Our Team

Dr. Bier joined Nutrasource in 2014 as the Medical Director of the clinical trials unit, actively engaged in both the domestic and global divisions of the clinical division. Dr. Bier has become an integral member of the clinic team by participating in protocol design, research, adverse event reporting, and narrative composition. Dr. Bier actively mentors the clinical monitors and sub-investigators during active clinical trials as well as ongoing training and leadership in Good Clinical Practices (GCP) with his team. He has successfully obtained his Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Course on Research Ethics, ACLS course re-certification, GCP Training, NIDA Clinical Trials Network, and PALS course.

Graduating with Honours from the BScN Collaborative Nursing program at Ryerson University in 2015, Yuriy initially pursued Mental Health & Addictions as a field of interest where people's needs were largely underserved. In working at Unity Health Toronto (previously St. Michael's Hospital) downtown Toronto, Yuriy realized the gravity of how fragmented  the healthcare system really is and how little could be done at the bedside to change systemic outcomes after-the-fact. Yuriy made the decision to pivot from providing acute care to target health prevention and health promotion instead and enrolled in the MN-PHC-NP program, graduating with Honours at Western University in 2019.

Since graduation, Yuriy has focused on education, primary care, and clinical research and entered the academic world reinforcing positive patient care outcomes with his students in the IEN, PSW, RPN, and BScN programs at George Brown College. Yuriy has extensive experience in travel medicine from working at the Travel Vaccine Clinic and has solid experience in clinical research, previously with Cliantha Research, and currently at Apex Trials as a Nurse Practitioner/ Sub- Investigator.

Yuriy continues to provide acute care services on a casual basis at Unity Health Toronto as the need for compassionate care is more dire than ever before and continues to walk the path to love all, trust a few, and do wrong to none (ref. W. Shakespeare).

Katie Keene is the Clinic Supervisor at Apex Trials and brings 10+ years of experience in the NHP industry including 3+ years in regulatory and 6+ years in clinical trial conduct for Phase I through IV studies.

Saif Abdulwahhab, a national and internationally certified Medical Laboratory Professional, is the Lab Manager at Apex Trials. Mr. Abdulwahhab holds a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science with more than 12 years of experience working in a research lab and different laboratory departments including hematology, biochemistry, serology, cytology, histology, microbiology, and tumor markers. Primary responsibilities include the support and management of sample collection, processing, storage, and shipment, reviewing study protocol sections related to biological samples, and participating in safety, quality assurance, and improvement initiatives involving the lab. Mr. Abdulwahhab also chairs the internal Joint Health and Safety Committee with the goal of maintaining staff and participant safety.

Mariya is a Study Operations Manager at Apex Trials.

Ann joined the Apex Trials team as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2020. With over 5 years of experience in the field and certified in Applied Clinical Research, she is skilled in coordinating and managing clinical trials, understanding regulatory requirements and collecting data. Her top priority is to ensure ethical conduct and protection of participants' rights, while completing studies to their objectives.

Arpita Patel pursued her Bachelor of Pharmacy from India in 2013 and later completed a Post Graduation Diploma in Advanced Clinical Research in 2015. Launching her career in the same field in 2015, Arpita started as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) and has since continued to gain experience across phase II to phase IV, BA/BE projects for a duration of approximately 6 years. Arpita has also had the opportunity to contribute to Covid-19 trials.

Having decided to enhance her education and gain experience, Arpita moved to Canada and pursued further education from Vancouver Community College in 2022 focusing on Business and Project Management. Currently, Arpita is delighted to serve as a CRC II on the Apex Trials team.

Terrie is a Clinical Research Coordinator II at Apex Trials and brings 3 years of experience in Clinical Research and 18+ years in a Medical Laboratory Position. In her role as Clinical Research Coordinator II, she aims to leverage her extensive background in clinical research and medical laboratory expertise to enhance study efficiency, uphold high standards of participant care, and ensure strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, contributing to the successful execution of clinical trials. She is also an active member of the Sustainability Committee, where she collaborates on initiatives that promote environmentally responsible practices within the organization. 

Supreet joined Apex Trials in 2024, bringing over six years of clinical research experience. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a master’s in clinical research from India. Starting her career as a Clinical Research Assistant in an oncology hospital, Supreet has since advanced to the role of Clinical Research Coordinator, overseeing BA/BE studies and Phase I to IV clinical trials. Her goal is to enhance societal well-being while ensuring participant safety and regulatory compliance.

Neuza is a Clinical Research Coordinator I at Apex Trials and brings three years of experience managing clinical trials. Her background as Registered Practical Nurse brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and a patient-centered approach to research. She is dedicated to ensuring adherence to protocols, safety standards, ethical guidelines, and provides comprehensive support throughout the research process. Neuza’s goal is to advance her medical knowledge and contribute to the development of innovative therapies that improve public health.

In 2023, Taylor joined Apex Trials, initially as a Participant Recruiter, after earning her Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from the University of Guelph. Since then, she has completed a graduate certificate in Clinical Research from Humber College and advanced to the role of Clinical Research Coordinator. In her post graduate studies she gained expertise in good clinical practice principles established by the International Conference on Harmonization. Taylor is dedicated to maintaining ethical standards in all aspects of research involving human participants, emphasizing informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for participant rights.

Starting as a Clinical Research Coordinator I with Apex Trials, Samantha leverages her Honours degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph and post-graduate certificate in clinical research to facilitate impactful clinical trials. Her background in epidemiology and population medicine ignited her passion for clinical research, particularly in addressing health challenges faced by seniors. Her experience working closely with the aging population has deepened her commitment to improving health outcomes at all life stages. Samantha is excited to contribute to innovative research through compliance with regulatory standards to ensure participant safety and well-being.  

Keara joined Apex Trials in 2024 as a Participant Recruiter. Keara holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Keara’s background in nutrition and healthcare communications sparked her dedication to explore the critical role that research plays in maintaining health and preventing disease as well as the important role of clear communication during the recruitment process. With a commitment to clear, compassionate communication, she strives to ensure that research participants are fully informed, supported, and empowered throughout the recruitment process.  

As a graduate of CDI College and with over a decade of clinical experience, Bradley is a part of the Apex Trials team as Lead Lab Technician. His experience extends across phase I through 4 trials in drugs, natural health products, and class 2 medical devices. Bradley is proficient in training and coordinating staff on lab procedures, he is diligent at QC and is committed to continuing education opportunities.   

Rica Cserei-Costa is a Certified Clinical Research Medical Lab Technician II and Senior Phlebotomist with over 15 years of laboratory experience. Areas of expertise include medical testing and general laboratory practice. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto in Arts and Science (with Minor in Psychology), Ms. Cserei-Costa holds the Applied Clinical Research Certification, CPR Level BLS , IV Therapy and Phlebotomy Certification, and the cMLA/T MLPAO designation.

Jing is a skilled medical lab technician with a diploma from Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology. With nearly 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory procedures and a thorough understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP), Jing is dedicated to working collaboratively with the Apex Trials team as Quality Control Lead. Jing’s clinical research experience includes drugs / biologics and natural health products / dietary supplements with a focus in Phase I trials.