I developed an interest in medicine at a very young age, when I was exposed to several physicians who were very passionate about their work. I was invited to shadow these individuals, and as I observed the incredible work they were doing, my own excitement for the field of medicine grew.
Now, as a hematologist/oncologist specializing in bone marrow transplantation, I enjoy educating patients and families and supporting them as they undergo the transplant. My primary interest is in transplantation for malignancies, such as leukemia.
Cincinnati Children’s has one of the largest bone marrow transplant programs in the country. Our team consists of phenomenal physicians — many of whom are experts in various areas of transplant medicine — and countless support staff who ensure optimal care of our patients and their families.
I am detail-oriented and love problem-solving. Most of all, I find it rewarding to offer patients with leukemia a chance at a curative approach via bone marrow transplant. It is incredibly gratifying to work with children because they are so resilient — they laugh and play, even when they are sick. I am continuously amazed by how tough young children are.
My research interests include complications and adverse effects of bone marrow transplant. One project I am working on is optimizing how we manage mucositis (mouth / throat inflammation and sores) pain post-transplant.
Outside the hospital, my husband and I love international travel and spending time outdoors.
DO: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO, 2009.
Residency: Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; Bone Marrow Transplant and Immunodeficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Certification: Pediatrics, 2012; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 2017.
Pediatric bone marrow transplant; leukemia; immunotherapy
Cancer and Blood Diseases, Bone Marrow Transplantation BMT
Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency
Genotype and functional correlates of disease phenotype in deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2). Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2020; 145:1664-1672.e10.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in patients with neurologic comorbidities. Pediatric Blood and Cancer. 2020; 67:e28199.
Tisagenlecleucel utilisation and outcomes across refractory, first relapse and multiply relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a retrospective analysis of real-world patterns. EClinicalMedicine. 2023; 65:102268.
Alemtuzumab and CXCL9 levels predict likelihood of sustained engraftment after reduced-intensity conditioning HCT. Blood Advances. 2023; 7:3725-3734.
HLH-like toxicities predict poor survival after the use of tisagenlecleucel in children and young adults with B-ALL. Blood Advances. 2023; 7:2758-2771.
The Choice of Either Conventional Chemotherapy or Inotuzumab Ozogamicin as Bridging Regimen Does Not Appear To Impact Clinical Response to CD19-Directed CAR-T Therapy in Pediatric B-ALL. Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. 2023; 29:311.e1-311.e7.
Higher doses of tisagenlecleucel are associated with improved outcomes: a report from the pediatric real-world CAR consortium. Blood Advances. 2023; 7:541-548.
262 High Disease Burden and Severe Neutropenia Predict HLH Toxicity in Patients with B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) Treated with Tisagenlecleucel in the PRWCC. Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. 2023; 29:s202-s203.
Outcomes After Nonresponse and Relapse Post-Tisagenlecleucel in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2023; 41:354-363.
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