Speaker Biographies
Please Note: These biographies were submitted by the speaker at the time of their specific speaking engagement. Some speakers may have updated information not included below.
Marianne Adduci, M.Ed
Marianne Adduci is a Special Educator at Duxbury Public Schools, primarily within the Partnership Program, which services students in grades 3-5 who, for a variety of reasons, are emotionally fragile. We provide a variety of behavioral supports for these students in order to ensure success within the general education setting with curriculum work and interacting with their peers. She has been teaching for 6 years, 4 years within the Partnership program and 2 years prior at a collaborative working with students on the Autism Spectrum.
Marianne Adduci is a Special Educator at Duxbury Public Schools, primarily within the Partnership Program, which services students in grades 3-5 who, for a variety of reasons, are emotionally fragile. We provide a variety of behavioral supports for these students in order to ensure success within the general education setting with curriculum work and interacting with their peers. She has been teaching for 6 years, 4 years within the Partnership program and 2 years prior at a collaborative working with students on the Autism Spectrum.
Dr. Dritan Agalliu
Dr. Dritan Agalliu studies the molecular, cellular and genetic analysis of mammalian blood-brain barrier development and the role of the barrier in disease pathogenesis. Dr. Agalliu's research plans to explain the mechanisms that break down the blood-brain barrier in PANDAS. This knowledge will enable the development of therapies to prevent immune cell or antibody entry into the nervous system, thereby providing long-term treatment for PANDAS. The laboratory is investigating two fundamental issues in the biology of the mammalian blood-brain barrier (BBB): 1) the mechanisms governing development and maintenance of the barrier; and 2) how structural components of the BBB are affected in diseases of the brain and spinal cord where barrier function is impaired.
Dr. Dritan Agalliu studies the molecular, cellular and genetic analysis of mammalian blood-brain barrier development and the role of the barrier in disease pathogenesis. Dr. Agalliu's research plans to explain the mechanisms that break down the blood-brain barrier in PANDAS. This knowledge will enable the development of therapies to prevent immune cell or antibody entry into the nervous system, thereby providing long-term treatment for PANDAS. The laboratory is investigating two fundamental issues in the biology of the mammalian blood-brain barrier (BBB): 1) the mechanisms governing development and maintenance of the barrier; and 2) how structural components of the BBB are affected in diseases of the brain and spinal cord where barrier function is impaired.
Dr. Kenneth A. Bock
Kenneth A. Bock, MD, FAAFP, FACN, CNS, received his MD with Honor from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1979. A pioneer and leader in the field of integrative medicine for nearly three decades, Dr. Bock’s expertise lies in bringing a comprehensive integrative medicine approach to complex medical problems, including the 4-A disorders – autism, ADHD, asthma and allergies. His Healing Program for the 4-A disorders is detailed in his latest book, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies, which has received international acclaim. Dr. Bock’s practice, Bock Integrative Medicine, is located in Red Hook, New York.
Kenneth A. Bock, MD, FAAFP, FACN, CNS, received his MD with Honor from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1979. A pioneer and leader in the field of integrative medicine for nearly three decades, Dr. Bock’s expertise lies in bringing a comprehensive integrative medicine approach to complex medical problems, including the 4-A disorders – autism, ADHD, asthma and allergies. His Healing Program for the 4-A disorders is detailed in his latest book, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies, which has received international acclaim. Dr. Bock’s practice, Bock Integrative Medicine, is located in Red Hook, New York.
Denis A. Bouboulis, M.D.
Denis A. Bouboulis is a board certified physician licensed in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania to practice medicine. Dr. Bouboulis received his B.A. from NYU and his MD from New York Medical College. His Internship, Residency and Fellowship were at State University of New York Medical Center, Stamford Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of the Yeshiva University respectively. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, the Connecticut Medical Society, the Fairfield County Medical Association, the American College of Allergy and Immunology, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the American Association of Certified Allergists and the National Register of Who's Who in Professionals and Executives. Dr. Bouboulis has been chosen as "Top Physician of the Year" for the past three years by "Connecticut's Top Physicians", and "Top Physician of the Year, 2007" by "America's Top Physicians." Dr. Bouboulis specializes in the treatment of allergies, asthma and immunology in children and adults. He is also dedicated in providing the finest healthcare for children suffering with PANDAS.
Denis A. Bouboulis is a board certified physician licensed in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania to practice medicine. Dr. Bouboulis received his B.A. from NYU and his MD from New York Medical College. His Internship, Residency and Fellowship were at State University of New York Medical Center, Stamford Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of the Yeshiva University respectively. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, the Connecticut Medical Society, the Fairfield County Medical Association, the American College of Allergy and Immunology, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the American Association of Certified Allergists and the National Register of Who's Who in Professionals and Executives. Dr. Bouboulis has been chosen as "Top Physician of the Year" for the past three years by "Connecticut's Top Physicians", and "Top Physician of the Year, 2007" by "America's Top Physicians." Dr. Bouboulis specializes in the treatment of allergies, asthma and immunology in children and adults. He is also dedicated in providing the finest healthcare for children suffering with PANDAS.
Dr. Capanna-Hodge
Dr. Capanna-Hodge is a Connecticut Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Neurofeedback Provider (BCN) with more than twenty years experience in the mental health and educational fields. Her private practice work in Ridgefield, CT is focused in the assessment of learning issues, academic achievement, and behavioral issues, as well as parent advocacy and school consultation and training. While she assesses a variety of learning and behavioral issues, she is specialized in the assessment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Reading Disabilities.
Dr. Capanna-Hodge is a Connecticut Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Neurofeedback Provider (BCN) with more than twenty years experience in the mental health and educational fields. Her private practice work in Ridgefield, CT is focused in the assessment of learning issues, academic achievement, and behavioral issues, as well as parent advocacy and school consultation and training. While she assesses a variety of learning and behavioral issues, she is specialized in the assessment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Reading Disabilities.
Peggy Chapman
Margaret (Peggy) Chapman is a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Board Certified, in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. Peggy received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Creighton University in 1976. In 1982 she graduated from Boston University with a Master of Science in Nursing and was certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in 1983. She has worked in various capacities in the Omaha and the Boston areas: Head Nurse of Child, Adolescent and Adult psychiatric units, has been a child, adolescent and adult therapist and has done psychopharmacology for all ages since 1998. Peggy co-led the Asperger Association of New England Parent Support Group for eleven years on the South Shore. From 1999-2006 Peggy was a Defeat Autism Now!(DAN!) Practitioner. She currently integrates the principles of functional medicine in her practice. She has presented numerous talks to fellow professionals as well as to parents and educators regarding the use of nutrition and psychiatric pharmacology for children and adolescents. She treated her first PANDAS patient in 1999.
Margaret (Peggy) Chapman is a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Board Certified, in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. Peggy received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Creighton University in 1976. In 1982 she graduated from Boston University with a Master of Science in Nursing and was certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in 1983. She has worked in various capacities in the Omaha and the Boston areas: Head Nurse of Child, Adolescent and Adult psychiatric units, has been a child, adolescent and adult therapist and has done psychopharmacology for all ages since 1998. Peggy co-led the Asperger Association of New England Parent Support Group for eleven years on the South Shore. From 1999-2006 Peggy was a Defeat Autism Now!(DAN!) Practitioner. She currently integrates the principles of functional medicine in her practice. She has presented numerous talks to fellow professionals as well as to parents and educators regarding the use of nutrition and psychiatric pharmacology for children and adolescents. She treated her first PANDAS patient in 1999.
Dr. Madeleine Cunningham
Madeleine Cunningham has been a member of the faculty of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, USA for a period of 32 years, rising through the ranks to become a George Lynn Cross Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professor.
Dr. Cunningham’s original investigations on the role of group A streptococcal infection in rheumatic fever and molecular mimicry in 1985 opened a new era of research on autoimmunity and infection. Her research has investigated many areas of autoimmunity and infection including myocarditis, chorea, and other related issues in clinical and basic immunology. She is also Chief Scientific Officer of her own company Moleculera Labs, which was conceived to help families deal with autoimmune movement and neuropsychiatric diseases in their families. She lectures world-wide and serves on many committees and advisory boards in the USA and abroad.
Madeleine Cunningham has been a member of the faculty of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, USA for a period of 32 years, rising through the ranks to become a George Lynn Cross Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professor.
Dr. Cunningham’s original investigations on the role of group A streptococcal infection in rheumatic fever and molecular mimicry in 1985 opened a new era of research on autoimmunity and infection. Her research has investigated many areas of autoimmunity and infection including myocarditis, chorea, and other related issues in clinical and basic immunology. She is also Chief Scientific Officer of her own company Moleculera Labs, which was conceived to help families deal with autoimmune movement and neuropsychiatric diseases in their families. She lectures world-wide and serves on many committees and advisory boards in the USA and abroad.
Jennie H. DunKley
Jennie H. DunKley is a veteran special education consultant and advocate. She is a senior trainer for the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). Her own workshops include The 4Fs of Function, Measurable Goals, Positive Parenting, Bridging Medical & Education Language and Advanced SPED Advocacy Training. She received SPED Advocate training though FCSN, Wrightslaw, OSEP/COPAA’s SEAT, with a practicum at the Massachusetts Disability Law Center, the ISEA Clinic at William & Mary Law School, and at Suffolk Law School’s Advanced Legal Studies. A Board Member on Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN), she is founder of SPaN’s IEP Clinic program and founder and Chair of the Special Education School Fair, “Same Side of the Table” forum; she chairs SPaN’s Credentials Committee. Jennie is a SpedEx Advisory Committee member. She is the past Chairperson and a parent representative of the Massachusetts Special Education Advisory Council where she co-authored the white paper titled, “Applying the Child-First Ethic When Serving Students with Disabilities in Educational Settings.” She was the creator and lead developer for the Ivy Street School transition program. Jennie is the proud parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum. She runs JDK Communications: Special Education Consulting.
Jennie H. DunKley is a veteran special education consultant and advocate. She is a senior trainer for the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). Her own workshops include The 4Fs of Function, Measurable Goals, Positive Parenting, Bridging Medical & Education Language and Advanced SPED Advocacy Training. She received SPED Advocate training though FCSN, Wrightslaw, OSEP/COPAA’s SEAT, with a practicum at the Massachusetts Disability Law Center, the ISEA Clinic at William & Mary Law School, and at Suffolk Law School’s Advanced Legal Studies. A Board Member on Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN), she is founder of SPaN’s IEP Clinic program and founder and Chair of the Special Education School Fair, “Same Side of the Table” forum; she chairs SPaN’s Credentials Committee. Jennie is a SpedEx Advisory Committee member. She is the past Chairperson and a parent representative of the Massachusetts Special Education Advisory Council where she co-authored the white paper titled, “Applying the Child-First Ethic When Serving Students with Disabilities in Educational Settings.” She was the creator and lead developer for the Ivy Street School transition program. Jennie is the proud parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum. She runs JDK Communications: Special Education Consulting.
Paul Millard Hardy, MD
Dr. Hardy received his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. After completing a Medical Internship at the Baylor College of Medicine, Methodist Hospital, in Houston, Texas, he returned to the University of Rochester where he completed a residency in Neurology at Strong Memorial Hospital. Dr. Hardy has held numerous positions at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine. In 1992, he started his own full-time private practice of Behavioral Neurology/Neuropsychiatry. Dr. Hardy's research interests include the role of environmental and nutritional factors that influence, behavioral disturbances in children and adults as well as the diagnosis and treatment of persons afflicted by PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Hardy is a diplomate of the American Board of Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He also serves on the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America, the Scientific Advisory Boards of The Autism Research Institute, and Generation Rescue. Most recently he was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Autism Research Institute, founded in 1976 by Dr. Bernard Rimland.
Dr. Hardy received his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. After completing a Medical Internship at the Baylor College of Medicine, Methodist Hospital, in Houston, Texas, he returned to the University of Rochester where he completed a residency in Neurology at Strong Memorial Hospital. Dr. Hardy has held numerous positions at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine. In 1992, he started his own full-time private practice of Behavioral Neurology/Neuropsychiatry. Dr. Hardy's research interests include the role of environmental and nutritional factors that influence, behavioral disturbances in children and adults as well as the diagnosis and treatment of persons afflicted by PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Hardy is a diplomate of the American Board of Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He also serves on the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America, the Scientific Advisory Boards of The Autism Research Institute, and Generation Rescue. Most recently he was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Autism Research Institute, founded in 1976 by Dr. Bernard Rimland.
Dr. Jeanne Hubbuch
Dr. Hubbuch is Board Certified in Family Pactice and Environmental Medicine. She received her medical degree from Rush University in Chicago in 1975. She is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) and ILADS. She has been practicing integrative medicine for over 30 years with interests in finding the path to wellness from chronic illness for her patients rather than just treating the disease. She has been in her own private practice for over 20 years.
Dr. Hubbuch is Board Certified in Family Pactice and Environmental Medicine. She received her medical degree from Rush University in Chicago in 1975. She is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) and ILADS. She has been practicing integrative medicine for over 30 years with interests in finding the path to wellness from chronic illness for her patients rather than just treating the disease. She has been in her own private practice for over 20 years.
Dr. Beth Latimer
Dr. Beth Latimer, Pediatric Neurology, is a leading physician in the treatment of PANDAS-PANS children for over a decade and is a staunch advocate for the identification of this new disease model. Dr. Latimer received her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. Her residencies were in Pediatrics and Neurology with special certification in Child Neurology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She was Chief of the Child Neurology Division at Georgetown University Hospital for five years and then worked at Fairfax Hospital before opening her own private practice of Neurology in Bethesda in 2000.
Dr. Beth Latimer, Pediatric Neurology, is a leading physician in the treatment of PANDAS-PANS children for over a decade and is a staunch advocate for the identification of this new disease model. Dr. Latimer received her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. Her residencies were in Pediatrics and Neurology with special certification in Child Neurology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She was Chief of the Child Neurology Division at Georgetown University Hospital for five years and then worked at Fairfax Hospital before opening her own private practice of Neurology in Bethesda in 2000.
Lauren Lee Stone
Lauren came to BioEnergetic Medicine in the search to heal her own children, and chose to make it her career after experiencing its success first hand. In addition to a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph. D. from Cornell University, Lauren has a Masters in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She also holds an advanced certificate in BioSET, Quantum Reflex Analysis, and is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, a Board Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, a board member of Epidemic Answers and a distinguished member of the American Association of Integrative Medicine.
Lauren came to BioEnergetic Medicine in the search to heal her own children, and chose to make it her career after experiencing its success first hand. In addition to a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph. D. from Cornell University, Lauren has a Masters in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She also holds an advanced certificate in BioSET, Quantum Reflex Analysis, and is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, a Board Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, a board member of Epidemic Answers and a distinguished member of the American Association of Integrative Medicine.
Judith G. Leventhal, PhD
Judith G. Leventhal is a New York State Licensed Psychologist with specialties in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Family Therapy. Her areas of interest and expertise include tick borne diseases, infection induced encephalopathy including PANDAS/PANS, central nervous system disorders, traumatic brain injury, and learning and language disabilities. She is an authority on the neuropsychological manifestations of tick borne diseases and infection induced encephalopathy, and the impact of cognitive, emotional and behavioral symptoms on academic and interpersonal functioning. Her neuropsychological evaluations form the basis for disability classifications for students. She serves as an advocate for academic accommodations, modifications, and specialized services, and works with schools to advocate for children. Dr. Leventhal has presented at professional conferences, lectured to advocacy groups, serves on the Board of Directors of ILADS, and on the Board of Advisors of the Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force. She has held positions in the Department of Neurology of several New York City teaching hospitals, and maintains a private practice in New York City.
Judith G. Leventhal is a New York State Licensed Psychologist with specialties in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Family Therapy. Her areas of interest and expertise include tick borne diseases, infection induced encephalopathy including PANDAS/PANS, central nervous system disorders, traumatic brain injury, and learning and language disabilities. She is an authority on the neuropsychological manifestations of tick borne diseases and infection induced encephalopathy, and the impact of cognitive, emotional and behavioral symptoms on academic and interpersonal functioning. Her neuropsychological evaluations form the basis for disability classifications for students. She serves as an advocate for academic accommodations, modifications, and specialized services, and works with schools to advocate for children. Dr. Leventhal has presented at professional conferences, lectured to advocacy groups, serves on the Board of Directors of ILADS, and on the Board of Advisors of the Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force. She has held positions in the Department of Neurology of several New York City teaching hospitals, and maintains a private practice in New York City.
Beth Maloney, Esq.
Beth Alison Maloney is the author of SAVING SAMMY: Curing the Boy Who Caught OCD. SAVING SAMMY is the first book ever published about Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The book propelled the disorder to national attention beginning with an appearance by Ms. Maloney with her son Sammy on the Today Show in September 2009. With scores of public appearances through television, radio, podcasts, print media, conferences, and parent groups, as well as private meetings with medical school deans and physicians, her work as a catalyst for change in this area of medicine in unmatched. Ms. Maloney consults regularly as a patient and mental health advocate with parents and physicians across the country. As an attorney, Ms. Maloney offers services in a wide variety of business and medical areas, with a special expertise in assisting parents obtain the educational support their PANDAS/PANS children need from public schools either through special education services (IEP's) or Section 504 as mandated by federal and state laws.
Beth Alison Maloney is the author of SAVING SAMMY: Curing the Boy Who Caught OCD. SAVING SAMMY is the first book ever published about Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The book propelled the disorder to national attention beginning with an appearance by Ms. Maloney with her son Sammy on the Today Show in September 2009. With scores of public appearances through television, radio, podcasts, print media, conferences, and parent groups, as well as private meetings with medical school deans and physicians, her work as a catalyst for change in this area of medicine in unmatched. Ms. Maloney consults regularly as a patient and mental health advocate with parents and physicians across the country. As an attorney, Ms. Maloney offers services in a wide variety of business and medical areas, with a special expertise in assisting parents obtain the educational support their PANDAS/PANS children need from public schools either through special education services (IEP's) or Section 504 as mandated by federal and state laws.
Dr. Jamie Micco
Dr. Jamie Micco is the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Service at the Child and Adolescent Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University, where she received her clinical and research training at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. She then completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at MGH (child/adult track). Dr. Micco's research focuses on information-processing biases, and novel treatment paradigms for remediating these biases, in children and adolescents with anxiety and depression. Clinically, she specializes in CBT for anxiety and mood disorders. She has evaluated and treated many youth presenting with PANDAS.
Dr. Jamie Micco is the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Service at the Child and Adolescent Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University, where she received her clinical and research training at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. She then completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at MGH (child/adult track). Dr. Micco's research focuses on information-processing biases, and novel treatment paradigms for remediating these biases, in children and adolescents with anxiety and depression. Clinically, she specializes in CBT for anxiety and mood disorders. She has evaluated and treated many youth presenting with PANDAS.
Dr. Nancy O’Hara, M.D., MPH
Nancy O'Hara is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to her medical career she taught children with autism. Dr. O’Hara graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. She entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999 she has dedicated her practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with neurodevelopment disorders, ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. She is a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the US and abroad. Her practice is located in Wilton, CT.
Nancy O'Hara is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to her medical career she taught children with autism. Dr. O’Hara graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. She entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999 she has dedicated her practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with neurodevelopment disorders, ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. She is a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the US and abroad. Her practice is located in Wilton, CT.
Dr. Mark Pasternack
Mark Pasternack, M.D. specializes in Pediatric Service, Infectious Disease Unit, and Chief, Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, at Massachusetts General Hospital. Educated at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Pasternack completed his residency and clinical infectious disease fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and a research fellowship at the Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Author of numerous papers and articles for prestigious medical journals, Dr. Pasternack is an officer of the Massachusetts Infectious Diseases Society and a member of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society as well as the Infectious Diseases Society of America. His broad clinical interests include Infectious Disease and Pediatric Infectious Disease.
Mark Pasternack, M.D. specializes in Pediatric Service, Infectious Disease Unit, and Chief, Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, at Massachusetts General Hospital. Educated at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Pasternack completed his residency and clinical infectious disease fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and a research fellowship at the Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Author of numerous papers and articles for prestigious medical journals, Dr. Pasternack is an officer of the Massachusetts Infectious Diseases Society and a member of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society as well as the Infectious Diseases Society of America. His broad clinical interests include Infectious Disease and Pediatric Infectious Disease.
Diana Pohlman
Diana Pohlman is the Founder and Executive Director of the patient advocacy group, PandasNetwork.org. Diana’s goal has been to be sure no family is left alone with this disease and to provide immediate comfort to those in need. The group soon gathered other families stories of PANDAS which helped initiate the Joint NIMH-Yale IVIG Study. Founded in 2009 after Diana’s 7 year old son suffered from a traumatic PANDAS onset, the group has grown to over 12,000 readerships worldwide. PandasNetwork.org has a formidable Executive and Scientific Advisory Board and seeks to launch new research investigations into this traumatic PANDAS-PANS syndrome and develop worldwide awareness and acceptance of this illness.
Diana Pohlman is the Founder and Executive Director of the patient advocacy group, PandasNetwork.org. Diana’s goal has been to be sure no family is left alone with this disease and to provide immediate comfort to those in need. The group soon gathered other families stories of PANDAS which helped initiate the Joint NIMH-Yale IVIG Study. Founded in 2009 after Diana’s 7 year old son suffered from a traumatic PANDAS onset, the group has grown to over 12,000 readerships worldwide. PandasNetwork.org has a formidable Executive and Scientific Advisory Board and seeks to launch new research investigations into this traumatic PANDAS-PANS syndrome and develop worldwide awareness and acceptance of this illness.
Dr. Susan Swedo
Dr. Susan Swedo is Chief of the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch (PDN) in the intramural research program at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Dr. Swedo is internationally recognized for her investigations of pediatric obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), including discovery of the PANDAS subgroup (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections).
Dr. Susan Swedo is Chief of the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch (PDN) in the intramural research program at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Dr. Swedo is internationally recognized for her investigations of pediatric obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), including discovery of the PANDAS subgroup (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections).
Catherine Teal, RN
Catherine Teal has been a Registered Nurse for 42 years. She attended Alfred State College in New York. She worked at Tufts New England Medical Center as well as for two pediatric practices. She has been school nurse for over 20 years. Her daughter had PANS and has continued to have a keen interest in helping students who exhibit PANS symptoms.
Catherine Teal has been a Registered Nurse for 42 years. She attended Alfred State College in New York. She worked at Tufts New England Medical Center as well as for two pediatric practices. She has been school nurse for over 20 years. Her daughter had PANS and has continued to have a keen interest in helping students who exhibit PANS symptoms.
Dr. Geordie Thomson
Geordie Thomson, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. He received his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, NY, and Faculte Libre de Medicine in Lille, France. Dr. Thomson completed his residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, CO. He enjoys working with patients of all ages, with a particular emphasis on functional and integrated medicine. He currently practices medicine in Peterborough, NH.
Geordie Thomson, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. He received his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, NY, and Faculte Libre de Medicine in Lille, France. Dr. Thomson completed his residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, CO. He enjoys working with patients of all ages, with a particular emphasis on functional and integrated medicine. He currently practices medicine in Peterborough, NH.
Dr. Rosario Trifiletti
Dr. Trifiletti's, M.D., PhD., tireless pursuit to help parents get answers and children get help have long been recognized by the PANDAS community. Dr. Trifiletti's primary areas of expertise are tic disorders, PANDAS; Autism; Neurometabolic and genetic diseases. On his website, Dr. Trifiletti states, "I enjoy challenging cases that have defied diagnosis.”
Dr. Trifiletti's, M.D., PhD., tireless pursuit to help parents get answers and children get help have long been recognized by the PANDAS community. Dr. Trifiletti's primary areas of expertise are tic disorders, PANDAS; Autism; Neurometabolic and genetic diseases. On his website, Dr. Trifiletti states, "I enjoy challenging cases that have defied diagnosis.”
Dr. Jolan Walter, MD, PhD
Jolan, E. Walter, MD, PhD is the Director of Pediatric Immunodeficiency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. Dr. Walter’s clinical care focuses on patients with immune deficiency and dysregulation. She also conducts translational research on autoimmune manifestation of Primary Immunodeficiencies. Dr. Walter has graduated with a MD and PhD from University of Pecs, Hungary. Dr. Walter is has trained in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Eastern Virginia Medical School and in Allergy/Immunology at Boston Children’s Hospital. During her training, she conducted research both in the field of Virology and Immunology.
Jolan, E. Walter, MD, PhD is the Director of Pediatric Immunodeficiency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. Dr. Walter’s clinical care focuses on patients with immune deficiency and dysregulation. She also conducts translational research on autoimmune manifestation of Primary Immunodeficiencies. Dr. Walter has graduated with a MD and PhD from University of Pecs, Hungary. Dr. Walter is has trained in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Eastern Virginia Medical School and in Allergy/Immunology at Boston Children’s Hospital. During her training, she conducted research both in the field of Virology and Immunology.
Dr. Kyle Williams
Dr. Williams is a co-investigator on the joint Yale-NIMH Clinical Trial for IVIG in the treatment of children with PANDAS. His focus in medical school (Univ. of Minnesota) was on understanding the mechanisms of Tourettes Syndrome and OCD which included research on impulse control disorders in youth and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). He further studied immune disorders at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researching streptococcal-induced immune dysregulation. He has recently served as Chief Resident at the Yale Child Studies Center and is soon to head up the PANDAS-PANS Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Williams is a co-investigator on the joint Yale-NIMH Clinical Trial for IVIG in the treatment of children with PANDAS. His focus in medical school (Univ. of Minnesota) was on understanding the mechanisms of Tourettes Syndrome and OCD which included research on impulse control disorders in youth and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). He further studied immune disorders at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researching streptococcal-induced immune dysregulation. He has recently served as Chief Resident at the Yale Child Studies Center and is soon to head up the PANDAS-PANS Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.
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