Chapter Champions & Ambassadors
A Chapter Champion is a pediatric provider with interest and expertise in a particular area of pediatric medicine. The Champion is an advocate for children and a resource for others in the community. They have knowledge of current guidelines, advocacy, and best practice in each focus area and serve as a link to other providers in the community with a similar interest. Our Ambassadors are selected by the Chapter and the National AAP and part of the AAP's committee/council/section structure. Some are part of Maine's children's health leadership.
As practicing pediatricians, your experiences can guide your passions and interest – Chapter Champions embody this dedication and enthusiasm for pediatric care!
- If you find that you share an interest in one of the below topics, please reach out to the listed provider if you have questions or ideas to share.
- If you are interested in becoming a Chapter Champion of an unlisted topic, please contact Dee Kerry at dee.kerry@maineaap.org
These focus areas are meant to reflect current interests, projects and needs of the Chapter or in our State. They were either self-selected or nominated by a current Executive Committee member and agreed upon by the individual(s) listed. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all areas of pediatric care – and can expand or contract based on Chapter Champion interest, project work by our members, or needs in Maine.
ACEs, Resilience & Trauma Informed Care
- Gretchen Pianka, MD Maine Health
ADHD
Adolescent Medicine
Asthma/Respiratory Illnesses
- Anne Coates, MD, FAAP, FCCP Maine Medical Center
Behavioral Health/Mental Health
- Deborah Hagler, MD, MPH MidCoast Hospital/Pediatrics
Breastfeeding
- Duska Thurston, MD, FAAP Northern Light Health
Child Abuse/Neglect
Child Mortality
- Amanda Brownell, MD Spurwink
Children with Special Health Needs
- Chris Pezzullo, DO Maine Primary Care Association and Harry E. Davis Pediatrics
Developmental Pediatrics
Disaster Preparedness
- Rosie Davis, MD MaineGeneral
Ear, Nose and Throat
EHR
- Brian Youth, MD, FAAP Westbrook Pediatrics - MMP
Environmental Health
Environmental Health & Climate Change
Foster Care
Gastrointestinal
Hearing Screening
- Duska Thurston, MD, FAAP Northern Light Health
Immunization
Infectious Disease & Infection Prevention
- Amanda Goddard, MD Maine Medical Center
Lead Poisoning/Exposure
Legislative Advocacy
LGBTQ/Transgender Health
- Mahmuda Ahmed, MD & Brock Libby, MD Northern Light Medical Center / South Portland Pediatrics - MMP
Marijuana - Medical and Recreational
- Logan Murray, MD The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital - MMC
Maternal and Newborn Care
- Chris Motyl, DO The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital - MMC
Obesity Prevention, Treatment & Education
Oral Health
- Jeffrey Stone, DO Waterville Pediatrics
Refugee/Immigrant Health
- Gita Rao, MD, FAAP Greater Portland Health
Resident/Medical Education
- Brian Youth, MD, FAAP Westbrook Pediatrics - MMP
Safe Sleep
- Meredith Jackson, MD, FAAP The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital - MMC
School Health
- Alyssa Goodwin, MD Stellar Pediatrics
Smoking/Vaping/Tobacco Cessation
Structural Racism
- Jennifer A. Jewell, MD, MS, FAAP The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital - MMC
Substance Use/Opioid Treatment
Telehealth
- Valerie O'Hara, DO MaineHealth
Transitions of Care - Pediatric to Adult Practices
- Jonathan Fanburg, MD South Portland Pediatrics - MMP