excellence at KJT.

Jennifer G. Hall

Research Operations, VP

Jennifer G. Hall

Research Operations, VP

As VP of Research Operations at KJT, Jen brings 25 years of healthcare sampling and operations expertise. She leads teams in project management, fielding, and programming while guiding collaboration on KJT’s leadership team. Recognized for fostering innovation, efficiency, and teamwork, she builds key global partnerships to fuel collective success.

Johan Mohd Sani

Quantitative Research, VP

Johan Mohd Sani

Quantitative Research, VP

Johan started his market research journey in 2010, joining KJT in 2015. He oversees KJT’s quantitative department & sits on KJT’s leadership team. He has built a niche for working on experimental studies & helping rare disease clients crack the toughest cases. He is driven by a passion for learning & helping others reach their maximum potential.

Our Employee-owners

Aaron Woods

Analytics Associate

Aaron Woods

Analytics Associate

Aaron is part of a team that consults on the design and execution of research using advanced methods. His expertise includes product development, pricing, and modeling. His background leading research brings a client-focused view to analysis and reporting. He specializes in finding key trends and drivers of behavior for data-driven decision making.

Andrea Stoltz

RWE, Associate VP

Andrea Stoltz

RWE, Associate VP

Andrea is responsible for design, management, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative projects focusing on RWE. Drawing on her 25+ years of global market research experience she works closely with clients to understand business and research objectives to design studies that will yield actionable insights to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Andrew Phillips, CISM, CRISC, CISA

Information Security, Sr. Manager

Andrew Phillips, CISM, CRISC, CISA

Information Security, Sr. Manager

Andrew is a knowledgeable Information Security Professional with experience designing and managing information security controls and processes. Andrew holds the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in Risk and Information System Control (CRISC), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications.

Anne Wilber

Research Consulting Director

Anne Wilber

Research Consulting Director

As an intuitive and thoughtful moderator, Anne’s innate curiosity fuels her ability to uncover nuanced insights that result in impactful outcomes and strategic value. Her leadership ensures projects are executed with precision and purpose. A collaborative partner, her approach fosters lasting partnerships, making her a trusted resource in research.

Cheryl Pfaffmann

Sr. Project Manager

Cheryl Pfaffmann

Sr. Project Manager

Cheryl is a veteran Market Research Project Manager specializing in pharmaceutical research. She manages both global and domestic studies, with expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods. She excels in logistics and problem-solving. Cheryl strives to make a positive impact through healthcare professionals’ and patients’ insights.

Christina Ailor

Research Consultant

Christina Ailor

Research Consultant

Christina has 8 years’ experience in market research with a recent specialized focus on rare disease therapies. She has honed both qualitative and quantitative skills to better serve clients. Passionate about amplifying patient voices, she enjoys projects like patient journey interviews, long-term forums, and audience segmentation.

Clare Murphy

Research, Associate VP

Clare Murphy

Research, Associate VP

As Associate VP, Clare is responsible for uncovering insights to drive business forward for her clients. Specializing in qualitative research, she excels in conducting interviews across diverse audiences and methodologies. Clare is particularly passionate about rare disease patient research and enjoys bringing the patient voice to the forefront.

Darren Reid, MA (Hons), MRes

Research, Associate VP

Darren Reid, MA (Hons), MRes

Research, Associate VP

With over a decade of research experience, Darren seamlessly blends qualitative and qualitative expertise to address complex business challenges. He continuously emphasizes building strong relationships, delivering actionable insights and strategies that drive success for our clients.

David Brabham, MS

Qualitative Report Designer

David Brabham, MS

Qualitative Report Designer

David started with KJT on the Project Support Team in 2022 and now works as a Report Designer for the Central Reporting Team. David received his M.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of New Orleans.

Debbie Partridge

Accounting Manager

Debbie Partridge

Accounting Manager

Debbie has been a key member of KJT for twelve years. In her current position, Accounting Manager, she delivers insightful project information to the Research and Management. She manages accounts receivable and payable to support financial decisions to drive company growth. She earned her MBA in Accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Ellen J. Gordon, PhD

Client Strategy & Growth, SVP

Ellen J. Gordon, PhD

Client Strategy & Growth, SVP

Ellen is an accomplished senior insights professional. Her understanding of client needs spans R&D, digital health, and commercial strategy, positioning her as a trusted partner for life science companies. Ellen is passionate about using emerging technology such as genAI to enhance market research. Ellen holds a PhD from the University of Michigan.

Isabella Barbagallo

Research Consultant

Isabella Barbagallo

Research Consultant

Isabella Barbagallo supports quantitative and qualitative research through design, analysis, and reporting. With a consultative approach, she delivers data-driven insights to help healthcare clients solve key business challenges. Isabella holds a B.S. in Business from the University of Rochester.

Jana Rosewarne, PhD

Research Consultant

Jana Rosewarne, PhD

Research Consultant

Jana is a Research Consultant specializing in healthcare marketing and communications. She brings data to life by blending behavioral science with a deep understanding of clients’ organizations. With a PhD in Social Psychology, she aims to elevate the human side of healthcare, crafting visually compelling reports that inspire strategic innovation.

Joy Rios, MBA

HR Director

Joy Rios, MBA

HR Director

Joy is experienced in a variety of HR areas including talent management, comp and benefits, compliance, employee relations, and policy and organizational development. Passionate about building a positive workplace culture, Joy also enjoys fashion, travel, reading, and spending time with her two Frenchies.

Karin Cleary

Market Research Recruiting Coordinator

Karin Cleary

Market Research Recruiting Coordinator

Karin has 15+ years in market research, specializing in data programming, quality assurance, and project coordination. Recently transitioning to recruitment, she excels in collaborating with teams to recruit healthcare respondents. A quick learner and team player, Karin builds strong relationships with healthcare professionals and colleagues alike.

Kristi Reeves

Recruitment Project Manager

Kristi Reeves

Recruitment Project Manager

Kristi is a seasoned market research professional with over 20 years of experience, primarily in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. She is skilled at recruiting various respondents, including HCPs and consumers for qual and quant research projects. Her expertise also includes managing panels and fostering vendor and client relationships.

Kyle Richardson, PhD

Research Consultant

Kyle Richardson, PhD

Research Consultant

Market research specialist bridging the gap between numbers and narratives in healthcare (biotech and medical device). Applies a psychology-informed approach to MR with a quantitative focus and some qualitative experience. Expert in methodology, data analysis, visualization, and conveying impactful, actionable insights in engaging presentations.

Laura McCormick, PhD

Medical & Scientific Communications, VP

Laura McCormick, PhD

Medical & Scientific Communications, VP

Laura is a seasoned Medical Affairs and Publications professional with more than 20 years of experience guiding clients toward innovative solutions to meet their communications needs. As VP, Medical & Scientific Communications at KJT, Laura oversees the writing and project management team to ensure quality.

Libby Conde

Project Manager

Libby Conde

Project Manager

Libby Conde is a highly experienced project manager with over two decades in the healthcare research industry. She specializes in both quant and qual methodologies and has extensive international experience, particularly with hard-to-reach audiences. Libby balances precision and care in all aspects of her work.

Lisa Meckes

Project Manager

Lisa Meckes

Project Manager

Lisa is a seasoned market research professional with over 15 years of experience in quant and qual methodologies, specializing in the healthcare industry. Throughout her career, Lisa has demonstrated a high attention to detail, exceptional commitment to client service and excels in leading successful projects from inception to completion.

Lisa Rhee

Project Support Associate

Lisa Rhee

Project Support Associate

Lisa is involved in various quantitative and qualitative research projects, focusing on design, analysis, and reporting. She enjoys using data to uncover actionable insights for key business needs. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s in Communication from Northwestern University and a Master’s and PhD in Communication from Ohio State University.

Maddie Buffan, MBA

Research Consultant

Maddie Buffan, MBA

Research Consultant

Maddie executes custom projects from design to reporting, turns projects into partnerships, and delivers insights that guide global and US-based clients; all while keeping her color-coded calendar as organized as her results. She holds a BA in Molecular Biology from Colgate University and an MBA from University of Rochester – Simon Business School.

Marilisa Beatty, MA

Qualitative Research, VP

Marilisa Beatty, MA

Qualitative Research, VP

Marilisa is a seasoned qualitative researcher with over 16 years in global healthcare research. She has shaped strategies for top pharmaceutical brands and emerging biotech firms. She is known for her problem-solving skills, innovative research methods, and personable rapport with healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers.

Meggha Dave, MPharm, CMPP

Medical Writer

Meggha Dave, MPharm, CMPP

Medical Writer

Meggha has 9 years of experience in Medical Communications. Her expertise spans peer-reviewed publications, managing congress activities, and collaborating with medical teams. Before KJT, she was a Sr. Medical Writer at Syneos Health. She holds a Master of Pharmacy from Nirma University, India, and is CMPP certified.

Melissa Baker

Compliance & Sustainability Manager

Melissa Baker

Compliance & Sustainability Manager

Melissa holds a BS in Health Services Management from Indiana University – Indianapolis. She has over 10 years of experience in database development, testing, and research compliance. At KJT, she ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and policies across clients, vendors, and internal teams focusing also on sustainability initiatives.

Melissa Bernald

Associate Research Consultant

Melissa Bernald

Associate Research Consultant

Melissa is an insight enthusiast who has been with KJT since 2023. Beginning on the Project Support Team then transitioning to Quantitative Research Associate, she is driven to translate quantitative data into actionable insights. Melissa utilizes her passion for research and learning to support our clients’ research goals.

Melissa Lippa

Design Manager

Melissa Lippa

Design Manager

Melissa transforms complex data into compelling visuals at KJT, enhancing both qualitative and quantitative research projects. Collaborating with researchers, she turns datasets into powerful visual stories. Additionally, Melissa partners with the marketing team to craft innovative creative assets, blending data insights with strategic creativity.

Melissa Usseglio

Client Strategy, SVP

Melissa Usseglio

Client Strategy, SVP

Melissa has been a trusted partner and advisor to clients in various industries for 25+ years, fostering loyal relationships and serving as a virtual extension of their team. She specializes in designing research that solves challenging business objectives, executing flawlessly, and delivering actionable, memorable insights that drive success.

Mike Lionetti

Research Consulting Director

Mike Lionetti

Research Consulting Director

Mike has been with KJT since 2017, specializing in qualitative and quantitative research in the pharma/biotech and medical device sectors. His expertise includes design, analysis, and advanced methodologies, such as segmentation and conjoint analysis. His experience includes projects focusing on new product offerings, rare disease, and pricing.

Nick Henderson

Research Consulting Director

Nick Henderson

Research Consulting Director

Nick is a skilled researcher with global healthcare market research and RWE experience in many pharmaceutical and medical device industries. As a Research Consultant, he enjoys uncovering stories in data to deliver strategic insights and evidence-based recommendations. Nick also earned his Certificate in the Principles of Market Research from UGA.

Nicole Garberg

Head of Real World Evidence

Nicole Garberg

Head of Real World Evidence

Nicole has been consulting with clients across all areas of the healthcare industry for 20+ years. Her expertise in patient experience, QoL and journey mapping is leveraged to improve patient outcomes and business performance for her clients and their patients. Nicole holds a MS in Experimental Psychology and BA degrees in Psychology & Sociology.

Paige Pray, MMS

Research Consulting Director, Analysis & Strategy

Paige Pray, MMS

Research Consulting Director, Analysis & Strategy

Paige has over five years of experience managing qualitative engagements, passionate about collaborating with clients to address core business needs. Her expertise spans personas, process mapping and go-to-market strategy, effectively bridging business knowledge with research experience across patients, providers, healthcare executives, and payers.

Param Singh, MBA

IT & Information Security, Sr. Director

Param Singh, MBA

IT & Information Security, Sr. Director

Param is a seasoned IT professional with 15+ years of experience. As Sr. Director of IT & IS at KJT, he manages IT infrastructure, supports stakeholders, ensures security awareness, maintains IT policies, and oversees compliance. Param holds a B.A. in IT and an M.B.A. in Technology Management from RIT.

Paul R. Durlak, PhD

Research Consulting Director

Paul R. Durlak, PhD

Research Consulting Director

Paul is a Burke Institute-trained moderator, who excels in eliciting detailed responses from a diverse range of respondents in the healthcare space. At KJT, he specializes in overseeing qualitative research through design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Paul also holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University at Buffalo, SUNY.

Rebecca Casbeer

Client Strategy, Director

Rebecca Casbeer

Client Strategy, Director

Rebecca is an experienced market researcher specializing in pharma, med device, and insurance. She collaborates with clients to identify business needs and leads the design, execution, and analysis of research studies, delivering actionable insights. Her expertise encompasses diverse methodologies, audiences, and therapeutic areas.

Rebecca Hahn, MPH, CMPP

Medical & Scientific Communications, Sr. Director

Rebecca Hahn, MPH, CMPP

Medical & Scientific Communications, Sr. Director

Rebecca is a medical writer specializing in scientific publications of real-world evidence, including HEOR and patient-reported outcomes research. As a certified medical publication professional, she effectively communicates complex research across many therapeutic areas to a variety of audiences via manuscripts and conference abstracts/posters.

Sarah Hawthorne, PhD

Research Consulting Director

Sarah Hawthorne, PhD

Research Consulting Director

Sarah is a Research Consulting Director with over 10 years’ experience in quantitative and qualitative methodologies in market research. She is passionate about partnering with clients to identify their key research questions and helping to create data-driven insights. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee.

Sarah Schmidt

Associate Research Consultant

Sarah Schmidt

Associate Research Consultant

Sarah started with KJT on the Project Support Team in 2023. She now works primarily on quantitative research engagements, supporting in design, analysis, and reporting. Sarah received her M.S. in Applied Economics from Boston College.

Selinay Kaplan

Associate Research Consultant

Selinay Kaplan

Associate Research Consultant

Selinay joined KJT on the Project Support Team. Currently, she works primarily on qualitative research engagements, supporting in design, analysis, and reporting; she holds a B.A. in Psychology from Princeton University.

Stephanie Payne

Project Manager

Stephanie Payne

Project Manager

Stephanie Harrison Payne has 18 years’ experience in market research and excels in consumer focus groups, political polling, and healthcare. Stephanie brings considerable experience reaching rare patient audiences and thrives on finding solutions for her clients.

Stephanie Walker

Sr. Project Manager

Stephanie Walker

Sr. Project Manager

Stephanie is an experienced project manager with 20+ years in the industry. Her background includes both qual and quant research focusing on the healthcare/pharma industry. Her focus lies in global research design, sampling science and logistics. She is a strong research professional with a bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University.

Stuart O’Connell

Client Strategy, SVP

Stuart O’Connell

Client Strategy, SVP

Stuart is a seasoned research consultant with extensive global healthcare experience. At KJT since 2011, he drives tailored research solutions for clients. With expertise in qual and quant methods and a background in product design, he focuses on delivering insights for the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and healthcare service sectors.

Towanda Walker

Recruiting Assistant

Towanda Walker

Recruiting Assistant

Towanda has 15+ years experience as a market research recruiter and telephone interviewer across consumer, business, and healthcare studies. She works across teams to successfully recruit a variety of respondents for even the most challenging projects. Towanda brings enthusiasm and compassion in recruiting healthcare professionals and patients.

Troy Allen

Business Operations Manager

Troy Allen

Business Operations Manager

Troy is the Business Operations Manager at KJT. He oversees proposal and budget generation, software administration, and strategic projects. With 9+ years of experience in research and operations, he excels in organization, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring optimal business efficiency and top-tier internal customer service.

Case Studies

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Measuring Message Recall to Ensure Continued Campaign Impact

Tracking the performance of a revamped messaging campaign required developing a system to measure…

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Comprehensive Benchmarking with Business Impact for a New Rare Disease Therapy

Launching a novel therapy for a rare disease involved building a robust system for continuous…

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Simple Competitive Benchmarking with Wide-reaching Impact for an Established Brand

Benchmarking against competitors required quantitative insights that enabled performance tracking…

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Establishing A Brand Tracking Research Program to Elevate Messaging for a New Brand

Establishing baseline metrics for a new biosimilar involved comprehensive quantitative research to…

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Refining Positioning Through Competitive Insights

Understanding the market landscape and treatment perceptions led to refined positioning strategies…

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Enhancing Value Through Optimized Messaging and Creative Concepts

Refreshing a campaign to better communicate product value involved identifying optimal creative…

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Improving Patient Support through Prescribing Journey Insights

Developing a new patient support program required insights into current prescribing processes and…

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From Observation to Action – How Our Client Enhanced Their Strategy with DialogueDx℠

In-office ethnography, often regarded as the gold standard approach to uncovering the true dynamic…

Blogs & News

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Empathy, Integrity, and Mindfulness: The Values that Drive Innovation at KJT 

We are immensely proud of our journey from a nascent market research firm in 2007 to a recognized…

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Generative AI Message Testing – Does it Really Work? 

Message testing is a crucial process for pharmaceutical and biotech companies when evaluating the…

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healthcare provider using generative AI tools
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Using Generative AI for Patient-Centered Market Research – Reality or Myth? 

No matter where you look, generative AI is becoming commonplace. In the realm of healthcare…

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3 Reasons Why Working in an ESOP Company is Inspiring

When I first came to the United States from Scotland, I wasn’t fully familiar with the idea of…

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KJT Welcomes Laura McCormick, PhD

KJT is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura McCormick, PhD as the new Vice President of…

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Finding the Path to Your Brand’s North Star: The Importance of Enhancing Brand Equity & Tracking Research

In the competitive pharmaceutical and biotech landscapes, the strength of a brand can often be the…

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KJT Welcomes Melissa Usseglio, Senior Vice President of Client Strategy

KJT is thrilled to announce the hiring of Melissa Usseglio as Senior Vice President of Client…

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Uncovering the Realities of Rare Disorders from the Patient’s Perspective

The world of rare diseases and the impact it has on countless lives is often underestimated. Rare…

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Elderly lady with nurse
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4 Ways to Enhance Care for Patients with Rare Diseases

The unique value of integrating the patient voice into the development process of therapies…

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Using Evidence from the Exam Room to Shape RWE Strategy

Traditional methods for generating real-world evidence (RWE) from patient-physician conversations…

Let’s Take Research Further. Together.