Research Team: Mary Ellen Shands, RN, MN

Mary Ellen Shands, RN, MN has been a member of the Family Functioning Research Team for 23 years. She is currently a Senior Interventionist on the team and the Recruitment Manager, overseeing recruitment efforts on all grants. Her clinical and research interests focus on assisting individuals and families manage the experience of cancer. She is also involved in clinical practice through her work with Cancer Lifeline where she is Family Consultant and Clinical Program Manager.

 Selected recent publications include:

• Lewis, F.M., Cochrane, B.B., Fletcher, K.A., Zahlis, EH, Shands, ME, Gralow, JR, Wu, SM, & Schmitz, K. (2008). Helping Her Heal:  A pilot study of an educational counseling intervention for spouses of women with breast cancer.  Psycho-Oncology, 17 (2), 131–137. PMID: 17429834.
• Shands, M.E., Lewis, F.M., Sinsheimer, J. & Cochrane, B.B. (2006). Core concerns of couples living with early stage breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15(12),1055-64. PMID: 16598822.
• Lewis, F.M., Casey, S.M, Brandt, P.A., Shands, M.E., and Zahlis, E.H. (2006). The Enhancing Connections Program: A pilot evaluation of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for mothers and children affected by breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15(6), 486-497. PMID: 16216035.
• Shands, M.E., Lewis, F.M., Sinsheimer, J.A. (2003). Coaching couples experiencing early stage breast cancer: An analysis of their stated concerns.
• Lewis, F.M., Casey, S.M, Brandt, P.A., Shands, M.E., and Zahlis, E.H. (2003). A pilot study of the Enhancing Connections Program: Helping families with breast cancer.
• Lewis, F.M., Behar, L., Anderson, KH, Shands, M.E., Zahlis, EH, Darby, E & Sinsheimber, JA. (2000). Blowing away the myths about the child's experience with the mother's breast cancer. Cancer and the Family, 2nd Edition (pp. 201-221). L. Baider, C.L. Cooper & A. Kaplan De-Nour, Eds. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
• Shands, M.E., Lewis, F.M., & Zahlis, E.H. (2000). Mother and child interactions about the mother’s breast cancer: An interview study. Oncology Nursing Forum, 27(1), 77-85. PMID: 10660925. 
• Lewis, F.M., Zahlis, E.Z., Shands, M.E., Sinsheimer, J.A., & Hammond, M.A. (1996). The functioning of single women with breast cancer and their school-aged children.  Cancer Practice, 4(1), 1-10. PMID: 8788766.
• Shands, M.E. (1998).Intervention helps breast cancer victims. Puget Sound Quarterly, 21(3), 12-13.
• Zahlis, E.H., & Shands, M.E. (1993). The impact of breast cancer on the partner eighteen months following diagnosis.  Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 9(2), 83-87.
• Zahlis, E.H., & Shands, M.E. (1991). The demands of the illness on the patient's partner. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 9(1), 75-93.
• Shands, M.E., & Zahlis, E.H. (1990). Families and illness. In W.J. Phipps, B.C. Long, N.F. Woods & V.L. Cassmeyer (Eds.), Medical-surgical nursing concepts and clinical practice (4th ed.) (pp. 121-131).  St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
• Shands, M.E. & Tesik, J. (1990). Understanding children's grief: A guide for adults helping children experiencing loss. [Booklet]. Seattle, WA: Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound.
• Shands, M.E., & Zahlis, E.H. (1989). For men: When your partner has breast cancer. [Booklet]. Family Functioning in Chronic Illness Study, RO1 NR01000-05. Seattle, WA: University of Washington