ABOUT RELARO
At Relaro Medical Trials, we believe that every breakthrough in medicine begins with putting people first. Based in Dallas, our dedicated team brings decades of experience to the forefront of clinical research, with a strong commitment to advancing treatment options through excellence, integrity, and innovation.
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We take a patient-centered approach to every study we conduct. We recognize that choosing to participate in a clinical trial is a deeply personal decision, and we’re here to ensure each individual feels informed, supported, and respected throughout their journey. From first contact to final visit, our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care while contributing to the future of medicine.
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At Relaro, research isn’t just about data—it’s about people. And we’re proud to partner with our volunteers, healthcare professionals, and sponsors to help bring new hope and healing to the communities we serve.
Our Commitment
At Relaro Medical Trials, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards with integrity and precision. Guided by a shared mission to drive meaningful progress in medical research, our experienced team places patient safety and ethical excellence at the heart of everything we do.
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We foster a culture built on trust, transparency, and collaboration—values that strengthen our relationships with patients, healthcare providers, and research partners alike. Your comfort and confidence are central to our work, and we prioritize clear communication and personalized care at every stage of the clinical trial process.
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By choosing Relaro, you’re not only contributing to the future of medicine—you’re joining a team that’s deeply committed to doing things the right way, for the right reasons.
OUR TEAM
At Relaro Medical Trials, we’re proud to serve the Dallas–Fort Worth community with a team that’s deeply committed to compassionate, community-centered research. We’re not just healthcare professionals—we’re your neighbors, advocates, and partners in advancing care. Each member of our team brings dedication, expertise, and heart to every interaction, working to ensure that every patient feels supported, respected, and empowered throughout their journey. Together, we’re helping shape the future of medicine—right here in DFW.
Renee LaRoque
SITE DIRECTOR
With over 28 years in the industry, Renee Unger-LaRoque, Founder and Director of Relaro Medical Trials, is deeply committed to providing care that puts patients first. She takes a hands-on approach to overseeing clinical operations, making sure everything runs smoothly, stays compliant, and continues to grow in a way that benefits both the team and the patients they serve. Renee cherishes the simple pleasures of life outside of work—spending quality time with her wife and two dogs, playing Mahjong with family, unwinding on a white-sand beach, and dreaming of the day she can bring her vision to life by starting a non-profit to provide hospice care for dogs in need.
Alisha, the Clinical Operations Manager at Relaro Medical Trials, has been with the organization since 2016. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles, including patient recruitment, training, management, and much more. Alisha takes great pride in seeing team members grow and move on to exciting opportunities, both within and beyond Relaro, and values the personal and professional growth she has experienced along the way. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching professional sports, reading, and listening to music.
Alisha Howarter
CLINICAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Dr. Eric Williams, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Eric Williams, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in adult psychiatry. Since 2017, Dr. Williams has served as a Principal Investigator at Relaro, where he is instrumental in conducting groundbreaking clinical trials that contribute to the development of innovative treatments in mental health. Based in Dallas, Texas, he also runs a small, personalized practice, taking a psychotherapeutic approach to help patients achieve “recovery and resilience”, using medications when appropriate. Dr. Williams is deeply committed to advancing mental health care through both his research at Relaro and his dedication to understanding and addressing each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Seema Gupta is a Principal Investigator at Relaro Medical Trials, where she has been a valued team member since 2019. She earned her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency and a fellowship in child psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Prior to working in clinical research, Dr. Gupta served as Medical Director for a day treatment program for children and adolescents and worked at an outpatient Veterans Affairs clinic. At Relaro, she is a very involved Principal Investigator on many of the psychiatric clinical trials.
Dr. Seema Gupta, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Bradley Musser, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Kinjal Gadhiya is a board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician, currently serving as an Investigator at Relaro Medical Trials, where she has been a valued team member since 2024. She completed her residency in internal medicine at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, gaining extensive experience in managing complex medical conditions. Prior to transitioning into clinical research, Dr. Gadhiya worked as both a hospitalist and a primary care provider, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her work. She is also the founder of FitFocus MD Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic, where she combines her expertise in internal medicine and obesity medicine to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved overall health through personalized care, including nutrition plans, pharmacological therapy, and behavioral strategies.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Gadhiya enjoys spending quality time with her family and is passionate about physical fitness, embodying the healthy lifestyle she encourages in her patients.
Dr. Kinjal Gadhiya, M.D.
SUB-INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Thomas Grugle, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Thomas Grugle graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with a B.S. in biology and earned his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas. He served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy for four years, gaining specialized training in psychiatry, aerospace, and undersea medicine. After completing his military service, he practiced general medicine before pursuing psychiatry training at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital and eventually entering private practice in Dallas. With over 50 clinical trials to his name, Dr. Grugle has also served on the adjunct faculty at UT Southwestern for more than 30 years and joined Relaro as a Principal Investigator in 2024.
Susan Mahadi has been an important member of the Relaro team since 2022, contributing her expertise as an independent Rater. With a background in clinical psychology, as well as experience as an educator and mental health program facilitator, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role in clinical research. Outside of work, Susan is a dedicated mom to three young adults. She enjoys playing pickleball and tennis with them, watching movies, listening to music, and caring for her lively flock of chickens, embracing a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
Susan Mahadi, M.Ed
INDEPENDENT RATER
Dr. Vipin Kuriachan, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Vipin Kuriachan, MD, has been a valued member of the Relaro team since 2016, bringing his expertise in ophthalmology to the organization. He is the founder and leader of Kuriachan Eye Institute in Irving, Texas, where he has served the community since 2014, offering comprehensive eye care, chronic condition management, and surgical treatments. Dr. Kuriachan graduated magna cum laude in biomedical engineering from Texas A&M University and earned his medical degree from the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. His dedication to excellence in eye care and patient outcomes has been a hallmark of his career.
Claudia Harris is a Clinical Research Coordinator with over five years of experience. She is passionate and dedicated to her work, finding fulfillment in contributing to advancements in medicine that make a difference in people’s lives. Claudia is committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, tackling the challenge one study at a time. In her free time, she enjoys interior decorating, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.
Claudia Harris
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Selam Beyene
REGULATORY SPECIALIST
As the Quality Assurance & Regulatory Specialist at Relaro, Selam is dedicated to upholding compliance and maintaining the highest standards for regulatory documentation. She plays a vital role in ensuring efficient processes and managing essential documents for both current and past studies. Known for her attention to detail and ability to build strong professional relationships, Selam contributes to the seamless execution of regulatory operations. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping and exploring new cuisines, with a particular love for Italian food. When not focused on quality and compliance, Selam can often be found discovering the latest trends or indulging in a culinary adventure.
Jasmyne is an experienced clinical research professional with a passion for fostering connections within the clinical research community. Her experience working on RFPs with sponsors, site selection and trial management within a CRO, consulting with multiple sites, and thorough understanding of Relaro's processes and patient access, ensures that we are set up to succeed in our studies while building long-lasting Sponsor relationships along the way. She also developed and manages our local patient referral network, giving our team access to a larger patient pool and our patients access to low-cost mental healthcare resources. In her free time, she enjoys reading, anything that can be turned into a competition, and eating dessert.
Jasmyne Pacheco
DIRECTOR of BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Moraima Avalos
With three years of experience in recruitment, Moraima has worked in education, healthcare and the oil and gas industry. She is passionate about building trusting relationships with patients, which is one of the things she loves most about her role. Driven by a commitment to giving back to the community, Moraima finds purpose in recruiting for clinical research studies, knowing it plays a vital role in serving people in the Dallas metroplex, and advancing healthcare on a larger scale
PATIENT RECRUITMENT & RETENTION SPECIALIST
Cathy brings over 25 years of clinical research experience to Relaro Medical Trials, with a strong background in coordinating trials across vaccines, pain management, psychiatry, and more.
Cathy Monroe
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Sam Loper
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Sam oversees recruitment and community partnerships at Relaro. She brings a strong track record of accelerating patient enrollment and driving site optimization for over 70 trials across 20+ therapeutic areas. She specializes in developing data-driven outreach campaigns and building strategic partnerships to streamline recruitment processes and improve trial efficiency.