Gateway Pediatrics warmly welcomes Michelle Valenzuela M.D., FAAP to the practice. An AZ native, Dr Valenzuela ("Dr. V") pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of AZ, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her medical school training was also at the University of AZ and she graduated with honors in 2002. Dr. V trained in Pediatrics at the combined Phoenix Children's Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center Residency program. Since her graduation from residency in 2005, Dr. V worked in a private Pediatric practice in AZ. Married with two young children, Sophie (2 years) and Dallas (4 months) Dr. V brings fresh enthusiasm and energy to our practice. Dr. Sudha and Dr Valenzuela share similiar philosophies, including the ardent advocacy of breastfeeding and immunizations.

Neva has been working as a Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics for over 20 years brings her enormous experience to Gateway Pediatrics. Neva worked as a lead clinician at CIGNA Medical Group for many years where she developed several teaching tools for parents, was consistently rated highly in patient satisfaction scores and was well known for her patience and communication skills with parents. She is also well experienced in counseling breastfeeding moms, honed from many years of rounding on moms and babies in the hospital. She is a valuable adjunct support to Paulie in our office for breastfeeding moms. Neva is also available for later afternoon appointments, especially suited for working parents. Every effort is made to ensure that Neva is available for appointments if Dr. Sudha is unavailable in the office. Neva also provides after hours telephone triage when Dr. Sudha is out of the office.

Paulie is a superbly trained RN who has worked in Pediatrics her entire career spanning over 30 years. Dr. Sudha had the privilege of working closely with Pauslie for 5 years in Oregon before moving to AZ. Dr. Sudha's love for and interest in breast feeding came from Paulie. Paulie was a pioneer in becoming certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and has worked with breast feeding mothers for over 20 years. Paulie is available at Gateway Pediatrics once a week for Lactation Consultation and support to all breastfeeding moms and babies. In addition, Paulie is available via telephone for breastfeeding advice when she is not in the office.

Gateway Pediatrics is excited to announce the addition of Danita Cyronek RN to our staff. She has worked for 30 years in the Department of Pediatric Neurology at the University Medical Center in Nebraska and comes to us with a wealth of experience in Pediatrics. Danita has extensive background and training in triaging patient phone calls, having worked in a triage facility as well for 7 years previously. Danita is used to making hospital rounds in Nebraska, has worked in investigational medication trials and published articles. She enjoys working with children with special health care needs and their families. She is very capable and has a great sense of humor. Danita moved to Gilbert AZ when her husband retired as a police officer. Danita will help Monika Creasy, our LPN, in triaging patient phone calls and will be a very valuable asset as our nurse manager.

Monika moved to AZ from West Virginia where she trained to become an LPN. Caring, compassionate and blessed with a quiet sense of humor, Monika is a tremendous asset. Monika triages all patient phone calls during office hours and responds to parents after consulting with Dr. Sudha or Neva Schwartz. She is in charge of calling in prescriptions, reporting lab and X-ray results, and ensuring specialty referrals are completed in a timely manner. Monika plans to become an RN.

Desiree finished her MA certification at Apollo College and completed her externship with us, following which she was hired at Gateway Pediatrics. Desiree therefore has the advantage of familiarity with our patients and office protocol. She has 2 young children and you guessed it…………….she also plans to become an RN!

Beverly worked for many years in a multispecialty clinic in Missouri before moving to Arizona. With grandchildren of her own, Bev enjoys working with the families and children at Gateway Pediatrics. Experienced and dependable, Bev is a warm addition to our front desk.

Young, enthusiastic and endowed with tremendous people skills, Khrista's is the cheerful voice parents will hear when calling in to make appointments or leaving messages for the staff. Khrista also takes care of patient referrals to specialists and obtaining prior authorizations from insurance companies. Khrista plans to become a Pediatrician!

A graduate LPN from the Maricopa SKills center, Adrienne joined us recently. She is training under Monika Creasy (LPN) and Danita Cyronek (RN) to become proficient in all back office nursing tasks, as well as triaging patient phone calls, prescriptions refills etc. She has 2 young children of her own and is excited to be a part of our staff.

A senior at Hamilton High School who will be graduating shortly with honors, Nicole approached us for a job at the front desk because she is interested in pursuing a career in health care. Nicole is now an excellent highly self motivated addition to our front office and patterns after the enthusiastic Khrista Jackson. She is being trained in all front desk duties as well as insurance verifications and obtaining prior authorizations. She will start nursing school in the fall.

Another amazing high school find, Karla is a junior at Chandler High School. She came to us having already worked as the front desk manager at a physician's office, and well versed in referrals and insurance verifications. Fluently bilingual, Karla helps us after school hours and on graduation from high school, plans to pursue a career in health care.