Our staff cares for critically ill newborns. We recognize you, the family, as full partners in the care of your baby. While you are here, you will meet many professionals who help care for your baby. Our team includes attending neonatologists, resident physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers, chaplains, cuddlers, pediatric nurse assistants and unit clerks. In addition, physicians from specialty services may be involved in the care of your baby. We are committed to giving you complete and timely information about what is happening to your baby, and together we will plan and provide the best care for your baby and you.

Neonatologists — (312) 942-6640

• Robert E. Kimura, MD, section director of neonatology
• Jean M. Silvestri, MD, medical director of NICU
• Harold R. Bigger, MD
• Rebecca Hoban, MD, MPH
• Aloka L. Patel, MD
• Kousiki Patra, MD
• Steven Powell, MD 
• Alok Rastogi, MD, MBBS
• Beverley Robin, MD
• Debra Selip, MD 
• Stefanie R. Spanier-Mingolelli, MD 

Unit director — (312) 942-5191

• Debbie Gist, RNC, BSN

Assistant unit directors — (312) 942-4826

• Carrie Renschen, RNC, MSN
• Jody Selenica, RNC, BS

Clinical nurse specialist — (312) 942-4826

• Christie Lawrence, RNC-NIC, MS, APN/CNS

Advanced practice nurses/nurse practitioners — (312) 942-5068

• Mary Puchalski, MS, APN, CNS, NNP-BC, Director of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Services 
• Amanda Ballard, MSN, APN, NNP-BC
• Dawn Brown, MS, APN, NNP-BC
• Courtney Camp, MSN, APN, NNP-BC
• Tiffany DeRiggi, MSN, APN, NNP-BC
• Mary Pat Greteman, MA, APN, NNP-BC
• Sylbi Intarakumhang, MSN, APN, NNP-BC
• Megan Jones, MSN, APN, NNP-BC
• Denise Kristen, DNP, APN, NNP-BC
• Jill Malan, MS, APN, NNP-BC
• Kim Robinson, MSN, APN, NNP-BC
• Angela Ruf, MS, APN, NNP-BC

Social workers/case managers — (312) 942-8062

• Julie Grutzmacher, LSW
• Caroline McInerney, LSW

Discharge planner — (312) 942-5068 ext. 7643 or pager 5501

• Sarah Testa, RN, MS

Crisis counselor/Stepping Stones coordinator — (312) 942-5068 pager 5065

• Judy Friedrichs, RN, MS, CT

Professor and director for clinical research and lactation, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — (312) 942-4932, pager (800) 980-7478

• Paula P. Meier, RN, DNSc, FAAN

Lactation consultants — (312) 942-5068

• Judy Janes, RN, BSN, IBCLC
• Emily White, RN, BSN, IBCLC
• Katherine McGee, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Breastfeeding peer counselors — (312) 942-9136

• Krystle Ekhoff, certified breastfeeding peer counselor, IBCLC
• Mayra Espinoza, certified breastfeeding peer counselor, IBCLC
• LaShanna Kimmons, certified breastfeeding peer counselor, IBCLC
• Fabiola Loera, certified breastfeeding peer counselor, IBCLC
• Esmeralda Covarrubias, certified breastfeeding peer counselor