Meet the staff

Robin Haff, RN, BSN

Robin Haff, RN, BSN died March 16, 2013.

For those of you who knew her…she was the most amazing eclectic blend of humor, kindness, spunk, intelligence, protective Mommy, animal lover, and accomplished nurse researcher you could imagine!

Robin was constantly on the go…always giving, caring…never asking. She was one of the sweetest persons I ever met.

Robin was the corner stone of my clinical research for nearly 17 years, at Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s and the Institute. She was passionate about research to the point that it would ooze from her skin…patients could sense her belief in the trial…our enrollments were always high…thanks to Robin. I would smile from ear to ear…bursting with pride…as regulatory reviewers from industry and even the government would compliment on the work Robin had done. All too often I would hear…"You are so lucky to have Robin"…boy, did we all know it.

So… to know Robin was to love her. We will miss her… deeply.

- Vincent Lucente, MD

Melanie Leister, LPN

I look forward to helping you improve your quality of life. I will be there to walk you through office visits, procedures or just to answer your questions or concerns. I have a wide range of nursing experience from hospital and home care to clinical research. I enjoy helping women choose the best way to improve their health and well-being. In my spare time my husband, our two boys and our two dogs keep me very busy. We enjoy outdoor sports, camping, gardening and spending time with friends.

Ann Sawka

I started in the medical field 18 years ago when I joined the United States Air Force. I am currently serving active duty in the Guards and served in Operation Enduring Freedom. I have worked in hospitals as well as doctor’s offices to fill my desire to help other people. When I am not working or on duty I enjoy spending time with my son and his sport activities and having a good time with my family and friends.

Valerie Schissler, MSN, CRNP

Nurse Practitioner
As a nurse practitioner in women’s health, I enjoy empowering women to take care of themselves and achieve their optimal well being. The change that occurs in a women’s life after effective treatment of pelvic support defects and incontinence is phenomenal. I love hearing the words “I have my life back.” Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Ray and daughter Olivia and son Logan.