The Rare Parenting advisory board of doctors and professionals ensures Rare Parenting offers the most accurate disability, rare disease, and complex needs related parenting information on the Web. Our advisory board members have been selected for their experience in their field.
Rare Parenting Medical Advisory Board
Meet the Medical Board
Neurology
Craig A. Press, MD, PHD
Pediatric NeurologistAttending physician in the Division of Neurology and Medical Director of the Neuroscience Unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Alison S. May, MD, ABPN
Pediatric NeurologistPediatric Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Division of Child Neurology
Science & Genetics
Giorgio Sirugo, MD, PHD
Medical GeneticsResearcher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR); Investigator at Undiagnosed Diseases Network
Tanja Vogel, PHD
ScientistScientist and professor at the University of Freiburg, Germany, specializing in genetic disease
Christine Maccia, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic CounselorGenetic counselor in the Rare Disease Institute at Children's National
Orthopedics
Mara S. Karamitopoulos, MD, MPH, FAAOS
Pediatric Orthopedic SurgeonChief, Division of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone; clinical associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Therapy
Cassandra Ruff, PT, DPT, NCS
Physical TherapistPhysical Therapist at Rusk Rehab at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, certified in Dynamic Movement Intervention
Rebecca Taskin, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ATP
Speech-Language PathologistSpeech & language pathologist, Assistive Technology Progressional, at Speech in the City
Pediatrics
Jonathan Jassey, DO FAAP
PediatricianFounding pediatrician at Concierge Pediatrics in New York
Diet & Nutrition
Colleen Topper, MS RD
Pediatric DietitianPediatric dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital and at Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Meet the Expert Advisors
Psychology and Education
Yulika Forman, PhD, LMHC
Psychologist & Special Education ConsultantPsychotherapist, researcher and special education consultant, private practice, specializing in special needs
Kelley Yost Abrams, PhD
PsychologistDevelopmental psychologist and child development specialist, private practice, specializing in parent-child relationships
Christopher Russell, M.S., Ed., TVI
Special Education TeacherSpecial Education Teacher in the NYC Department of Education, Hospital Schools, specializing in sensory disabilities, deafblindess and visual impairment
Alexa Rein, MA
Behavior Interventionist & Mental Health CounselorNeurodiversity specialist at Adelphi University and mental health counselor, private practice, specializing in special needs
Amanda Atkins, LMFT, PMHC, AAMFT
Marriage and Family TherapistMarriage and family therapist, private practice, specializing in couples issues, grief and loss, and parenting children with disabilities
Child Life Services
Katie Taylor, CCLS
Child Life SpecialistCEO, Co-Founder of Child Life on Call digital app and podcast
Kelsey Mora, CCLS, LCPC
Child Life Specialist & Clinical Professional CounselorChief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group and child life counselor, private practice
Joy Nicolas, MA, CCLS, CIMI
Child Life SpecialistChild life specialist at Stanford Medicine, Children's Health
Financial Planning
Tanner Withers
Special Needs Financial PlannerCEO, Founder, Ability Planning