Other key staff
Melanie D. Andrews, RN, BSN
Rheumatology charge nurse
Certifications/Licenses: Registered nurse in Illinois
Education: Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Memberships: Rheumatology Nurses Society
Clinical/research interests: She has six years of pediatric experience at the hospital in different specialty areas, including the pediatric intensive care unit and the transport team. She also has 2 years of adult outpatient experience. Her clinical skills include venous port and P.I.C.C blood draws. She is actively involved with Camp J.A.M., sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, for children 8 to 16 years of age. She also participates in the Arthritis walk sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.
Karen Erickson, OTR/L
Senior occupational therapist, juvenile dermatomyositis program
Certifications/Licenses: Registered and licensed occupational therapist in Illinois; Certified early intervention provider; Certified in neurodevelopmental techniques for pediatrics
Education: BS, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI
Professional memberships: NAPNAP WI
Clinical/research interests: More than seven years in pediatric therapy with focus on neurodevelopmental delays, sensory processing, and arthritis. Interested in research studies for JDM patients.
Amy L Ryan, PT
Physical therapist
Certifications/Licenses: Licensed physical therapist; Early intervention certification
Education: MS in physical therapy, Midwestern University; BS in biology, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Clinical/research interests:Perform muscular-skeletal screening evaluations to identify strength, flexibility, postural and gait impairments related to immunological diagnoses. Educate patients and families in role of PT and exercise in rehabilitation and design and instruct families in home exercise programs. Serve as a liaison between patient and MD with regards to recommendations for continued evaluation/treatment or outpatient PT services. Also involved in research studies with JDM patients.