This
non-invasive computerized vision testing system can diagnose vision
problems in pre-verbal children. This allows for early treatment,
reducing the incidence of vision loss due to amblyopia. It is
recommended for children between 6-9 months of age and 2 1/2 years of
age. If you have any questions, please speak to your physician,PA, or
nurse. The testing can be done just prior to a check-up appointment. We
will call you to schedule a time.
Willlows Pediatrics Celebrates Halloween
Infants
and their mothers had a wonderful time celebrating their first
Halloween during one of the weekly baby groups in October.
Behavioral and Psychological Health
We
are pleased that we can now provide treatment of psychological and
behavioral problems in our office with an experienced pediatric and
adolescent therapist, Maryellen Pachler. Maryellen is a board certified
Nurse Practitioner in both pediatric primary care and child and
adolescent psychiatry. She received a BS degree from Boston University
and a Master's and Post-Masters degree in Nursing from Yale University.
She has been recognized as a mental health care expert by the National
Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
Maryellen has
over two years of experence working at the Yale Child Study Center and
works in collaboration with a board certified child psychiatrist, Dr.
Andrew Lustbader. She is experienced in Parent Management Training and
the treatment of anxiety disorders in a primary care setting with
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Maryellen's experience also includes the
treatment of depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders,
and behavioral problems such as temper tantrums and discipline issues.
She treats both children and adolescents.
Maryellen is in our
office Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to provide evaluations and
therapy for our patients. If you would like to make an appointment,
please talk to your doctor or PA.
Home visits and help from Lactation Specialists
Nursing
mothers often need help after they leave the hospital. We are pleased
to have on staff a certified Lactation Consultant, Cathy Peters, who is
available by phone or in the office to answer questions and offer
support with breastfeeding. Cathy also leads a newborn baby group
(infants age 2 weeks to 3 months), which is a forum where parents can
ask questions, share helpful hints, and find support. Parents who would
like a home visit can call Lorna Alperti, who is a certified Women's
Health Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant. Lorna can visit you
at your home to provide help with breastfeeding. Please speak to your
doctor, PA, or nurse if you would like to arrange a home visit.
Nutrition Support
Abby Greenspun and Suzanne Shapiro
We
are pleased to offer nutrition counseling in our office with two
experienced registered dietician-nutritionists, Abby Greenspun and
Suzanne Shapiro. They are available every Tuesday from 12-7:30 pm and
some Saturdays. The visits are billed directly to your insurance. To
schedule an appointment please talk to your doctor or PA.
In
addition to individual counseling in our office, Abby and Suzanne plan
offering group classes on pertinent topics including picky eaters,
eating disorder awareness/prevention, supermarket shopping, and general
nutrition topics.
Abby Greenspun has more than 15 years
experience providing nutrition counseling for adults and children. Abby
received a BA from Clark University and a MS in nutrition from Hunter
College. Abby's area of specialization include weight management,
digestive disorders, diabetes,heart disease, and rheumatic disorders.
She has consulted on numerous nutrition books and served four years as
a member of the Food Service Advisory Committee for the Westport School
District. Abby is a member of the American Dietetic Association and is
a Connecticut Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist.
Suzanne
Shapiro received her BA from Princeton University and pursed a career
as an art historian before making a career change to the field of
dietetics in 2002. She completed her dietetic eduation at Saint Joseph
College were she was the recipient of the Ellen Swallow Richards award
for outstanding clinical performance. Suzanne is currently completing
her MS in nutrition. Suzanne is a member of the American Dietetic
Association and the National Association of Eating Disorders. As a
former Division I collegiate athlete, Suzanne has a special interest in
sports nutrition and is affiliated with Achieve Rehab and Fitness in
Norwalk.
Our Laboratory
Willows
Pediatics offers a wide array of laboratory services in our CLIA
certified lab. We are happy to offer the following tests that can be
done in our office: Throat Culture, Rapid Strep test, Complete Blood
Count, Urinalysis, Urine culture, Mono test, and Pinworm evaluation. We
also do finger stick testing for Hemoglobin (anemia check) and Lead
level. Other lab tests can be drawn and sent to the lab specified by
your insurance, either Quest Diagnostics or Clinical Laboratory
Partners. Orders from specialists can also be honored; we ask parents
to make an appointment for this by by calling Mon-Fri 8:15 am to 5:00
pm, extension 222. Please keep in mind that certain tests must be drawn
early in the day; Mary or Val will advise you when you call.
Both
Mary Ryan (photo on right) and Valerie Williams (photo on left) are
board certified Medical Laboratory Technicians. Mary is also certified
as a Clinical Lab Technologist and General Laboratory Supervisor. Mary
has been with Willows almost 8 years, and Val almost 5 years. They both
enjoy working with parents and children, with the goal of making your
experience as smooth and tear free as possible!
