Living Well With Blood Cancer - Survivorship

Dr. Aalgaard earned his Doctor of Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With more than 15 years of mental health experience, he has worked with clients from age 5 to end of life. He had his own private practice and worked with students to train them as clinicians for more than a decade. In addition to expertise in mental health, Dr. Aalgaard has knowledge in trauma, grief, mindfulness, present moment living, gratitude, forgiveness, and relationship satisfaction.

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With over seven years of experience in oncology and hematology, Nicole Beltran is a board-certified family nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients with cancer and complex blood disorders. Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, she brings both clinical expertise and deep empathy to every patient interaction.Nicole finds it especially meaningful to work with patients from the very beginning of their cancer journey—helping them navigate uncertainty with clarity, compassion, and confidence. She also values the long-term relationships she builds with patients managing chronic hematologic conditions, supporting them in maintaining their health and quality of life over time.Her clinical interests include solid tumor oncology—particularly breast, gastrointestinal, and thoracic cancers—as well as benign hematologic conditions such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and clotting disorders. Nicole is highly experienced in chemotherapy management and dosing, infusion reaction management, and the diagnostic workup of new cancer cases. She also performs bone marrow biopsies and interprets lab and pathology results to guide treatment decisions.Nicole earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Olivet Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University.She believes in treating the whole person—not just the disease—through personalized, collaborative care. Nicole’s patients can expect her to be thorough, approachable, and genuinely invested in their well-being. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where questions are encouraged and care plans are tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Nicole’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every patient feels informed, empowered, and never alone in their treatment journey.Outside of work, Nicole loves spending time with her husband and children. She enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and watching baseball, particularly the Chicago Cubs. Nicole also has a strong interest in wellness and holistic healing, as well as exploring practices that support overall balance and well-being.