Pediatric Neurology Residents and Alumni

Postgraduate Year 5 (Class of 2026)
Postgraduate Year 4 (Class of 2027)
Postgraduate Year 3 (Class of 2028)
Postgraduate Year 2 (Pediatric Residency) (Class of 2029)
Postgraduate Year 1 (Pediatric Residency) (Class of 2030)
Alumni

Postgraduate Year 5

Alexander Testino, M.D.

Hometown: Dingmans Ferry, PA
Education: University of Pennsylvania, BA
Temple University, MD
Specialty Interest: Epilepsy
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Hopkins is best of both worlds - a close-knit community where I know all of the faculty in the department and a large university with tons of resources at the same time. Feeling comfortable leaning on my attendings for advice and help has been such a huge part of why I love Hopkins.”

Maria Molinaro, M.D.

Hometown: Ellicott, City, MD
Education: University of South Carolina, BS
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, MD
Specialty Interest: I am planning to pursue a cerebrovascular fellowship.
Research: My research interests include neuroprognostication, optimization of neuro-monitoring for patients on ECMO and causes of arterial dissection in patients with sickle cell disease.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose this program for countless reasons. 1. The faculty have an extremely wide range of specialty expertise and are great mentors no matter what your end goal is (research vs. clinical) 2. The residents are given an extreme amount of independence in our fourth and fifth year, which I believe accelerates our readiness to be attendings and take on additional responsibilities. 3. Our Program Directors are open to any and all feedback and will make changes if asked. 4. The department will go to extreme measures to get you where you want to be.”

Molly Himmelrich, M.D.

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Education: Washington University in St. Louis, BA
University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD
Specialty Interest: Neurocritical Care (PICU and NICU)
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I was impressed by the interactions and relationships between the attendings and the residents. The attending offices right next to the resident room creates an incredibly supportive atmosphere where we feel like the attendings are our biggest cheerleaders. I always feel like I can go to someone with any question, just to talk, or to discuss future career plans. The attendings really care about us as residents - they are so open and approachable, and most importantly, very receptive to the feedback we provide.”

Postgraduate Year 4

Sarika Sachdeva, M.D.

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Education: Emory University, BS
Duke University, MD
Specialty Interest: I am interested in many fields in Pediatric Neurology but I have a particular affinity towards the fetal/neonatal population both in the acute and longitudinal settings.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Everyone at Hopkins is friendly and prioritizes patient care within a supportive learning environment, which was important for me given that residency has a steep learning curve.”

Rohan Soman, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Education: Johns Hopkins University, BS, BA, MS
Rockefeller University, PhD
Weill Cornell Medical College, MD
Specialty Interest: My interests lie in using recent advances in imaging and stem cell technologies to model the developing brain.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “My favorite thing about Hopkins is the passion people have for their patients, their research, and their hobbies as well. It is such a collegial environment to work in!”

Vincent Shieh, M.D.

Hometown: New York City, NY
Education: University of Chicago, BA
Trinity School of Medicine, MD
Specialty Interest: Gene therapies in neuromuscular and movement disorders
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “We have the friendliest attendings who are experts in their respective fields and love to teach.”

Sarah Vogel, M.D.

Hometown: Columbia, MD
Education: Goucher College, BS
University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD
Specialty Interest: I’m currently interested in learning more about neonatal neurology, neuro-oncology, and stroke
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I did an away Sub-I as a 4th year medical student and was so impressed by how welcoming the faculty and residents were. It was obvious how much they cared about my education and were excited for me to love neurology.”

Postgraduate Year 3

Jenna Neumaier, M.D.

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Education: Syracuse University, BS
University at Buffalo, MD
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Hopkins because of the kind and supportive culture, where there are lots of experts in their field that are accessible and genuinely invested in mentoring. I also felt this program offers the flexibility and resources to explore what you are interested in and shape your career to reflect those interests!”

Jenna Robinson, M.D.

Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Education: University of Pittsburgh, BS
University of Minnesota, MS
University of Minnesota, MD
Specialty Interest: I am currently exploring many subspecialty options, but most recently interested in neuroimmunology and stroke.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Hopkins because working with world-renowned neurologists who are leaders in their fields is an incredible opportunity and the faculty are extremely dedicated to the residents and excited about teaching. With all the resources this program has to offer (research, career exploration, education) and the independence given to PGY4/5s, I knew I would graduate the program feeling confident in my ability as a new attending. Furthermore, I knew the strong legacy of a Hopkins training program would provide me with ample options when applying for jobs in life after residency.”

Pomi Yun, M.D.

Hometown: Columbus, GA
Education: University of Georgia, BS/MPH
Medical College of Georgia, MD
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “The incredible group of attendings (both pediatric and adult) who are invested in teaching and mentorship along with the research in collaboration with the NIH brought me to Hopkins!”

Sophie Wilkins, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Croton on Hudson, NY
Education: Cornell University, BA
New York University, MD PhD
Specialty Interest: Neurogenetics
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I was looking for a program with rigorous clinical training that also valued me as a person with outside interests and left room for me to enjoy my hobbies. I have found all of that and more here, as well as faculty members and program directors that are receptive to feedback, value residents and their opinions, and have made meaningful changes to improve our experience.”

Postgraduate Year 2 (Pediatric Residency)

Joseph Posner, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Reisterstown, MD
Education: Community College of Baltimore County, AS
University of Maryland Baltimore County, BS
Georgetown University, MS, MD, PhD
Specialty Interest: I am currently interested in neurocritical care and neonatal neurology, with a special interest in studying how the developing brain recovers after an acute injury
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “When I did a Sub-I rotation, I was so impressed by how supportive everyone was of each other; from the residents supporting each other's wellness, to the faculty being so involved in our education. I was also excited to come back to Baltimore to work in the city I know and love.”

Danielle McAuliffe, M.D.

Hometown: Cranford, NJ
Education: University of Maryland, BS in bioengineering
Temple Lewis Katz School of Medicine, MD
Specialty Interest: Epilepsy, EEG, functional connectivity, imaging
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “Baltimore is such a wonderful, cool, interesting city that houses equally wonderful physicians and researchers! I constantly consider myself lucky to get to grow, learn, work, and live in (what the benches call) the greatest city in America. Plus have you had the taharka bros honey graham ice cream?”

Emma Johnson, M.D.

Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Education: University of Pennsylvania, BA
University of South Florida, MD
Specialty Interest: Palliative care
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I did an away rotation and was so impressed by the interactions between medical students, residents and attendings. There was so much learning and everyone does their best to help each other and their patients. I feel supported by the pediatric neuro program while I'm in my general pediatric time, and leadership from both programs is very receptive to resident feedback. Also, I love my co-residents!”

Naomi Cohen, M.D.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Education: University of Texas at Austin, BS
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, MD
Specialty Interest: Acquired brain injury, neuroplasticity
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose the Pediatric Neurology program at Hopkins because of the research opportunities available and the amazing mentorship from attendings.”

Postgraduate Year 1 (Pediatric Residency)

Alexa Blanchard, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Education: Wake Forest University, BS
University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD & PhD
Specialty Interest: Neuroimmunology
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Johns Hopkins because it offers the ideal combination of rigorous clinical training, abundant research opportunities, and a truly collaborative environment. From the start, I was impressed by the strong sense of community within the program and the way faculty genuinely invest in residents’ growth. Several faculty members took the time to connect with me about potential research projects, and I was met with immense enthusiasm—even as a medical student. I’m excited to train in a program where I’ll develop strong clinical skills while caring for a diverse patient population across Baltimore City, all while continuing to grow my research career.”

Ashlyn Sanders, M.D., M.A.

Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Education: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA
Duke University, MA
Wake Forest University, MD
Specialty Interest: I am planning to pursue a neuro-oncology fellowship.
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I chose Johns Hopkins for pediatric neurology residency because of its exceptional reputation for innovative research, comprehensive clinical training, and collaborative environment that fosters professional growth. I was also particularly drawn to the diverse patient population, which includes individuals from various backgrounds and with a wide range of neurological conditions, as it will provide valuable experience in delivering compassionate, culturally competent and comprehensive care.”

Sarah Sabti, M.D.

Hometown: Lived in many different places, Virginia most recently
Education: Texas A&M University, Commerce BS in Biology and minor in chemistry
Eastern Virginia Medical School, MD
Specialty Interest: I am interested in either being a generalist outpatient provider or neuro critical care
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “This program trains you well in both adult and child neurology, which was a strong factor in my choosing because I would like to work with both patient populations. They are genuinely kind people who love each other. The PD is so kind and genuinely interested in you as a person.”

Jacqueline Sinnott, M.D., M.P.H.

Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Education: University of Richmond, BS
Thomas Jefferson University, MD & MPH
Specialty Interest: Epilepsy and neurodevelopment
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: “I was drawn to Hopkins for its warm, close-knit community and supportive environment. The program’s emphasis on teaching and mentorship, along with exceptional clinical training and research opportunities, makes it an exciting place to learn and grow!”

Alumni

- Haiwen Chen - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuroimmunology, Johns Hopkins
- Christopher Latimer - Position Post-Residency: Faculty, University of Colorado
- Ruchee Patel - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuromuscular Medicine, Johns Hopkins
- Ania Dabrowski - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Lindsay Schliefer Bhandari - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Rachel Penn - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Eva Catenaccio - Position Post-Residency:
- Danielle de Campo - Position Post-Residency:
- Christina Morris-Berry - Position Post-Residency: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Caren Armstrong - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Laura Malone - Position Post-Residency: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Krieger Institute
- April Sharp - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neonatal and Critical Care Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University
- Juan Alfredo Caceres Noguera - Position Post-Residency: Staff Neurology, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
- Melisa Carrasco McCaul - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neonatal Neurology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Clare Stevens - Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Pediatric Epilepsy, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CA)
- Matthew Elrick: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuromuscular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  Current Position: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
- Susan Fong: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  Current Position: Faculty, University of Cincinnati
- Ernesto Gonzalez-Giraldo: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  Current Position: Faculty, University of California, San Francisco
- Shannon Dean: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Movement Disorders, University of Rochester
  Current Position: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
- Melanie McNally: Melanie McNally Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neonatal Neurology & Epilepsy, Boston Children's Hospital Current Position: Fellow, Epilepsy, Boston Children's Hospital
- Peggy Lazerow: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuromuscular Medicine, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Staff Neurologist, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
- Lisa Sun: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Vascular Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
- Anusha Yeshokumar: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Pediatric Neuroimmunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  Current Position: Faculty, Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Christa Habela: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Epilepsy, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, The Johns Hopkins University
- Jessica Klein: Position Post-Residency: Faculty, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ricka Messer: Position Post-Residency: Faculty, University of Colorado
  Current Position: same
- Monica Lemmon: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neonatal Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Duke University
- Laura Tochen: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Movement Disorders, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Staff Neurologist, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC
- Verena Staedtke: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuro-oncology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
- Alison Dolce: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Clinical Neurophysiology/Epilepsy, Baylor
  Current Position: Faculty, University of Texas, Southwestern
- Brian Masselink: Position Post-Residency: Private Practice, Sacramento, CA
  Current Position: same
- Ryan Felling: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Vascular Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
- Christopher Oakley: Position Post-Residency: Faculty, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: same
- Sarah Kelley: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Clinical Neurophysiology/Epilepsy, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
- Paul Lee, Jr.: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, National Institutes of Health
  Current Position: Staff Clinician, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)/NIH
- Rooman Ahad: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Private Practice, Henderson, NV
- David Wolf: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuro-oncology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Emory University
- Kristin Baranano: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Vascular Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Johns Hopkins
- Deivasumathy Muthugovindan: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Clinical Neurophysiology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Staff, Royal London Hospital
- Pradeep Dinakar: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Pain Management, Harvard
  Current Position: Instructor, Neurology and Pain Management, Harvard
- Erika (Hedderick) Finanger: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuromuscular Medicine, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Oregon Health Sciences University
- Jennifer Huffman: Position Post-Residency: Private Practice, Portland, Oregon
  Current Position: Same
- Ai Sakonju: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Genetics and Neuromuscular Disease University of Utah
  Current Position: Faculty, University of Utah
- W. Bryan Burnette: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neuromuscular Medicine, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Vanderbilt
- Philip Overby: Position Post-Residency: Instructor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  Current Position: Faculty, New York Medical College
- Adam Hartman: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Clinical Neurophysiology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
- Constance Smith-Hicks: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
- Lori Jordan: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Vascular Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Vanderbilt University
- David Lieberman: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, University of California, San Diego
- Tyler Reimschisel: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Pediatric Genetics, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Vanderbilt University
- Kaleb Yohay: Position Post-Residency: Instructor, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, New York University
- Dana Cummings: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Part Time Private Practice
  Current Position: International Pediatric Neurology
- Eric Kossoff: Position Post-Residency: Fellow, Clinical Neurophysiology, Johns Hopkins
  Current Position: Faculty, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins
- Donna Stephenson: Position Post-Residency: Private Practice, Washington DC
  Current Position: Same
- Anne Comi : Current Position: Faculty, Johns Hopkins/Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Charlotte Jones: Current Position: Faculty, Ohio State University
- Donald Gilbert: Current Position: Faculty, University of Cincinnati
- Eric Pearlman: Current Position: Private Practice, Savanah, GA
- Xue Ming: Current Position: Faculty, New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ
- Pablito Dela Cruz: Current Position: Private Practice, Terra Haute, IN
- Ann Bergin: Current Position: Faculty, Harvard Medical School
- Paul Fisher: Current Position: Faculty, Stanford University
- Carolyn Hart: Current Position: Faculty, University of New Mexico
- Leslie Morrison: Current Position: Private Practice, Charlotte, NC
- Rebecca Ichord: Current Position: Faculty, University of Pennsylvania
- Edward Goldstein: Current Position: Private Practice, Atlanta, GA
- William Gaillard: Current Position: Faculty, George Washington University
- Linda Famiglio: Current Position: Private Practice, Danville, PA
- Steven Kinsman: Current Position: Faculty, Medical University of South Carolina
- Nancy Dalos: Current Position: Private Practice, St. Petersburg, FL

Pediatric Neurology Residency Program