Medical & Behavioral Health Team

Pediatric Providers

Matthew M. Demczko, MD
Complex Care Physician

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Matthew M. Demczko, MD
Complex Care Physician

Clinical Education Director / Inpatient Consult Director with Mitochondrial Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Matthew M. Demczko, MD
Brielle Gehringer, MS LCGC
Genetic Counselor

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Brielle Gehringer, MS LCGC
Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselor

Brielle Gehringer, MS, LCGC, is the inaugural Kim Family Fellow in William Syndrome. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelors in 2018 and her Masters in Genetic Counseling in 2023. During that time, Brielle worked as a clinical research coordinator of the ASPE Study at Penn, a genetic study of autism spectrum disorder. Brielle is currently the genetic counselor for the Williams syndrome clinic at CHOP and Penn. She has a strong interest in helping families adjust to a new diagnosis of Williams syndrome and is passionate about providing comprehensive care for ACE patients.
Rebecca Zuhlke Burdett, MSN, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner

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Rebecca Zuhlke Burdett, MSN, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner

Rebecca Z. Burdett is a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Williams Syndrome Clinic, serving patients at both CHOP and Penn. In her role, she enhances continuity of care by working with pediatric patients and continuing their care into adulthood, ensuring a seamless transition to the adult clinic. Rebecca holds bachelor's degrees in both Nursing and Psychology and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2017. She also serves as faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, where she is deeply committed to educating patients, families, and future healthcare professionals.
Monica Mainigi, MD
Adolescent Gynecology

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Monica Mainigi, MD
Adolescent Gynecology

Dr. Mainigi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Mainigi is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with focused practice designation by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Dr. Mainigi sees adult and pediatric patients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Mainigi is also the fellowship director for the fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Pennsylvania. She is actively involved in medical student teaching and mentors high school students, undergraduates, medical students and residents. Dr. Mainigi also has a robust research program, with her laboratory focusing on examining the interactions between per-implantation exposures and early placentation utilizing animal models, in vitro culture systems, and human tissues. Studying early implantation in humans is challenging. Therefore, to address these challenges, her laboratory has partnered with bioengineers in the laboratory of Dr. Dan Huh to utilize their organ-on-a-chip technology to model early placentation. Using this 'implantation-on-a-chip' device and primary human cells, they have found that uterine immune cells play a critical role in regulating early trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling and that patients at risk for abnormal placentation may have changes in these immune cell populations. They are currently developing new protocols to use this device to examine how maternal cells may influence trophoblast differentiation using iPS derived trophoblasts.
Julia Durante, MD, MPH
Adolescent Medicine

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Julia Durante, MD, MPH
Adolescent Medicine

Julia C. Durante is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine and an attending physician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She serves as the Medical Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecological Services at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). As an Adolescent Medicine physician, Dr. Durante has advanced expertise in medically complex menstrual counseling and management, including addressing the unique sexual and reproductive health needs of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Durante’s research interests include parent and adolescent communication, understanding healthcare access barriers, and supporting families navigating puberty with children with special healthcare needs, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is actively involved in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing education for healthcare providers about specific reproductive healthcare needs and ethical decision-making considerations affecting adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Durante attended medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and completed her pediatrics residency at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. She completed her fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas and received her Master of Public Health at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health.
Mark Levin, MD
Cardiologist

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Mark Levin, MD
Cardiologist

Dr. Levin graduated from Columbia College, Columbia University with a B.A. in history and subsequently earned his medical doctor degree at Boston University School of Medicine. He trained in Pediatrics at Babies and Children’s Hospital, within Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He subsequently completed a general cardiology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed post-doctoral training in Molecular Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania Cardiovascular Institute, during which time he received National Institutes of Health (NIH) support while on a T32, and K12 training grants. He then performed additional clinical training in non-invasive clinical electrophysiology, also at CHOP. He subsequently completed additional post-doctoral training in ion channel physiology at Washington University in St. Louis, during which time he was awarded an NIH career development award (K08). He then moved to the NHLBI, NIH intramural program and spent subsequent 10 years investigating clinical and basic cardiac disease mechanism in Williams Syndrome and several additional genetic rare diseases. For fun, he enjoys kayaking with his wife and daughter, scuba diving in addition spending quality family time including four legged family members (Bugs and Oreo and Mooshoo).
Stacey Drant, MD
Cardiologist

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Stacey Drant, MD
Cardiologist

Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Dr. Drant is Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and a pediatric cardiologist at CHOP. She is the Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Connective Tissue Disorder Clinic at CHOP and internationally known for her expertise in Marfan syndrome and related genetic vascular conditions. Dr. Drant is very experienced in treating the cardiovascular complications of Williams Syndrome. She is an expert in non-invasive imaging of the heart and cardiovascular system. Dr. Drant has specialized in caring for patients with connective tissue disorders over the entirety of her 20 year career. In addition, she is an expert in ‘lifestyle medicine’ and performs clinical trials of lifestyle-based interventions in patients with genetic vascular conditions. Although a pediatrician by training, Dr. Drant is very experienced in caring for adults with genetic vascular conditions.
Lauren Fishbein, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

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Lauren Fishbein, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Lauren B. Fishbein, PhD is a child and adolescent clinical psychologist with the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Autism Integrated Care Program at CHOP. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder and completed her graduate training at Binghamton University. She went on to complete her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children. Prior to joining CHOP, Dr. Fishbein was a faculty member at Nationwide Children’s Hospital within the Child Development Center. Shas extensive experience in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for youth with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disorders). She has particular interest and expertise in working with children with Williams Syndrome and other genetic and neurodevelopmental conditions. In the ACE for WS, Dr. Fishbein will provide individual therapy to children and adolescents as well as behavioral consultation with parents and caregivers.
Mary Pipan, MD
Developmental Pediatrician

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Mary Pipan, MD
Developmental Pediatrician

Behavioral Pediatrician and Director of the Trisomy 21 Program, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Mary Pipan, MD, is a developmental behavioral pediatrician and Director of the Trisomy 21 Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Pipanalso has over 20 years of experience in providing care for other complex neurogenetic syndromes including children and young adults with Williams syndrome. Dr. Pipan received her MD from University of Virginia School of Medicine, completed an internship and residency at the University of Minnesota, and completed a fellowship in developmental and behavioral pediatrics at CHOP.
Vaneeta Bamba, MD
Endocrinologist

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Vaneeta Bamba, MD
Endocrinologist

Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Perelman School of Medicine

Vaneeta Bamba, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bamba is also the Medical Director of the Diagnostic and Research Growth Center and Director of the Turner Syndrome Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She has expertise in early and delayed puberty, growth hormone deficiency, hypercholesterolemia/lipid disorders, disorders of growth and puberty, Turner syndrome, short stature, ovarian failure, and 22q deletion syndrome. Dr. Bamba is the leader of the multidisciplinary Wellness in Growth and Spirit (WinGS) Program, which is an interdisciplinary clinical program from girls with Turner syndrome. In 2022, Dr. Bamba was selected as a Main Line Today Top Doc for Pediatric Endocrinology. Dr. Bamba received her MD from Louisiana State University, completed residency at Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her fellowship at CHOP.
Hayat Mousa, MD
Gastroenterologist

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Hayat Mousa, MD
Gastroenterologist

I, Hayat Mousa, am an Endowed Chair, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Director of the Lustgarten GI Motility Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Director of the Frontier Program for Precision Medicine in Pediatric Motility Disorders and Program Director of the Advanced Training in Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders. I joined CHOP on September 1, 2020, from my previous role as The Clinical Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology and The Director of the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego.

I was trained at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital with broad exposure to all gastrointestinal disorders including liver disease, small bowel transplantation and gastrointestinal motility disorders. Subsequently, I joined the GI group at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where I started its Motility Center, served as the Medical Director for motility for 15 years, and served as the Fellowship Director of a GME-approved training program in pediatric motility disorders for 10 years.

My key interests include gastroparesis, gastric electric stimulation, Intestinal pseudoobstruction, swallowing disorders, constipation, cecostomy, sacral nerve stimulation, rumination, gastroesophageal reflux, Hirschsprung's disease, gastrointestinal motility diseases, rumination, and other functional disorders. I have special clinical expertise in managing patients in multidisciplinary settings and had an active role in developing both aerodigestive and colorectal multidisciplinary teams.

Since my pediatric GI fellowship training at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, my clinical and research activities have been focused on motility and functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In my prospective clinical trials, I evaluated GI physiology as well as investigated the pathophysiology of functional GI disorders, specifically the changes in gastric accommodation and compliance after fundoplication, and clinical outcomes after gastric electric stimulation and sacral nerve stimulation. I pioneered the gastric electric stimulation in pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in collaboration with our pediatric surgeon and the motility team. We just reported the 10-year experience in pediatric gastric electric stimulation. Most recently, I have pioneered in applying Body Surface Gastric Mapping (BSGM) to pediatric clinical research at CHOP.

My contributions to science include:

1. Innovation in high resolution electrogastrography: In collaboration with biomedical engineering, validated the non-invasive high resolution electrogastrography (EGG) by simultaneously performing antroduodenal manometry studies and HR-EGG using a wearable multi-channel system and artifact

removal signal processing methods. Our approach yielded an increase of 0.56 in the mean correlation coefficient between EGG and the clinical gold standard antroduodenal manometry, across all subjects (p<0.001). Then, we evaluated the benefits of using cutaneous high-resolution electrogastrography (HR-EGG) in subjects with active foregut symptoms and found that abnormal spatial parameters, detected by cutaneous HR-EGG, correlated with severity of upper gastrointestinal symptoms, regardless of gastric emptying. This non-invasive diagnostic study has the potential of leading therapeutic intervention in patients with foregut functional symptoms. My goals are now to offer this technique to patients with functional GI disorders and implement interventions based on their personal gastric rhythm.

2. Innovation in EndoFLIP technique: Understanding the pathophysiology of dysphagia and offering cure were the drive to master EndoFLIP technique in patients with dysphagia. I collaborated with biomedical engineering and created program for an automated analysis of the dynamic changes and dispensability findings. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate whether esophageal compliance is a more sensitive measure than esophageal dispensability in detecting epithelial remodeling on regional and global esophageal levels in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) compared to controls. We hypothesized that compliance is a stronger indicator of remodeling than distensibility. We standardized the protocol for the FLIP catheter position, and we collaborated with biomedical engineering to develop an automated analysis protocol.

3. Innovation in neuromodulation of the gastrointestinal tract: I have also examined gastric pacing in the management of patients with gastroparesis and evaluated the benefits of gastric electric stimulation on children with gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia. In addition, I evaluated the use of sacral nerve stimulation in patient with defecation disorders. I studied the value of colonic motility in predicting the outcome of cecostomy placement in patients with severe constipation.

4. Innovation in a non-invasive assessments of gastrointestinal transit time. I have also investigated the sensitivity and validity of the Wireless Motility Capsule Test in diagnostic capsule endoscopy in children.

I am very passionate about Organizational Leadership and Process Improvement skills. I have held several leadership positions and received certificates in Leadership from Rady Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

I am an active member of various professional societies, including the American Neurogastrointestinal Motility Society (ANMS), North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA). I am currently the Chair of NASPGHAN-Aerodigestive Special Interest Group (SIG). I have organized the 2021 NASPGHAN Single Topic Symposium and led the publication of its Proceedings with the Aerodigestive team

Among my honors and awards are the NASPGHAN Motility Prize, Nationwide Children Hospital IMPACT Business Process Improvement Program Award, and the Award of Excellence at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego California.

Above all, I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with my colleagues and parents on the care of those precious pediatric patients. I am a physician dedicated to my patients, my team and my institution. I am committed to the field and honored to be at CHOP. I am a grateful wife for my husband’s support, and honored mother to watch my kids grow and honor God in what they do.
Sherri Shubin Cohen, MD, MPH
Pediatrician at Feeding & Swallowing Center

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Sherri Shubin Cohen, MD, MPH
Pediatrician at Feeding & Swallowing Center

Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine

Medical Director, Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Sherri S. Cohen, MD, MPH, is a board-certified pediatrician in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She is also board certified in public health and general preventive medicine. Dr. Cohen is the Director of the Nutrition Fellowship Program at CHOP and the Medical Director of the Martha Escoll Lubeck Feeding and Swallowing Center , where she oversees a team of 30 clinicians and staff that treat feeding and swallowing disorders, malnutrition, and nutritional disorders. Dr. Cohen has expertise in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, as well as public health and preventive medicine.
Dayna Mazza, MD
Nephrology

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Dayna Mazza, MD
Nephrology

Dayna Mazza, MD, MSHP is a pediatric nephrologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She has experience caring for children with hypertension with a specific interest in complex renovascular hypertension. She runs a multidisciplinary clinic for patients with complex renovascular hypertension in conjunction with interventional radiology and vascular surgery. Dr. Mazza received her MD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her residency in pediatrics at AI duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. She completed her fellowship in pediatric nephrology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition to patient care she has a special interest in quality improvement (QI) and patient safety as well as medical education. She serves at the co-physician lead for QI work aimed at the reduction of acute kidney injury in the hospitalized patient as well as the nephrology division Education Director and Associate Program Director for the pediatric nephrology fellowship program at CHOP.
Alyssa R. Rosen, MD,
Neurologist

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Alyssa R. Rosen, MD,
Neurologist

Pediatric Neurologist, Division of Neurology at Children's Hosptial of Philadelphia

Alyssa R. Rosen, MD, is a pediatric neurologist in the Division of Neurology at CHOP, specializing in the care of children with autism and epilepsy-related disorders.
Arianna K. Stefanatos, PhD
Neuropsychologist

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Arianna K. Stefanatos, PhD
Neuropsychologist

Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Metabolic Disease Program, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Arianna K. Stefanatos, PhD is a pediatric neuropsychologist with the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Metabolic Disease Program at CHOP.  She has extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment of children with Williams syndrome through her work in the CHOP Williams syndrome clinical program.  At CHOP and, prior to that at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, she has also developed expertise in neuropsychological assessment of children with metabolic disease, mitochondrial disease, lysosomal storage disorders, congenital disorders of glycosylation, Noonan syndrome, and leukodystrophy.  She is experienced in working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and is involved in various research projects focused on characterizing cognitive profiles of children with genetic conditions and exploring potential treatment interventions (e.g., clinical trials).  In the ACE for WS, Dr. Stefanatos will provide neuropsychological assessment for children, adolescents, and adults with WS. 
Alexander Tucker, MD
Neurosurgeon

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Alexander Tucker, MD
Neurosurgeon

Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Director of Neurosurgery Spine and Co-Director of CHOP Chiari Clinic, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Alexander Tucker, MD is an attending physician in the Division of Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Tucker specializes in the treatment of a broad range of pediatric neurosurgical conditions including brain tumors, hydrocephalus, baclofen pump insertion for the treatment of spasticity, Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, Skeletal Dysplasia and other spinal disorders including scoliosis, and complex spinal fusion as well as craniofacial procedures.

Dr. Tucker received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He completed residency in neurosurgery at the University of California-Los Angeles and then went on to complete fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Tucker is passionate about the care of children and working as part of the team of world-class doctors, nurses and scientists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He specializes in the treatment of Chiari Malformation. To inquire about scheduling an appointment in the CHOP Chiari Clinic contact 215-590-2780.
Anne-Ashley Field, OTR/L, BCP
Occupational Therapist

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Anne-Ashley Field, OTR/L, BCP
Occupational Therapist

Anne-Ashley Field, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She provides outpatient-based therapy services, interdisciplinary specialty clinic consultations/evaluations, and inpatient acute care/rehabilitation services. Her specialty areas of practice include: internationally adopted children, connective tissue disorders, facial motion disorders, amplified pain syndrome, and genetically based neurological disorders.
Emily Scott, OTR/L, IBCLC
Occupational Therapist

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Emily Scott, OTR/L, IBCLC
Occupational Therapist

Emily Scott OTR/L, IBCLC is an occupational therapist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She provides outpatient-based therapy services, interdisciplinary specialty clinic consultations/evaluations, and inpatient acute care/rehabilitation services. Her specialty areas of practice include: infant and pediatric feeding challenges, NICU care, amplified pain syndrome, pediatric hand therapy, and genetically based neurological disorders.
Jason B. Anari, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Jason B. Anari, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon

Division of Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Jason B. Anari, MD, is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of spine and chest wall disorders in children. He fell in love with the musculoskeletal system and the puzzles related to fixing fractures and correcting deformity. "While in medical school I observed a scoliosis operation and saw firsthand what goes into caring for children with spinal deformity" recalls Anari. It was there he gained a deep appreciation for how a successful scoliosis correction can benefit patients and their families. He knew then what he wanted to spend the rest of his life practicing.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude from The College of New Jersey, followed by medical school at Robert Wood Johnson/Rutgers before arriving at The University of Pennsylvania for his Orthopaedic Residency. He completed his fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Anari was trained in pediatric chest wall techniques by the late Robert Campbell, MD — his mentor, friend and world-renowned pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.

He is particularly interested in pediatric chest wall and spinal deformity, because the relationship a pediatric orthopaedist creates with a family with early onset scoliosis or thoracic insufficiency syndrome is special. “You get to take part of the development of the child, watching them grow (literally) as they age,” he says. He finds great satisfaction in helping children with chest wall deformities get off the ventilator through surgical intervention. That is a milestone he celebrates with the family because of the work, time and commitment they put into recovery.

"Pediatric orthopaedic spine surgery is a very exciting field as lots of research is currently underway." Dr. Anari goes on to say, that some of the biggest gains in the last 20 years deal with how spinal deformity is managed in children under the age of 10 – a particular interest of his. "Historically, fusion surgery was performed in young children to prevent the curves from progressing. Now, we have new technology to allow for spine and chest wall growth, which promotes lung development and helps control spinal deformity into adolescence and adulthood."

Dr. Anari spends most of his days trying to keep children out of the operating room. He gets excited about new technology and research that enables him to better manage a patient's underlying pathology, or disease, while ultimately allowing a child to be a child.

His current research projects include understanding how children respond overall to chest wall surgery in thoracic insufficiency (TIS). He's working to identify which patients with early-onset scoliosis are at risk for unplanned surgery in an attempt to limit anesthesia exposure to the developing brain. Part of Dr. Anari's research also focuses on pediatric lower extremity fractures detailing the change in practice patterns over the past few decades. Another passion of his is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Currently, he is working on the development of a classification system to evaluate radiographic outcomes following spinal fusion surgery in the modern era.

Dr. Anari has presented at the International Congress on Early Onset Scoliosis (ICEOS), Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Christine M. Goodbody, MD, MBE
Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Christine M. Goodbody, MD, MBE
Orthopaedic Surgeon

Division of Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Christine M. Goodbody, MD, MBE, is an attending pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with the Division of Orthopaedics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Dr. Goodbody earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, from Princeton University in New Jersey, where she also received certificates in Material Science and Engineering, as well as Spanish Language and Culture. She earned a combined medical degree/master’s in bioethics from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

Before her fourth year of medical school, Dr. Goodbody served as a Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar at CHOP, confirming her interest and aptitude in pediatric orthopaedics – particularly in optimizing the health and happiness of all youth, despite any anatomic or neurologic differences, and no matter their perceived ability level.

“I’ve always be interested in pediatrics, but I caught the orthopaedics bug in medical school and through my research at CHOP,” Dr. Goodbody says. “I’m particularly interested in working with non-neurotypical kids – patients with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, genetic conditions, developmental differences and the like. I like to work with families long-term – when the condition calls for it – to improve the child’s mobility and function, and to optimize their quality of life.”

“The medical field so often focuses on what children with these conditions can’t do, and I want to help these patients and their families realize all of the amazing things that they can do, and to be there with them every step of the way,” she adds.

Dr. Goodbody completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, before returning to CHOP as a pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellow in the Division of Orthopaedics. During her time at CHOP, Dr. Goodbody worked with a variety of leading orthopaedic specialists at CHOP to learn the latest in limb salvage, cerebral palsy surgery, clubfoot, hip preservation, guided-growth and minimally invasive surgical techniques to improve short- and long-term outcomes for patients.

She then went on to complete a 6-month fellowship at the International Center for Limb Lengthening in Baltimore, MD, with a focus on novel techniques for correcting pediatric lower limb deformities and congenital deficiencies. In March 2022, Dr. Goodbody joined the Division of Orthopaedics as an attending physician.

Dr. Goodbody’s research interests include methods to delay or prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy, the impact of caring for patients with neuro-orthopaedic conditions on families, and the safety of limb lengthening in patients with underlying syndromic etiologies.

Dr. Goodbody has had projects presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society (LLRS), and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Apurva S. Shah, MD, MBA
Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Apurva S. Shah, MD, MBA
Orthopaedic Surgeon

Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Apurva Shah, MD, MBA, is a nationally recognized expert in pediatric hand and upper extremity surgery, and has been named as a "Young Leader" by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is an attending physician with CHOP’s Hand and Arm Disorders Program and directs the Brachial Plexus Program. Dr. Shah is one of a small group of surgeons in the country who perform complex reconstructive surgery for infants and children with brachial plexus birth palsy, including nerve grafting, nerve transfers, shoulder tendon transfers and humeral osteotomy. He also takes care of patients with acute flaccid myelitis and has performed nerve transfers for this rare condition.

Dr. Shah serves as the Co-Director of the Pediatric Hand Study Group — the leading national organization dedicated to the treatment of pediatric hand and upper limb congenital anomalies (differences) and other disorders. Dr. Shah is passionate about caring for children with congenital hand and arm differences. Watching these children grow and adapt to the world reminds him daily “to live life with a heart full of courage and joy.” Although many congenital hand problems are rare, Dr. Shah has extensive experience treating a variety of conditions.

Dr. Shah serves as the Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is a member of several multicenter research networks including Plexus Nexus and the Congenital Upper Limb Differences (CoULD) Registry. He has received several grants for hand and upper extremity research including funding from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). POSNA recently awarded Dr. Shah the Angela S.M. Kuo Memorial Award, which is given annually to an outstanding young investigator.

He has published more than 125 peer-reviewed scientific articles, reviews and textbook chapters. Over the last several years, Dr. Shah’s research has pioneered the use of text messaging to communicate with families after surgery in order to better understand post-operative pain and opioid use. This research has changed the way children recover from orthopaedic surgery by decreasing pain while limiting opioid use. “Our team is focused on getting children back to their home, school, playground and sports field as quickly as possible. Kids need nothing more than to be kids.” Dr. Shah's recent clinical research has also changed the way that surgeons care for pediatric trigger thumb and trigger finger, ganglion cysts, and numerous congenital anomalies.

Dr. Shah earned his bachelor's degree in Economics at Yale University, his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and his MBA at Columbia Business School. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Michigan followed by the Harvard Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship. During fellowship, Dr. Shah began to appreciate “the wonder and beauty of a child’s hand.” Before long, he realized that pediatric hand surgery was his “path in life.” Dr. Shah pursued advanced training in pediatric hand and upper extremity surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital where he developed expertise in the management of brachial plexus birth injuries and the reconstruction of complex congenital hand differences.

Dr. Shah travels internationally to provide hand surgery and care to children in underserved areas. He has collaborated with the Touching Hands Project (THP) to develop a sustainable hand surgery program in Honduras. He has been happily married for over 20 years and has two energetic, young children. Dr. Shah enjoys hiking, rowing, cycling, tennis, travel, and (win or lose) Philadelphia Eagles football.
David R. Lee, MD
Otolaryngologist

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David R. Lee, MD
Otolaryngologist

David R. Lee, MD, is a pediatric otolaryngologist with the Division of Otolaryngology (ENT) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Kristen Kouvel, PT, DPT, PCS, CPMT
Physical Therapist

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Kristen Kouvel, PT, DPT, PCS, CPMT
Physical Therapist

Senior Clinical Program Director, Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome

Dr. Kristen Kouvel is the Senior Clinical Program Director of the Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome. After graduating in 2009 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy she spent her first three years in practice gaining experience in a variety of pediatric and adult care settings which provided a robust experience learning the challenges patients face throughout their care journeys.

Dr. Kouvel joined the Physical Therapy team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2012 where she became an expert in Williams Syndrome. She served as the lead therapist of the Connective Tissue Disorders and Williams Syndrome program from 2013-2023. She has been privileged to lecture at the Williams Syndrome Association Convention since 2018 and attend numerous community events which has afforded her the opportunity to connect with and hear the personal stories of individuals with Williams Syndrome and their families.

During her time at CHOP she has taken on numerous roles and responsibilities focused on transformative leadership, multidisciplinary program development, standardization of practice and quality improvement. These areas of interest in combination with her passion for Williams Syndrome have helped her identify opportunities for ACE-WS to transform the way we provide care for individuals with Williams Syndrome.
Julia Katz, MD
Psychiatrist

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Julia Katz, MD
Psychiatrist

Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Julia Katz, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed her psychiatry residency training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. She has had a long-standing interest in developmental disabilities and genetic conditions, and has participated in research on autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities throughout her education and training at U Penn, UNC, Mt. Sinai, and Brown University. In the ACE for WS, Dr. Katz will provide psychopharmacology treatment to children and adolescents.
Patty Orme, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Patty Orme, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Sherry Joseph, MSW
Social Worker

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Sherry Joseph, MSW
Social Worker

Sherry Joseph, MSW is a Social worker in the Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome, Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Trisomy 21 clinic, and Career Path at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Makaela Somma, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

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Makaela Somma, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Makaela Somma, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who works with the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and the Center for Childhood Communication at CHOP. She provides outpatient-based therapy services, as well as interdisciplinary specialty clinic evaluations.
Sylvia Witek, RN, MSN, CRNP
Surgical Nurse Practitioner

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Sylvia Witek, RN, MSN, CRNP
Surgical Nurse Practitioner

Division of Pediatric, General, Thoracic & Fetal Surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Sylvia Witek, MSN, CRNP is a pediatric surgical nurse practitioner with the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Fetal Surgery at CHOP. Sylvia specializes in vascular surgery and works closely with Dr. Fairman who manages the vascular population at CHOP. Sylvia is the lead nurse practitioner for the vascular patients at CHOP and enjoys working with families and managing care throughout the surgical process.
Katherine Fischer, MD
Urologist

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Katherine Fischer, MD
Urologist

Assistant Professor Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine

Katherine Fischer, MD
Alexander Fairman, MD
Vascular Surgeon

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Alexander Fairman, MD
Vascular Surgeon

Assistant Professor of Surgery and Director of Pediatric Vascular Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Alex Fairman, MD is Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Director of Pediatric Vascular Surgery at both the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and CHOP. Dr. Fairman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and did not stray far after, and completed medical school and his integrated vascular surgery training at Penn. His clinical practice focuses on both adult and pediatric vascular pathologies using both open surgical and endovascular techniques. At CHOP, one of his main focuses is treating and managing children with aortic coarctations/middle aortic syndrome and visceral arterial disease.

Adult Providers

Mersedeh Rohanizadegan, MD, MPH
Clinical Geneticist

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Mersedeh Rohanizadegan, MD, MPH
Clinical Geneticist

Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine (Translational Medicine and Human Genetics), Penn Medicine

Mersedeh Rohanizadegan, MD, MPH
Brielle Gehringer, MS LCGC
Genetic Counselor

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Brielle Gehringer, MS LCGC
Genetic Counselor

Brielle Gehringer, MS, LCGC, is the inaugural Kim Family Fellow in William Syndrome. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelors in 2018 and her Masters in Genetic Counseling in 2023. During that time, Brielle worked as a clinical research coordinator of the ASPE Study at Penn, a genetic study of autism spectrum disorder. Brielle is currently the genetic counselor for the Williams syndrome clinic at CHOP and Penn. She has a strong interest in helping families adjust to a new diagnosis of Williams syndrome and is passionate about providing comprehensive care for ACE patients.
Rebecca Zuhlke Burdett, MSN, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner

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Rebecca Zuhlke Burdett, MSN, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner

Rebecca Z. Burdett is a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Williams Syndrome Clinic, serving patients at both CHOP and Penn. In her role, she enhances continuity of care by working with pediatric patients and continuing their care into adulthood, ensuring a seamless transition to the adult clinic. Rebecca holds bachelor's degrees in both Nursing and Psychology and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2017. She also serves as faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, where she is deeply committed to educating patients, families, and future healthcare professionals.
Mark Levin, MD
Cardiologist

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Mark Levin, MD
Cardiologist

Dr. Levin graduated from Columbia College, Columbia University with a B.A. in history and subsequently earned his medical doctor degree at Boston University School of Medicine. He trained in Pediatrics at Babies and Children’s Hospital, within Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He subsequently completed a general cardiology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed post-doctoral training in Molecular Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania Cardiovascular Institute, during which time he received National Institutes of Health (NIH) support while on a T32, and K12 training grants. He then performed additional clinical training in non-invasive clinical electrophysiology, also at CHOP. He subsequently completed additional post-doctoral training in ion channel physiology at Washington University in St. Louis, during which time he was awarded an NIH career development award (K08). He then moved to the NHLBI, NIH intramural program and spent subsequent 10 years investigating clinical and basic cardiac disease mechanism in Williams Syndrome and several additional genetic rare diseases. For fun, he enjoys kayaking with his wife and daughter, scuba diving in addition spending quality family time including four legged family members (Bugs and Oreo and Mooshoo).
Emily Ruckdeschel, MD
Cardiologist

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Emily Ruckdeschel, MD
Cardiologist

Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School for Medicine

Dr. Ruckdeschel is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Penn’s Perelman School for Medicine and a pediatric and adult cardiologist at CHOP and Hospital of University of Pennsylvania. She cares for patients with congenital heart disease across the lifespan. She is director of the Cardiac Transition Program at CHOP and has a special interest in transition from pediatric to adult-oriented care. Her clinic practice focuses on caring for adults with congenital heart disease in particular those with genetic conditions such as Williams Syndrome.
Julie Worley, BCBA, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

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Julie Worley, BCBA, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

Assistant Professor, Perelman School of Medicine

Julie Worley, PhD, BCBA is a clinical psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Worley has devoted her career to improving care for children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has extensive experience in assessment and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental disorders, including previous work at Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University, the Center for Autism Research at CHOP, and adult developmental and behavioral centers across multiple states. Currently, she is the Director of Philly AIMS (Autism Instructional Methods Support), where she leads a school-based consultation team dedicated to increasing the use of evidence-based practices to support students with ASD. Her professional interests include increasing community access to evidence-based interventions and assessments for individuals with developmental disabilities. In the ACE for WS, Dr. Worley will provide psychological assessments and will develop psychological / behavioral treatment plans for adults with WS.
James C. Reynolds, MD, AGAF, FACP, FACG
Gastroenterologist

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James C. Reynolds, MD, AGAF, FACP, FACG
Gastroenterologist

James C. Reynolds, MD, AGAF, FACP, FACG
Monica Mainigi, MD
Gynecology

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Monica Mainigi, MD
Gynecology

Dr. Mainigi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Mainigi is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with focused practice designation by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Dr. Mainigi sees adult and pediatric patients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Mainigi is also the fellowship director for the fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Pennsylvania. She is actively involved in medical student teaching and mentors high school students, undergraduates, medical students and residents. Dr. Mainigi also has a robust research program, with her laboratory focusing on examining the interactions between per-implantation exposures and early placentation utilizing animal models, in vitro culture systems, and human tissues. Studying early implantation in humans is challenging. Therefore, to address these challenges, her laboratory has partnered with bioengineers in the laboratory of Dr. Dan Huh to utilize their organ-on-a-chip technology to model early placentation. Using this 'implantation-on-a-chip' device and primary human cells, they have found that uterine immune cells play a critical role in regulating early trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling and that patients at risk for abnormal placentation may have changes in these immune cell populations. They are currently developing new protocols to use this device to examine how maternal cells may influence trophoblast differentiation using iPS derived trophoblasts.
Patricia Orme, MD
Rehabilitation Medicine

Patricia Orme, MD
Rehabilitation Medicine
Shazia Savul, MD
Psychiatrist

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Shazia Savul, MD
Psychiatrist

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine

Shazia A. Savul MD is a psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She is an expert in clinical care of child, adolescent, and adult patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders. She is board certified in adult, child and adolescent and addiction psychiatry, and currently sees patients for psychiatry medication management at both Penn Medicine (adult patients) and at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) (child and adolescent patients). Dr. Savul’s extensive experience in medication treatment of both children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, including mental health issues relevant to WS (e.g., anxiety) is unique at Penn and CHOP. Dr. Savul has collaborated with Dr. Brodkin for many years in treatment of adolescents and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. In the ACE for WS, Dr. Savul will provide psychopharmacology treatment to children, adolescents, and adults.
Sherry Joseph, MSW
Social Worker

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Sherry Joseph, MSW
Social Worker

Sherry Joseph, MSW is a Social worker in the Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome, Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Trisomy 21 clinic, and Career Path at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Emma Furguson, MSN, CRNP
Surgical Nurse Practitioner

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Emma Furguson, MSN, CRNP
Surgical Nurse Practitioner

Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Emma Ferguson, MSN, CRNP is a Nurse Practitioner in Vascular Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She has over 10 years of experience working with patients who have complex cardiac and vascular conditions. She graduated with her BSN from Georgetown University in 2013 and completed her MSN at the University of Pennsylvania in 2019.
Alexander Fairman, MD
Vascular Surgeon

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Alexander Fairman, MD
Vascular Surgeon

Assistant Professor of Surgery and Director of Pediatric Vascular Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Alex Fairman, MD is Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Director of Pediatric Vascular Surgery at both the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and CHOP. Dr. Fairman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and did not stray far after, and completed medical school and his integrated vascular surgery training at Penn. His clinical practice focuses on both adult and pediatric vascular pathologies using both open surgical and endovascular techniques. At CHOP, one of his main focuses is treating and managing children with aortic coarctations/middle aortic syndrome and visceral arterial disease.