Epilepsy Program

Neuropsychologists

Neuropsychologists assess the effects that epilepsy and underlying disorders may have on a child’s brain. They monitor a child’s cognitive abilities, learning, behavior, emotional well-being, and social function, and develop plans to help the child function at her highest possible level.

They may also test skills that are controlled by specific regions of the brain, in order to help your child’s physicians understand which part of the brain is having seizure activity. Our neuropsychologists are Katrina Boyer, PhD and Clemente Vega, PsyD.

Neuroradiologists

Neuroradiologists are doctors who perform imaging tests on the brain. Our neuroradiologists are Sanjay Prabhu, MBBS, MRCPCH, FRCR and Ellen Grant, MD.

EEG or long-term monitoring (LTM) technologists

EEG or long-term monitoring (LTM) technologists are specialists who use instruments to record electrical impulses in the brain and other parts of the nervous system.

They also work with doctors to interpret the results in order to locate epileptic tissue in the brain. Our technical director is Maria G. Gabriel, MBA, CMET, REEGT.

Neuroscience nurses

Neuroscience nurses are registered nurses who have specialized training and experience in caring for children with neurological disorders.  Our nurses are:

• Cheryl Cahill, RN, MSN
• Christine Foley, RN, CPN
• Elizabeth Gifford, RN, BSN
• Jocelyn Kirsch, RN, BA
• Mary Poyner Reed, RN
• Deborah Shiers, RN, BSN, CNRN.

Nurse practitioners

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced training in pediatrics and neurology. They may oversee care, prescribe medications or perform certain procedures.

Some nurse practitioners serve as surgical care coordinators, helping to organize appointments and testing for surgery. Our nurse practitioners are:

• Candice Kruszkowski, MSN, CPNP
• Rebecca Noll, MSN, CPNP.

Dietitians

Dietitians have specialized training in nutrition. They, along with nurses and doctors, help families adopt the ketogenic diet, a medically prescribed diet that is sometimes used as a treatment for epilepsy.

They also provide long-term follow-up for children using the diet. Our dieticians are Karen Costas, MPH, RD, LDN and Stacey Tarrant, RD, LDN.

Social workers

Social workers provide support for the many challenges that families may face when their children are being treated for epilepsy.

A few examples of their roles include helping with healthcare coverage, organizing transportation, getting counseling services for families and communicating with schools.

Our social worker is Matthew Snell, LICSW, MSW.

Child Life specialists

Child Life specialists are specially trained professionals who use play as a way to help children express their fears and concerns and understand the hospital environment.

They play an especially important part in caring for children who are in the hospital as inpatients.