Epilepsy; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurology; Neuropsychology; Pediatrics
As a neuropsychologist with training in both child and adult neuropsychology, my clinical practice focuses on the comprehensive neurocognitive and psychological evaluation of children, adolescents and adults. My primary focus is in pediatric neuropsychology. I see children ages 4 to 18 with a variety of developmental and neurological disorders. I also evaluate adults with developmental disorders, young adults with concussion, and patients of all ages with intractable epilepsy. One of my areas of expertise is in pre- and post-surgical assessment, primarily for patients with intractable seizure disorder. As a consultant with our epilepsy unit at Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo, I work with patients’ neurologists and neurosurgeons regarding seizure focus, cognitive integrity and prognostic factors related to surgical outcome. I also serve as the primary neuropsychologist for several clinics including the neurofibromatosis clinic, neuro-oncology clinic, craniofacial clinic, and sickle cell clinic.
In addition, I have extensive training and experience in assessment and diagnostic clarification for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. In my outpatient clinic at the Conventus Building, I focus on thorough evaluations of neurocognitive function to provide not only diagnostic clarification, but a better understanding of specific areas of strength and weakness to help guide my patients’ medical treatment, school interventions and other therapeutic interventions. Given findings from the neuropsychological evaluation, I provide specific recommendations to help my patients achieve the greatest degree of success possible.
My research interests include understanding neurocognitive functioning in pediatric patients with demyelinating disorders, epilepsy treatment and surgical outcomes, and cognitive functioning outcomes following concussion. Conducting clinical research allows me to use information from my clinical work to guide research questions, improve understanding of patient populations, and provide better care and guidance regarding treatment interventions to my patients.
As a teacher, I work with medical residents, medical students, and psychology graduate students to improve their understanding of neurocognitive functioning and neurocognitive assessment in children and adults with a variety of medical and neurologic disorders. I also tailor training if a resident/student has a particular area of interest. In addition, I serve as a mentor for neurology residents and psychology graduate students on research projects, and as a dissertation committee member. I am also available to work with recently graduated undergraduates and master’s students who would like to gain research experience.
Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurology, Neuropsychology, Pediatrics
Children, Adolescents
Female
This UBMD physician is also a member of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, teaching the next generation of doctors and researching to advance care in WNY and beyond. Learn more about this physician's research and teaching activities, as well as view credentials, publications, professional involvement and more below.