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Our Team
Chief of Service
Texas Children’s Neurosurgery is a national and international destination for world class, innovative, high quality and attentive neurologic care for children. We train the future leaders in pediatric neurosurgery, and we investigate neurologic conditions for which we have unique insight and access… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950 (Neurosurgery) | 832-822-0959 (Epilepsy Center)
Clinic Physicians
Dr. Bauer believes in family-centered, compassionate care for his patients. He does his best to educate patients and families on their condition in order to make them part of the care team and decision-making process.
Clinical Interests:
Dr. Bauer’s clinical interests include the care and… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Clinical & Research Interests:
Dr. Curry’s clinical interests include minimally invasive treatment in epilepsy surgery, treatment of pediatric movement disorders and chronic pain. His research interests include study of the mechanisms of dystonia and non-invasive detection of epilepsy… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950 (Neurosurgery) | 832-822-0959 (Epilepsy Center)
Clinical Interests:
Dr. McClugage’s clinical interests include the treatment and care of patients with hydrocephalus and complex shunt problems, Chiari malformations, pediatric tumors of the brain and spine, pediatric spinal disorders and congenital spinal anomalies, such as spina bifida and… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Dr. Gadgil encourages a patient-centered focus that allows families to play an active role in the care of their children. She believes that all patients deserve compassionate care that empowers patients to understand their condition and participate in the decision making process.
Clinical… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Clinical & Research Interests:
Dr. Aldave’s clinical interests include maximizing the safe treatment of pediatric brain tumors and how to improve patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life. His research interests include the use of oncolytic virus in the treatment of high grade pediatric… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Dr. Patel is a pediatric neurosurgeon whose philosophy of patient care revolves around achieving the best surgical outcomes in the safest manner while maintaining a patient and family-centered approach. She places great emphasis on open communication, empathy, and collaboration throughout the… read more
Phone: 737-220-8200
Born and raised in Canada, Dr. Michael Taylor attended The University of Western Ontario and earned his medical degree in 1994. His education and training continued at the University of Toronto, where he earned his PhD in Molecular Genetics in 2002, and his residency training in Neurosurgery in… read more
Dr. Vessell knows that bringing your child to the hospital or clinic can be scary, especially when surgical treatment for a neurological disease is needed. She strives to ensure that the experience of seeing a Texas Children’s neurosurgeon provides patients and families with the knowledge and peace… read more
Phone: 737-220-8200
Dr. Whitehead’s primary clinical interests relate to the treatment of hydrocephalus, complex shunt problems, spina bifida and other congenital malformations of the nervous system, brain and spine tumors, vascular malformations, and skull base diseases.
Dr. Whitehead’s research focuses on… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Advanced Practice Providers
Brandy Berger is a pediatric nurse practitioner with the Department of Neurosurgery at Texas Children's Hospital. Her nursing career began at Texas Children's in 2005, holding positions on the general surgery/orthopedics unit, neuro/neurosurgery unit, and pediatric intensive care unit. She… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2008. Following graduation, she joined Texas Children’s Hospital as a staff nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She gained experience caring for children with many complex medical conditions, as well as experience in ECMO and continuous… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Bryan Nathan Harrell (Nathan) is a Physician Assistant within the Department of Neurosurgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. His primary focus is in craniosynostosis, trauma, and spine but he finds all parts of pediatric neurosurgery interesting. After receiving his degrees, Nathan continued his… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Emily McClernon is a physician assistant within the Division of Neurosurgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. Emily received her undergraduate bachelor’s degree at Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences. Emily went on to receive her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Ilana Patino is a Physician Assistant in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Human Biology from The University of Texas at Austin, and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Jessie has a passion for all areas of pediatric neurosurgery, with a strong clinical interest in craniosynostosis and congenital malformations of the brain and spine. She currently serves as the Research Coordinator for the department. In her free time, Jessie enjoys wake surfing, traveling, and… read more
Phone: 832-822-3950
Clinic Nurses
Phone: 832-822-3950
Phone: 832-822-3950
Phone: 832-822-3950
Phone: 832-822-3950
Phone: 832-822-3950
