Who are we?
In 2018, Dr. Julie Wolfson and the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship established the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology and Oncofertility Program to address the disparities AYAs face. Having developed partnerships with UAB, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Children’s of Alabama, our program supports virtually all oncology patients aged 15–39 years who are receiving systemic chemotherapy at UAB adult and pediatric oncology. Supports are provided in hospital AND in clinic while on therapy and for 2 years after treatment ends.
Julie Wolfson, MD, MSHS (AYA Director and Associate Professor, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology) is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and health services researcher who is passionate about improving outcomes for AYAs with cancer. Dr. Wolfson specializes in treating hematologic malignancies and histiocytoses and leads the UAB-COA-O’Neal AYA Oncology & Oncofertility Program, which she founded in 2018. Her research goals include tackling disparities in cancer care, especially when it comes to health care delivery. She has shown that treatment at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers can improve survival rates and her research currently focuses on ensuring all patients have access to high quality cancer care.
Beyond her work, Dr. Wolfson is a proud mom of two daughters and a dog lover who cherishes time with her family. She’s also a big Wonder Woman fan and can almost always be found with an iced non-fat chai in hand.
Mark Smith, LMSW (AYA Social Worker) began working at UAB in 2018 following almost 10 years in St. Louis, MO. After starting as the social worker for Spain Rehab Center’s outpatient clinic he moved to the AYA Program in 2019.
He is married to Rosie (best decision of his life) and they have two elementary-aged children. Mark is originally from Kansas and loves all things KC sports, so of course he cheers for the Chiefs. Please know that he was a fan when they were terrible, long before the current success. Jayhawks men’s basketball is a big one for him too (Rock Chalk). Mark also loves music, being outside, hiking, and generally enjoying quiet time in nature.
Julia Ward, LMSW (AYA Social Worker) joined the AYA Program in 2024. Prior to joining the team at UAB, Julia worked for 20 years in a residential program helping with children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional challenges. She then provided in-home services, working closely with youth and families to ensure reunification and preservation, building stronger and healthier family dynamics. Whether assisting with coping strategies, connecting patients to vital services, or guiding families through complex challenges, Julia is committed to fostering resilience and well-being.
In her free time, Julia enjoys walking, has a new passion for audiobooks and podcasts (mysteries and thrillers), loves all things Marvel, enjoys listening to music, and loves spending time with her many siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Ebony Williams, MBA, MA, CHES (AYA Program Coordinator) joined the AYA Program in 2023. Her job is to make sure our program is meeting the needs of our AYAs, including providing important updates and information through the UAB AYA Program Instagram. She holds degrees from Berea College (Go Mounties! – BA), the University of Alabama (Roll Tide! – MA), and UAB (Go Blazers! – MBA).
Cancer has touched Ebony’s family as well, in her grandfather (lung), her father’s twin brother (liver with lung mets), and her mother’s oldest sister (breast). It’s ONE of the many reasons she chooses to work FOR our patients. In her downtime, Ebony enjoys exploring with her toddler, binge-watching shows on Netflix, and spending quality time with her family.
Christina Croney, PhD, MPH (AYA Research Lead) first came to UAB as a graduate student in 2008 and basically never left. Dr. Croney joined the AYA Program in 2021, where she now manages AYA research studies. She also hopes to help ensure that AYAs with cancer feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their care journey through resources such as the AYA Program website.
Dr. Croney often says that she has lived many lives, with each decade bringing different challenges and discoveries. This perspective has given her a desire to see and experience as many new things as possible. Outside of work, she loves exploring Birmingham’s pastry and food scene, traveling to new cities, and uncovering weird/interesting art.
