Our Team

As the Director of the Ruesch Center of the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Dr. Marshall is a global leader and pioneer in the research and development of drugs that treat colon and other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. He has been the principal investigator of over 150 clinical trials, at the local as well as national levels. He is widely published in the field of clinical oncology, reviews manuscripts for eight journals, and has held peer-reviewed grants from the National Institutes of Health. A graduate of Duke University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine, he completed his medical training at Georgetown University Hospital and has remained there for over 20 years. Dr. Marshall’s deep care for his patients and his warm humor help him to develop strong doctor-patient relationships.

Marion Hartley, PhD
Science Director

After finishing her PhD in Pharmacology/Oncology in the UK, Marion trained as a postdoctoral fellow for several years at McGill University’s Oncology Department, Georgetown University’s Clinical Pharmacology Department and the National Institutes of Health. She also practiced as a lecturer and PhD tutor in the Department of Oncology, University of Leicester, UK, before returning to the US and working as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University Clinical Pharmacology Department. Marion began a career as a science and technical writer in the field of medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute in 2008, and in 2011, became Medical Writer and Program Manager at The Ruesch Center for the Cure of GI Cancers, Georgetown University. Within this role, Marion supports all Ruesch initiatives but predominantly writes new clinical trial proposals, grants, and manuscripts in support of the Ruesch Medical Oncology Team.

Kristin Sneegas, MS
Deputy Director

Kristin joined the Ruesch Center in 2019 as the Strategic Communications Manager and has since become the Deputy Director. In this role, she focuses on GI Cancer physician and patient education initiatives, program development, communications, stakeholder engagement, community and brand-building initiatives, and strategic growth of the center. She received her Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins, where she worked in marketing and communications for 11 years. Her interest in public health, global health policy, advocacy, and cancer research innovation made her excited to join the team at Georgetown.

Kathryn Falato, MPA
Director of Advancement

Kathryn joined the Ruesch Center in 2022. Originally from northern New Jersey, Kathryn graduated from Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music in 2011 where she completed a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance; and recently completed her Master of Public Administration in Non-Profit Management at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She brings 10+ years of higher education fundraising experience from her time working at New York University, and previously The Juilliard School.

Sarah Johnson
Special Projects Manager

An experienced Social Worker and consultant with over twenty‑five years in children and families services, she has held senior roles including Chair of an Improvement Board and lead improvement advisor to the Department for Education in the United Kingdom. Her expertise spans organizational development, project management, safeguarding and quality assurance. Since joining the Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers in 2023, she has focused on enhancing the patient experience and leading project management initiatives across the GI cancer community, with particular attention to the young‑onset cohort. Passionate about supporting patients and caregivers, she is dedicated to improving quality of life through peer mentoring, operational leadership, as well as, convening and collaboration with patients, clinicians, researchers and advocates.