Lauren Myler, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Clinical Oncology Social Worker
St. Thomas & St. Croix Cancer Specialists
“I joined St. Croix & St. Thomas Cancer Specialists in early 2021 as a certified clinical oncology social worker, to support patients, families and caregivers who are faced with a diagnosis of cancer, or other chronic illness or medical condition, and assist them in navigating a complicated healthcare system. I facilitate access to community resources and offer private counseling and support groups, all informed by my own experiences as an eighteen-year breast cancer survivor and guided by my vision to minimize a patient's suffering.
I am dedicated to helping patients, caregivers and families develop the most effective tools for coping with the challenges of cancer using a strength-based and solution-focused perspective. Each person has unique characteristics that can influence how they deal with illness. Together, we find a patient's inner sources of strength and resiliency that can be used to help guide and empower them through an experience that can be accompanied by feelings of sadness, powerlessness, and fear. My goal is to help patients to navigate through immense difficulty, including grief and loss, with more grace, calm and peace.
The most important thing I would share with patients is...the best that you can, and recognizing it is very difficult to do, surround yourself with people who will lift your spirits, who can provide hope and are able to share their positive energy and support with you. Steer clear of negativity and negative people as the cancer treatment journey is stressful and patients really need to conserve their emotional strength. A positive attitude, even in the face of difficulty, can go a long way towards minimizing suffering and nurturing well being.”
About Lauren Myler
Prior to working in direct patient care as a social worker, Lauren spent many years working in healthcare finance and managed care in New York, and held positions at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital and Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. She consulted for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) around issues of navigating managed care in the private practice setting. For five years, Lauren was the Psychosocial Service Coordinator and Oncology Social Worker in the cancer program at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Lauren was in private practice in New Jersey before moving to St. Thomas. She did her master's training at Columbia University in New York City in Social Work, and she has specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Mt. Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute in New York City.
Lauren moved to St. Thomas in September 2020. She has two amazing sons, Dillon and Spencer, who are 24 and 19. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and hosting dinners with friends, yoga, swimming and reading.
Lauren Myler, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Clinical Oncology Social Worker
St. Thomas & St. Croix Cancer Specialists
6048 Estate Castle Coakley
Christiansted, VI 00820
Phone (340) 772-1551 ext 204
Fax (340) 772-1555