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Meet Our Staff

Amalia Sandel, Manager, ARA Midtown Imaging Center

AMALIA SANDEL

Midtown Clinic Manager

Masters of Human Resource Management

Amalia Sandel manages the ARA Midtown Clinic, including the interventional section, Theranostics Center, and general radiology functions. She holds a Masters in Human Resources Management with an Emphasis in Leadership Development and Change Management from Colorado State University.

Amalia began working at ARA in the 1990s and opened the Westlake center as clinic manager in 2001, then served as clinic manager for the Mueller & Mueller Children’s Imaging Center. During that period, she managed ARA’s medical editing team, which transcribes, edits, and manages radiology reports. She also helped to develop ARA’s report turnaround time protocols and radiologist QA program. Recently, Amalia returned to ARA as Manager of HR Development, building and teaching leadership classes and other ARA internal continuing education.

Amalia’s is a self-proclaimed “science nerd” and thrives in the leading-edge environment of ARA’s interventional and theranostics programs. She finds inspiration in Midtown coordinators, technologists, and radiologists, who deliver life-changing medical care and healing to patients every day. Amalia lives in Austin with her two children and her husband, who is a local business owner. She captained the first open Texas women’s ultimate frisbee team to reach a national championship and has played on and coached various teams since. Amalia speaks fluent Spanish.

Christopher Dubec of ARA Theranostics.

CHRISTOPHER DUBEC

Molecular Imaging & Theranostics Technologist II

ARRT, NMTCB, TMB

Chris Dubec is a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist with expertise in administering theranostics diagnostic imaging and treatments. He completed a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas in San Antonio and then earned a degree in nuclear medicine technology from Houston Community College. Chris has worked previously at St. David’s Hospital South.

Chris is dedicated to the theranostics program at ARA and has enjoyed being a part of building a new center from the ground up and gaining experience in new kinds of treatment. He sees firsthand how patients struggle with cancer and loves hearing from patients about their post-treatment improvements and the benefits that theranostics brings to their lives.

In his off time, Chris lives for the outdoors and loves live music, friends, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog Atlas.

Alex Di Fonzo of ARA Theranostics.

ALEX DIFONZO

Theranostics Coordinator

Bachelor of Science, Licensed Paramedic

Alex coordinates the theranostics program, including patient screening, protocols, dose ordering, arranging consultations, and overseeing on-call emergencies. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and is a licensed paramedic who has worked in emergency rooms and on critical care ambulances.

Being at the forefront of a growing field that promises to help many people who have run out of options makes working at the Theranostics Center very meaningful for Alex. He is excited to be part of the continued expansion of the program as new treatments become available and to give the absolute best care to all theranostics patients.

Originally from Wisconsin, Alex has been in Austin since 2013 and enjoys outdoor sports and camping with his wife and children.

Chad Blockley of ARA Theranostics.

CHAD BLOCKLEY

Paramedic II

Chad Blockley is a certified paramedic who received his training at the National College of Technical Instruction in Riverside, CA. His areas of technological specialty include nuclear medicine, vascular imaging, and cardiology. He served as an ambulance EMT in south central Los Angeles, responding to 911 emergency calls, and had positions assisting with vascular imaging and nuclear stress tests. Chad is dedicated to spending time with each ARA patient and getting to know more about them as they go through diagnostics or treatment at the Theranostics Center.

Chad had a previous career as a professional photographer in Los Angeles and Dallas. He obtained a B.A. In Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.F.A. in Commercial Photography from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.

Chad lives in Buda, TX, and enjoys photography, camping, cooking, and spending time with his wife, son, daughter, and black lab, Dixie. He also speaks some German, stemming from his time as a student in Germany.

Samantha Dixon Workflow Specialist ARA Theranostics Center

SAMANTHA DIXON

Theranostics & Neuroradiology Workflow Specialist

Samantha Dixon earned a B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked in the private emergency services industry as a medical personnel scheduler and business manager. Samantha began her career with ARA as a Patient Care Advocate, then worked with the Hospital Relations department. As a Workflow Specialist at ARA Midtown, Samantha enjoys being the point person for patients and helping them have the smoothest experience possible with their theranostic treatment. Samantha lives in Austin and spends her free time reading and doing arts and crafts.