Meet Our Pediatric Gastroenterology Team
Meet the doctors, specialized nurses, child life specialists, research coordinator, and social workers who help your child during treatment at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.
Pediatric Gastroenterologists
Hayley Adkisson, LCSW, Social Worker
Ms. Adkisson received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and holds a master’s degree in social work from NYU. Ms. Adkisson is the primary social worker for children with gastrointestinal, endocrine, rheumatologic, and nephrologic conditions. She specializes in gastrointestinal and eating disorders, severe mental illness, palliative and end-of-life care, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mood disorders.
Elyssa Auerfeld, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist
Ms. Auerfeld is a certified child life specialist at NYU Langone’s Fink Ambulatory Care Center. As a child life specialist, Ms. Auerfeld helps children and families understand and cope with healthcare experiences. This can include supporting patients for tests and procedures as well as providing opportunities for play and creative expression.
Michelle Chieco, BSN, RN, Nurse
Ms. Chieco received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fairfield University and is a nurse on the gastroenterology care team. She helps patients and their families with any needs they may have, including scheduling appointments and preparing for procedures.
Ayelet Goldhaber, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian
Ms. Goldhaber completed her dietetic internship through NYU at Montefiore Medical Center and holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and dietetics from NYU. Ms. Goldhaber is a great resource for all things relating to food and nutrition, from symptom management to weight maintenance to healthy snack ideas.
Kimberly Harrison, CPNP, Nurse Practitioner
Ms. Harrison is a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Nursing, where she received both her bachelor of science and master of science degrees. She also received her bachelor of arts in psychology from Colorado College. Ms. Harrison has been a pediatric nurse practitioner since 2007, providing care for children with chronic illnesses.
Leora Hauptman, MS, RN, CPNP, Nurse Practitioner
Ms. Hauptman is a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Nursing, where she received both her bachelor of science and master of science degrees. She received a bachelor of arts in health: science, society, and policy from Brandeis University. Ms. Hauptman has many years of experience working with children with gastrointestinal disorders and developmental disabilities.
Kenza Hill, Pediatric Celiac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders Program Coordinator
Ms. Hill has worked in pediatrics as a program coordinator in both North Carolina and New York City hospitals for more than 10 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Salem College in North Carolina and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in psychology with a focus in medical research at Hunter College of The City University of New York.
Janis Meadow, MA, CCLS, ATR-BC, Child Life Specialist
As a child life specialist at NYU Langone’s Fink Children's Ambulatory Care Center, Ms. Meadow helps pediatric patients and their families understand and cope with medical illnesses and experiences. By providing education, preparation, emotional support, and guidance, child life specialists such as Ms. Meadow encourage positive development and wellbeing in children facing a wide range of challenging life events.
Claudia Pantoja, MD, Research Coordinator
Dr. Pantoja is a graduate of Universidad Catolica Nordestana in the Dominican Republic, where she received her medical doctor degree. She is the research coordinator for the pediatric gastroenterology team.
Hannah Sirois, BSN, RN, CPN, Senior Staff Nurse
Ms. Sirois received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Villanova University and has experience working with children with various medical and surgical conditions. She enjoys working with patients and their families to help them understand their medications, treatments, procedures, and conditions.
Deborah Tagliareni, MS, RD, CDN, Children’s Services Clinical Nutrition Manager
Ms. Tagliareni received her master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU and completed her dietetic internship at NYU Langone. She spearheads the Robinson Family S.Q.U.A.S.H. (Smart choices, Quality ingredients, Unique, Appetizing, Simple, and Healthy) Program at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital to provide educational nutrition activities and events for patients, families, and the professional community. She is also involved in clinical nutrition services within Hassenfeld Children's Hospital. Ms. Tagliareni previously served as an inpatient dietitian at NYU Langone and has also worked in marketing and catering management.