Arno H. Fried, M.D., FACS Director, Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery Currently the Chairman of The Department of Neurosurgery and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery and The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. Fried is also an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics at New York Medical College in Westchester, New York. He started The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute and Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, with a team of nationally-known neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other health professionals. This is based in the family centered DON IMUS-WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children at Hackensack University Medical Center. He has a distinguished track record in academic neurosurgery, with more than 65 scientific publications and book chapters, and more than 100 invited presentations at national meetings. He previously was an attending Pediatric Neurosurgeon at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), prior to becoming the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at The Cleveland Clinic. He has done extensive research in the area of hydrocephalus and its treatment. He is one of a handful of neurosurgeons in the country to be board certified in both general neurosurgery, as well as pediatric neurosurgery; one of a very few with both board certifications between New York City and Buffalo, including northern New Jersey. Dr. Fried’s main areas of interest are in new technology for neurosurgery, new brain tumor treatments, and epilepsy, intracranial physiology in pediatric head trauma. He completed a two-year research fellowship in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, and subsequently has many publications and national presentations on various aspects of hydrocephalus. Dr. Fried has performed nearly 500 epilepsy surgery operations, including new surgical approaches that include computer-guided epilepsy resections, and vagal nerve stimulator insertion. More recently, he has presented his own series of childhood hemispherectomy, corpus callosotomy surgeries, and epilepsy associated with brain tumors at national scientific meetings. Dr. Fried has received numerous awards and honors related to his work in neurosurgery, epilepsy treatment, and brain tumor surgery.

Stephen J. Thompson, M.D. Chief, Section of Pediatric Neurology Chief, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Thompson is a Board Certified Pediatric Neurologist with additional training and expertise in neuro-oncology. He serves as both Chief, Section of Pediatric Neurology in The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, and Chief, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, in The Tomorrows Children's Institute. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Thompson attended UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, graduating in 1987. He remained there for his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in pediatric neurology. He subsequently moved on to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he was a Fellow and then attending in neuro-oncology. After a brief return to New Jersey, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he was The Pediatric Neurologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for six years. He returned home to New Jersey in 2001, at which time he joined Hackensack University Medical Center. He has published articles related to his clinical and research interests, which include: brain tumors, neurologic complications of cancer and bone marrow transplantation, and memory and attention disorders. He is also actively involved in the management of headaches, seizures, and neuromuscular problems, as well as the entire spectrum of pediatric neurologic disorders.

Marcelo Lancman, M.D. Chief Epileptologist Pediatric Neurosciences Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Dr. Lancman graduated from The University of Buenos Aires. He completed his internship and neurology residency at New York Medical College. He completed two years of fellowship in clinical epilepsy at Wake Forest University under the supervision of Dr. Kiffin Penry. Then he completed one year of training in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology, including epilepsy surgery, training at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He co-directed The Epilepsy Program at Westchester Medical Center from 1994 to 1998 before joining HUMC. Dr. Lancman has published more than 40 original papers in scientific journals and several book chapters. He has made several presentations in national and international epilepsy conferences, and has been a peer-reviewer of scientific journals including, “Neurology, Epilepsia, Epilepsy Research,” and “Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology.” Dr. Lancman is a member of different medical societies. Dr. Lancman is board certified in neurology and also in clinical neurophysiology. He is currently an Associate Professor of Neurology at New York Medical College.

Christos Lambrakis, M.D. Epileptologist Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Dr. Lambrakis is board certified by both The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, as well as The American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology. Dr. Lambrakis completed undergraduate work at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he received a degree in biomedical engineering. Dr. Lambrakis has a special interest in vagal nerve stimulation for seizure control. He received his doctorate in medicine from New York Medical College. Dr. Lambrakis received The Physician of The Year Award in 2001 presented to him by the A R C.

Michael Steinhardt, Psy.D. Neuropsychologist Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Dr. Steinhardt conducts comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents and adults with a wide-range of neurological difficulties including: epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, dementia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He also provides pre- and post-surgical evaluations for patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. Dr. Steinhardt previously practiced at Westchester Medical Center and held academic appointments in The Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at New York Medical College. He received his specialty training at North Shore University Hospital – Cornell University Medical College, where he completed an internship and postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric and adult neuropsychology and subsequently joined their staff as a neuropsychologist. He received his doctoral degree at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Steinhardt’s main areas of interest include: the neural substrates of learning and memory, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, and non-epileptic seizures. He recently co-authored two book chapters on the evaluation and treatment of pseudoseizures.

Colleen Dorfman, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist Pediatric Neuroscience Center Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Dr. Dorfman conducts comprehensive neuropsychological assessments with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide-range of neurological conditions. Her areas of specialty include pediatric and adolescent brain tumors and other cancers affecting central nervous system functioning. Dr. Dorfman’s areas of clinical and research interest also include Asperger’s syndrome and related social disabilities. Dr. Dorfman completed her doctoral degree at The University of California at Berkeley. She completed an internship and a two year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital Oakland.

Linda Giron, R.EEG/EP T Supervisor/Technical Director Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Linda Giron, R.EEG/EP T, is the current supervisor and technical director of The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, in The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute at HUMC. As part of The Epilepsy Team, which was formed at The New York Medical College and Westchester Medical, Center, N.Y. in 1995, Ms. Giron developed and manages all technical aspects of The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, with the Hackensack EMU being opened in November 1998. Ms. Giron, is ABRET boarded in EEG and Evoked Potentials. She is also certified in vascular ultrasound with special emphasis in Transcranial Doppler. She entered the field in 1977, and has worked in several community-based hospitals, as well as large teaching institutes such as USC Medical Center in Los Angeles and Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, Ca. She has participated in research work which includes: status epilepticus, stroke, vasospasm, ICU monitoring, emergency room EEG; telephone transmitted EEG via digital media, computer networking and many EEG as Evoked Potential patient outcome studies. Linda is a past vice president for The Charles E. Henry Electroneurodiagnostic Society. She is very active in several other professional societies, such as ASET, NESET, ACNS, EFA, NAHRA, a board examiner for ABRET, and facilitates monthly support groups for technologists throughout New Jersey, as well as ACE accredited educational workshops for EEG technology and board preparation.

Stacey L. Bergman M.A., MSW, LSW Pediatric Clinical Social Worker Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Ms. Bergman is a licensed clinical social worker at The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute and Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. She is also the coordinator of The Neuromuscular Center at The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute. Ms. Bergman provides individual and group psychotherapy for adult patients and for the parents of the pediatric patients. She also conducts comprehensive assessments to coordinate the psychosocial, developmental, and medical needs of patients. She is also certified in hypnotherapy and uses techniques such as guided imagery and relaxation to address some of the issues pertaining to chronic illness. She also teaches parents how to implement behavior modification programs for children with behavior disorders. Ms. Bergman works with patients that are in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Ms. Bergman graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She completed her Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology at Columbia University and then went on to complete her Master of Social Work at New York University. She has completed a postgraduate fellowship in Bereavement and End of Life Care. She has done research in the areas of bereavement, chronic illness, and neuro-development with resultant publications in the area of memory. Ms Bergman edited a chapter for The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and writes for their newsletter. She frequently lectures at hospital and community programs on the issues of coping, chronic illness, and traumatic loss. Ms. Bergman has been with PNI since 1999. Previously, she completed an internship at The Tomorrow’s Children’s Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center. She is a member of The Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers, The National Brain Tumor Foundation, and sits on The Professional Advisory Committee of The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey.

Leigh C. Quintero, RN, BSN Nurse Manager Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Ms. Quintero is responsible for the coordination of care, administrative services, and teaching for the pediatric neurology patients and their families. She is also responsible for the care of the adult and pediatric epilepsy population. Ms. Quintero graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Ms. Quintero has worked in pediatrics for her entire career. Ms. Quintero has been with PNI since 2000. Previously, she held the position of Nurse Manager on the inpatient pediatric unit for 15 years and was a staff nurse prior to that, all at Hackensack University Medical Center. Ms. Quintero has also been involved in community education, specifically with school age children, teaching a trauma safety program titled Traumaroo. A Chairperson of the committee to organize the first Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Hackensack University Medical Center, which opened in November, 1998, Ms. Quintero is certified in CPR and PALS.

Sabrina Cristofaro, RN, BSN Staff Nurse Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Ms. Cristofaro is a staff nurse at The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute (PNI) and Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, of Hackensack University Medical Center. She brings considerable knowledge and clinical experience in the areas of both pediatrics and adult medicine. Ms. Cristofaro joined PNI in 2003. Her responsibilities include assessment, direct care, and coordination of services. Since her arrival, she has been instrumental in facilitating continuity of care from the outpatient setting to the inpatient unit. She has an interest in the area of cultural competence and is a qualified Italian interpreter for the medical center. Ms. Cristofaro provides education to patients and their families about their medical condition and their medications. In addition, she educates staff nurses on the care and management of patients with seizure disorders. Some of her clinical interests include women and epilepsy, medication efficacy, and policy and procedure. Ms. Cristofaro received her BSN from The University of Pennsylvania. She studied abroad at Oxford Brookes University in England and gained practical nursing experience at The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. While in England, she gained a unique outlook on the diverse needs of patients and their families. Before joining PNI, Ms. Cristofaro worked as a staff nurse on 3 Link West - Medical Surgical Vascular Unit. Ms. Cristofaro holds licensure as a registered nurse in the state of New Jersey. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. She is on The Pediatric Practice Council and The Joint Commission Tracer Methodology Committee.

Theresa M. Gabay, MSN, RN, APRN, BC Case Manager Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Ms. Gabay is responsible for coordination of care delivery and services to the patients and families that utilize the center, in both the inpatient and outpatient facilities of the medical center. In addition to clinical activities, Ms. Gabay has the responsibility of organizing professional conferences and in-services, as well as education programs for the community. Ms. Gabay graduated from Bergen Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Science/Nursing and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science at Dominican College. She graduated from The Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner program at Dominican College. She is certified by The American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner and holds New Jersey licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse with a specialty in Family Practice. Ms. Gabay has been with PNI since 1998 as clinical instructor for the department. Prior to this, she was a clinical instructor for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Department of Pediatrics for six years and was a Level III Clinical Nurse for the NICU for nine years. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. She is a BLS instructor, as well as a PALS instructor and is a guest lecturer for the NICU course, Pediatric Physical Assessment course, Pediatric and Adult Critical Care courses.

Heather A. Meller, RN, MSN, CNS, CPNP Advanced Practice Nurse Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Heather Meller is an advanced practice nurse at The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute (PNI) and Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, at Hackensack University Medical Center. Ms. Meller has been working in the field of Pediatric Neuroscience as an advanced practice nurse for several years. Ms. Meller brings over eight years of experience in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, and neurology to PNI. She joined PNI in 1998. At that time, she played a pivotal role in the inception of the program and the development of the framework from which it would base its clinical practice. Her clinical interests include hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and the family perspective in chronic illness. Before joining PNI, Ms. Meller worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Beth Israel Medical Center. While at Beth Israel, she developed a neuro-oncology Certification course for the staff nurses. She was instrumental in promoting education on neurosurgical procedures and protocols to Intensive Care nurses at Hackensack University Medical Center and continues to provide this education through classroom instruction. Heather received her bachelors degree from Rutgers University. She then pursued her masters of nursing at Columbia University. She is certified as a Pediatric Oncology clinical nurse specialist and holds licensure as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the state of New Jersey. Ms. Meller is currently furthering her education by pursuing her certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Meller is a member of The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners (NAPNAP).

John F. Mondanaro MA, MT-BC, CCLS Music Therapist Pediatric Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Mr. Mondanaro is a master's level, board-certified music therapist and certified child life specialist; specializing in the use of music therapy improvisation and other creative arts interventions as non-verbal, expressive modalities. He provides psychoeducation pertaining to illness, treatment, and medical procedures as well as psychosocial support aimed at identifying and reinforcing a patent's most effective skills in coping with hospitalization. Mr. Mondanaro also provides music psychotherapy for individuals and groups on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, to address the ongoing psychosocial needs of PNI patients. Prior to joining the PNI team in 2002, Mr. Mondanaro interned at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in the Bronx, New York where he worked extensively with young adults living with neurological illness and injury. He graduated from Saint Ambrose University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, and earned his Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy at New York University, completing his thesis on the therapeutic importance of aesthetic experience through creative music improvisation. He sits on the selection committee for candidates of The Master of Arts in Music Therapy program at New York University and serves as a clinical supervisor for interning students. Mr. Mondanaro is a member of The American Music Therapy Association, The Certification Board of Music Therapists, The Child Life Council, The Association for Humanistic Psychology, and the American Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers. He is a published writer and composer with two original CDs to his credit, and most recently the author of "Interfacing Music Therapy with Other Arts Modalities in Addressing Anticipatory Grief and Bereavement in Pediatrics," a chapter in the book Music Therapy at The End of Life.