Krista Nelson, LCSW OSW-C FAOSW FAPOS FACCC is trained as an oncology social worker and works in clinical & Manager roles within the Providence Cancer Institute and recently worked in the department of Compassion. This blend has allowed her to bring her clinical expertise to work with those impacted by cancer, and to creating supportive infusions of compassion to caregivers within Providence Health & Services. Krista is the current Editor-in-Chief of Oncology Issues.

Krista provides individual and group support for those affected with cancer and additionally has an expertise in facilitating online support groups.  She also coordinates a program that focuses on the care of children who have a parent with cancer. She has published in her field and spoken to over 100 national audiences on various topics related to cancer.

Krista is a past President of both the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) and Association of Cancer Care Centers and past Director of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS), National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, & American Clinical Social Work Association. Krista was named as a finalist in the Schwartz Center Compassionate Caregiver of the Year award was awarded the American Cancer Society/Association of Oncology Social Work Leadership award in 2019 and Social Worker of the Year for Providence Health & Services in Oregon in 2021. She is also a fellow of AOSW, ACCC and APOS for her contributions to her profession.

Krista also has been a volunteer facilitator at retreats for women with breast cancer and annually at camps and programs that support grieving children. She also has volunteered over 5 months on medical relief teams to Haiti since 2009. She currently volunteers locally with Portland Street Medicine providing mental health support to the houseless in Portland, Oregon.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, photography and cheering on her local soccer team, the Timbers!