Spinal Muscular Atrophy Program

Meet our team

Our Spinal Muscular Atrophy Program at Children’s Hospital Boston brings together diverse providers who are experts in the care of children with SMA. The program is directed by child neurologist Basil Darras, MD.

Our core team of specialists sees patients together at our monthly clinic.

Basil Darras, MD, child neurologist and director of the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Program

Peter Kang, MD, child neurologist and director of the EMG laboratory

Jennifer Markowitz, MD, child neurologist

Frederic Shapiro, MD, orthopedic surgeon

Susan Riley, PT, MS, DPT, PCS,physical therapist

Amy Pasternak, PT, DPT, physical therapist

Robert Graham, MD, anesthesiologist / intensivist

Lauren Perlman, RT,  respiratory therapist

Vanessa Battista, RN, MA, CPNP, CCRC, pediatric nurse practitioner

Stacey Tarrant, RD, LDN, clinical nutrition specialist

Beth Shriber, research coordinator

Rebecca Parad, research coordinator

Kerri Shaw, administrative assistant

We have also created a network of other Children’s specialists who are experienced in caring for children with SMA. While these individuals are not directly part of our multi-disciplinary clinic, this collaboration can make it easier for families to find providers in other specialties who are knowledgeable about SMA.   

Virginia Kharasch, MD, pulmonologist

Laurie Glader, MD, complex care coordinator

Laurie Fishman, MD, gastroeneterologist

Navil Sethna, MB, ChB, anesthesiologist

Charles Berde, MD, PhD,  anesthesiologist

Craig Lillehei, MD, surgeon (non-orthopedic)

Shuei Kozu, LICSW, social worker

For families whose children are facing an especially difficult prognosis, we also work with the Pediatric Advanced Care Team at Children’s.