Meet Krista
Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, FAPOS, FACCC, is trained as an oncology social worker and works in clinical and manager roles within Providence Cancer Institute. Nelson is the current editor-in-chief of Oncology Issues. She provides individual and group support for those affected by cancer and has expertise in facilitating online support groups. She also coordinates a program focused on the care of children who have a parent with cancer. She has published in her field and spoken to more than 100 national audiences on various topics related to cancer.
Nelson is a past president of both the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) and the Association of Cancer Care Centers, and a past director of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS), the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and the American Clinical Social Work Association. She was named a finalist for the Schwartz Center Compassionate Caregiver of the Year award, received the American Cancer Society/Association of Oncology Social Work Leadership Award in 2019, and was named Social Worker of the Year for Providence Health & Services in Oregon in 2021. She is also a fellow of AOSW, ACCC, and APOS for her contributions to her profession.
Nelson has been a volunteer facilitator at retreats for women with breast cancer and at camps and programs that support grieving children. She has volunteered more than five months on medical relief teams in Haiti since 2009. She currently volunteers locally with Portland Street Medicine, providing mental health support to the houseless in Portland, Oregon.
