Physicians
Our physicians (or hematologists) are highly specialized experts in bleeding and clotting disorders. Our doctors provide children with the best care so that parents may feel at ease while making medical decisions for their child. At the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center, our goals are to help children:
- Live a healthy life
- Comply with treatment
- Cope with their bleeding or clotting disorder
- Advocate their own well being and health related decisions
Our doctors:
Physician Assistant (PA)
An experienced member of the physician-led medical team involved in the diagnosis, patient and family education and the medical management of persons with bleeding disorders. Available for:
- Patient access to discuss treatment needs
- Education about a diagnosis or treatment
- Direct medical care as needed
Bob Miller, PA
Clinical Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Family Medicine; University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Education:
Physician Assistant (PA); L.A. County/USC Medical Center
Other Credentials:
Assistant Professor, USC Keck School of Medicine PA Program
Past President of the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
Research, Education and Clinical Interests:
Other Interests or Hobbies:
My personal therapy is sailing…and better yet, with my best friend…Captain Morgan – The Rescue Dog.
Favorite Animal:
Captain Morgan – The Rescue Dog
Personal History and Role on the Team:
As a clinician, I am happy to have spent the last 30 years specializing in bleeding disorders. And 2011 marks my 30th year providing medical coverage at Hemophilia Camp. It is especially rewarding to play a part in the progress shared by the bleeding disorders community which has resulted in a better and more productive quality of life.
Nurses
We have a Nurse Practitioner and a Nurse Care Manager who work with our patients. Their primary goals are:
- Educating families about hemophilia
- Coordinating services for patients and families
- Conducting group education and support sessions for families
- Serving as a primary resource and contact for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center
Our nurses are available by telephone 5 days a week to answer questions from patients and families and to give advice.
Jennifer Donkin, RN, CPNP
Nurse Practitioner
Education:
Bachelor of Science Nursing; Mt. St. Mary’s
Master of Science in Nursing & Nurse Practitioner; California State University, Long Beach
Other credentials:
Graduated from the Cordon Blue Culinary Program
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
I enjoy working with patients that have bleeding disorders. I am particularly interested in the patients that develop inhibitors and patients that have orthopaedic complications. I am also am very interested thrombosis patients.
Other Interests or Hobbies:
I enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking, the theatre and arts. Love to travel and explore new places. I especially love exploring ethnic markets. I always enjoy reading a good book, and my love of music ranges from classical to rock and roll.
Favorite Animal:
Oliver my basset hound, Japser & Simone my kitties & my Koi
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I started in the hemostasis program in 1982. I was a new graduate from the nurse practitioner program. It has been incredible journey through times of sadness for the bleeding disorders community to the discovery of new therapies. I thought that this would be a short term job but 29 years later I am still fascinated with this position and so grateful to know so many incredible patients, families and health care providers.
Kathy McGinty, RN
Nurse Coordinator
Education:
Nursing Diploma; St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
I enjoy educating patients and families about their bleeding disorder and its treatment.
Other Interests or Hobbies:
My other interests include acting, singing, hiking, reading and travel.
Favorite Animal:
Sea turtles
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I spent my early career in general pediatrics and began to specialize in hematology/oncology in 1981. I first joined our hemophilia program as Nurse Coordinator in 1996. My lifelong dream was to work with children and families. I have been living that dream.
My experiences include working in the hospital, in the clinic, as a research nurse and as an educator.
I have taught nurses and families about hemophilia and von Willebrand for the past 15 years. I have given lectures in schools of nursing, and at local, regional and national meetings. My favorite type of teaching is sitting down with a family and helping them understand hemophilia and its treatment. I especially enjoy watching our patients grow from little babies to grown up young men and women who are able to care for themselves.
Physical Therapists
We work mostly with our patients who have bleeding disorders. Our focus is on helping our patients:
- Prevent bleeding in their muscles and joints
- Recover after a joint or muscle bleed
- Stay active and participate in exercise and sports
- Manage their pain as a result of hemophilic arthropathy of chronic synovitis
For our bleeding disorders patients, and some of our clotting patients, you will see us whenever you come for a visit!
Susan Knight, PT, PCS
Physical Therapist
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Physical Therapy; Mount St. Mary’s College
Other Credentials:
Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS); Neuro-developmental Treatment (NDT)
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
My professional interests are in treatment of complex bleeding/orthopaedic issues associated with inhibitors and central nervous system (CNS) bleeding.
Other Interests or Hobbies:
In my free time, I enjoy yoga, hiking, spending time with family, cooking and traveling.
Favorite Animal:
My black Labrador retriever, Mia.
Personal History and Role on the Team:
When I joined the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center in 1997, I had little knowledge of how physical therapists could impact persons with bleeding disorders. In physical therapy school, hemophilia is rarely covered. I quickly came to understand that physical therapists have a very important role in the management of the musculo-skeletal problems associated with bleeding disorders. An ideal way for a physical therapist to holistically impact a person’s life is by working closely with a comprehensive medical team. My role on the team is to help persons with bleeding disorders maintain or gain strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and most importantly function when faced with joint and muscle bleeding. Making exercise accessible and fun is also a passion of mine!
Kerri Narasaki, PT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Sports Physiology; Biola University
Masters in Physical Therapy; Western University of Health Sciences
Other Credentials:
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
My joy is orthopedic issues as it is related to bleeding disorders, and am also fast becoming more in tuned with thrombophilia and post-thrombosis syndrome.
Other Interests or Hobbies:
What free time?? I am a mom of 5 kids, but in my free time, I love to run and have recently started to play soccer again. I also love spending time with my family.
Favorite Animal:
Koala Bears
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I have spent the last 10 years working as one of the physical therapists in the hemophilia clinic. I enjoy helping our patients enjoy the best quality of life possible through exercise, education and rehabilitation.
Social Workers
Our social workers focus on:
- Assisting patients/families with locating resources within their own communities
- Assessing for child welfare issues
- Providing ongoing psychosocial support
- Helping patients/families navigate various systems (i.e. healthcare, educational, etc)
- Creating educational opportunities for outreach and awareness
Johnny W. Chou, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Minor in Criminal Justice and Corrections; Cal Poly Pomona
Master of Arts, Social Work; Cal State Los Angeles
Other Credentials:
ACSW (Associate Clinical Social Worker)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
I became interested in social work during my undergraduate program when I realized that psychology was not for me. For me, it is interesting to look at people’s lives from a biological-psychological-sociological perspective to gain insight on who people are today; these factors become more interesting when it pertains to a patient’s medical needs. My passion for this particular population stems from the need for education, advocacy and empowerment.
Other Interests and Hobbies:
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, getting tattoos, playing poker and penny slot machines and lounging with my cats while I watch nonsense television shows.
Favorite Animal:
My cats: Miss Kitty and Miss Bunny
Silvia V. Vega
Social Services Case Worker
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts Interdisciplinary Studies; California State University, Dominguez Hills
Research, Educational, and Clinical Interests:
Outreach, educational programs, group support
Other Interests or Hobbies:
Music and dance
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I have been doing social work for the past twenty eight years and enjoy meeting with our families and providing support and resources to overcome obstacles and barriers to their medical care. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
Psychologist
Our psychologist:
- Evaluates and treats psychological and/or behavioral factors related to chronic illness
- Provides individual and family psychotherapy
- Assists with strategies to help build positive parent-child and sibling interactions
- Conducts psychological and neuropsychological evaluations with patients with educational, emotional and/or developmental concerns
Cathy Buranahirun, PsyD
Postdoctoral Psychology/Neuropsychology Fellow
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, concentration in Developmental Disabilities; University of California, Los Angeles
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology; California School of Professional Psychology
Other Credentials:
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) certification
Neuropsychological assessment
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
- Neurocognitive effects of intracranial hemorrhage
- Effects of chronic illness on the family system
- Effects of chronic illness on identity development
Other Interests and Hobbies:
Snowboarding, hiking, traveling, reading
Favorite Animal:
Dogs, especially French Bulldogs
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I joined the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center team in July 2010 as a psychology/neuropsychology fellow. My role on the team is to provide consultations and psychotherapy to our patients and families to address psychological or behavioral difficulties related to chronic illness and/or stressful medical conditions. I also provide psychological evaluations to patients with educational, behavioral, emotional and/or developmental concerns.
Research Team
Our Research team is specialized in the newest therapy for you or your child’s bleeding. or clotting disorder. Our research team:
- Offers children the advantage to be treated with the latest developments
- Provides opportunities to participate as a volunteer in research studies to help children of the future with the similar conditions
Research participation allows us to get all the benefits of new treatment. As a participant or volunteer, studies help Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have an advantage in making new treatments available for children with blood disorder sooner than expected before other medical entities.
Jessica Lira, CCRP
Clinical Research Coordinator
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Human Biology, concentration in Women and Children: Health and Education; Stanford University
Other Credentials:
Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) through Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA)
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
I am interested in exchanging knowledge and experience with Hemophilia Treatment Centers internationally with the hope of improving care for patients with bleeding and clotting disorders in Los Angeles and around the world. I am also excited to work on new research studies that may lead to improved treatment options for our patients.
Other Interests or Hobbies:
Playing sports (e.g. basketball and volleyball), hiking, the beach, meeting new people, volunteering with Redeemer Community Partnership, reading
Favorite Animal:
Sea Dragons
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I joined the team in December 2007 and love being a part of the Hemophilia Treatment Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. While I have been involved in different aspects of the program, my primary role is as a Research Coordinator. You might find me visiting you during a clinic visit to talk about some of our research studies or to just say hi. If you choose to participate in a research study, I’ll be one of folks who walks through the study with you and helps to answer your questions.
Carlo Michieli
International Medical Graduate
Clinical Research Coordinator
Education:
Universidad de San Martin de Porres , Lima, Perú – School of Medicine
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
What I enjoy most about my job is being able to provide my clinical services to the patients who are contributing to the search for new therapies in hope of improving the patient’s needs for a healthier life.
Other Interests and Hobbies:
I enjoy traveling and my passion is fútbol, or soccer depending on where you are from.
Favorite Animal:
I love dogs and I’m a Pomeranian breeder.
Personal History and Role on the Team:
Since I’ve been in medical school I’ve been interested in helping children with health problems and I’m now personally fascinated with the idea of being part of Dr. Young’s projects in his search for new medication that may impact the pediatric patient’s future treatments for bleeding and thrombosis disorders.
As a Research Coordinator my role is to coordinate all logistic aspect to conduct the study and make sure that the study doesn't’t compromise the patient’s safety. I also make sure that every aspect of the study protocol is followed as it is written in order to minimize any protocol errors.
Regina Prasad, MS
Research Specialist
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology; University of California, San Diego
Master of Science in Global Medicine; University of Southern California
Research, Education and Clinical Interests:
Adverse events of Poly-L-Lactic Acid cosmetic injectable
Other Interests or Hobbies:
Kickboxing, Hiking, traveling and enjoying the company of family and friends.
Favorite Animal:
Tigers
Personal History and Role on the Team:
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, I moved to Southern California to pursue my long-standing interest in biological sciences. As a member of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center, my role is to ensure that the processing of samples reflect the goals of our research studies, thereby optimizing the health outcomes of patients. I am excited to be a part of this dynamic team and look forward to the rewards and challenges of working in research.
Christine Tam, RN, MS
Clinical Research Nurse
Education:
Bachelor of Arts; Occidental College
Master of Science; University of California, Los Angeles
Other Credentials:
Degree in alternative medicine
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
Hematology, oncology and neurology
Other Interests and Hobbies:
When I am not busy chasing after my two toddlers, I spend my time singing opera, enjoying arts and crafts, architecture and volunteering in my community.
Favorite Animal:
My dogs, Mister Poochento and Cinderella (Boston Terrier and Mastiff/Boxer mix, respectively).
Personal History and Role on the Team:
Clinical Research Nurse
Project Coordinator
Our project coordinator focuses on:
- Managing the team’s various projects
- Promoting the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center in the Los Angeles Community and among our patients
- Managing the team’s Facebook page and other social media outlets
- Creating and developing education materials and programs
Aimée Williams, MPH, CHES, CPH
Project Coordinator
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies
Minor in Psychology
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Master of Public Health, Community Health Sciences
Completed the accredited Health Promotion/Health Education track
University of California, Los Angeles
Other Credentials:
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Certified in Public Health (CPH)
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
My passion is in health education and health promotion. I enjoy working with patients and families to help them understand their condition and treatment. I also enjoy educating the greater community about bleeding and clotting disorders and using social media as a tool for health promotion and education.
Other Interests and Hobbies:
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, knitting, reading or doing yoga. I also enjoy traveling! My favorite places to visit are Monterey, CA, San Luis Obispo, CA, London, England and San Sebastian, Spain.
Favorite Animal:
Grizzly bears and honey bees
Personal History and Role on the Team:
I joined the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center team in October 2010 after finishing my Master in Public Health at UCLA. As a project coordinator my focus is on expanding our outreach and education to members of Los Angeles County. Included in this is creating an educational website, using social media for health education and promotion and creating and attending community education events.
Data Administrator
The overall responsibility of the database administrator is to facilitate in the development and the use of the database within the guidelines of the department. This involves helping the staff manage information by identifying the best ways to organize, store and present data according to user needs.
- Assessing and resolving data quality issues
- Recovering corrupted data and eliminating data redundancy
- Maintaining data relationship
- Data Collection
Elsa Raigoza
Data Administrator
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy; Colegio Motolinia Jadilop -Zacatecas, Mexico
Other Credentials:
Research, Education and Clinical Interests:
- Developed and maintained various data tracking and management systems
- Co-authored government funded proposals
Other Interests or Hobbies:
When I am away from the office I can be found sewing or tending to my home. I enjoy spending my weekends with my family and friends.
Favorite Animal:
Aquariums are extremely soothing and therefore find fish enjoyable in their natural habitat.
Personal History and Role on the Team:
Although my experience spans out over 12 years in program research and evaluation, I always welcome a learning environment. I have a little over 2 years working in the medical field. It has been an honor becoming a team member of and valuable community that is associated with a reputable hospital/facility.
Support Staff
The support staff:
- Coordinates meetings
- Schedules appointments
- Keeps the team organized
Diana Lalani
Program Secretary
Education:
Associate in Arts, Business Administration; Los Angeles City College
Other Interests or Hobbies:
I enjoy a good book & a good movie. Also enjoy traveling, cooking, bicycling, music and shopping
Favorite Animals:
Polar bears
Personal History and Role on the Team:
As program secretary, I handle a broad range of responsibilities for the team such as coordinating meetings, transcribing, scheduling appointments, interpreting for our Spanish speaking families and much more… It’s truly a great pleasure to serve as the program secretary since 1997.
Ray de Mesa
Administrative Assistant
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; New York University
Research, Educational and Clinical Interests:
Health education and health promotion
Other Interests and Hobbies:
Hiking, eating, swimming, photography
Favorite Animal:
French bulldogs and alpacas
Personal History and Role on the Team:
As the assistant to Dr. Young and Dr. Hofstra, I help out in making sure everything stays organized, from schedules to paperwork to communication with other clinics and schools.
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