Our Team

Chief of Service

Dr. Typpo is Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Critical Care at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. She completed pediatric residency and pediatric critical care fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital and… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Chiefs of Critical Care

Paul A. Checchia, MD

News Articles: RSV: Symptoms, treatment and when to worry

Phone: 832-826-6230

Mohammad Hossein Tcharmtchi, MD

Dr. Tcharmtchi is the program director for Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program, the largest pediatric critical care medicine fellowship training program in the world. His main focus is on the education of fellows to competent academician leading them to the forefront of the delivery and… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Matthew Allen Musick, MD

In my role, I strive to evaluate the quality of patient care that is provided in our intensive care units in a collaborative effort with our hospital and nursing partners. We constantly attempt to find creative solutions to new problems while trying to constantly provide opportunities for the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Wendy Quiroz Nasser, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to work at the Texas Medical Center with pediatric patients and their families. I became a nurse in 2000 and throughout the years have sought to improve my ability to teach and serve as a role model for individuals seeking to learn more about the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6263

Senior Medical Director, PICU

Kevin M. Roy, MD

As Senior Medical Director of the Pediatric ICUs I work to identify opportunities to enhance patient care and decrease the harm to patients through multi-disciplinary collaboration across Pediatric ICUs. My academic interests focus on the intersection of quality improvement, education, and… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, CICU

Sebastian C. Tume, MD

Dr. Tume's research and clinical interests include: Cardiovascular Critical Care, Critical Care Imaging.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, Medical Center PICU

Melanie G. Kitagawa, MD

In my role as Medical Director for the Transitional Intensive Care Unit, a unit which specializes in caring for children with chronic medical conditions, I have the opportunity to ensure the highest level of care is provided to children and their families cared for in our unit. In addition, I have… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, ACHD ICU

Cameron Dezfulian, MD, FAHA

I am board certified in both adult and pediatric critical care medicine and have been on faculty teaching and practicing both specialties since 2008, initially at the University of Miami and for the past decade at the University of Pittsburgh. During this time, I devoted a significant portion of my… read more

Phone: 832-826-6210

Medical Director, TICU

Nathan Serazin, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, West Campus PICU

Matthew Keith Pesek, MD

Dr. Pesek's clinical interests include recognition and treatment of children with severe traumatic brain injury and the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome. His role as medical director also gives him the opportunity to improve the quality of care provided in the PICU by… read more

Phone: 832-227-3250

Medical Director, Woodlands

Nathaniel H. P. Strobel, MD

Dr. Strobel strives to provide consistent and compassionate quality care to all.

Phone: 936-267-5466

Medical Director, ECMO

James A. Thomas, MD, FAAP

It is both an honor and a privilege to care for children and families both here in Houston and in resource-limited settings. Clinical Interests: Innovative approaches to treatment of cardiopulmonary failure. Clinical ethics at the limits of technology, viability, and resources. Designing… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, Fellowship

Danny Castro, DO

Simply put, I am dedicated to providing empathetic care that is of the highest quality. I am devoted to fostering and promoting inter-disciplinary teamwork and collaboration which will accomplish this mission. I am equally dedicated to educating our next generation of healthcare providers in how… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, Research

Jorge A. Coss Bu, MD

Being able to provide the best possible care to sick children. Clinical Interests: Nutritional evaluation and support of critically ill children Metabolic regulation of glucose in critically ill children Research Interests: Nutritional and metabolic needs of critically ill children Malnutrition… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, Respiratory Care, Main and West Campuses - Director, Fellowship (Educational Program)

Danny Castro, DO

Phone: 832-826-6230

Medical Director, Surgical ICU Services

Ronald Blaine Easley, MD

My clinical interests are on the anesthetic and critical care management of patients with life-threatening conditions. Currently, my clinical and research efforts are focused on improving the care of patients with cardiac disease. Our hope is to develop better methods for monitoring and management… read more

Phone: 832-832-6230

Medical Director, Mission Control

Mona L. McPherson, MD

Dr. McPherson's primary research interest is health care outcomes and evidence based medicine. She works with the Texas Children's Hospital Information Services team as a Physician Champion of the electronic health record. She also serves as Medical Director of Texas Children's Hospital Mission… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Medical Director, PICU - The Woodlands

Christian L. Erikson, MD

I treat every child as if they were my own. My goal is to give the best treatment possible in collaborative environment, treating each child and family with dignity, integrity and honesty. Clinical Interests: Pediatric Head Injury, Ventilator Approaches in Asthma Research Interests: DDAVP… read more

Phone: 936-267-5466

Associate Medical Director, CICU (Scholarship)

Ronald A. Bronicki, MD

Clinical & Research Interests: Cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and disease and their impact on the care of infants, children and adults with congenital and acquired heart disease.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Director, Fellowship (Research & Education)

Fong Wilson Lam, MD, FAAP

As an intensivist, I am focused on providing excellent care to the entirety of all patients, and helping families cope with the stress of having an ill child. I treat all patients as how I would like my family members to be treated, with respect and patience. I welcome family members to our rounds… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Director, Fellowship (Scholarship)

Satid Thammasitboon, MD

As a clinician, I strive to provide the best care possible to individual patients and family members. Clinical expertise encompasses an adaptive application of the standardized practice via evidence-based medicine and the less explicit knowledge in the form of the art of medicine. As an academician… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Director, Fellowship (Clinical Affairs)

Moushumi Sur, MD

Dr. Sur is the site investigator for the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network (CPCCRN) research based on the study protocol for "Critical Pertussis in U.S. Children: Severe Morbidity, Sequelae, and Mortality; A Prospective Cohort Study," which is a multicenter, epidemiologic study… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Director, Fellowship (Scholars Program)

Jorge A. Coss Bu, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Associate Director, ECMO - Associate Medical Director (Simulation)

Patricia Bastero, MD

Clinical Interests: Congenital heart disease, cardiac disease, ECMO, International collaboration Research Interests: Simulation applications to health care and their impact in patient safety

Phone: 832-826-6230

Attending Physicians

Barbara-Jo Achuff, MD, FAAP

As an attending in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, my overarching career goal is to improve early and late outcomes for children with cardiac disease with a primary focus on optimization of sedation and pain management practices during the patient’s intensive care unit stay. During my advanced… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Christopher Osborne, MD

I believe that every child deserves the absolute best care that is medically appropriate and possible to provide. Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include the care of patients with liver failure and after bone marrow transplantation. Further interests include patients requiring… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Kevin M. Roy, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Dantin Jeramy Roddy, MD

It is my personal responsibility to provide care that is compassionate, innovative, scientifically based, uses cutting edge technology and is delivered using a partnership model in which all integral participants, including family, contribute to restoring the health of every child. Clinical… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Brian Rissmiller, MD

I aim to provide excellent and compassionate patient care for critically ill children. Research Interests: My research interests focus on developing novel educational methods and tools for enhancing the acquisition of medical expertise by novice learners and thereby decreasing diagnostic errors.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Kriti Puri, MBBS, FAAP, FACC

Dr Kriti Puri is a pediatric cardiac intensive care physician and pediatric cardiologist with a special focus on advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support. Boarded in both pediatric cardiology and pediatric critical care medicine, she practices in the cardiac intensive care unit as… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Asma Razavi, MD

Clinical Interests: Patient care, Quality Improvement, Process Improvement, Outcomes based studies Research Interests: Mechanical circulatory support, anticoagulation in various mechanical support devices, Role of iNO on ischemic reperfusion injury, Hemodynamic outcomes based on clinical exam… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Venessa Lynn Pinto, MD

I am committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care for my patients by partnering with families and multi-disciplinary team members, and by constantly striving for excellence in all I do. Clinical Interests: Extracorporeal Life Support, Neuro-critical care, Global Health, Ethics,… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Pamela C. Petersen, MD, FAAP

I believe in treating every patient with the compassionate, quality care that I would want for my own family. As critical care physicians, we are entrusted to take care of children and families during what is often the worst time of their lives. I am inspired daily to live up to that trust and… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Matthew Keith Pesek, MD

Phone: 832-227-3250

Renan A. Orellana, MD

Dr. Orellana has focused his research on the influence of development on the molecular mechanisms that regulate muscle protein metabolism during critical illness, aiming to develop nutritional support therapies for children in intensive care. By using the neonatal pig as a model for the human… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Arun Saini, MD, MS, FAAP

I believe in providing compassionate and evidence-based medical care to my patients. I try to personalize the care to suit patients and their family's needs. Clinical and research section: I have a keen clinical and research interest in improving our understanding of altered hemostasis in… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Andrea Ontaneda, MD

Clinical Interests: Pediatric Extracorporeal life support, E-CPR Research Interests: Pediatric ECMO, long term outcomes

Phone: 832-826-6230

Regina Okhuysen-Cawley, MD

I am a pediatric intensivist also certified in Palliative Medicine, which focuses on the care of seriously ill children, their families, and their medical teams. It is a privilege to provide direct care to these children and families as part of an outstanding multidisciplinary team, and to support… read more

Phone: 832-824-1000 (Critical Care) | 832-822-7228 (Palliative Care)

Trung Chanh Nguyen, MD

Dr. Nguyen's research interest is focused on coagulopathy in critically ill children. He is currently under the mentorship of Dr. Miguel Cruz in the Thrombosis Research Section at the Baylor College of Medicine. In the lab, Dr. Nguyen is investigating whether ADAMTS-13 and von Willebrand factors… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Amir Hassan Navaei, MD

Dr. Navaei is a board certified pediatric intensivist. He has a special interest in management of children requiring extra-corporeal life support technologies. He is also board certified in Transfusion Medicine and Coagulation and serves as a consultant for transfusion support and management of… read more

Phone: 832-824-5850

Matthew Allen Musick, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Raysa Morales-Demori MD, FAAP

The journey that a patient with congenital or acquired heart disease takes is complex and unique. I am humbled to share that journey with you by providing safe and high-quality care. I believe that family/primary care takers play a key role in patient’s clinical progress, for that reason, I make… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Mona L. McPherson, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Amanda Ruth, MD

Critical care is delivered best when there is a strong therapeutic alliance between the multidisciplinary team of providers and families. Clinical Interests: ECMO, septic shock Research Interests: Collaborative, multi institutional approach to management of extracorporeal therapy… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Sanju Susan Samuel, MD, FAAP

My primary goal is to provide the safest and best quality of care to critically ill children and their families. The most optimal care involves commitment and strong collaboration between all members of the medical team involved in the care of the child and the family. Clinical Interests: Septic… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Mohammad Hossein Tcharmtchi, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Manpreet Virk, MD

The intensive care unit gives me an opportunity to do what I am passionate about with the utmost priority of providing absolute best care to all critically ill children with integrity and compassion and to foster a continuous desire for excellence and intellectual curiosity in all team members.… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Diwakar Turaga, MD, PhD

My primary career objective is to combine clinical work in pediatric cardiac critical care with research in cardiac regenerative medicine. Clinical Interests: Single ventricle physiology, ventricular assist devices Research Interests: Single-cell transcriptomics, pediatric heart failure,… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Sebastian C. Tume, MD

Dr. Tume's research and clinical interests include: Cardiovascular Critical Care, Critical Care Imaging.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Rocky Tsang, MD

Dr. Tsang’s clinical interest is in the care of patients with congenital cardiovascular disease. He cares for patients in the cardiac ICU and outpatient cardiology clinic of the Texas Children’s Hospital Heart Center at the main campus. His primary clinical and research interests center on the care… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230 (Critical Care) | 832-824-7849 - pager 1178 (Single Ventricle)

James A. Thomas, MD, FAAP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Satid Thammasitboon, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Moushumi Sur, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Fabio Savorgnan, MD

I went to medical school at the Universidad Nacional De Asuncion in Paraguay. I completed my Pediatrics residency at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York. After I completed my pediatric residency, I went on to complete two Fellowships: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Pediatric Critical Care and a… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Erik R. Su, MD

As a cardiac intensive care physician, my goal is facilitating crucial therapies for children and adults with critical health needs and heart disease. I value working with multidisciplinary teams that share this mission, as well as for helping develop areas of cardiovascular intensive care as a… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Fernando Stein, MD

Dr. Stein is a practicing pediatrics and critical care specialist delivering bedside care for the past 35 years in Houston, Texas. A native of Guatemala, Dr. Stein completed his specialty and subspecialty training at Baylor College of Medicine affiliated institutions. He is a founding member of the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Michael Smaglick, MD

Caring for critically ill children and their families requires a highly skilled multidisciplinary team working together to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is a privilege for me to work as a member of that team at Texas Children’s. I strive to treat patients with the same empathy, compassion… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Manuel D. Silva-Carmona, MD

Dr. Silva-Carmona received his medical degree from Universidad de Monterrey. He is trained and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Pediatric Pulmonology. He works in the intensive care unit as a pediatric intensivist and a… read more

Phone: 832-822-3300

Binayak Sigdel, MD

My goal is to provide excellent quality care to sick children and provide support to the families going through rough times when their child is sick. Clinical Interests: Septic shock pathophysiology Research Interests: Just in time Simulation to improve pediatric resuscitation effort, specially… read more

Phone: 936-267-7756 (The Woodlands)

Lara Shekerdemian, MD, MHA

Research Interests: Cardiovascular physiology, mechanical cardiopulmonary support and long-term outcomes after critical care admission, particularly after surgery for heart disease.

Phone: 832-824-2233

Nathan Serazin, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Bradley J. Scherer, MD

I am passionate about providing high quality care to both children and adults with congenital heart disease. Clinical Interests: Children and adults with congenital heart disease, simulation, education and curriculum development, global health Research Interests: Extubation readiness in… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Laura L. Loftis, MD

Dr. Loftis continues as the Baylor liaison to the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators group. She is the Baylor Principal Investigator for several multi-institutional clinical research trials, including examining the genetics of severe influenza infections, and studying the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Fong Wilson Lam, MD, FAAP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Natasha S. Afonso, MD, MPH

I strive to provide exceptional and compassionate care for patients using the strengths of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team. Clinical Interests: Congenital heart disease, Simulation, Education, Global health, Acute kidney injury, Single Ventricle physiology Research Interests:… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230 (Critical Care)

Priya Bhat, MD, MS

I am dedicated to providing comprehensive and excellent care to our fragile patient population with an emphasis on compassion, collaboration and transparency. Clinical Interests: Pre- and post-operative care of pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease; heart failure and… read more

Phone: 832-822-6230 (Critical Care)

Ryan D. Coleman, MD

Care for critically ill children requires not only an understanding of the disease, but of the child and family affected by the disease as well. My approach to providing care to these children and their families is to always keep in mind “what would I want if it were one of my children?” and… read more

Phone: 832-822-3300 (Pulmonary) | 832-826-6230 (Critical Care)

Nana E. Coleman, MD

“Caring for children and their families during what is often the worst time in their lives is a profoundly gratifying, humbling and inspiring experience. It is what has maintained my passion for the work we do as clinicians, educators and mentors, and underlies my commitment to improving the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Paul A. Checchia, MD

News Articles: RSV: Symptoms, treatment and when to worry

Phone: 832-826-6230

Corey A. Chartan, DO

I am dedicated as a clinician to providing high quality, safe, and compassionate care of critically ill children in the ICU. I have additional training and interest in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the Pediatric ICU setting as well as the NICU and CVICU. I am also one of a small team… read more

Phone: 832-822-3300 (Pulmonary) | 832-826-6230 (Critical Care)

Jamie C. Cargill, MD

All patients with congenital heart disease deserve compassionate, safe, effective, high-quality, specialized care while in the hospital, and I am committed to providing this to every patient. Clinical Interests: Designing processes to provide safe, effective, high quality critical care to all… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Danny Castro, DO

Phone: 832-826-6230

Ronald A. Bronicki, MD

Clinical & Research Interests: Cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and disease and their impact on the care of infants, children and adults with congenital and acquired heart disease.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Nirica Borges MD, FAAP, CMQ

I am committed to caring for critically ill children and their families. I believe in team-based care for Clinical Interests: Critically ill neonates and children with acquired or congenital heart disease Research Interests: Systematic Quality Improvement in Pediatric Critical Care … read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Saleh Bhar, MD

Dr. Saleh Bhar's clinical interests are in critical care of hematology-oncology patients, bone marrow transplantation, cell and gene therapy, and the management of hemostasis and thrombosis in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. He is also interested in critical care management of hemotopoietic… read more

Phone: 832-826-9487

Kasey I. Davis, MD

Dr. Davis has a special interest in clinical education and the use of simulation to improve team function and patient safety. Clinical Interests: Care of critically ill hematology/oncology patients Research Interests: Use of simulation and applied theatre to promote TeamSTEPPS skills

Phone: 936-267-5466

Aarti Bavare, MD, MPH

I strive to provide compassionate patient-centered care for critically ill patients in the Cardiac and Pediatric Intensive care units. My commitment is to promote a collaborative multidisciplinary, and evidence driven approach to ensure high quality care for patients and education to our trainees… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Patricia Bastero, MD

Clinical Interests: Congenital heart disease, cardiac disease, ECMO, International collaboration Research Interests: Simulation applications to health care and their impact in patient safety

Phone: 832-826-6230

Dalia A. Bashir, MD

I strive to provide compassionate and empathetic care to critically ill children in both the cardiac ICU and the Pediatric ICU. It is humbling to be entrusted with and be able to care for someone’s ill child, and to be with the families during their most difficult and challenging times. I am… read more

Phone: 832-822-6230

Amy Sharon Arrington, MD, PhD

I am committed to high-quality, safe and compassionate care of all critically ill children in an intensive care setting, as well as caring for patients in our unique “Special Isolation Unit” at Texas Children’s Hospital. This includes not only patient care, but also guiding a highly-trained Special… read more

Phone: 832-826-5048

Ashish Ankola, MD

Dr. Ashish Ankola is a pediatric cardiologist and pediatric intensive care physician specializing in pediatric cardiac intensive care. He strives to provide the highest quality, cutting edge, and compassionate care to pediatric patients with critical acquired and congenital heart disease utilizing… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Marc Michael Anders, MD

Based on best evidence and broadest experience delivering the highest standard of care for every individual patient. Clinical Interests: Congenital Heart Disease, ECMO, VAD, clinical education Research Interests: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, ECMO, Ventricular Assist Devices, VAD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Ayse Akcan-Arikan, MD

Dr Akcan-Arikan is a dual trained pediatric intensivist and nephrologist and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics with tenure at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr Arikan is a clinician-scientist whose research focus is on the recognition and management of acute kidney injury in the critically ill,… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Mubbasheer Ahmed, MD

I am committed to providing the best clinical care to our patients and their families. I believe excellent care is provided in a multidisciplinary arena incorporating our patient’s families. Clinical Interests: My primary interest lies in applying fundamental physiological principles to the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230 (Critical Care)

Jorge A. Coss Bu, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Moreshwar S. Desai, MD

Dr. Desai is interested in the molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic liver diseases. Along with his mentor, Dr. Saul Karpen, he has shown a new form of cardiomyopathy in infants and children with end stage cirrhotic liver disease secondary to biliary atresia and have shown that… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Yi-Chen Lai, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Jaime Leigh Jump, DO

As a dual trained critical care and palliative care physician, I am dedicated to a holistic approach to medicine that includes high quality, patient and family centered care. I am passionate about primary palliative care education, debriefing and physician wellness. Clinical Interests:… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230 (Critical Care) | 832-822-2778 (Palliative Care)

Erin Kritz, DO

Family centered care with a multidisciplinary approach. Clinical Interests: Care of the critically ill child, as well as children with congenital heart disease. Research Interests: Infections in children with congenital heart disease, predictors of septic shock.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Joseph J. Knadler, MD, FAAP

I am passionate about the care of children with congenital heart disease and strive to bring exceptional, multi-disciplinary, and evidence-based care to my patients and their families. I am dual-trained in pediatric cardiology and pediatric critical care medicine. My research interests include… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Melanie G. Kitagawa, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Mahmood H. Khichi, MD, FAAP, MBA

I am dedicated to providing the best quality care to sick children. I believe that quality is the best clinical outcome in the most cost effective manner. I also recognize that quality care is a result of effective communication and collaboration between the entire patient care team. I strive for… read more

Phone: 936-267-5466

Taj M. Khan, MD

Provide excellent care to all children. Clinical Interests: Septic Shock and Traumatic Brain injuries.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Curtis E. Kennedy, MD

Dr. Kennedy's primary research focus is on predictive modeling of cardiac arrest in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Through application of predictive modeling and data mining algorithms on physiologic and laboratory data trends, he is pursuing the creation of a clinically useful predictive model… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Mona Karimullah, MD

My primary goal is providing all children with high quality ICU care.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Parag N. Jain, MD

I am committed to providing excellent care to the most critically ill patients, while supporting parents and families through one of the most stressful experiences. Clinical Interests: Caring for critically ill children, managing complex physiology of critically ill children and adults with… read more

Phone: 832-824-5952

Lauren Jacobs, MD

I aspire to deliver evidence-based, high quality, high value care to all patients. The field of pediatrics is unique in that we, as physicians, play a role in the well being of both patient and family, so I strive to treat everyone with empathy, understanding, and compassion. I aim to foster an… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Jeanine M. Graf, MD

As Chief Medical Officer of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, Dr. Graf is interested in optimizing the delivery of safe, high quality patient care for children in the community setting. She continues to engage in clinical research regarding pediatric transport and prevention of hospital… read more

Phone: 832-227-1015 (West) | 832-826-6230 (Main)

Maria Carolina Gazzaneo, MD

Dr. Gazzaneo's primary clinical interests are pediatric lung transplantation and pediatric critical care conditions. Her research interests include VV-ECMO as a bridge to lung transplant, nutritional support after lung transplantation and acute and chronic kidney disease post-lung transplant. She… read more

Phone: 832-822-3300

Saul Flores, MD

Dr. Flores provides care for patients with congenital and acquired heart disease requiring critical care at Texas Children's Hospital. Dr. Flores' research focuses on understanding stress response mechanisms after cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery in children. Clinical Interests:… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Thomas P. Fogarty III, MD, FAAP

I aim to provide the highest level of evidence based care, along with providing support and compassion to the families that are coping with their child’s stay in an intensive care unit. It is critical for healthcare providers to understand how stressful and difficult it is to have a child that is… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Jennifer Erklauer, MD

My goal is to provide the highest quality compassionate care to all children in the intensive care unit. I want to listen to patients and their families and work together with them toward shared goals. With my training background in pediatric neurology and critical care, I understand the… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Christian L. Erikson, MD

Phone: 936-267-5466

Rachel Ninemire, MD, MBA

I am dedicated to providing safe and collaborative care to my patients using a multi-disciplinary and family centered approach. Clinical Interests: Congenital heart disease, Clinical education, Simulation Research Interests: Healthcare delivery, Resource utilization, Process improvement

Phone: 832-826-6230

Fernando Stein, MD

Phone: 832-826-6230

Research Coordinators

Faridis Serrano Forty, PhD

Research Interests: My research interests include understanding the impact that heart defects or disease have in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children. The Heart Center at Texas Children’s Hospital has a Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Program that follows the development of children… read more

Phone: 832-826-6278

Nancy Jaimon, RN, BSN

Juan C. Marini, PhD, DVM

Research Interests: Dr. Marini’s research is focused on urea cycle intermediates and their role in supporting ureagenesis and nitric oxide production. Current studies are aimed at increasing our understanding of how the supply of urea cycle intermediates help overcome reduced enzymatic activity… read more

Director, Medical Center Advanced Practice Practitioners - PICU Unit

Wendy Quiroz Nasser, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

Phone: 832-826-6263

Medical Center Advanced Practice Practitioners - Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Ruth M. Abelt, APRN, CPNP

I believe in an all-inclusive culture of patient and family centered care. Focusing on the needs of the patient and how those needs can best be met. I believe every member of the team brings something of value to the conversation and together we can have excellent outcomes for our patients and… read more

Phone: 832-826-5600

Nicole C. Khan, CPNP-AC

Nicole Khan is a certified Advanced Practice Provider specializing in acute care.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Samantha Colbert, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Tammy Eckhardt, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC

Phone: 832-826-6230

Elizabeth Elliott, PA-C

Phone: 832-826-5600

Donna Evans, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Thomas Fraiz, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Lauren Keller, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Anne Lam, APRN, NP

Phone: 832-826-5600

Sara McClelland, APRN

I strive to provide compassionate, evidence based, comprehensive, care to my patients and their families/caregivers. I believe that the best care is provided with a team approach and that includes collaboration with and empowerment of the child and family. I am committed to lifelong learning and… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Tiffany Nappier, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Elizabeth Neptune, MS, PA-C

I strive to provide compassionate care to all patients with an evidence-based approach to specialize treatment plans for each patient’s needs. Clinical Interests: Caring for pediatric critically ill patients with a special interest in pulmonary hypertension and other pulmonary diseases.

Phone: 832-826-6230

Graciela Sanabria, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Ashley (McKenna) Svetlick, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Kathleen Parks Thompson, MPAS, PA-C

Areas of Clinical & Research Interest: 1. Pediatric liver failure and liver transplantation 2. Traumatic brain injury 3. Utilization of advanced practice providers in a critical care setting 4. Quality improvement

Phone: 832-826-5600

Director, Medical Center Advanced Practice Practitioners - CICU Unit

Shauna di Bari, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

Clinical Interests: Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Heart Failure, Pediatric Heart Transplant Research Interests: Single Ventricle Palliation, Myocarditis, Ventricular Assist Devices, Mechanical Circulatory Support

Phone: 832-826-6230 (Clinic) | 832-826-9445 (Direct Line)

Associate Director, Medical Center Advanced Practice Practitioners – CICU Unit

Jamie Andre, MS, PA-C

Phone: 832-826-5600

Medical Center Advanced Practice Practitioners - Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)

Sofia Carretero, MS, PA-C

I strive to provide the best care for patients and support for families each and every day. I am committed to life-long learning, collaboration between team members, and effective communication, with an emphasis on patient and family education. I believe all of these to be essential in achieving… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Emily Ciocca, MS, PA-C

I believe caring for critically ill children is a privilege where compassion, teamwork, and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential to providing the best care for both patients and their families. My clinical and research interests include the critical care of congenital and acquired… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Kelli Irwin, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC

I feel fortunate to be able to provide care to critically ill children in the cardiac intensive care unit and am focused on excellence in teamwork and collaboration. Clinical Interests: Caring for children with congenital or acquired cardiac conditions; Electrophysiology and arrhythmia management… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Jessica D. Kempka, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

I believe that excellence in clinical practice is achieved through life-long learning and knowledge application, as well as prioritizing communication between healthcare providers and patient families. Clinical Interests: I am passionate about providing care to patients with congenital and… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230

Alicia Kleinhans, APP

Phone: 832-826-6230

Michelle Medchill, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

I am passionate and committed to provide excellent, compassionate, patient- centered care. It is my dream to care for children, and I strive to make a difference each day for the patients and families in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Clinical Interests: Congenital Heart Disease, Cardiovascular… read more

Phone: 832-826-6230 (Critical Care)

Kelsey Mummert, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

My overall goal as a provider is to ease the stressful nature of having a child in the CICU. This involves providing comprehensive and evidence-based care, while utilizing a collaborative framework. In particular, I am interested in quality improvement and cardiac arrest prevention.

Matt Wisniewski, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

I am dedicated to providing collaborative and comprehensive care to critically ill children with complex cardiac disease. Clinical Interests: Applying evidence-based practice to critically ill neonates and children with congenital and acquired heart disease.

Phone: 832-826-5600

Sarah Zachary, MS, PA-C

Phone: 832-826-5600

Directors, West Campus and Woodlands Campus Advanced Practice Practitioners

M. Fatima Garcia Westry, PA-C

I strive to provide exceptional care as an integral member of the Pediatric Critical Care team by placing emphasis in the following: • To have the courage to meet the intense demands of our profession and our patients • To make decisions in the best interest of our patients and our profession • To… read more

Phone: 832-227-1000

Mark Riccioni, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

My goal is to provide the highest level of care to our critically and chronically ill pediatric population. My current interests include apparent life-threatening events, improving communication during patient care rounds, and improving the discharge process of chronically ill patients.

Phone: 936-267-5478

West Campus Advanced Practice Practitioners

Megan Arnold, PA-C

Responsibilities include direct patient care, and coordination with other specialties on the management and care of critically ill patients within ICU setting. I have clinical interest in education of my fellow advanced practice providers, and the BCM residents. I am sim instructor to provide… read more

Phone: 832-227-1000

M. Fatima Garcia Westry, PA-C

Phone: 832-227-1000

Faith Kinnear, APRN, CPNP-AC

I am passionate about providing comfort and enhancing quality of life for children with chronic and life limiting conditions. I enjoy working in two sections that allow me to focus on helping children live better for longer. Clinical Interests: I like teaching effective communication skills for… read more

Phone: 346-257-9942 (Direct Line) | 832-822-7228 (Clinic)

Exie L. Meredith, APRN, DNP, CPNP-AC

Phone: 832-227-1000 (West) | 832-826-5600 (Main)

Cynthia S. Nelson, MPH, MS, PA-C

I strive to be an effective member of the pediatric critical care team to provide the best care available to infants and children with serious illness. As a critical care PA, I focus on family-centered care and evidence based. My interests include working with the Baylor College of Medicine PA… read more

Phone: 832-227-1000

Woodlands Campus Advanced Practice Practitioners

Mark Riccioni, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

Phone: 936-267-5478

Administrative Leadership

Alex Ledesma