Our Team and Mission
Axiom Brain Health is a clinical research site that has been providing exceptional, concierge-level attention to residents in the Tampa-area for 30+ years. We specialize in conducting Phase II-IV neurological clinical trials, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis, in a comfortable outpatient setting.

Mark C. Cascione, M.D.
Dr. Cascione received his Doctorate in Medicine in 1991 from University of Vermont College of Medicine. After completing residencies at Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine (1992) and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (1995), he received his Board Certification in Neurology & Psychiatry in 1997 and in Electrodiagnostic Medicine in 1998. Dr. Cascione joined Tampa Neurology Associates and Axiom Clinical Research of Florida in 1996, subsequently becoming a partner in both companies. He is on staff at St. Joseph’s, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and Tampa General. Dr. Cascione is a national and international thought-leader and educator for treatment and research topics in Multiple Sclerosis.

Susan J Steen, M.D.
Dr. Steen graduated from the University of Florida Medical School in 1978, served her residency in University of South Florida and affiliated hospitals and completed her Neurology residency at the University of Florida, Gainesville, receiving Board Certification in Medicine & Surgery in 1979 and in Neurology and Psychiatry in 1991. She joined Tampa Neurology Associates in 1983, becoming a partner shortly thereafter, and is a co-founder (1993) and president of Axiom Clinical Research of Florida Dr. Steen is a renowned speaker for Alzheimer’s Disease, and is the medical advisor to multiple memory loss facilities. She is on staff at St. Joseph’s, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and Tampa General.

Kaden Appleberry
Kaden completed his schooling at Eastern College of Health Vocations in Little Rock, Arkansas. In his two years at Axiom, he has focused on clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Kaden finds the ever-evolving field of science and medicine one of the best parts of the job, and hopes that community members find the Axiom team trustworthy and dependable.
Though he thought he would grow up to be a baseball coach, he instead became a dog dad who (according to his dog) lives a second life as a clinical researcher.

Johanna Carmona
Johanna completed her Nursing degree in Puerto Rico in 2017 during Hurricane Maria despite being without electricity or power for five months. She started her clinical research journey in 2011 after receiving her CPN license, where she then applied to work at an Internal Medicine private practice in Puerto Rico. Being a bilingual speaker, she was able to translate and help patients understand research.
Though she joined Axiom in June 2024, she is responsible for coordinating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis clinical trials. She also helps with infusions of investigational medications.
Johanna loves animals and tries to visit the zoo’s or U.S. National Park’s when she travels.

Kerry Conboy
Kerry graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in business administration, and with her MBA from Webster University in 2006. Her experience is local to the community in various community outreach positions such as: Director of Community Relations at her alma mater Webster University, the Director of Student Services at Everglades University, and Director of Outreach and Development at South University in Tampa.
She loves being out in the Tampa Bay community promoting Axiom Brain Health, educating residents on research, and discussing how clinical trials can help us find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. When Kerry isn’t working, she enjoys the beautiful beaches (especially Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key), being in book clubs, and cooking.

Marline Denis
Marline attended the University of Florida and received a BA in African American Studies, and it was also where she was first introduced to research. She then went to the University of Arizona for Masters in Public Health and is currently attending Walden University for her Doctorate of Public Health. She joined the Axiom team in 2024.
Her involvement in research began with the hope to provide clarity to communities with a negative history surrounding clinical trials. She seeks to advocate for all the good work accomplished through clinical research and by the people who volunteer. Her role at Axiom is to support regulatory and compliance for the clinical trials, and to support the SNAP (Swift Neurological Assessment Program) free memory screening program.
When she’s not working, you can find Marline walking the Tampa Riverwalk looking for her favorite foods curry and roti or parmesan truffle fries with garlic aioli.

Johannes Dessoy
Johannes is originally from Germany and studies at Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen and is a German Board Certified Anesthesiologist. A desire to make a bigger impact on patient lives, in the last year he switched to clinical research and has been at Axiom Brain Health for several months. He hopes that the network of different professionals at ABH makes a change in the lives of those in the community.
At Axiom, Johannes supports clinical ratings for trials for Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, supports the SNAP (Swift Neurological Assessment Program) free memory screening program, and supports community-based screening programs
Johannes enjoys spending time outside, particularly at the beach with his wife and daughter or playing rugby.

Katrina Dessoy
Katrina has a degree in Event Management from the University of Central Florida. After a decade of living in Germany and being an event organizer around Europe, she’s returned home to Florida and is enjoying connecting the Axiom Brain Health team with members of the Tampa community. She is new to clinical research but is excited about the doors it opens and how it brings people living with diseases hope.
Outside of work, you might find Katrina at the playground with her toddler while throwing the ball for her dog, at the gym, or at home baking.

Sydney Ebersold
Sydney Ebersold attended the University of South Florida where she received a BS in Health Science with a minor in Addiction Studies. During her undergraduate years, she worked in the oncology wing at Tampa General Hospital, where she was first introduced to the research field.
Sydney joined Axiom Brain Health as a Research Assistant and is excited to be advancing her research career. She currently supports the SNAP (Swift Neurological Assessment Program) free memory screen study and enjoys the patient interaction and outreach opportunities that her position provides. She values working in an environment dedicated to better understanding the development and progression of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Outside of work, Sydney enjoys hot yoga, spending time at the beach, and being with family.

Jennyfer Fornes
Jennyfer is a Florida State University graduate who started her nursing career in 2020. Though much of her professional experience is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), her love of science and desire to contribute to disease prevention and management was fueled by her love of research.
Jennyfer hopes to make a positive, enjoyable impact on the participants at Axiom as she helps develop best practices. In her free time, she likes to stay active by getting outside with her dog and exploring new restaurants in the area, as she’s a big foodie.

Stephanie Munoz
Stephanie is a graduate of the University of South Florida with certifications as a clinical research professional and pursuing a PhD in clinical research. She has over a decade of expertise in clinical research, business development, and project management, serving in multiple roles across national research sites. With extensive experience in overseeing the performance and productivity of research sites, she ensures adherence to Good Clinical Practice Guidelines and study protocols.
With a focus on compliance, Stephanie monitors study activities to ensure the safety and well-being of enrolled participants while maintaining strong relationships with physicians and research staff at Axiom. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is currently leading the execution of clinical trial operations and overseeing the exceptional, concierge-level attention to participants in the Tampa community.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys a day on the beach, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Chloe Rzeppa
Chloe graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Psychology and also holds certificates in Neuroscience and Multicultural Studies. She got her start in the research field four years ago after a teaching assistant recommended going to the research lab at her university to answer the questions she couldn’t find answers to.
Chloe enjoys the patient interaction and is excited to see how their clinic will impact seniors in the community. She supports Axiom’s clinical trials in Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
After a long day, you can find her spending time with her cat, reading, cooking, or spending time outdoors hiking and exercising.