Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Ali Schaffer, LCSW is a social worker at the REACH for Survivorship clinic, affiliated with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.  This role includes providing psychosocial support to pediatric and adult cancer survivors and their families.  She received a  Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University, and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia.  Her past experiences include working with adolescents and families in diverse settings to promote optimum functioning and well-being.  In 2002, she found her passion in the oncology setting and has since worked in both inpatient and outpatient oncology care, as well as in community based oncology support.  Her special interests include addressing the psychosocial needs of people living with cancer through creative and interactive programming and increasing patient and caregiver education within the healthcare setting.   Prior to relocating to Nashville, she held leadership roles with the Georgia Social Work Oncology Group, and is now active with the Tennessee Cancer Coalition.