Originally from

Eden, NY (suburb of Buffalo)

College

University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Medical school

Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Pediatric residency

The University of Colorado, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO

Organizations I belong to

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Board of Pediatrics

Hobbies

My family and friends would describe me as an audiophile and beverage fanatic. Sipping a well-crafted espresso or cocktail while listening to vinyl etched with the music of jazz, the blues, or rock-n’-roll takes me to my happy place. Coffee has restorative healing powers and music connects people in ways like nothing else can. My family and I enjoy exploring the mountains, especially those in and around Leadville. Retreating into the calm of nature helps us reconnect and it gives our kids an appreciation for preservation. Finally, you may find Melissa and I scouring local antique shops for old treasures that each have a fantastic story to tell.

Why I chose pediatrics

I chose to become a pediatrician because there is no more noble an effort than to care for children and foster their spirit for life. Children are the joy of the world, they enrich our lives, and they teach or remind us to enjoy the simplicities life has to offer. The questions they ask are profound, even if it’s a simple ‘why is that?’ or ‘how does that work?’. They understand even when we think they may not. Also, kids have a resiliency that makes every ounce of energy we can give them worth it. Their innocence is paramount to protect. Most of all, it’s a privilege for me to share in the lives of so many children and their loved ones; having an impact on a life is what matters most to me.

How parenthood has affected my practice as a pediatrician

Watching my two girls grow and develop has given me a front-row seat to my profession. Raising children has given me a better understanding of the complexities kids present to their parents. No question, understanding how to weave together medical and parenting knowledge has made me a better pediatrician. It’s made giving advice to parents in my practice feel more approachable and relatable.

Additional experience & certifications

My special interests and experiences within pediatrics are: 1. caring for children with complex medical needs (e.g. NICU graduates, complex congenital heart disease, genetic disorders); 2. understanding the spectrum of typical and atypical development and learning; 3. growth disorders; 4. adolescent physical and emotional health, including LGTBQIA+ care.